5 Day Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions and Kazinga Channel Safari
5 Day Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions and Kazinga Channel Safari
Overview
Our 5 day Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions and Kazinga Channel Safari is tailored for those with ample time who wish to fully experience the diverse offerings of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This safari provides a comprehensive exploration of both the northern and southern regions of the park. In the north, known as Mweya, you’ll enjoy game drives, boat cruises and nature walks. The southern part, Ishasha, is renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Join us to explore the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park with this enriching safari experience.
Itinerary Summary for the 5 Day Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions and Kazinga Channel Safari
- Day 1: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Day 3: Drive to Ishasha for a community visit and evening game drive
- Day 4: Morning and afternoon game drives in Ishasha
- Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport
Key Details
- Accommodation: Included
- Group Size: Maximum of 6 people per group
- Departure: Tours can start any day and are customizable
- Solo Travelers: Welcome
- Age Limit: 15 years and above
Tour Plan
Pickup from the Hotel and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your lodge, followed by a drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your guide will brief you on what to expect and ensure you have the necessary gear for the safari. The drive takes you through charming small towns and markets along the Kampala-Mbarara road. A stop at the Equator offers a great opportunity for photos and stretching. Lunch will be served en route, and you will arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park by the late afternoon for relaxation and an optional evening game drive.
- Accommodation: Bush Lodge or similar
- Meals: All meals included
Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
After an early breakfast, you will head to Kasenyi Plains for a game drive. Kasenyi is known for its diverse wildlife, including big cats like lions and leopards, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and warthogs. Following your game drive, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, proceed to Mweya Peninsula for a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This channel, with the highest concentration of hippos in the world and over 400 bird species, offers excellent opportunities to spot hippos, birds, elephants, buffaloes, and crocodiles. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Bush Lodge or similar
- Meals: All meals included
Community Visit and Transfer to Ishasha
Enjoy an early morning game drive before checking out of your lodge and driving 2-3 hours to the southern Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After lunch, visit the Ishasha Community Uplift Project to learn about the local community's efforts to coexist with wildlife. You'll tour a model family’s farm to see how they prevent wildlife from damaging their crops and hear about the challenges and opportunities for both community and conservation. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
- Meals: All meals included
Game Drives in Ishasha
After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions. While sightings depend on luck, you may also encounter buffaloes, elephants, and various antelopes. Optionally, visit River Ishasha to view the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy another game drive in the afternoon.
- Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
- Meals: All meals included
Return to Kampala/Entebbe
After exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Includes
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel for the entire trip
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All Park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
Excludes
- Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
- International airfares
- Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the safari package include?
Our safari packages are designed to cover the key services needed for a comfortable and hassle-free trip. Depending on the itinerary, this may include accommodation, transportation, park entrance fees, professional guide services, meals and scheduled activities. A detailed list of inclusions will always be provided before you confirm your booking.
How do I book a safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?
Booking your safari is simple. Contact us with your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and the safari package you are interested in. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you a quotation and payment details. Your booking is secured once the required deposit has been received.
Can I customize my safari itinerary?
Yes. Every traveler has different interests, budgets and travel styles. Whether you would like to upgrade your accommodation, spend additional nights in a destination or add activities such as chimpanzee tracking, cultural visits or wildlife safaris, we can tailor the itinerary to suit your needs.
Are gorilla trekking permits included in the safari price?
Most of our gorilla trekking safaris include the cost of the gorilla permit. The permit is one of the most important parts of your trip and will be clearly listed in your quotation. If a permit is not included, we will explain this before you make your booking.
How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking permits?
We recommend booking gorilla permits at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak seasons from June to September or December to February. Permits are limited and can sell out quickly, particularly in popular trekking sectors.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year in Uganda. Many travelers prefer the dry seasons from June to September and December to February because the trails are generally easier to navigate. However, the rainy seasons can also be rewarding, with fewer visitors and lush green scenery in the forest.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
The difficulty of gorilla trekking varies depending on the location of the gorilla family being visited. Some treks may take less than an hour while others can last several hours through steep and forested terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but people of different ages and fitness levels successfully complete gorilla treks every day.
What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
For gorilla trekking, we recommend bringing sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a lightweight rain jacket, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and a camera. Comfortable outdoor clothing is highly recommended as conditions in the forest can change quickly.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most international travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, and our team will be happy to provide guidance on the application process and entry requirements before your trip.
What type of accommodation can I expect during my safari?
We offer carefully selected budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our lodges and camps are chosen for their comfort, quality service, excellent locations and easy access to major safari attractions.
Are airport transfers included in the safari package?
Airport transfers are included in many of our safari packages. If they are not included, we can arrange private transfers for you. We will clearly explain all transportation arrangements before your arrival.
Is travel insurance required for a safari?
While travel insurance is not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended for all travelers. Comprehensive coverage can help protect you against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays and lost luggage.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary depending on the safari package, accommodation providers and permits involved. If you need to cancel your trip, please contact us as soon as possible and we will explain the options available based on our booking terms and conditions.
Can children join a safari in Uganda?
Many of our wildlife safaris are suitable for families traveling with children. However, some activities have age restrictions. For example, participants must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Can solo travelers book a safari?
Yes. We welcome solo travelers and can arrange both private and group safari experiences. Whether you are planning a gorilla trekking tour, wildlife safari or multi-country adventure, we can create an itinerary that matches your travel preferences.
Our Reviews
[trustindex data-widget-id=d8f9fbd3263a8071a5765f912ca]