Gorilla trekking is never going to be a truly budget activity — the permit fee is fixed by the government and can’t be discounted — but everything else in this itinerary is kept as lean as possible: budget lodges, a shared vehicle where available, and no unnecessary extras.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Entebbe, then a drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Arrive Entebbe, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation
BudgetSimba Safari Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A morning game drive followed by a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A drive south to Bwindi via the Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions.
Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha
Accommodation
BudgetBuhoma Community Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through Bwindi’s forest.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A guided Batwa cultural encounter, a low-cost, worthwhile addition on your final full day.
Batwa Cultural Encounter
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A drive to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, flying to Entebbe for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Queen Elizabeth NP entry & boat cruise | ~$70 per person |
| Uganda gorilla permit | $800 per person (fixed government fee) |
| Batwa cultural encounter | $25–$40 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want gorilla trekking specifically, and would rather cut costs everywhere else on the trip than skip the experience entirely.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise & Batwa cultural encounter
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Budget accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Gorilla permit & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance