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5 Day Lake Mburo, Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

Overview

Our 5 Day Lake Mburo, Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari is designed for travelers looking to experience mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while also enjoying other activities. This itinerary is ideal for those who prefer a driving safari but want to avoid long journeys. Each stop on this tour ensures that you have ample time to explore and enjoy the diverse landscapes and experiences from Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi. The safari starts and ends in Entebbe, featuring game drives and a boat cruise in Lake Mburo, gorilla trekking in Bwindi and a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi. Depending on service availability, this itinerary can also be reversed.

Summary of the 5-Day Lake Mburo, Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

Day 01: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park with an evening game drive.
Day 02: Morning game drive and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 03: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 04: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a boat ride on the lake.
Day 05: Drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight.

Tour Overview

Destination: Uganda
Start/End: This tour starts and ends in Entebbe (Uganda).
Visits: Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Bunyonyi.
Activities: Gorilla tracking, game drives, boat cruises and a canoe ride.
Transportation: Open-sided 4×4 vehicle and pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle.
Transfers: A transfer from and back to the airport (or hotel) is included.
Additional Accommodation: Available before and after the tour at an extra cost.

Important Considerations

Accommodation: Included.
Guided Safari: Follows standard New Normal Safari SOPs.
Group Size: Small group safari with a maximum of 6 people per group.
Flexible Departures: Tour can depart on any day.
Customizable: Tour can be tailored to your preferences.
Solo Travelers: Welcome to join.
Age Limit: 15 years and above.

TRIP ITINERARY

Tour Plan

Day 1

Pick up from the Hotel to Begin Your 5-Day Safari

Your guide will pick you up, provide a briefing on the safari, and then drive you to Lake Mburo National Park, passing through small towns along the Kampala-Mbarara road. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator crossing for photos and a chance to learn about the center of the Earth. Arrive at Lake Mburo in time for lunch, followed by a short relaxation and a boat cruise on the lake. This two-hour boat excursion offers opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, various water birds, and wildlife such as buffaloes and antelopes. After the cruise, you’ll head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: All meals included

Day 2

Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, embark on a game drive to recap what you might have missed the previous day. Lake Mburo is a small park, so you’re likely to see zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and warthogs with minimal driving. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The drive offers scenic views through the plains of Ntungamo and the terraced hills of Kigezi before reaching the dense forests of Bwindi. Arrive in time for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Broad Bill Forest Camp or similar
Meals: All meals included

Day 3

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Your guide will explain the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas. You’ll then be transferred to the starting point of your assigned gorilla family. Trekking can be strenuous, so a good level of fitness is required. Depending on the location of the gorilla family, the trek can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph them before returning to the park headquarters to receive your trekking certificate. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Broad Bill Forest Camp or similar
Meals: All meals included

Day 4

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in Uganda, known for its scenic islands formed by lava damming. Lake Bunyonyi is a perfect place to relax after your gorilla trek. You can take a canoe ride to explore the islands, hike the hills for stunning views, or visit the Batwa community in Kabale. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Crater Bay Cottages
Meals: All meals included

Day 5

Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe International Airport with a lunch stop at the Equator crossing. Continue to Entebbe for your departure flight.

Meals: All meals included

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

Airport transfers on the first and last day
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Fuel for the entire trip
Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
All Park entrance fees
Drinking water while in the vehicle

Excludes

Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
International airfares
Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport

TOUR MAP

GENERAL FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the safari package include?

Our safari packages are designed to cover the key services needed for a comfortable and hassle-free trip. Depending on the itinerary, this may include accommodation, transportation, park entrance fees, professional guide services, meals and scheduled activities. A detailed list of inclusions will always be provided before you confirm your booking.

How do I book a safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Booking your safari is simple. Contact us with your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and the safari package you are interested in. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you a quotation and payment details. Your booking is secured once the required deposit has been received.

Can I customize my safari itinerary?

Yes. Every traveler has different interests, budgets and travel styles. Whether you would like to upgrade your accommodation, spend additional nights in a destination or add activities such as chimpanzee tracking, cultural visits or wildlife safaris, we can tailor the itinerary to suit your needs.

Are gorilla trekking permits included in the safari price?

Most of our gorilla trekking safaris include the cost of the gorilla permit. The permit is one of the most important parts of your trip and will be clearly listed in your quotation. If a permit is not included, we will explain this before you make your booking.

How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking permits?

We recommend booking gorilla permits at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak seasons from June to September or December to February. Permits are limited and can sell out quickly, particularly in popular trekking sectors.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year in Uganda. Many travelers prefer the dry seasons from June to September and December to February because the trails are generally easier to navigate. However, the rainy seasons can also be rewarding, with fewer visitors and lush green scenery in the forest.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

The difficulty of gorilla trekking varies depending on the location of the gorilla family being visited. Some treks may take less than an hour while others can last several hours through steep and forested terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but people of different ages and fitness levels successfully complete gorilla treks every day.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking?

For gorilla trekking, we recommend bringing sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a lightweight rain jacket, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and a camera. Comfortable outdoor clothing is highly recommended as conditions in the forest can change quickly.

Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

Most international travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, and our team will be happy to provide guidance on the application process and entry requirements before your trip.

What type of accommodation can I expect during my safari?

We offer carefully selected budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our lodges and camps are chosen for their comfort, quality service, excellent locations and easy access to major safari attractions.

Are airport transfers included in the safari package?

Airport transfers are included in many of our safari packages. If they are not included, we can arrange private transfers for you. We will clearly explain all transportation arrangements before your arrival.

Is travel insurance required for a safari?

While travel insurance is not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended for all travelers. Comprehensive coverage can help protect you against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays and lost luggage.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms vary depending on the safari package, accommodation providers and permits involved. If you need to cancel your trip, please contact us as soon as possible and we will explain the options available based on our booking terms and conditions.

Can children join a safari in Uganda?

Many of our wildlife safaris are suitable for families traveling with children. However, some activities have age restrictions. For example, participants must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Can solo travelers book a safari?

Yes. We welcome solo travelers and can arrange both private and group safari experiences. Whether you are planning a gorilla trekking tour, wildlife safari or multi-country adventure, we can create an itinerary that matches your travel preferences.

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