Gorillas & Tree-Climbing Lions: 5-Day Ultimate Wildlife Safari – Uganda

Discover the wild heart of Uganda on this unforgettable 5-Day Gorilla & Tree-Climbing Lion Safari, featuring two of the country’s most iconic wildlife experiences. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and search for the rare and elusive tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This compact yet immersive itinerary offers breathtaking landscapes, close-up wildlife encounters, and authentic African safari moments in the heart of East Africa

Gorillas & Tree-Climbing Lions: 5-Day Ultimate Wildlife Safari – Uganda Highlights

    • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    • Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP

    • Game drives with chances to see elephants, lions, and antelope

    • Scenic countryside drives through Uganda’s southwestern highlands

    • Comfortable lodges offering nature immersion and local hospitality

Gorillas & Tree-Climbing Lions: 5-Day Ultimate Wildlife Safari – Uganda Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your safari begins with pickup from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. Set off on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and wildlife-rich conservation areas. As you travel westward, pass through lush countryside, rolling hills, and traditional Ugandan villages. Enjoy a lunch stop along the way.

Arrive in the park in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge overlooking the savannah or crater lakes. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the beautiful views, followed by a hearty dinner and your first night in the wild.

Day 2: Game Drive & Transfer to Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lion Territory

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for large herds of Uganda kob, buffalo, elephants, and regular sightings of lions and leopards. Birdlife is abundant, with over 600 species recorded in the park.

Following the game drive, enjoy a relaxed lunch before transferring to the remote Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park—famous for its tree-climbing lions. Unlike typical lions, these big cats are known to lounge on large fig and acacia tree branches during the day.

Arrive at your wilderness lodge in Ishasha and head out for an afternoon game drive to search for these unique predators. Along the way, you may also see topis, warthogs, elephants, and a variety of birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Begin your day with another early morning game drive in Ishasha for another chance to spot the tree-climbing lions when they are most active. Afterwards, return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.

Then embark on a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey offers stunning views of terraced hills and forested slopes. Arrive at your forest lodge in the late afternoon and relax in preparation for the next day’s trek.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, report to the Bwindi Park Headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. You’ll be grouped with other trekkers and assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families. Guided by expert trackers and armed rangers, venture deep into the dense jungle.

The trek can take 2–6 hours, but the reward is immeasurable. Once you find the gorillas, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat—a profound and emotional wildlife experience.

Return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and a restful afternoon. Optional cultural activities or forest walks are available in the evening

Day 5: Return to Entebbe or Kampala

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala, with lunch en route. Reflect on the incredible wildlife experiences and natural beauty you’ve witnessed over the past few days. You’ll arrive in the evening, in time for your international departure or overnight stay.

This 5-day adventure offers a perfect blend of wildlife, landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters, tailored for those seeking Uganda’s most iconic safari moments