6-Day Uganda Southwest Highlands Safari: Lake Mburo, Kabale & Mgahinga
Zebra on foot at Lake Mburo, the terraced hills around Kabale and a gorilla trek in Mgahinga.
Go beyond the expected.
A safari through Uganda's southwest highlands that pairs an easy savannah park with a mountain gorilla trek. It crosses the equator, spends a full day at Lake Mburo, then climbs into the Kigezi hills and the volcanic slopes of Mgahinga.
- Stop at the equator line near Kayabwe
- Walking and game drives among zebra and impala in Lake Mburo National Park
- Kabale, the market town of the Kigezi hills
- Gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Views over terraced farmland and volcanic peaks
What's included
Included
- All accommodation as specified
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Guided activities as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- One gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Entebbe
Entebbe
Arrive and transfer to your accommodation, with time to rest and meet your guide for a briefing on the days ahead.
Day 2 The Equator Crossing to Lake Mburo
The Equator Crossing, Kayabwe and Lake Mburo National Park
Drive southwest, stopping at the equator line near Kayabwe for photographs and a water demonstration, then continue to Lake Mburo National Park. An evening game drive is optional on arrival.
Day 3 Lake Mburo game drive, walk and boat
Lake Mburo National Park
A morning game drive or guided walk among zebra, impala and eland, followed by a boat cruise on Lake Mburo for hippos, crocodiles and birds in the afternoon.
Day 4 Drive to the Kigezi highlands
Kabale and the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve area
Continue to Kabale through hills terraced for farming. Your guide explains the region, including the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve, though visits to the reserve itself depend on access and conditions. Settle in near Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 5 Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a briefing and a guided trek to a habituated gorilla group on the volcanic slopes. You spend up to one hour with the gorillas before hiking back.
Day 6 Return and departure
Entebbe
A long drive back to Entebbe, with stops along the way, for your onward flight. We recommend an evening or late-night departure.
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Questions about 6-Day Uganda Southwest Highlands Safari: Lake Mburo, Kabale & Mgahinga
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, commonly available as an e-visa applied for online before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the current official guidance for your passport well ahead of your safari.
How many days do I need in Uganda?
A focused gorilla trekking safari can work in as few as 4–5 days, but 8–12 days lets you combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, a savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, and some rest time — we shape the exact length around what you want to include.
How many national parks does Uganda have?
Uganda protects its landscapes and wildlife across ten national parks, ranging from the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas) to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and priced separately from your safari cost. Permit prices and availability change periodically, so we confirm the current official rate and secure your permit as part of planning your safari — book several months ahead where possible, since permits for popular dates sell out.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda can be visited year-round. The drier months (roughly December–February and June–September) are generally easiest for trekking and game viewing, while the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer crowds and lower lodge rates. Gorilla trekking is possible in any month, since it happens in rainforest regardless of season.
What wildlife is Uganda known for?
Uganda is best known for mountain gorillas — it holds roughly half of the world’s remaining population — alongside strong chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and over 1,000 recorded bird species, an exceptional figure for a country of its size.