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Essential Uganda

Gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth: The Essential Uganda dives deep into the jungles and savannahs of Western Uganda.

Essential Uganda
with Lubugo Tours

This 5-day safari offers the perfect blend of Uganda’s savannah and rainforest wonders. Track big game across the sweeping plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, cruise the hippo-packed Kazinga Channel, and venture into the mystical jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. From tree-climbing lions to majestic mountain gorillas, this is one of East Africa’s most iconic journeys.

Please note, prices vary depending on season, group size, activities, accommodation and more. To get a quote for a tour, fill out our enquiry form and one of our travel consultants will get back to you as soon as possible. If you're looking for other options on where to go, what to see and what to do, take a look at our home page:

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Trip Overview

This 5-day Ugandan safari kicks off with a journey from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a unique launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to an abundance of hippos. Next, you'll head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience and concluding in Kampala.

Trip Highlights:

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to the world’s largest hippo concentration
Sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and 600+ birds
Scenic transfer through Ishasha Sector—famous for tree-climbing lions
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with experienced guides
Comfortable lodge stays with budget, midrange, or luxury options
Optional nature walks and stunning views of Uganda’s equator and crater lakes

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Inclusions:

Accommodation: 2 nights' accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park as specified in the itinerary (Budget, Mid-range, or Luxury options provided).
Meals: Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Lunch and Dinner on Day 1, Full Board on Day 2, Breakfast and Lunch on Day 3).
Park Entrance Fees: For Murchison Falls
Transportation: All ground transportation in a safari vehicle from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park and back.
Driver/Guide: Professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
Ranger Guide: Park ranger guide for game drives.
Water: Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle.

Activities:

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls.
Morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park (Day 2).
Boat cruise along the Nile River to the bottom of Murchison Falls.
Optional hike to the top of the falls after the boat cruise.
Game drive on Day 3 during departure.

Daily
Itinerary

Choose this tour or use it to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Day 1: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart Kampala after breakfast for a scenic 3–4-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Arrive, check in to your lodge, and head out for an afternoon game drive.
Look out for buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, jackals, hyenas, and if lucky, a leopard.
Dinner and overnight at your selected lodge.

Accommodation:
Budget: Bush Lodge / Simba Safari Camp
Midrange: Enganzi Lodge / Park View Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing.
Begin your gorilla trekking adventure, led by expert guides.
Trek duration varies (2–6 hours) depending on the gorillas' location.
Spend up to one magical hour with a gorilla family.
Optional: Nature walk or relax at the lodge in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs / Lake Kitandara Tented Camp / Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Early morning game drive through savannah grasslands and bushland.
Spot elephants, Uganda Kob, Topi, waterbucks, and a variety of birds.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Expect close-up views of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and water birds.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge / Enganzi Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 5: Return to Kampala

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala with a stop for lunch en route.
Arrive in the early evening and drop-off at your preferred location.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, drive through the Ishasha Sector, known for its famous tree-climbing lions.
Continue your scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with lunch en route in Mbarara.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. Rest and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Accommodation Options (depending on sector):
Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas / Gift of Nature Lodge / Rushaga Havens Lodge
Midrange: Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
Luxury: Mahogany Springs
Meal Plan: Full Board

Niko R, Germany

"We stayed in Uganda for a month - dipping in and out of multiple tour experiences with Lubugo Tours. The whole team are such warm, cosmopolitan and lovely people who really make you feel at home. You can really express yourself creatively and artistically with them, meet new friends and just feel good. During your trip, be sure to take a tour of the IGC Fashion studio because that's the only way you can really understand what a great cause you're supporting with your trip. Thank you for everything."