Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park sit close enough together that a single well paced week covers chimpanzee trekking and savannah game drives, including the rare tree climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, without feeling rushed.
Here is how the days typically break down.
Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park are a short drive apart, letting a single itinerary combine chimpanzee trekking in dense rainforest with savannah game drives and Ishasha's tree climbing lions within the same week.
- Distance: a short drive separates Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Chimpanzee trekking: a full morning in one of Africa's highest primate density forests.
- Tree climbing lions: found almost exclusively in Ishasha, a rare behaviour.
- Kazinga Channel: a boat cruise adds wildlife viewing at water level.
- Pacing: comfortably covered in a 7 day itinerary.
| Days | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Kibale Forest, chimpanzee trekking |
| 3-5 | Queen Elizabeth NP, Ishasha lions and Kazinga Channel |
| 6-7 | Return transfer to Entebbe |
1. Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale
Kibale holds one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, and chimpanzee trekking here typically runs a shorter, easier morning than gorilla trekking, with high sighting success rates.
2. The Short Drive To Queen Elizabeth
A relatively short transfer connects Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping this combination efficient rather than adding a long driving day.
Read More: Full itinerary: the 7 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Adventure3. Ishasha's Tree Climbing Lions
One of the only places on earth where lions regularly climb trees, resting in the branches during the heat of the day. Sightings are never guaranteed, but this sector's reputation is well earned.
4. The Kazinga Channel
A boat cruise along one of the most wildlife dense stretches of water in Uganda rounds out the trip, with close views of hippo, elephant and buffalo from the water.
Forest And Savannah, One Well Paced Week
Kibale and Queen Elizabeth's proximity makes this one of our most efficient wildlife combinations, without cutting time from either experience.
Want chimps and tree climbing lions on the same trip? Tell us your dates and we will confirm the route.
Start PlanningFrequently Asked Questions
Are tree climbing lion sightings guaranteed?
No, this is wild, free-roaming behaviour, though Ishasha's reputation for it is well established.
How difficult is chimpanzee trekking compared to gorilla trekking?
Generally shorter and less strenuous, though terrain and duration vary depending on where the group has moved.
How long is the drive between Kibale and Queen Elizabeth?
A few hours, considerably shorter than most other park to park transfers in Uganda.
