Combining Gorilla Trekking with Lions on Uganda Safari. Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where travelers can experience both gorilla trekking and classic African big cats in a single safari. This unique combination offers a perfect blend of rainforest adventure and savannah wildlife encounters. Whether you dream of meeting the gentle mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Bwindi or watching powerful lions roam the golden plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda gives you a truly complete African safari experience.
A Uganda safari that combines gorilla trekking with lion viewing is rich, diverse, and unforgettable—making it ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, families, honeymooners, and adventure seekers.
Why Combine Gorilla Trekking and Lion Viewing in Uganda?
Uganda is blessed with incredible biodiversity. While Rwanda is famous for gorillas and Kenya/Tanzania for lions, Uganda offers both in one destination, making it more convenient and cost-effective for travelers.
Top Reasons to Combine the Two
- Experience two contrasting habitats: rainforest and savannah
- Enjoy diverse wildlife, from gorillas to lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and leopards
- Avoid the need to travel across multiple countries
- Time-efficient safari options from 4–8 days
- Scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and excellent photography opportunities
This combination gives you the full “African safari feeling” in one seamless journey.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the number one destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda. Home to almost half of the world’s remaining gorillas, it offers one of the most intimate wildlife encounters on the planet.
What to Expect on Your Gorilla Trek
- Early morning briefing at the park headquarters
- Guided trek through dense rainforest and rolling hills
- 1 hour with a gorilla family once located
- Close and emotional interaction with gentle giants
- Chances to capture stunning photographs and videos
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is not just a safari activity—it is a life-changing moment that stays with you forever.
Gorilla Habituation: A Full-Day Alternative
For travelers who want more time with the gorillas, Bwindi also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. This immersive experience provides deeper insights into gorilla behavior and conservation.
It is ideal for wildlife photographers, researchers, and adventurous travelers.
Where to Trek Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four trekking sectors:
- Buhoma
- Rushaga
- Nkuringo
- Ruhija
Each sector offers unique scenery, lodge options, and gorilla family groups. The choice often depends on your itinerary, fitness level, and accommodation preference.
Seeing Tree-Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Once you complete your gorilla trek, your adventure continues to one of Uganda’s top savannah parks—Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is home to one of Africa’s rarest wildlife attractions: tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector.
Why the Lions of Queen Elizabeth Are Special
- Only two places in Africa have tree-climbing lions—Uganda and Tanzania
- These lions often rest on fig and acacia trees
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Large prides, often with cubs, offer memorable sightings
Tree-climbing lions are a highlight of any Uganda safari, providing a perfect contrast to the jungle experience in Bwindi.
Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Beyond the lions, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers classic East African wildlife viewing. The park is home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species.
What You Can See on Game Drives
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Hippos
- Warthogs
- Antelopes
- Leopards
- Hyenas
Morning and evening game drives offer the best chances of seeing the big cats and other wildlife roaming the plains.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: A Must-Do
A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is one of the most rewarding experiences during a Uganda safari. This natural waterway links Lake George and Lake Edward and hosts one of Africa’s densest concentrations of hippos.
Cruise Highlights
- Hippos wallowing and bathing
- Crocodiles resting along the banks
- Elephants and buffaloes drinking water
- Colorful bird species including kingfishers and fish eagles
This peaceful cruise provides some of the best wildlife photography opportunities in Uganda.
Combining Gorilla Trekking & Lions: Sample Itinerary
A typical combined safari follows this route:
Day 1: Drive or fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and terraced farmlands.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking or Gorilla Habituation
Spend an unforgettable day with the mountain gorillas.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (via Ishasha)
Spot tree-climbing lions along the way.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
See lions, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and more.
Optional Days: Extend to Kibale Forest for chimpanzees or Murchison Falls for more big game.
This route offers a well-balanced mix of rainforest, savannah, and river ecosystems.
Best Time to Combine Gorilla Trekking and Lion Safaris
Both activities can be enjoyed year-round, but the best months include:
- June to September
- December to February
These are Uganda’s dry seasons, offering easier treks, clearer views, and optimal wildlife sightings.
Where to Stay During Your Safari
Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth both offer excellent accommodations, ranging from budget to luxury:
In Bwindi
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Buhoma Lodge
- Four Gorillas Lodge
- Mahogany Springs
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
In Queen Elizabeth
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Elephant Plains Lodge
- Enganzi Lodge
- Buffalo Safari Lodge
Each lodge provides scenic views and amazing comfort after your safari activities.
Why Uganda Is Perfect for a Multi-Experience Safari
Uganda is unique because it combines:
- The thrill of gorilla trekking
- The excitement of big cat viewing
- The beauty of the Savannah
- The charm of lush rainforests
- Friendly people and diverse cultures
You do not need to cross borders—everything is available in one beautiful country.
Combining gorilla trekking with lion viewing in Uganda is one of the most fulfilling wildlife adventures in Africa. From meeting the gentle mountain gorillas in the forests of Bwindi to watching tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, your safari becomes a perfect blend of excitement, nature, culture, and unforgettable memories.
