What Does a 5-Day Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Safari Cost?

A 5-Day Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Safari is one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife adventures, combining the wonderful game-viewing with unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking. This route offers an authentic experience through the country’s scenic wilderness, from tree-climbing lions in Ishasha to gorilla encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Each moment unfolds naturally, revealing Uganda’s rich diversity, sparkling lakes and endless savannahs. Travellers enjoy a seamless combination of road travel, wildlife adventures, and comfortable lodges with scenic views and relaxing evening settings.

Discover Two Iconic Ugandan Parks

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, elephants & buffaloes roam the plains, lions & leopards hide in the golden grass, and hippos fill the Kazinga Channel. The park spreads across breathtaking landscapes where crater lakes, acacia woodlands and open savannahs meet. Travelers enjoy exciting game drives and an enchanting boat cruise that brings wildlife such as several Uganda Kobs close enough to photograph easily.

Bwindi’s mist-covered hills contrast this experience beautifully. The forest hums with wildlife sounds, birds call from the canopy and every trail feels alive. Meeting the mountain gorillas in their natural home is an emotional and unforgettable highlight.

What the 5-Day Safari Costs

The price of this safari depends on your preferred travel style and the level of lodge comfort chosen. Costs include park entry fees, gorilla permits, accommodation, meals, boat cruises and road transport. Below is a summary of the estimated safari cost per person for two people sharing transportation and accommodation.

The above costs include the $800 Gorilla Trekking Permit, $40 Park Entrance Fees to Queen Elizabeth National Park and $30 for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. They also cover meals, accommodation, game drives and all road transfers. However, the cost excludes optional activities like the Batwa Cultural Experience, hiring porters for trekking and tipping guides or lodge staff.

Travellers can upgrade their itinerary with a domestic flight for faster travel from Entebbe International Airport to Queen Elizabeth or from Bwindi to Entebbe. This option offers spectacular aerial views of Uganda’s rolling hills and lakes. While the safari operates throughout the year, the best travel season remains between June and October, when wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking conditions are excellent.

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Entebbe or Kampala, passing through charming roadside markets and green farmlands. The smooth journey offers glimpses of Uganda’s countryside, dotted with banana plantations and friendly villages. You arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the late afternoon, surrounded by endless plains and distant mountain views.

After check-in, guests can relax at the lodge or head out for an optional evening game drive. The golden light of sunset paints the landscape as elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes graze gracefully across the savannah. Lions and leopards may appear in the distance, creating a thrilling first encounter with the park’s wildlife.

Meal Plan: Half-board (Lunch & Dinner)

Accommodation:

• Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Standard Budget)
• Elephant Hab Safari Lodge (Mid-Range or Semi-Luxury)
• Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)

Day 2: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The following morning begins with an early breakfast and thereafter head for a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where wildlife activity peaks at sunrise. The air feels cool and fresh as the first light catches the backs of grazing Uganda Kobs, herds of buffaloes and herds of elephants. Lions often patrol this area, creating exciting moments for photographers and wildlife lovers. Leopards in this park normally hides in trees or in the tall grass.

After lunch, the adventure continues with a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George and supports an incredible amount of life. From the boat, you watch hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles sunbathing along the banks, and countless birds soaring overhead. Each bend in the channel reveals new photographic opportunities and peaceful moments surrounded by nature.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Accommodation:

• Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Standard Budget)
• Elephant Hab Safari Lodge (Mid-Range or Semi-Luxury)
• Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)

Day 3: Ishasha’s Tree-Climbing Lions and Journey to Bwindi

After breakfast, this morning’s drive takes you to the Ishasha Sector, a unique area famous for its tree-climbing lions. These lions often rest high in the fig trees, their golden coats glowing softly against the green leaves. With some luck, you’ll witness these incredible predators lounging lazily in the branches—a sight found in rare places in East Africa.

After the game drive, the journey continues south toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The road winds through rolling hills, small villages and spectacular mountain scenery. Upon arrival, the cool forest air and misty hilltops immediately create a magical atmosphere.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Accommodation:

• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (Standard Budget)
• Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Mid-Range or Semi-Luxury)
• Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Encounters

This day holds the most unforgettable moment of the entire safari: meeting the mountain gorillas. After breakfast, rangers brief trekkers at the park headquarters about gorilla behavior and trekking etiquette. The forest trails wind through thick vegetation, echoing with the calls of tropical birds and rustling leaves.

Once you find your assigned gorilla family after 2-6 hours forest hike, you’ll spend 1 full hour quietly observing their daily lives. The gorillas’ gentle nature and human-like expressions create a deep emotional connection that stays with travelers long after they leave. In the afternoon, you can rest at your lodge or enjoy an optional Batwa Cultural Experience, where you meet the local forest community and learn their traditions.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Accommodation:

• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (Standard Budget)
• Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Mid-Range or Semi-Luxury)
• Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)

Day 5: Return Journey and Departure

After breakfast, you’ll start the journey back to Entebbe or continue to Kigali if preferred. The drive offers one last look at Uganda’s scenery—misty hills, roadside markets and smiling faces along the villages. The memories of wildlife, nature, and local encounters make this safari more than just a holiday; it becomes a story worth retelling.

Meal Plan: Half Board (Breakfast & Lunch)

Accommodation: No Accommodation but it can be arranged at extra fee.

Note: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has four gorilla trekking sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Lodges selected for gorilla trekking experience are in Rushaga Sector, but equivalent lodges in other sectors can as well be arranged basing on gorilla permit availability or the traveller’s  preferred trekking sector. This tour can start and end either in Entebbe or Kigali, depending on your travel plans. Book your gorilla permit at least 3 to 4 months in advance, especially for peak travel months between June and October, to ensure availability for your trekking date.