4 Days Gorilla Encounter and Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Tour in Uganda (Starting from Kigali, Rwanda)
This 4-day gorilla and wildlife expedition offers a nature exploration in Queen Elizabeth National park and an extraordinary gorilla encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda, then proceeds to Queen Elizabeth national park for an evening boat excursion on Kazinga channel.We continue to Ishasha to observe tree-climbing lions on our way to Bwindi, where we’ll have our mountain gorilla experience.
Cost Of 4 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Queen Elizabeth National Park
The average cost of a 4‑day safari that starts in Kigali, cruises the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and ends with mountain‑gorilla trekking in Bwindi runs about US $1,500–2,300 per person for a mid‑range private tour with two travellers Safari Bookings Safari Bookings Safari Bookings . Example operator quotes include $1,420 pp for a “Gorilla Tracking & Queen Elizabeth” package, $1,550 pp for a budget camping version and $2,235 pp for a shared mid‑range lodge tour Safari Bookings Safari Bookings Safari Bookings . When four to six people share the vehicle, rates typically fall to ≈ $1,250–1,450 pp, mirroring published group‑discount tables that show a 15‑to‑20 % saving once transport costs are split Masai Mara Holidays Kibale Forest National Park .
This bracket already covers the $800 gorilla‑trekking permit, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth park entry, mid‑range lodge accommodation, full‑board meals, a 4×4 with driver‑guide, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and the Ishasha tree‑climbing lion game drive Nkuringo Safaris Gorilla Trackers . It does not include international flights, Rwanda/Uganda visas, drinks, tips or optional add‑ons such as canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National park is a natural marvel. The park hosts diverse wildlife including four of Africa’s most iconic species (Lions, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo), as well as Hyenas, Hippos, Crocodiles, Topi, Giant forest hogs, Warthogs, Uganda kob, and Waterbuck.
Beyond its fauna, the park attracts birdwatchers and features explosion crater lakes, plus freshwater bodies like Lake Edward and George.
Gorilla Experience
Bwindi Impenetrable forest is one of the few global locations where Mountain Gorillas reside, alongside Mgahinga Gorilla park, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, and Virunga National park in DR Congo.
The gorilla experience is a captivating activity; you might traverse the forest for hours before locating these magnificent creatures.
Gorillas migrate daily based on food availability. They travel in groups, each led by a Silverback (a dominant male).
Our 4-day Tour Highlights
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali, transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP for an evening boat excursion
Day 2: Morning wildlife drive through Ishasha for tree-climbing lions, then to Bwindi Impenetrable
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla experience and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi/Lake Mutanda
Day 4: Lake activities and return to Kigali for your flight or other plans
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your guide meets you in the morning at your Kigali accommodation to start the safari.
We cross the Uganda-Rwanda border, heading north to Queen Elizabeth National park.
Upon arrival, we have lunch, then take an afternoon boat ride on Kazinga channel to observe wildlife including Hippos, Crocodiles, and Elephants.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Morning wildlife drive through Ishasha to Bwindi
After an early breakfast, we drive to Ishasha in southern Queen Elizabeth national park.
The 2-hour journey is rich with wildlife sightings as we pass through Maramagambo forest, Uganda’s largest rainforest.
An Ishasha wildlife drive offers chances to see the renowned Tree-climbing Lions, Topis, Hyenas, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, and untamed landscapes.
This area borders Congo. Lunch will be at the river camp. We then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through hilly, terraced agricultural lands.
Upon arrival, we check into the lodge for dinner and rest before the next day’s gorilla experience.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Experience in Bwindi Forest and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
This is the anticipated gorilla day! After an early breakfast, we go to the park offices for group allocation and briefing. A Uganda wildlife ranger guide with two armed escorts will lead you into the forest.
Bring ample water, as the trek can be lengthy and challenging, but encountering these gentle giants makes it worthwhile.
You’ll spend an hour with the mountain gorillas. Afterward, we head to Lake Bunyonyi for the night.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Return to Kigali
In the morning, enjoy lake activities like swimming or canoeing (not included in the cost). In the afternoon, we depart for Kigali.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
End of our 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Tour
