5 Day Uganda Gorilla & Tree-Climbing Lion Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kampala

You land in Entebbe. Our friendly guide will meet you at the airport with a cool towel and bottled water. You’ll be transferred to your lodging in Kampala where you can unwind by the pool or enjoy dinner in the gardens. In the evening we take a few minutes to introduce the safari plan ahead so you wake each morning knowing exactly what awaits.

Overnight:

• Budget – Forest Cottages, Entebbe
• Standard – Cassia Lodge, Kampala
• Luxury – Serena Hotel, Kampala

Day 2: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Cruise

After breakfast, we drive southwest toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The countryside unfolds with rolling hills and farming villages. On arrival, we settle into our lodge before heading out for a late afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Expect to see hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, elephants drinking at the riverbank, and colorful birdlife including kingfishers and pelicans. You’ll return at dusk as the sun turns the water golden.

Overnight:

• Budget – Pumba Safari Lodge
• Standard – Buffalo safari Lodge
• Luxury – Kingfisher Lodge

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

You kick off the day with an early morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains. Search for lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and possibly a leopard. We return for lunch and then journey further south into the Ishasha sector for a chance to see lions lounging in the branches of fig trees. In the afternoon we continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. As night falls, the mist settles among the trees and you prepare for gorilla trekking tomorrow.

Overnight:

• Budget – Rafiki Safari Lodge
• Standard – Buhoma Gorilla Camp
• Luxury – Mahogany Springs

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Village Walk

This is a day you will remember forever. Early in the morning, we drive to the ranger briefing point. You set off into dense forest with experienced guides to find mountain gorillas. The trek may take between one and four hours depending on where the gorillas are. When you find them, you spend a full hour in their presence, observing a mother groom her infant or a silverback lounging in the undergrowth. After the trek, we return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, we offer a gentle walk through the local Buhoma community. You meet families, learn about forest life before tourism, and see how local people and wildlife coexist. In the evening you relax with an optional hot drink by a fireplace and share stories with fellow travelers.

Overnight:

• Budget – Rafiki Safari Lodge
• Standard – Buhoma Gorilla Camp
• Luxury – Mahogany Springs

Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Following breakfast, we begin the journey back toward Kampala or Entebbe. En route, you can stop at the Equator for photos or shop for crafts at local markets. Depending on your onward flight or schedule, we’ll drop you at Kampala or Entebbe for airport transfer or onward travel. Your safari ends with memories of gorillas, lions in trees, river wildlife and community connections.