Day 1 · Entebbe to Lake Mburo
Late-morning start from Entebbe and a drive southwest to Lake Mburo. Afternoon game drive.
Uganda safari · 5 days
5-Day Gorillas, Lake Mburo and Lake Bunyonyi
From US$2,769 per person, 2 sharing · Solo, couples & groups · Serah Foundation on every booking
One gorilla trek, a zebra walk and a night on a lake. This 5-day private trip breaks the long drive west at Lake Mburo, tracks gorillas from Buhoma in Bwindi, and returns via Lake Bunyonyi.
Book this 5-day gorilla safari with Mwanzo Tours, a UTB-licensed Kampala operator. It belongs to our Uganda safari tour packages and our 2027 safari packages guide. See Bwindi gorilla trekking and the gorilla permit booking guide.
From US$2,769 per person, 2 sharing a double room, mid-range lodges, foreign non-resident adults, standard 2027 dates (not April, May or November), excluding international flights. Your written quote confirms the final price. Prices checked: 27 October 2026.
Why this safari?
Mburo comes first, which breaks the long road west. Gorillas come next, from Buhoma in Bwindi, and Lake Bunyonyi on the way back gives you a slow lake evening after the trek.
Who is this safari for?
Couples and small groups who want one gorilla trek, a walk among zebras and a lake night. Gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15. Day 5 is a long road day and the order of the route stays fixed.
Physical difficulty
Moderate. The gorilla trek lasts 1 to 6 hours on forest trails. Day 3 is a trek day with no drive, and the Lake Mburo walk is gentle.
Best time to go
Gorilla trekking runs all year. January, February, June to September and December are the busier months, so book early. April, May and November are UWA low season. April, May and November are UWA's low-season months, when the permit rates differ and low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. We confirm the rate for your dates in writing before you pay.
Your safari vehicle
Private safari vehicle with a UTB-licensed driver-guide.
Your lead planner
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa, gorilla permits secured weekly from Kampala. Field guides include Daniel (25 years Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi) and Maria (women's journeys).
Wildlife & experiences you can expect
- Lake Mburo game drive and guided walk: zebra, impala and eland
- Mountain gorilla trek from Buhoma in Bwindi
- Afternoon on Lake Bunyonyi
Serah Foundation, where your booking goes
Every Mwanzo safari contributes to Serah Foundation, a registered community organisation supporting education, health outreach, and livelihood programmes in communities bordering Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. We publish what your booking supports; this is not a vague "community fee."
On this safari
Scenes from Mwanzo departures, your route uses the same guides, vehicles, and lodge standards.
Traveller reviews
Independent ratings from guests who booked gorilla and wildlife safaris with Mwanzo Tours.
Related planning guides
Day-by-day itinerary
Sample route, customised to your dates, lodges, and fitness.
Day 2 · Mburo walk, then Buhoma
Guided walk at Lake Mburo, which must finish by mid-morning. Then drive on to Buhoma, arriving late afternoon.
Day 3 · Gorilla trek in Buhoma
Gorilla trek from Buhoma, with one hour at the permitted distance from a habituated family. Afternoon rest, or a Batwa visit as an extra.
Day 4 · Buhoma to Lake Bunyonyi
Leave Buhoma after breakfast and drive to Lake Bunyonyi. Afternoon canoe or terrace time by the lake.
Day 5 · Back to Entebbe
Slow breakfast by the lake, then the road to Entebbe. We can break the drive at Lake Mburo or Mbarara if you ask.
Skip Bunyonyi and head straight back from Buhoma for a 4-day trip, or add a second Buhoma night for a Batwa day, and we re-cost it in your quote. See also our 4-day chimpanzees then gorillas trip.
Highlights
- Gorilla trek from Buhoma
- Lake Mburo game drive and guided walk
- A night at Lake Bunyonyi
- Serah Foundation contribution on every booking
Parks & regions
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Lake Bunyonyi
Typically included
- Gorilla permit ($800 per person, 2027 foreign non-resident rate)
- Lake Mburo park entry (1 day), game drive and guided walk
- Private safari vehicle & UTB-licensed driver-guide
- Park entry fees as listed
- Mid-range accommodation, half board at the lodges, lunch on the road and on activity days
- Airport transfers: the trip starts and ends in Entebbe
- Serah Foundation contribution on every booking
Not included
- International flights & Uganda visa
- Travel insurance is not included; guests arrange their own.
- Drinks, laundry, porter fees & tips
- Optional activities not in the itinerary
- Batwa visit and Lake Bunyonyi canoe or cruise (optional extras)
Lodges on this route
Mid-range lodges priced into the from-price. The exact property is confirmed in your written quote before you travel.
| Lake Mburo | Mid-range lodge near the park |
| Buhoma, Bwindi | Ride 4 A Woman |
| Lake Bunyonyi | Mid-range lodge on the lake |
Booking & payment
Deposit
Typically 30% on booking to secure gorilla/chimp permits and lodges. Permits are non-refundable under UWA rules, we explain this before you pay.
Balance
Due 60 days before departure unless agreed otherwise. Bank transfer or card. EUR/USD quotes available for European travellers.
Cancellation
Tiered policy in our booking terms. Travel insurance with cancellation cover strongly recommended.
Your money
Full breakdown in our payment reassurance guide, what is held and when permits are purchased.
Common questions
How much does the 5-day gorillas, Lake Mburo and Lake Bunyonyi trip cost?
From US$2,769 per person, 2 sharing a double room, with mid-range lodges, on standard 2027 dates and excluding international flights. The $800 gorilla permit is inside the price. Your written quote confirms the final figure.
Is the gorilla permit included?
Yes. The 2027 gorilla permit, $800 per person at the foreign non-resident rate, is inside the from-price. We buy it once your deposit is paid.
Why start at Lake Mburo?
It breaks the long drive to Bwindi into two days and gives you a zebra walk. Day 3 is then a trek day with no transfer.
Can I fly back from Bwindi?
A Kihihi flight does not fit this route, because Lake Bunyonyi is not near the airstrip. The route returns by road.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age is 15.
Enquire about this safari
We reply within 1 business day. No obligation, your written quote confirms lodges, permits, and final price.
Prefer WhatsApp? +256 789 487 378 · See deposit & cancellation policy
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa · Meet your planner · Booking terms