4.9/5

Based on 450+ reviews

4.9/5

Based on 45+ reviews

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5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and Kazinga channel safari

  • TRIP OVERVIEW
  • ITINERARY
  • TRIP COST
  • TRANSPORT
  • THINGS TO CONSIDER
TRIP OVERVIEW

5 Day Ishasha tree-climbing lions and Kazinga channel safari

5 Days 4 Nights

Rates are per person (pp)
Excluding international flights (from/to your home country)

Kazinga Channel

Our 5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and Kazinga channel safari is specifically designed for those that have ample time and would love to explore what Queen Elizabeth National Park has to offer in terms of game viewing and boat excursions. This 5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and kazinga channel safari will give you an opportunity to visit both the north and southern parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The northern part of the Park is called Mweya and popular for game drives, boat cruises and nature walks while the Southern part of the park is referred to a Ishasha and is popular for lions that climb trees. Join us on our 5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and Kazinga channel safari to explore the best of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Summary of our 5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and Kazinga channel safari

  • Day 01: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 02: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga channel
  • Day 03: Drive to Ishasha for game drives in this part of Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Day 04: Morning and afternoon game drives in Ishasha
  • Day 05: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe International Airport

Things To Consider

  • Accommodation is Inclusive
  • Small Group Safari: Max 6 People per group
  • Tour Can Depart any day
  • Tour can be customized
  • Solo travelers can join this tour
  • Age Limit: 15 years and above

ITINERARY

Arrival

  • You’ll be picked up from the airport (or hotel)
  • Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged for extra cost

Day 1: Begin your 5 Day Ishasha tree climbing lions and Kazinga channel Safari

  • Morning/Transfer: You will be picked from your lodge early morning to drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Encounter Africa Safari guide will first brief you on what to expect, drive time and ensure that you have the right gear for your 5 Day Ishasha tree-climbing lions and Kazinga channel safari. This journey will take you through small towns along Kampala-Mbarara road. You will have an opportunity to see royal drum makers along the way, small markets and a stop at the Equator for stretching and photography will be worthwhile.
  • Afternoon/Lunch: You will have Lunch at a local restaurant en route and then proceed to Mweya Region for a short relaxation and an evening game drive if time allows.

Drive time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Lodging: Buffalo safari lodge(Midrange) or Elephant Plains Lodge/Kyambura Gorge lodge(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner


Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon Kazinga Boat cruise

  • Morning game drive: After an early morning cup of coffee or tea, you will drive to Kasenyi plains for your game drive design for you. Kasenyi plains boost of several wild animals whose chance of seeing them depends on your luck of the day. On a good day, you may spot big cats like lions and leopards hunting, buffaloes, elephants, several antelopes, warthogs and other small mammals.
  • Afternoon/Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch and then drive to Mweya peninsular for a two hour boat cruise on Kazinga channel. Kazinga channel has the highest concentration of hippos in the whole world, over 400 water bird species and is a place where most animals converge to drink water. You will have high chances of spotting hippos, birds, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and so much more. Retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Lodging: Buffalo safari lodge(Midrange) or Elephant Plains Lodge/Kyambura Gorge lodge(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


Day 3: Game drives and Community experience in Ishasha

  • Morning game drive: Enjoy and early morning game drive, check out of your Lodge and drive 2-3 hours to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park otherwise known as Ishasha.
  • Community visit: drive to Ishasha community uplift project to observe how the local community living near the park co-exist with wildlife harmoniously. You will visit a model family that will take you around to show you means used to stop animals from feeding on their crops and animals and will explain challenges faced and demonstrate opportunities available for both the community and wildlife conservation
  • Afternoon/Lunch: Return to the Lodge for lunch and spend the evening at leisure and Later dinner and overnight.

Drive time: Approximately 3 hours

Lodging: Ishasha Jungle Lodge(Midrange) or Ishasha Wilderness Lodge(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner


Day 4: Morning and afternoon game drives in Ishasha

  • Morning game drive: After breakfast, you will drive to Ishasha side of Queen Elizabeth National park for your morning game drive. Ishasha is popular for tree climbing lions and chances of seeing them climbing depends on your luck of the day. Ishasha has other animals like Buffaloes, Elephants, Antelopes and many othere. You may also drive to River Ishasha to see the border of Uganda and Democratice republic of Congo.
  • Afternoon/Lunch: Return to the Lodge for Lunch and then evening game drive in Ishasha.

Lodging: Ishasha Jungle Lodge(Midrange) or Ishasha Wilderness Lodge(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


Day 5: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe

  • Morning/Transfer: Having explored all parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park, we will drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight out.

TRIP COST

DETAILED COST PER PERSON SHARING

This is a private safari and can be booked by an individual or a group of people. Please contact our Safari consultants for a quote

Includes

  • All airport transfers
  • Accommodation and meal plan described above
  • Transport in a 4×4 Safari Van customized for safari
  • Fuel for this round trip
  • Services of an English Speaking driver guide
  • Game drives and a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
  • All activities and park fees mention above
  • Drinking water in the vehicle

Cost excludes

  • International Flights
  • Visa fees for Uganda at USD50
  • All expenses of personal Nature such as tips and drinks

TRANSPORT

DETAILED COST PER PERSON SHARING

Safari Vans

STANDARD: 4X4 SAFARI VAN

Our standard mode of transport is by road and we use 4×4 Safari Vans customized for game viewing and photography. Each safari van comes with a professionally trained driver guide and fuel for the whole safari. Our Safari vans have viewing hatches and each client is entitled to a window seat. Our Vans can take up to eight people. We also have 4×4 Super Customs very comfortable and stable on the road. These carry up to 5 people with their luggage. We also have 4×4 RAV 4 for a group of two people

Safari land cruiser

UPGRADE: 4X4 LUXURY SAFARI LANDCRUISER

We have luxury latest Land Cruisers each driven by professionally trained driver guides and fuel. They have pop-up roofs for proper game viewing and photography. They come with a small fridge for cooling your drinking water while on safari (which is always included while IN THE VEHICLE). They have inverters for charging small gadgets such as your smartphones and cameras. They can seat five to a maximum of seven people and each client is guaranteed of a window seat.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  • Gorilla permits: We encourage you to book gorilla permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.
  • Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impentrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
  • Gorilla trekking Regions: Bwindi has 4 gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. We shall book for you accommodation in respect to the permits location.
  • Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country.
  • Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain in Bwindi, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,
  • Age Limit: The Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above, please ensure all travelers are aged 15years and above.
  • Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Bwindi has all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.
  • Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi, Flights take 1-2 hours, and driving takes 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi. For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Landcruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.
  • Best time to visit: Bwindi can be visited all year round for gorilla trekking, The most preffered time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.
  • Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek, See regulations here.
  • Chances of Seeing the Gorillas:  The chances of seeing gorillas are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.
  • Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it  and communicate to your guide.
  • Gorilla Habituation experience: Bwindi has an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas called gorillas habituation,  the is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens
  • Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi namely Birding, Batwa cutural experience, Nature walks, Community visits.  All these can suppliment your gorilla trek in Bwindi.
  • Trip cost estimate: The cost of the 3day gorilla tour ranges from USD1300 to USD2860 per person, based on your travel style which is Budget to Luxury. The cost Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services.
  • About Bwindi: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla famillies in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Read the real stories and experiences shared by fellow travellers who've travelled with Encounter Africa Safaris.

GOOGLE REVIEWS (Over 40+ Reviews)

Gorilla Safaris: Encounter Africa Safaris Ltd
Gorilla Safaris: Encounter Africa Safaris Ltd
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4.744 Google reviews
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Laura Gooch profile picture
Laura Gooch
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We had the most amazing trip with Encounter safaris. Dennis helped plan our itinerary to match some specific requests and Patrick our driver was kind, knowledgeable and fun! Our trip included visiting the Gorillas, chimpanzees and Murchison Falls - an unforgettable trip. Thank you!
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Daniel C
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We recently completed a memorable trip organized by Encounter Africa, traveling from Kigali, Rwanda to Entebbe, Uganda, and overall, the experience was overall excellent. Right from the start, everything was well-organized, and the itinerary was thoughtfully planned. The lodges selected for our stay were generally of a high standard, offering comfort, great service, and beautiful surroundings. There was one exception during the trip where a lodge didn’t meet expectations, but we were very impressed with how quickly and professionally Encounter Africa responded. They changed the accommodation immediately without fuss, showing a strong commitment to guest satisfaction. A major highlight of the trip was our guide, Richard (Instagram: @richardmrtravels). Richard was nothing short of fantasti....knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to help. Whether we had questions about the places we visited, needed assistance with logistics, or just wanted to learn more about the region, Richard was our go-to person. He’s highly recommended if you want a top-notch guide who truly cares about your experience. The gorilla and chimpanzee tracking excursions were absolutely unforgettable—well coordinated, with expert local trackers, and truly one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters. The only downside of the trip was the standard of transport provided. The vehicle’s air conditioning was not functioning properly, which made some of the longer drives uncomfortable, especially during the hotter parts of the day
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Anthony Maestri
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Patrick was our tour guide and he was nothing short of amazing. He helped to make my wife and my honeymoon unforgettable. He made us feel totally comfortable and and was a pleasure to get to talk with and learn more about Uganda. Without hesitation I recommend his service. Uganda will hold a special place in our heart, in my ways because of Patrick’s level of service and caring nature. The chimp trekking and gorilla hiking were a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t hesitate to use this company and make sure to ask for Patrick!
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Juma Taremwa
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Calm and organized
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Ghazal
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Well organized and reliable company. Everything was planned to our fullest satisfaction. I can recommend this company anytime🦍❤️
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Nick Presser
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Incredible safari company that I will happily use again. If I could give 6 stars I would. Monica is a true standout in the office, and I appreciate her and her work so much. Obed is a wonderful guide and feel so lucky to have been paired with him.
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Nelson Mugisha
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Staff are friendly and helpful

TRIP ADVISOR (Over 450+ Reviews)

Excellent rating
Based on 473 reviews
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Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Cannot think of the words. Awe inspiring and empowering All I can say is wow, but I will say a lot more. From the first contact with Denis at HQ at the numerous enquires and changes along the way this group at Encounter Africa Safaris have been fantastic. Then touching base with Godwin Amanya at Kisoro to do the Gorilla experience was awesome. What a great guy and host and I will never forget his suggestion to go and visit the local village and the Batwa community. Truly inspiring❤️❤️❤️
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Stephen Davis
4 November 2025
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Gorilla/chimpanzee trekking We took a 14-day tour of Uganda – with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking – and are absolutely thrilled! The whole organization was perfect from start to finish. Everything went smoothly: Transfers, accommodation, meals and activities were excellently coordinated.The highlight was of course the encounters with the gorillas in Bwindi National Park and the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest – an unforgettable experience we will never forget.Our guide deserves special praise. He was not only extremely competent and experienced, but also incredibly friendly, helpful and flexible. Thanks to his warm nature we felt safe and well looked after throughout the trip. He told us a lot about nature, wildlife and life in Uganda and made the trip very special.We can fully recommend this tour – it was a perfectly organized, varied and unforgettable trip through a beautiful country with warm people.
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Patrick F
25 October 2025
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The trip of a lifetime. This was the adventure of a lifetime. Being able to be so close to these majestic animals in their natural habitat was breathtaking. Our trip was only two days in duration and in hindsight I would have loved to have done a two day trip. Our trek into the forest was a relatively short one and with only eight people in the group was just the perfect number.Our driver/ guide Jason was the perfect host being so knowledgeable about the gorillas and the local communities surrounding the forest. Our consultant Denis whom we communicated with from the very start of of this experience was nothing short of excellent!! The communication at all times was professional, informative and quick. At times during our hour spent with the gorilla family I had to pinch myself to remind me that this was actually for real and not some excellent wildlife documentary. Words and pictures don’t really convey the remarkable experience that this was. If you are reading this then I would encourage you to have this experience for yourself. Encounter Africa Safaris we’re 5 star from begin to end.
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Donald A
23 October 2025
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Solo Female Traveler in Uganda - Exceptional experience while feeling safe Being a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly cared for in both the planning and the actual vacation. Denis and the Encounter Africa Safari Team helped me decide on how to book my trip within my budget and with hotels that don't penalize you for staying alone. Beyond that, they provided last-minute changes (about a week before) to what I wanted to see. When my driver arrived, it was a VERY early transfer from a different tour group in the high Bwindi Mountains. Huge shout out to Patrick (my driver), he was very knowledgeable, and has such PASSION for what he does. Not as someone who just bogs you down with all the information in his head (which he was able to answer all my many, many, many many questions) but truly wants to know what would make your vacation the BEST one, what you care about seeing, and provides a view of Uganda through a local's eyes and why it is beautiful to them. He helped me see beyond just the incredible experiences of the Safaris, Nile, Kazinga Channel, and White Water Rafting - but also the people, locations that are off the beaten path, and what truly makes Uganda special and unique in so many ways. I hope to return soon! Thank you for making this investment in memories worth every penny, and for helping me feel safe and respected by both the company staff and every person in the hotels and those we met along the way.
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Culture Trekking
21 October 2025
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Fantastic tour We had the most amazing experience with Encounter Safaris. Denis understood all our requirements and planned the perfect trip for us. Patrick was the best guide (I wish we could bottle his laugh and take it back to England). He was super knowledgeable, answered all our questions and made us feel really comfortable and relaxed.I would definitely recommend Encounter safaris to friends and family and we REALLY hope to be back.
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Laura22015
11 October 2025
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Best trip ever Best tour of my life!!! Very organized and my transportation Godwin was amazing. I learned so much about Rwanda and Uganda before the trip even started. When we did the hike, I felt very safe due to the guides and rangers and they were all very knowledgeable. Worth every penny
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Jordan Spriggs
26 September 2025
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An Amazing Safari Experience in Uganda This was my very first safari in Uganda and it was truly unforgettable. Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes are simply breathtaking, and every day felt like a new adventure.A special thank you to our guide Patrick, who was absolutely outstanding – knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate. He made the whole experience smooth, safe, and incredibly enjoyable.I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Highly recommended!
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Tristan L
17 September 2025
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An unforgettable immersion in the heart of Ugandan nature 🌿 An unforgettable stay in Uganda! The observation of gorillas and chimpanzees will remain in my memory. The Jeep rhino tour with a private guide was amazing. Everything was perfectly organized, respectful of nature and animals. A magical experience that I recommend 100%!A thought also for our guide Patrick who was simply perfect
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Alexandre R
17 September 2025
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Professional, Responsive, and Reliable – Excellent Experience with Encounter Africa Safaris We had a fantastic experience with Encounter Africa Safaris in Uganda. From the very beginning, their communication was fast, clear, and professional. Monica, in particular, was incredibly responsive and helpful — she answered every question promptly and with genuine care, which gave us great peace of mind while planning our trip.We chose the two-day, one-night itinerary starting and ending in Kigali, with a border crossing into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Everything ran smoothly from pickup to drop-off at Kigali Airport.Our driver, Edgar, was outstanding — calm, friendly, and extremely skilled behind the wheel. Navigating the rough, winding gravel roads to Bwindi is no small task, but Edgar handled it with ease and confidence. We always felt safe and well taken care of, even in the most remote areas.The logistics were smooth, the planning thoughtful, and the overall experience was exactly what we hoped for — efficient, well-organized, and stress-free.If you're considering a safari or gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, I can highly recommend Encounter Africa Safaris for their professionalism, personal touch, and great team.
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Yalie'00
16 September 2025
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Amazing experience I did the 3 day gorilla experience from Kigali and the whole trip was fantastic. From the initial planning with Denis who answered ALL my questions and queries. I was a little nervous about booking directly and online however the company was really professional. I was picked up in Kigali by Godwin and then taken to the Genocide museum then we had a beautiful dive through the Rwandan and Ugandan countryside. I stayed at the Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge where the staff were really friendly and with beautiful views of the forest from my bungalow. The gorilla trekking was such a great experience, we got to spent an hour with a family of about 15, I still cannot believe how close we were. On the trip back to Rwanda I had time to drop in at Bunyonyi Lake and did a 2 hour boat trip before being dropped back at Kigali Airport. I enjoyed the whole trip, Godwin took great care of me. I will return again in the future and definitely recommend. Thank you to the Encounter Africa team.
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lillypilli
12 September 2025

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