GORILLAS & TREE CLIMBING LIONS OF UGANDA
7 NIGHTS & 8 DAYS
Locations
Bwindi National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a vast rainforest wilderness in southwestern Uganda, rising across mist-covered hills and ancient forest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is best known for its mountain gorillas, offering some of Africa’s most moving wildlife encounters. Gorilla trekking follows expert trackers through dense vegetation, with every sighting shaped by the rhythms of the forest. Bwindi is also home to forest elephants, golden cats, colobus monkeys and an exceptional collection of Albertine Rift birds. Beyond the wildlife, the forest offers a rare sense of remoteness and discovery, making Bwindi an essential destination for travellers seeking meaningful, conservation led experiences
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Set against the Rwenzori Mountains and the dramatic Albertine Rift, Queen Elizabeth National Park brings together open savannah, crater lakes, wetlands and forest in one of Uganda’s most diverse landscapes. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, alongside elephants, buffalo, hippos and a rich variety of antelope. Boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel offer exceptional opportunities to observe wildlife at close range, while the park’s varied habitats support an impressive collection of birds. With its striking scenery and varied wildlife, Queen Elizabeth offers a classic yet deeply rewarding safari experience in western Uganda.
GORILLAS & TREE CLIMBING LIONS OF UGANDA
Uganda offers one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, where ancient rainforests and sweeping savannahs come together to showcase two of the continent’s most iconic species. Carefully curated to combine unforgettable gorilla trekking with classic African safari, this journey explores the mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park before continuing to the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the renowned tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
The journey begins in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where expert trackers guide you through ancient rainforest in search of a habituated Mountain Gorilla family. Spending an unforgettable hour in the presence of these gentle giants is one of the world’s most profound wildlife encounters. The adventure then continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives through the Ishasha sector offer the opportunity to search for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions alongside elephant, buffalo, topi and a wealth of other savannah wildlife. Together, these remarkable landscapes deliver a seamless blend of great ape trekking, classic African safari and inspiring conservation.
AMELIYA SIGNATURE SAFARI EXPERIENCE:
- A 7N/8D thoughtfully curated journey combining Uganda’s iconic Mountain Gorilla experience with classic wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Trek through the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the endangered Mountain Gorilla.
- Spend a remarkable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat, accompanied by expert trackers and rangers.
- Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on expertly guided game drives in search of tree-climbing lions, elephant, buffalo, leopard, antelope and an abundance of savannah wildlife.
- Enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its exceptional concentrations of hippopotamus, crocodile, elephant and prolific birdlife.
- Stay at carefully selected luxury safari lodges, ideally positioned for seamless access to both gorilla trekking and game viewing.
- Gain a deeper appreciation of the conservation initiatives protecting Uganda’s diverse ecosystems and iconic wildlife.
- Exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography across ancient rainforests, open savannahs and the wildlife-rich waterways of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- A seamless blend of luxury accommodation, expert guiding and two of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife experiences.
Rates
| TIMING | MID SEASON | HIGH SEASON | FESTIVE SEASON |
| RATES PER COUPLE | $15,570 | $18,525 | $18,220 |
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- All accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All meals, tea/coffee and evening snacks at the safari lodges.
- Bed & breakfast in Entebbe.
- All scheduled activities as outlined in the itinerary.
- 2x Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale National Park.
- 2x Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Services of professional guides, trackers and drivers throughout the journey.
- Internal scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip, from Kasese to either Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, and from Kihihi or Kisoro back to Entebbe.
- 5% Ameliya Conservation Commitment Levy.
Exclusions
- 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST)
- Flights, visa fees, laundry, packed beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees, if levied by the government
- Any additional activities or personal expenses, including tips
- Any increase in National Park fees or government taxes, payable by the guest
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Accommodation
Entebbe
Hotel No. 5
A refined boutique hotel in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No. 5 offers a tranquil retreat just minutes from Entebbe International Airport. Combining contemporary elegance with warm Ugandan hospitality, it provides the perfect setting to unwind before or after a safari, with beautifully appointed rooms, personalised service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Amenities
- Spacious contemporary rooms and suites
- Outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness treatments
- Fine dining restaurant, bar and lounge
- Complimentary airport transfers, landscaped gardens and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Safari Lodge (Classic)
Nestled on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Rushaga sector, Gorilla Safari Lodge offers comfortable cottages, warm Ugandan hospitality, and exceptional access to one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife experiences. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the lodge provides an ideal base for gorilla trekking while immersing guests in the beauty of Uganda’s ancient mountain forests.
Amenitites:
- Spacious cottages with private verandas and forest views
- Restaurant serving local and international cuisine
- Bar and lounge area, spa and massage treatments
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas
- Landscaped gardens and convenient access to the Rushaga gorilla trekking headquarters.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Premium)
Perched on a scenic ridge overlooking the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Volcanoes, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge offers an intimate blend of comfort, sustainability and warm Ugandan hospitality. Ideally positioned for gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo sector, the lodge provides a tranquil retreat where breathtaking scenery and exceptional service come together to create an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Amenitites:
- Elegant cottages and forest suites with private verandas
- Restaurant and bar, spa and massage treatments
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, landscaped gardens, fireplace loune
- Private dining experiences and easy access to the Nkuringo gorilla trekking trailhead.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Marafiki Lodge (Classic)
Where the wild landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park stretch towards the Rwenzori Mountains, Marafiki Safari Lodge offers a serene retreat immersed in the beauty of Uganda’s wilderness. Set away from the bustle of the park, the lodge provides a warm and authentic safari experience, where open skies, tranquil surroundings and genuine Ugandan hospitality create the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploration.
Amenitites:
Comfortable cottages and safari tents with private verandas
Swimming pool
Restaurant serving fresh local and international cuisine, bar and lounge area
Complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas
Outdoor dining and campfire experiences, landscaped gardens and easy access to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s game drives and Kazinga Channel boat safari.
Elephant Plains Lodge (Premium)
Perched along the western escarpment overlooking Queen Elizabeth National Park, Elephant Plains Lodge offers an elegant blend of contemporary comfort and spectacular wilderness views. Surrounded by rolling landscapes with panoramic vistas across the park and the Kazinga Channel, the lodge provides a tranquil retreat from which to experience Uganda’s diverse wildlife and exceptional safari experiences.
Amenitites:
- Spacious cottages with private verandas
- Infinity swimming pool
- Restaurant serving local and international cuisine, bar and lounge
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Spa and massage treatments, landscaped gardens, private dining experiences and convenient access to game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat safari.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury)
Once a historic coffee estate, Kyambura Gorge Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris has been beautifully transformed into one of Uganda’s most distinctive luxury safari retreats. Overlooking the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, the lodge combines contemporary design with Volcanoes Safaris’ renowned conservation ethos, offering an exceptional base for exploring the park’s rich wildlife, scenic landscapes and the elusive chimpanzees of the gorge.
Amenitites:
Individually designed luxury bandas with private terraces
Infinity swimming pool, spa and wellness treatments
Gourmet restaurant, bar and lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi
Beautifully landscaped gardens
Private dining experiences and convenient access to game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat safari and Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking.
Day - Wise Itinerary
Day 01 - Entebbe
Arrive in Entebbe after your international flight and settle into your hotel for a leisurely day of rest. Take the opportunity to unwind and recover from your journey before beginning your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda.
DAY 2 - Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Kasese Airstrip for your scheduled flight to either Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, depending on the location of your lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As the journey continues from the home of the Chimpanzee to the realm of the Mountain Gorilla, enjoy a scenic transfer through Uganda’s spectacular highlands before arriving at your luxury lodge. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, taking in the serene rainforest surroundings and preparing for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience that awaits.
Day 3&4 - Bwindi National Park
Over the next two days, after an early breakfast, make your way to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on unforgettable gorilla treks. Accompanied by experienced trackers and rangers, venture deep into the ancient rainforest in search of different habituated Mountain Gorilla families. Each trek follows a unique route through steep, densely forested terrain and can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on the gorillas’ movements. The moment you come face to face with these gentle giants, quietly observing them in their natural habitat, is both humbling and profoundly moving. You will spend up to one hour with each gorilla family before returning to the lodge, carrying memories of one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Day 05 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Queen Elizabeth
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Kasese Airstrip, the gateway to western Uganda’s remarkable wilderness areas. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic drive through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains towards your lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Settle into your surroundings and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, taking in the spectacular landscapes, relaxing at the lodge, or preparing for the wildlife experiences that await in one of Uganda’s most celebrated national parks.
Day 6&7 - Queen Elizabeth National Park
For the next two mornings, set out on early morning game drives through Queen Elizabeth National Park, accompanied by your expert guide in search of the park’s remarkable wildlife. As the golden light spreads across the savannah, explore the diverse landscapes of open plains, woodland and wetlands, looking for elephant, buffalo, antelope, leopard and an abundance of birdlife. The Ishasha sector offers the rare opportunity to search for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, often found resting among the branches of ancient fig trees.
During your stay, enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways. Cruise past large pods of hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, elephants and a spectacular variety of waterbirds gathering along the shoreline. With its exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a quintessential African safari experience and a perfect complement to your gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 8 - Entebbe
After breakfast, transfer to Kasese Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, connect seamlessly with your onward international flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s extraordinary wilderness, from the mist-covered forests of Bwindi to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
