6 Days Uganda Walking Safari, Gorilla Trek & Lake Bunyonyi

6 Days Uganda Walking Safaris

A 6-day walking safari in Uganda from Entebbe, with gorilla tracking and a guided nature walk and community visit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, then a boat trip and hike at Lake Bunyonyi.

Why this safari works

A walking-focused trip in south-western Uganda that combines a mountain gorilla trek with time on foot in Bwindi and around Lake Bunyonyi. Three nights near Bwindi give you the gorilla trek, a guided nature walk in the forest and an afternoon with a local community, without rushing. The trip then moves to Lake Bunyonyi for an afternoon among its islands and a morning hike above the lake before the drive back to Entebbe. It suits active travellers who would rather walk than spend long hours in a vehicle.

Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Guided nature walk in Bwindi to learn about the forest
  • Afternoon with a local community near Bwindi
  • Trip across Lake Bunyonyi to explore its islands
  • Morning hike with views over Lake Bunyonyi and its hills

Your route

  1. Entebbe Uganda · 1 night
  2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda · 3 nights
  3. Lake Bunyonyi Uganda · 1 night
  4. Entebbe International Airport Uganda · Departure

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1

    Arriving in Entebbe

    When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport our guide will be there to welcome you and take you to your accommodation in Entebbe. Take some time to unwind and get ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

    • Airport pick-up
    • Accommodation in Entebbe
  2. Day2
    Misty forested hills with tea in foreground, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

    Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    After enjoying your breakfast, set off on a drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in the southwest of Uganda. Along the way soak in the landscapes and get glimpses of the rural communities. Once you reach your destination, check in at a lodge or camp situated near the park.

    • Drive to Bwindi
    • Lodge or camp near Bwindi
    • Breakfast
  3. Day3
    Gorilla face peeking through leaves, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

    Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    Rise early for an exciting day of gorilla tracking. Meet with your guide who will lead you into the forest as you search for one of the habituated gorilla families. Trek through vegetation following signs and sounds that guide you towards these creatures. When you finally encounter them, spend an awe inspiring hour observing them in their habitat. Afterward return to your lodge and unwind.

    • Gorilla tracking
  4. Day4
    Gorilla trekkers walking through dense green forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

    Exploring Nature and Engaging with Communities

    After breakfast, set off on a guided nature walk within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Accompanied by a guide with knowledge of the forest’s ecosystem and its inhabitants, explore its diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon take some time to explore a community and immerse yourself in their rich culture and way of life. Engage with the locals, participate in activities and gain an appreciation for their unique customs.

    • Nature walk and community visit
    • Breakfast
  5. Day5
    Wooden cottage overlooking islands of Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

    Drive to Lake Bunyonyi

    After enjoying your morning meal, set off on a drive towards Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “Place of Little Birds.” Prepare to be captivated by the surroundings as you reach the lake nestled amidst rolling hills. Upon arrival at your lodge take a moment to unwind and relax. Later in the day set off on an adventure across the lake exploring its picturesque islands while reveling in the tranquil ambiance.

    • Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
    • Lodge at Lake Bunyonyi
    • Breakfast
  6. Day6
    Lake with islands and hills at dusk, Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

    Exploring on Foot and Farewell

    Begin your day with an invigorating hike around Lake Bunyonyi, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking landscapes and panoramic vistas of both the lake and its surrounding hills. Once you’ve completed your hike, return to your lodge for breakfast followed by some downtime. In the afternoon bid farewell to Lake Bunyonyi as you make your way back to Entebbe. Our knowledgeable guide will accompany you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, bringing an end to your walking adventure in Uganda.

    Please keep in mind that gorilla trekking permits are highly sought after and limited in availability. We strongly recommend securing these permits ahead of time.
    You have the flexibility to personalize this itinerary by adding activities or destinations according to your preferences and the length of your trip.

    • Lake hike and departure
    • Breakfast

Where you will stay

Entebbe Uganda — Day 1
Show:
Bwindi Impenetrable NP Uganda — Days 2–3
Show:
Gorilla Forest Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Gorilla Forest Lodge

Silverback Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Silverback Lodge

Bwindi Volcano Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Bwindi Volcano Lodge

Buhoma Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Buhoma Lodge

Mahogany Springs Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Mahogany Springs Lodge

Buhoma Haven Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Buhoma Haven Lodge

Ride 4 A Woman
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Ride 4 A Woman

Gorilla Bluff Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Bluff Lodge

Gorilla Conservation Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Conservation Camp

Kiho Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Kiho Gorilla Lodge

Ruzogo Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Ruzogo Lodge

Bakiga Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Bakiga Lodge

Gorilla Mist Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Gorilla Mist Camp

Ruhija Community Rest Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Ruhija Community Rest Camp

Bwindi Panorama Nature Resort
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Bwindi Panorama Nature Resort

Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge

Four Gorillas Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Four Gorillas Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Gorilla Leisure Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge

Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Gorilla Heights Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Gorilla Heights Lodge

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

Bwindi — Buhoma Uganda — Option A
Show:
Bwindi — Ruhija Uganda — Option B
Show:
Bwindi — Rushaga Uganda — Option C
Show:
Bwindi — Nkuringo Uganda — Option D
Show:
Bwindi Impenetrable NP Uganda — Day 4
Show:
Gorilla Forest Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Gorilla Forest Lodge

Silverback Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Silverback Lodge

Bwindi Volcano Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Bwindi Volcano Lodge

Buhoma Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Buhoma Lodge

Mahogany Springs Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Mahogany Springs Lodge

Buhoma Haven Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Buhoma Haven Lodge

Ride 4 A Woman
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Ride 4 A Woman

Gorilla Bluff Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Bluff Lodge

Gorilla Conservation Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Conservation Camp

Kiho Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Kiho Gorilla Lodge

Ruzogo Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Ruzogo Lodge

Bakiga Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Bakiga Lodge

Gorilla Mist Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Gorilla Mist Camp

Ruhija Community Rest Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Ruhija Community Rest Camp

Bwindi Panorama Nature Resort
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Bwindi Panorama Nature Resort

Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge

Four Gorillas Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Four Gorillas Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Gorilla Leisure Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge

Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Gorilla Heights Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Gorilla Heights Lodge

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

Bwindi — Buhoma Uganda — Option E
Show:
Bwindi — Ruhija Uganda — Option F
Show:
Bwindi — Rushaga Uganda — Option G
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Bwindi — Nkuringo Uganda — Option H
Show:
Lake Bunyonyi Uganda — Days 5–6
Show:
Entebbe Uganda — Day 6
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Frequently asked questions

How many gorilla treks are included?

One, on Day 3 in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Once you find a habituated gorilla family you spend an hour with them.

How much walking is there besides the gorilla trek?

Day 4 has a guided nature walk in Bwindi and a community visit, Day 5 an afternoon exploring the islands of Lake Bunyonyi, and Day 6 a morning hike around the lake.

Do I need to book my gorilla permit early?

Yes. The text notes that gorilla permits are in high demand and limited, so it recommends securing them well ahead of time.

Where does the trip start and end?

It starts at Entebbe International Airport, where our guide meets you, and ends there on Day 6 after the drive back from Lake Bunyonyi.

Can I add more to this trip?

Yes. The itinerary can be personalised with extra activities or destinations, depending on how long you have.