Uganda Safari (Bwindi Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth

Uganda Safari (Bwindi Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth. Some safaris are about a single, spectacular encounter. This one is about three very different worlds, each just a few hours apart. At Lake Mburo, you walk among zebras and impala on open grassland. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you cruise past hundreds of hippos and search for lions sleeping in fig trees. And in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you climb into an ancient rainforest to spend a quiet, unforgettable hour with a family of mountain gorillas.

A Uganda safari to Bwindi, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth is one of the most rewarding routes in East Africa. It covers Uganda’s southwestern corner, where the distances between parks are shorter, the roads are good and the scenery — from rolling cattle country to misty volcanic hills — is breathtaking. Best of all, it ends close to the Rwandan border, so you can finish your trip in Kigali instead of driving all the way back to Entebbe.

This complete guide covers:

• Why this southwestern circuit works so well
• What to see and do at Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
• A detailed 7-day day-by-day itinerary
• Shorter, longer and reverse versions of the route
• Gorilla permit prices, park fees and total costs for 2026 and 2027
• Where to stay, how to get around and the best time to travel
• Packing tips, practical advice and answers to common questions

At Pick and Transfer Safaris, we make Uganda’s best experiences affordable for budget and mid-range travellers. Our team is based in Kisoro, close to Bwindi and the Rwandan border, and we drive this southwestern circuit throughout the year.

Why Choose the Bwindi, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth Circuit?

Gorillas Plus Classic Savannah Wildlife

Many gorilla safaris focus only on the forest. This route balances the gorilla experience with two excellent savannah parks. You see mountain gorillas, but also elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes (introduced to Lake Mburo), impala and dozens of bird species — a far more complete picture of Uganda’s wildlife.

Shorter Drives Than Other Routes

Compared with circuits that include Murchison Falls in the far north, this southwestern route keeps driving times manageable. Lake Mburo is about four hours from Kampala, Queen Elizabeth around four to five hours from Lake Mburo, and Bwindi three to four hours from Queen Elizabeth. That means more time on game drives and less time in the vehicle.

Experiences You Will Not Find Elsewhere in Uganda

• Walking and horseback safaris at Lake Mburo — among the few places in Uganda where you can explore on foot or horseback among zebras and antelope.
• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha — a behaviour seen in very few places in the world.
• The Kazinga Channel — one of Africa’s best boat safaris, with one of the densest hippo populations on the continent.
• Mountain gorillas in Bwindi — home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

A Natural Route Towards Kigali

The route runs from Kampala in the east to the Rwandan border in the southwest. Ending near Bwindi means you can cross into Rwanda and fly home from Kigali, saving a full day of driving. You can also do it in reverse, starting in Kigali — one of our specialities.

Great for Families and First-Timers

Lake Mburo’s gentle walking safaris and Queen Elizabeth’s boat cruise suit all ages, while older teenagers (15+) can join the gorilla trek. It is a superb introduction to Africa for first-time safari travellers. Read more about Uganda as a destination in the About Uganda guide from Kenlink Tours.

Lake Mburo National Park: Uganda’s Walking Safari Gem

Overview

Lake Mburo National Park is the closest savannah park to Kampala, about four hours’ drive to the west. At roughly 370 square kilometres, it is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, but it punches far above its size. Rolling hills of acacia woodland and open grassland surround a chain of five lakes, with papyrus swamps and rocky outcrops adding to the variety.

Wildlife You Can See

Lake Mburo is famous for species that are rare or absent elsewhere in Uganda’s southwest:

• Zebras — large herds of Burchell’s zebras, a highlight for photographers
• Impala — Lake Mburo is the best place in Uganda to see these graceful antelopes
• Eland — Africa’s largest antelope
• Topi, waterbuck, bushbuck, oribi and klipspringer
• Rothschild’s giraffes — reintroduced to the park in 2015
• Buffalo, warthogs, hippos and crocodiles
• Leopards and hyenas — more often seen on night drives

The park also has more than 300 bird species, including the African finfoot, papyrus gonolek and the rare shoebill in the swamps.

Top Activities

• Walking safaris: Because there are no elephants or resident lion prides, guided walks are safe and rewarding. You can approach zebras, impala and eland on foot — a thrilling experience.
• Horseback safaris: Riding among zebras and antelope is one of the most memorable experiences in Uganda. Rides are offered by lodges on the park’s edge and suit both beginners and experienced riders.
• Boat cruise on Lake Mburo: A two-hour trip to see hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles and, with luck, the elusive African finfoot.
• Game drives and night drives: Morning and evening drives reveal zebras and antelope; night drives search for leopards, hyenas, bushbabies and genets.
• Cycling and sport fishing: Mountain bike safaris and fishing for tilapia on the lake.
• Cultural visits: Meet the Bahima pastoralists and their famous long-horned Ankole cattle.

How Long to Stay

One night is enough to break the journey from Kampala and enjoy a walk or boat cruise. Two nights let you add a horseback safari, a night drive and a relaxed pace.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: The Medley of Wonders

Overview

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited park, covering a dramatic landscape between Lakes Edward and George, with the Rwenzori Mountains on the northern horizon. It combines savannah, volcanic explosion craters, wetlands, forest gorges and the Kazinga Channel, and it is home to around 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species.

Top Experiences

• Kazinga Channel boat cruise: A two-hour cruise along the 32-kilometre channel that links Lakes George and Edward. Expect huge pods of hippos, buffalo cooling in the shallows, elephants drinking at the shore, Nile crocodiles and a dazzling array of water birds.
• Kasenyi plains game drives: The best area for lions, which hunt the large herds of Uganda kob at dawn. Elephants, buffalo, warthogs and hyenas are also common.
• Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions: In the park’s remote southern sector, lions famously rest in the branches of large fig trees. Ishasha is directly on the route to Bwindi, so it fits this circuit perfectly.
• Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees: A sunken forest gorge with a small community of chimpanzees and other primates — an optional add-on for primate lovers.
• Explosion craters drive: A scenic route through a landscape of dozens of extinct volcanic craters and crater lakes.
• Experiential lion tracking: Join researchers to track lions using radio collars — a small-group, exclusive activity.
• Lake Katwe salt works: See how salt has been harvested by hand from a crater lake for centuries.

How Long to Stay

Two nights is ideal: one full day for Kasenyi and the Kazinga Channel, and a second day for Ishasha on the way to Bwindi. Our 3 Days Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park covers the highlights, and you can compare Kenlink Tours’ 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Face to Face With Gorillas

Overview

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects an ancient, steep rainforest in Uganda’s far southwest. It is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, as well as chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, forest elephants and around 350 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics.

The Four Trekking Sectors

• Buhoma (north): Closest to Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector, with a good choice of lodges. Ideal for this circuit.
• Ruhija (east): High, cool and excellent for birding.
• Rushaga (south): The most habituated gorilla families and the only place offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Close to Kisoro and the Rwandan border.
• Nkuringo (southwest): Dramatic views of the Virunga volcanoes, with some of the steepest treks.

We choose your sector based on permit availability, your fitness and whether you are ending in Kigali or Entebbe.

What Gorilla Trekking Is Like

Your day starts with an 8am briefing at the sector headquarters. Groups of up to eight visitors are assigned to a habituated gorilla family and head into the forest with rangers and trackers. Treks can take one to six hours on steep, muddy slopes. When you reach the gorillas, you spend one hour watching the silverback, mothers and infants feed, rest and play — an experience many travellers describe as life-changing.

Other Things to Do in Bwindi

• Batwa cultural experience: Learn about the forest-dwelling Batwa people and their traditional way of life.
• Community walks: Visit local villages, schools, tea plantations and craft cooperatives.
• Forest nature walks and waterfall hikes in the Buhoma area.
• Birding: Search for Albertine Rift endemics such as the African green broadbill in Ruhija.

Nearby: Mgahinga and Lake Bunyonyi

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes, while Lake Bunyonyi, with its 29 islands, is the perfect place to relax after trekking. Kenlink Tours’ 4 Days Gorilla & Cultural Tour shows how gorillas and culture combine. For a gorilla-only trip, see our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari or Kenlink Tours’ 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari.

7-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary: Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi

This itinerary travels west from Kampala to the Rwandan border, with no backtracking and comfortable driving days.

Day 1: Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park

Your Pick and Transfer Safaris driver-guide collects you from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe after breakfast. Drive west through farmland and papyrus swamps, stopping at the equator line at Kayabwe for photos, the famous water experiment and a coffee. Arrive at Lake Mburo in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles, followed by an evening game drive among zebras and impala as the sun sets.

Overnight: Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 2: Walking or Horseback Safari, Then on to Queen Elizabeth

Rise early for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, approaching zebras, eland, topi and impala on foot — or choose a horseback safari for an unforgettable morning in the saddle. After breakfast, drive west via Mbarara and the green hills of Bushenyi, passing tea estates and banana plantations, to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about four to five hours.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 3: Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Head out at dawn for the Kasenyi plains, where lions often hunt Uganda kob in the early light. You may also see elephants, buffalo, warthogs and hyenas. Return for lunch, then board the afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise — two hours of close encounters with hippos, buffalo, elephants and countless water birds. End the day watching the sunset over the channel.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 4: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi

Drive south to the Ishasha sector and spend the morning searching for its famous tree-climbing lions, lounging in the branches of large fig trees. Ishasha’s open plains also host topi, buffalo and elephants. After a picnic lunch, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Bwindi (Buhoma sector or your permit’s sector).

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for your briefing at 8am. Set off into the forest with your ranger, trackers and porters to find your assigned gorilla family. The trek may take from one to six hours. When you reach the gorillas, enjoy a magical hour watching the silverback, mothers and youngsters. Return to your lodge to relax and celebrate.

Overnight: Bwindi.

Day 6: Batwa Experience and Lake Bunyonyi

In the morning, join a Batwa cultural experience or a community walk through villages, schools and tea plantations around Bwindi. After lunch, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a calm lake of 29 islands surrounded by terraced hills. Enjoy a canoe ride or a boat trip to the islands, then relax on your lodge deck.

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 7: Departure via Kigali or Entebbe

After a leisurely breakfast with lake views, choose how to end your safari:

• Option A: Drive to Kigali via the Katuna/Gatuna border (about three to four hours) for your international flight.
• Option B: Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe (about seven to eight hours), or take a domestic flight from Kisoro or Kihihi.

End of safari.

Other Trip Lengths and Route Options

5 Days: The Short Version

With five days, spend one night at Lake Mburo, one in Queen Elizabeth (taking in Ishasha on the way south) and two in Bwindi, then exit to Kigali on the last day. You still see zebras, tree-climbing lions and gorillas, though the days are fuller. Kenlink Tours’ 5-Day Wildlife & Gorilla Safari follows a similar idea, and our 4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari is a shorter alternative.

Starting in Kigali (Reverse Route)

This route works beautifully in reverse. Fly into Kigali, cross into Uganda, trek gorillas in Bwindi first, then travel east through Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, finishing in Entebbe. It is perfect for travellers with open-jaw flights. See our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda, the 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali and all our gorilla safaris from Kigali. Kenlink Tours’ 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda is another option.

8–9 Days: Adding Chimpanzees

Add Kibale Forest National Park, two to three hours north of Queen Elizabeth, for Uganda’s best chimpanzee tracking. Alternatively, track chimps in Kyambura Gorge inside Queen Elizabeth. Our 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari shows how chimps and gorillas combine, and Kenlink Tours’ 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari and 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari are good comparisons.

10–14 Days: The Grand Uganda Safari

Add Murchison Falls and Kibale for the complete Uganda experience: rhinos, waterfalls, chimps, tree-climbing lions, zebras and gorillas. Our 7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour, 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife and 14-Day Uganda Primates and Safari Adventure are great starting points. Kenlink Tours’ 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari and 18-Day Adventure in Uganda cover even more ground. Browse all our long safari trips.

Self-Drive Option

This circuit has good tarmac roads most of the way, making it one of Uganda’s best routes for a self-drive safari. We provide well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, route guidance and support through our sister company, Self Drive Safaris Uganda.

Permits, Park Fees and Safari Costs

Gorilla Permits

Permit (foreign non-resident)	Standard price	Low season (April, May, November)	Notes
Gorilla trekking, Bwindi	US$800	US$600	Includes Bwindi entry on the trek day; minimum age 15
Gorilla Habituation Experience (Rushaga)	US$1,500; US$1,800 from 1 January 2027	—	About four hours with a gorilla family

Since March 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) requires permits to be paid in full at the time of booking, and low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. Book three to six months ahead for peak months.

Park Entry and Activity Fees

Fee (foreign non-resident)	Price	Notes
Lake Mburo entry (per 24 hours)	US$40	Children 5–15 pay less
Queen Elizabeth entry (per 24 hours)	US$40	Children 5–15: US$20
Lake Mburo boat cruise	About US$30	Two hours
Lake Mburo walking safari	About US$30	Guided by a UWA ranger
Horseback safari, Lake Mburo	From about US$60	Price varies by duration and provider
Kazinga Channel boat cruise	About US$30–US$35	Two hours
Game drive fee	US$30	Per person per drive
Kyambura Gorge chimp tracking (optional)	US$100; US$200 from 1 January 2027	Minimum age 12
Batwa cultural experience	About US$40	Supports the Batwa community

UWA reviews its tariff every two years, and our quotes always use the fees in force on your travel dates.

What Does the 7-Day Safari Cost?

Typical per-person prices for two travellers sharing a private 4×4 vehicle and room:

Comfort level	Approximate price per person (7 days)	What to expect
Budget	US$2,100–US$2,700	Clean, simple lodges and bandas
Mid-range	US$2,700–US$3,800	Comfortable lodges with views and pools, full board
Luxury	US$4,500–US$8,000+	Top lodges, fine dining, optional flights

Prices normally include the gorilla permit, transport with driver-guide and fuel, park fees, boat cruises, game drives, a walking safari, accommodation and meals. They exclude visas, flights, insurance, drinks and tips.

How to Save

• Travel in April, May or November for a US$600 gorilla permit.
• Travel as a group of four to six to share vehicle costs.
• Choose budget or mid-range lodges close to the activities.
• End in Kigali to avoid the long drive back to Entebbe.
• Consider our self-drive option if you are a confident driver.

For budget-friendly wildlife trips, see all our Uganda wildlife safaris.

Where to Stay, Getting Around and When to Go

Accommodation Along the Route

Stop	Where to stay	Tip
Lake Mburo	Lodges and tented camps inside or on the edge of the park	Lodges on the eastern boundary offer horseback safaris
Queen Elizabeth	Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi or Katunguru lodges	Mweya is close to the Kazinga Channel jetty
Ishasha (optional)	Tented camps by the Ntungwe River	Ideal for a full afternoon with the tree-climbing lions
Bwindi	A lodge in the same sector as your gorilla permit	Treks start at 8am, and sectors are hours apart
Lake Bunyonyi	Island and hillside lodges	Perfect for a relaxing final night
Kisoro	Our own Ikoro Hotel, opposite Nyakabande airstrip	An affordable base for southern Bwindi and Mgahinga

Each stop offers budget, mid-range and luxury choices. Budget lodges typically cost US$40–US$120 per person per night, mid-range US$120–US$300, and luxury from about US$300 upward, usually on a full-board basis.

Getting Around

The safari is driven in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and an experienced driver-guide. Approximate driving times:

Route	Approximate time
Kampala to Lake Mburo	4 hours
Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth	4–5 hours
Queen Elizabeth (via Ishasha) to Bwindi Buhoma	4–5 hours with game viewing
Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi	3–4 hours
Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali	3–4 hours including border
Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala	7–8 hours

Domestic flights link Entebbe with Kihihi and Kisoro near Bwindi, and Kasese near Queen Elizabeth, for travellers short on time.

Best Time to Travel

• June to September and December to February: The dry seasons, with easier gorilla treks, excellent game viewing and good roads. These are the busiest months, so book permits and lodges early.
• March to May and October to November: The green seasons, with lush landscapes, fewer visitors, superb birding and discounted gorilla permits in April, May and November. Expect afternoon showers and muddier trails in Bwindi.

Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth are enjoyable all year, and Bwindi’s rainforest can see rain in any month — always pack a rain jacket.

Packing List and Practical Tips

What to Pack

• Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothes (khaki, olive, beige)
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for the gorilla trek and evenings
• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, already worn in
• Comfortable closed shoes for walking safaris at Lake Mburo
• Riding trousers or leggings if you plan a horseback safari
• A light rain jacket and a warm fleece for Bwindi’s cool mornings
• Garden gloves for gripping vegetation on the trek
• A hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
• Insect repellent and any personal medication
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• Face masks for the gorilla encounter
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate and printed gorilla permit

Health and Safety

• A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda.
• Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about antimalarials, use repellent and sleep under nets.
• Drink bottled or filtered water only.
• Do not trek gorillas if you have a cold, flu or other infectious illness.
• On walking and horseback safaris, always follow your ranger or guide’s instructions.
• Choose travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Tips From Our Driver-Guides

1. Stop at the equator on Day 1 for photos and the famous water demonstration.
2. Do the Lake Mburo walk early — animals are active and the light is beautiful.
3. Book a horseback safari in advance if you are keen; places are limited.
4. Visit Kasenyi at dawn for the best chance of seeing lions on the hunt.
5. Pack a picnic lunch for Ishasha so you can stay longer with the lions.
6. Hire a porter in Bwindi — it makes the trek easier and supports local families.
7. Charge your camera every night — you will take more photos than you expect.
8. Carry small US dollar notes printed after 2013 for tips and souvenirs.
9. Consider the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100, valid in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya) if you plan to finish in Kigali.
10. Relax at Lake Bunyonyi — the perfect end to an action-packed safari.

Bird lovers will find this route rewarding too; Kenlink Tours’ 7-Day Birdwatching Safari in Uganda visits several of the same habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for Bwindi, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth?

Seven days is ideal, with one night at Lake Mburo, two in Queen Elizabeth, two in Bwindi and one at Lake Bunyonyi. Five days is possible with a faster pace, and eight or nine days lets you add chimpanzees in Kibale.

Are there lions at Lake Mburo?

Lake Mburo has no resident lion prides, which is why walking and horseback safaris are possible there. Instead, you will find zebras, impala, eland, buffalo, leopards and hyenas. For lions, Queen Elizabeth — especially Kasenyi and Ishasha — is the place to go.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

You can see elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards, mainly in Queen Elizabeth. Rhinos are not found on this route; they live at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary north of Kampala. Lake Mburo adds zebras and impala, which are rare elsewhere in Uganda.

Is the gorilla trek difficult?

It can be. Bwindi’s trails are steep and muddy, and treks can last up to six hours. Reasonable fitness helps, and porters are available to carry your bag and assist you. Rangers try to match visitors with gorilla families that suit their fitness.

Is this route suitable for families?

Yes. Lake Mburo’s boat cruise and gentle walks, and Queen Elizabeth’s game drives and Kazinga Channel cruise, suit all ages. Children must be 15 or older to trek gorillas, but younger children can enjoy community walks and lodge activities in Bwindi.

Can I end the safari in Kigali?

Yes, and it is often the best option. Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi are only three to four hours from Kigali, compared with seven to ten hours to Entebbe. We specialise in safaris that start or end in Kigali.

Where can I find more Uganda safari ideas?

Explore all our destinations, or browse Kenlink Tours’ Uganda safaris for more itineraries.

Uganda Safari (Bwindi Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth

A Uganda safari to Bwindi, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth brings together three of the country’s most rewarding experiences in one smooth, scenic journey. Walk among zebras and impala at Lake Mburo, cruise past hundreds of hippos on the Kazinga Channel, spot lions lounging in the fig trees of Ishasha and, finally, share a quiet hour with mountain gorillas in the ancient forest of Bwindi. Add the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and the option to finish in Kigali, and you have one of the finest one-week safaris in Africa.

At Pick and Transfer Safaris, we make this journey affordable and stress-free. We secure your gorilla permits, plan comfortable driving days, provide reliable 4×4 vehicles and experienced driver-guides, and can host you at our own Ikoro Hotel in Kisoro. Part of our profits supports orphaned children through the Kigezi Foundation, so your safari also helps the local community.

Ready to plan your adventure? Contact our team with your travel dates, group size and starting point, and we will send you a tailor-made itinerary and quote.

Call or WhatsApp: +256 200 921 002 / +256 793 194 703 | Email: info@pickandtransfersafaris.com