8 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari – Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

Safari Overview

Experience the very best of Uganda on this 8 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari, carefully designed for travelers who want to spend two unforgettable days trekking mountain gorillas while exploring Uganda’s diverse wildlife, scenic lakes, and spectacular landscapes. This safari combines the rich biodiversity of Lake Mburo National Park, the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, and the abundant wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Your adventure begins with a journey to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, where you will enjoy a game drive in search of zebras, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes, elands, and many other wildlife species. The safari continues to Bwindi for two separate gorilla trekking experiences, giving you the rare opportunity to visit two different gorilla families and appreciate their unique behaviors.

After your unforgettable gorilla encounters, relax along the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most beautiful lakes, before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, enjoy exciting game drives across the Kasenyi Plains and a memorable boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its impressive concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.

Perfect for photographers, wildlife lovers, bird enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, this safari offers an excellent balance between primate encounters, classic African game viewing, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cultural experiences.

Safari Highlights

  • Scenic drive through southwestern Uganda
  • Stop at the Equator Crossing
  • Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Double Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Visit two different Gorilla Families
  • Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
  • Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi (optional)
  • Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
  • Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and antelopes
  • Beautiful mountain landscapes and local communities

Detailed Itinerary: 8 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Your guide from Kara Adventures will meet you at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe after breakfast. Begin the scenic drive towards western Uganda with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and refreshments.

Continue to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in time for lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Although it is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, Lake Mburo supports impressive wildlife populations. Expect to see zebras, Rothschild’s giraffes, impalas, elands, topis, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, and many bird species.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy spectacular views across rolling acacia woodlands before returning to your lodge.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Eagles Nest Lodge
  • Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Lake Mburo for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The drive passes beautiful terraced hillsides, traditional villages, tea plantations, and lush forests that characterize southwestern Uganda.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon with enough time to relax and prepare for the first gorilla trekking experience.

If time allows, enjoy a community walk or simply admire the breathtaking rainforest views from your lodge.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp/Gorilla Hills Eco Loge
  • Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Mist Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: First Gorilla Trekking Experience

Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Your first gorilla trekking adventure begins as experienced trackers lead you through the dense rainforest in search of one habituated gorilla family.

The trek may last between two and six hours depending on the family’s location.

Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas as they feed, groom, communicate, and care for one another.

Watching a massive silverback protect his family while playful infants climb nearby trees creates one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.

Return to the lodge for relaxation after an unforgettable day.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp/Gorilla Hills Eco Loge
  • Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Mist Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today offers another extraordinary opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas.

Unlike the previous day, you will track a different gorilla family, allowing you to compare behaviors, personalities, and social dynamics.

Every gorilla family has its own unique leadership style, territory, and daily routines.

Many travelers describe the second trek as equally rewarding because it reveals how different each gorilla family truly is.

Return to your lodge during the afternoon for relaxation and celebration of completing two successful gorilla treks.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp/Gorilla Hills Eco Loge
  • Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Mist Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, leave Bwindi and drive to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.

Often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” Lake Bunyonyi features terraced hills, numerous islands, and peaceful waters.

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeshore or choose an optional canoe excursion to explore some of the lake’s famous islands.

The cool climate and breathtaking scenery provide the perfect opportunity to unwind after two physically demanding gorilla treks.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
  • Mid-range: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort/Keije Bunyonyi Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Travel through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands and enter Uganda’s most popular savannah park.

After lunch, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel.

The channel supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos alongside massive Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and hundreds of bird species.

Return to your lodge for dinner.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages/Tembo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge/Bush Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Morning Game Drive – Optional Community Experience

Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains.

Search for lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and numerous antelope species.

Bird enthusiasts can also expect outstanding sightings throughout the park.

Return for breakfast before relaxing at the lodge.

In the afternoon, visitors may enjoy an optional cultural experience with the local community or visit the Katwe Salt Lake.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages/Tembo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge/Bush Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Chimpanzee tracking and Return to Entebbe

Chimp track and travel back to Entebbe

Wake-up early morning have breakfast and head to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for an up to 4 hours chimpanzee trekking with a tracker and guide. The Forest Reserve is home to 6 groups of chimps, comprising over 300 individuals. Please bring suitable closed walking boots and long trousers! Afterwards transfer back to Entebbe Airport with lunch en-routes to catch your evening departure flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Includes

  • Airport transfers
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Fuel throughout the safari
  • Accommodation for 7 nights
  • Meals as indicated
  • Park entrance fees
  • Lake Mburo game drive
  • Queen Elizabeth game drive
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Two Gorilla Trekking Permits (US$800 each for Foreign Non-Residents)
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Excludes

  • International flights
  • Uganda Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry services
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional activities not mentioned