About this tour
When Finn from the crew signed up for this 5-day Uganda safari, he knew he was chasing gorillas—but got a proper wildlife education instead. The itinerary splits time between Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where nearly half the planet's mountain gorillas live, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, a sprawling savanna dotted with 600 bird species, tree-climbing lions, and chimpanzee forests. You're based in the western reaches of Uganda's Rift Valley, trekking through dense terrain and cruising past crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel. It's a serious trek for fit travellers willing to sweat for the encounter.
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi's impenetrable terrain, face-to-face with the rarest apes
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest Reserve
- Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha sector—the show-off predators of Queen Elizabeth
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise between two lakes, hippos and water buffalo everywhere
- Rwenzori Mountains framing the landscape; 600 bird species if you're a twitcher
- Private vehicle throughout—no minibus shuffle, no rushing between groups
- Dense forest canopy and rugged saddles; trekking feels genuinely wild, not manicured
What to expect
The first few days revolve around Bwindi's gorilla permit and the actual trek—expect an early start, a guide leading you uphill through thick undergrowth, and a couple of hours of proper physical graft. When you find a family, you get an hour to watch them feed and move. It's not a game drive; you're walking into their home. The landscape is seriously steep and slippery in wet season; the payoff is the proximity and intimacy of the encounter. The second half pivots to Queen Elizabeth, where you'll spot chimps in the gorge, then swap the forest for open savanna. The Ishasha lions are genuinely distinctive—they chill in acacia trees, something most lion populations don't bother with. Boat cruises on Kazinga Channel break up the driving and deliver proper wildlife density in a few hours. All meals and transport are sorted; you're moving with a private driver, so the pace is yours.
What travellers say
- Gorilla and chimp permits included—the expensive bit is handled upfront
- Private transport means no cramped minibus or time-wasting group waits
- Bwindi's density of mountain gorillas unmatched; genuine rarity
- Queen Elizabeth's wildlife spread—lions, birds, channel cruises—keeps variety high
- All meals and breakfast included; fewer logistics to juggle yourself
- Bwindi trekking is brutal for unfit or knee-compromised travellers
- No on-board toilet; long drives require strong bladder or pit stops
- Weather-dependent; rain turns forest trails into mudslides
- Gorilla sightings not guaranteed despite permits and high effort
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour delivers two of Africa's marquee experiences—gorilla and chimp encounters—in one go. The private vehicle means no fighting for window seats or waiting for slower groups. If you're a serious wildlife spotter, the bird and mammal roster alone justifies the trip. Permits and meals included keep hidden costs down.
Bwindi's terrain is steep, muddy, and relentless; guides warn this isn't for people with dodgy knees or poor fitness. The trekking can go 4+ hours in slippery conditions, and gorillas move where they move—no guarantees of easy terrain. Crowds at popular trailheads can bunch up. Rain is frequent and makes walking sketchy. No on-board toilet (note the exclusions), so you'll need decent bladder control during drives. Permits are pricey and non-refundable. Bring proper hiking boots, gaiters, and rain gear. Group size varies; confirm beforehand. Peak seasons (June–August, December–February) are busier and book fast.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.