5 Day Gorillas and Lions Tour – 2025/2026

Short on time but not willing to compromise on experiences? This 5-day safari delivers Uganda's two most iconic wildlife encounters: mountain gorillas in Bwindi's misty rainforests and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. It's the perfect introduction to Uganda for travelers with limited vacation days but unlimited sense of adventure.

You'll spend quality time in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most biodiverse protected area, with morning game drives across the Kasenyi plains and an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where Africa's highest concentration of hippos wallow and grunt in the water. Then, journey south through stunning highland scenery to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the experience of a lifetime—one hour with endangered mountain gorillas.

Why This Safari Works So Well

This itinerary is brilliantly efficient. By focusing on two key destinations—Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi—you avoid excessive driving while still experiencing incredible wildlife diversity. The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha are found nowhere else in Uganda (and only in one other park in the world), making this a truly unique sighting. Combine that with gorilla trekking, and you've got Uganda's greatest hits in a manageable timeframe.

The relatively short duration also makes this safari more budget-friendly while still delivering transformative experiences. You're not sacrificing quality for speed—each day is carefully designed to maximize wildlife encounters. The pacing allows you to truly absorb each moment rather than rushing from park to park.

Perfect For

This safari suits travelers with limited time who want gorilla trekking as their priority, complemented by classic safari experiences. It's ideal for combining with beach time in Zanzibar, business trips to Kampala, or as a Uganda extension to Kenya/Tanzania safaris. First-time Africa visitors get a concentrated introduction to East African wildlife without the overwhelm of longer itineraries.