6-Days Uganda Big game and Gorilla safari

Embark on a remarkable journey through the wild heart of Uganda, where every moment brings you closer to nature’s greatest spectacles. Begin in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a haven for Africa’s iconic big game. Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting elephants, hippos, and an array of birdlife, and venture into the Ishasha sector in search of the legendary tree-climbing lions.

From the sweeping savannahs, your adventure leads into the lush, mist-covered slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, with expert trackers, step into the world of the endangered mountain gorillas. Witness their gentle interactions up close and experience the magic of one of the planet’s richest ecosystems. This unforgettable safari blends thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery, offering you the very best of Uganda in one extraordinary journey.

Our 6-day itinerary for this tour is an example and fully customisable. Contact us(opens in a new tab) directly if you are interested in a personalised Uganda Safari or other East Africa tour packages(opens in a new tab).

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

Prices indicated are per person (p/p).

Additional Pricing

Optional:

• Flight with Aerolink one way $340 per person or return $539 per person.

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
On your arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by your Manya Africa Tours guide who will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on traffic this will take between 15 and 40 minutes.

Overnight at Lake Heights Entebbe (B&B)

Day 2: Depart for  Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your Guide will drive you through Kasese towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is at the foot of the Rift Valley. From time to time even the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains can be seen on the horizon. The landscape of northern Queen Elizabeth consists of several dozen craters. With more than 600 species of birds, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers even greater diversity than other national parks in Uganda. On the way to the lodge you can observe a large variety of wildlife such as elephants. Keep your eyes open for the hard-to-find
leopards!

Elephant Plains is a brand new luxury lodge located on the most spectacular view point in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perched 941 meters above sea level, high upon the western escarpment of the Albertine rift in the north east of the park, the lodge offers panoramic views stretching for miles over the huge open grasslands to Lake George.

Overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (FB)

Day 3: Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel

In the morning, you will take a boat for a water safari on the Kazinga Channel at Mweya that connects the two lakes of Edward and George. This is likely to be a big highlight of your trip! The expert Uganda Wildlife Authority guides will identify many of the Channel’s 100 bird species and you’re likely to see African Skimmers, Great White Pelicans, Spoonbill and a few Bee-eater species. Hippos wallow at the edge of the water, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun and elephants come down to drink.

In Search of Tree-Climbing Lions & Bwindi Experience
Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a chance to spot the rare tree-climbing lions resting in low-hanging fig trees. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to about half the world’s mountain gorilla population and boasts incredible biodiversity. Upon arrival in Buhoma, enjoy an optional village walk, craft market visit, or a cultural encounter with the Batwa tribe. Accommodation at Mahogany Springs offers luxury, privacy, and stunning forest views, with exceptional service and attention to detail.

Overnight at Mahogany Springs (FB)

Day 4: An Unforgettable Gorilla Encounter in Bwindi
Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your thrilling gorilla tracking adventure. After registering at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger Station and receiving a briefing, you’ll set off into the forest to find a gorilla family.

Once located, you’ll leave your belongings behind and quietly approach these gentle giants, camera in hand. Watch in awe as females, playful young ones, and the majestic silverback interact naturally — feeding, playing, and resting. Your expert guide will help interpret their behavior, making this one-hour encounter deeply insightful and unforgettable.

In the afternoon, visit the Batwa people, the indigenous forest inhabitants, for a rich cultural experience.

Overnight at Mahogany Springs (FB)

Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala with a stop at the Equator
After breakfast, we start our journey back towards Entebbe. Here we will stop for a picnic lunch and a fun photo opportunity at the Equator.
Optional you can also fly with Aerolink from Kihihi to Entebbe. Please see costs at the end of this program.
We will spend another night at Lake Heights Hotel and enjoy the stars of the African sky a last time.

Overnight at Lake Heights Hotel (BB)

Day 6: Departure
The Hotel will bring the guests to the airport
Please note that check-in for international flights should be done four hours priorto flight departure. The departures area of the airport has a small restaurant, several duty-free shops and a seating area.

Note: It is also possible to fly back from Bwindi to Entebbe. Please see the optional flight price in the Rates section.

1. Prices are valid for 2026.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
4. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travellers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
5. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organisational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
6. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.