5 Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Tree Climbing Lions Safari

This 5 Day Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Tree Climbing Lions Safari combines Uganda’s greatest wildlife highlights mountain gorillas in Bwindi, tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, classic game drives, and chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu.

It is perfect for travelers exploring Uganda alone or connecting to Kenya’s Maasai Mara or the wider East Africa safari circuit. Expect comfortable lodges, scenic drives, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Early pick-up from Entebbe/Kampala and drive to southwestern Uganda.

Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and the Kigezi Highlands. Lunch en route in Mbarara. Arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon for check-in, relaxation and dinner.

Destination: Bwindi impenetrable

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking → Drive to Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing and grouping.

Begin the trek into Bwindi’s rainforest to meet the endangered mountain gorillas.

Spend one unforgettable hour with them. Receive your trekking certificate and enjoy lunch.

Afterward, drive to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Destination: Ishasha 

Meals: All meals included

Day 3: Ishasha Game Drive → Transfer to Mweya, Queen Elizabeth NP

Morning game drive in Ishasha to search for tree-climbing lions resting in large fig trees.

Expect elephants, Uganda kob, buffalo, and savannah birds.

Continue to the northern side of Queen Elizabeth NP and check in at your lodge near Mweya.

Accommodation: Mweya

Meals: All meals included

Day 4: Kasenyi Game Drive  Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Early game drive in Kasenyi Plains, known for lions, leopards (occasional), elephants, hyenas, and large herds of Uganda kob.

Return to the lodge for lunch.

Afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos, as well as crocodiles, buffalo, elephants and abundant birdlife.

Destination: Kasese

Meals: All meals included

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu  Drive to Entebbe

Early breakfast and transfer to Kalinzu for a briefing and guided chimpanzee trek.

Spend one hour with the chimps once found.

After the trek, begin the drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs.

Drop-off at the airport or hotel.

Accommodation: None (End of safari)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Inclusions

Gorilla trekking permit

Chimpanzee trekking permit

All accommodation as listed

All meals as indicated

Professional English-speaking driver-guide

4×4 safari vehicle with fuel

Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Park entry fees

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

Airport pick-up & drop-off

 

Safari Exclusions

International flights

Visa fees

Optional activities

Alcoholic & soft drinks

Personal travel insurance

Tips & gratuities

Extra accommodation before/after the trip