The Savannas of Uganda: Tree-dwelling Lions and Gorillas

Six Days Among Uganda’s Savannas and Rainforests
This journey brings together several completely different facets of Uganda. The savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a water safari along the Kazinga Channel, the famous tree-dwelling lions of Ishasha, and the ancient Bwindi Rainforest. The trip culminates in one of the rarest encounters with wildlife: a trek to see a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The journey begins in Entebbe, on the shores of the vast Lake Victoria. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and assisted with the necessary formalities.
Then, a short transfer will take you to your hotel, located about 20 minutes from the airport. You can spend the first day resting after your flight and preparing for your grand journey through Uganda’s national parks.

Early in the morning, you’ll set out for Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you travel, the scenery will change, revealing one of the country’s most diverse natural areas.
The park encompasses grassy savannas, tropical forests, lakes, swamps, and volcanic craters. It is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and many other animals. Upon arrival, you’ll go on your first safari, followed by check-in and some rest.

After breakfast, you’ll set out from your lodge for an early morning game drive on the Kaseni Plains. Look for tracks of lions, leopards, elephants, and many other animals. After lunch, you’ll enjoy a unique 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. This journey takes you through what is perhaps the highest concentration of hippos, and many animals can be spotted drinking at the water’s edge. This boat cruise is an excellent opportunity for photography, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Return to the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and head to the Ishasha sector, where a game drive awaits you in search of the famous tree-climbing lions and large herds of game. You’ll take a packed lunch with you to enjoy in Ishasha. Your trip will last until evening. Afterward, you’ll drive through "African Switzerland," known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced slopes and winding roads, to Bwindi. You’ll head to your accommodations, located on the edge of Bwindi National Park—home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

After an early breakfast, you’ll be transported to the park headquarters, where you’ll receive a briefing and be divided into groups to participate in a gorilla trek. Tracking gorillas takes an average of 3−6 hours, depending on how far the animals have wandered. For one hour, you’ll watch, observe, and photograph the gorillas as they feed, play, and groom one another. Afterward, you’ll leave Bwindi Forest and head back to your accommodations. In the evening, you’ll go on a tour of the villages around Bwindi. You’ll visit local brewers, Batwa communities, and a vegetable farm. You can use this time to buy souvenirs from the locals.

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the Kihihi airstrip, where you’ll board a domestic flight back to Entebbe.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, you can continue your journey or head to the airport for your international flight. This marks the end of your six days among Uganda’s savannas, lakes, and tropical forests.