5 Days Gorillas, Tree-Climbing Lions & Queen Elizabeth Safari
Book a 5 Days Gorillas, Tree-Climbing Lions & Queen Elizabeth Safari with MJ Safaris Uganda.
5 Days Gorillas, Tree-Climbing Lions & Queen Elizabeth Safari
Safari Overview
Experience Uganda’s most iconic wildlife encounters on this unforgettable 5 Days Gorillas, Tree-Climbing Lions & Queen Elizabeth Safari. This carefully crafted adventure combines the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with thrilling wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
The safari also includes chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, rewarding game drives, and spectacular views of Uganda’s rolling hills, crater lakes, and the legendary Mountains of the Moon. Perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors, this safari showcases some of the very best experiences the Pearl of Africa has to offer.
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
- Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
- Wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Uganda Equator experience
- Scenic drive through southwestern Uganda
- Spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains
Frequently Asked Questions
The trek ranges from moderate to challenging depending on the location of the gorilla family. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Sightings are very likely in the Ishasha Sector, but as with all wildlife, they cannot be guaranteed.
Chimpanzee trekking typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee community.
Absolutely. The itinerary offers exceptional opportunities to photograph gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, birds, and Uganda’s spectacular landscapes.
Yes. We can tailor accommodation, transportation, activities, and travel dates to match your preferences and budget.
5 Days Gorillas, Tree-Climbing Lions & Queen Elizabeth Safari
Prices
- From USD 1789 per person
Safari Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (where applicable)
- Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- Meals as indicated
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Park entrance fees (where applicable)
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees
Safari Cost Excludes
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
- Uganda Visa
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
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Detailed Itinerary
Discover Uganda’s Greatest Wildlife Treasures
This exciting five-day safari combines unforgettable primate encounters with classic African wildlife viewing. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in the ancient forests of Bwindi, search for the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, and track wild chimpanzees in the spectacular Kyambura Gorge.
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.
Travel southwest through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing vibrant villages, banana plantations, tea estates, and rolling hills.
Stop at the Uganda Equator for memorable photographs, the famous water experiment, and an opportunity to shop for locally made crafts and souvenirs.
Continue through Mbarara for lunch before driving into the scenic Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Relax at your lodge while preparing for tomorrow’s extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure.
Highlights
- Uganda Equator experience
- Scenic countryside drive
- Kigezi Highlands
- Beautiful mountain scenery
Accommodation: Safari Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, report to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for registration and a briefing from experienced park rangers.
Begin your guided trek through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.
The trek may last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Along the way, you’ll encounter spectacular rainforest vegetation, colorful birds, butterflies, and other forest wildlife.
Once you find the gorillas, spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact naturally within their family group.
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking
- One-hour gorilla encounter
- Bwindi rainforest exploration
- Wildlife photography
Accommodation: Safari Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Ishasha Sector – Search for Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel to the famous Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This remote southern sector is internationally renowned for its rare population of tree-climbing lions, often seen resting on the branches of giant fig trees.
Enjoy a rewarding afternoon game drive while searching for these remarkable predators alongside elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, topis, and numerous bird species.
The scenic drive through local communities and savannah landscapes provides excellent opportunities for photography.
Highlights
- Tree-climbing lions
- Afternoon game drive
- Elephants and buffaloes
- Beautiful savannah scenery
Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Begin your morning with an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in the spectacular Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the “Valley of Apes.”
This lush underground forest is home to a habituated community of wild chimpanzees, offering visitors an unforgettable primate encounter.
After lunch, enjoy one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife activities—a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
The cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including:
- Hippos
- Nile Crocodiles
- African Elephants
- Cape Buffaloes
- Waterbucks
- Uganda Kobs
The channel is also one of Uganda’s finest birdwatching locations, with over 550 recorded bird species in the park.
Later, enjoy an evening game drive before returning to your lodge.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Evening wildlife game drive
Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.
Travel through Kasese and Fort Portal while enjoying spectacular views of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon), tea plantations, crater lakes, and Uganda’s beautiful countryside.
Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Your safari concludes with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
- Scenic drive through western Uganda
- Rwenzori Mountain views
- Tea plantations
- Return transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
