Embark on a captivating journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the picturesque Kampala-Masaka road, a 7-hour drive filled with breathtaking sights. Along the way, make a stopover at the equator for fantastic photo opportunities, and indulge in a delightful lunch in Mbarara. As the day unfolds, you’ll be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a roughly 3-hour drive from Mbarara, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Uganda.

The day begins with an exhilarating morning game drive in the northern sector of the park, Kasenyi plains, where you’ll seek out elusive leopards and majestic lions. Kasenyi tracks will reveal the park’s treasures, from herds of elephants and buffalos to graceful Uganda kobs and a variety of wildlife. After a hot lunch at the lodge, embark on a memorable launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel at 2:00 pm. Witness herds of elephants, hippos, and a multitude of migratory and endemic birds. Your day culminates with dinner and relaxation at 6:00 pm.

At 8:00 am, set out for Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, in pursuit of the remarkable tree-climbing lions. A short drive from Mweya to Ishasha Gate, you’ll encounter lions perched in fig trees, seeking shade and respite from the sun after their morning feast. At 1:00 pm, head to Savannah Hotel for a delicious lunch and then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an enlightening Batwa (Pygmies) community walk in the evening. Optionally, you can embark on a morning Chimpanzee tracking adventure at Kalinzu Forest before proceeding to Bwindi.

An early start is in order as you prepare for the highlight of your journey. After breakfast, hike to the park headquarters near your lodge for a briefing by a park ranger. At 8:30 am, commence your gorilla trek, a strenuous but profoundly rewarding experience. The duration of the trek varies, but the moment you encounter these majestic apes is a memory that will last a lifetime, ranging from an hour to several hours depending on their location in the jungle.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to this incredible adventure. You have the option to transfer back to either Entebbe or Kigali Airport. The journey to Entebbe is a scenic 8-hour drive, while Kigali International Airport is just a 4 to 5-hour drive away. Your journey concludes, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.