Combining lion and leopard tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi is one of the best ways to experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife diversity in a single safari.

Instead of choosing between a classic savanna safari and a mountain gorilla adventure, travelers can combine both. Begin your journey in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where guided game drives offer opportunities to search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and other wildlife. You can then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.

With Mambo Gorilla Safaris, this type of Uganda safari can be customized around your travel dates, budget, preferred accommodation and desired activities.

Quick Answer: Can You Combine Lion and Leopard Tracking With Gorilla Trekking?

Yes. A Uganda safari can combine wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s important wildlife destinations and is known for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hippos and numerous bird species. The Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Bwindi, meanwhile, provides the opportunity to trek habituated mountain gorilla families in their natural forest habitat.

For travelers who want both experiences, Mambo Gorilla Safaris can organize a customized itinerary connecting the two destinations.

Why Combine Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi?

Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi offer completely different safari experiences.

In Queen Elizabeth, the landscape changes from open savanna to wetlands, lakes, forests and wildlife-rich areas. The park is home to predators such as lions and leopards as well as large herbivores including elephants, buffaloes and Uganda kobs.

Bwindi provides an entirely different adventure. Instead of searching across open plains, you hike through dense montane forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Combining the two gives you the chance to experience:

Lion sightings
Leopard sightings
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
African elephants
Cape buffaloes
Uganda kobs and other antelopes
Hippos
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Mountain gorilla trekking
Bwindi forest scenery
Local cultural experiences
Bird watching
Scenic drives through southwestern Uganda

It is therefore an excellent choice for travelers who want a wildlife and gorilla safari in Uganda rather than a gorilla trek alone.

Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lions are among the most sought-after predators on a Uganda safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park provides opportunities to search for lions during guided game drives, particularly around the Kasenyi plains and other wildlife-rich areas.

The park is also famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

Unlike the typical image of lions resting on the ground, Ishasha’s lions are sometimes found relaxing in the branches of large fig and other trees.

The behavior is not guaranteed on every visit, but seeing a lion resting in a tree can be one of the most memorable experiences of a Uganda safari. Uganda Wildlife Authority also identifies Ishasha as a notable area for tree-climbing lions.

What Makes Ishasha Special?

Ishasha is located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is particularly attractive to travelers combining wildlife and gorilla trekking because of its location near Bwindi.

Mambo Gorilla Safaris already offers a 5-day Ishasha tree-climbing lions and Bwindi gorillas safari, demonstrating how naturally the two experiences can be combined.

Leopard Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leopards are another major attraction for travelers visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Unlike lions, leopards are generally more elusive and can be difficult to spot. They are solitary predators that may remain hidden in vegetation or move through an area without being easily noticed.

This makes leopard viewing a genuine wildlife-searching experience.

During a game drive, your experienced safari guide will use knowledge of the park, recent wildlife activity and suitable habitats to help search for predators.

According to Uganda Wildlife Authority information, leopard sightings can occur around areas such as Mweya and the Channel Track, although sightings remain unpredictable because these are wild animals.

Is Leopard Sightseeing Guaranteed?

No.

This is important when planning your safari.

Neither leopard nor lion sightings should be presented as guaranteed. Wildlife moves freely through the park, and sightings depend on factors such as location, weather, time of day and animal behavior.

The excitement comes from searching for wildlife in its natural environment rather than visiting a controlled enclosure.

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Bwindi Gorillas

If your main interest is combining predators with gorillas, consider including the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in your itinerary.

Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions and is strategically located for travelers continuing toward Bwindi.

A typical combination can look like:

Queen Elizabeth National Park → Ishasha → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

or, depending on your itinerary:

Bwindi → Ishasha → Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mambo’s published itinerary combines two nights in Bwindi with two nights in Ishasha, including gorilla trekking and wildlife game drives. The company also notes that the itinerary can be customized.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives are one of the best ways to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park.

With a 4×4 safari vehicle and an experienced guide, you can explore wildlife areas while searching for predators and other animals.

Possible sightings include:

Lions
Leopards
Elephants
Buffaloes
Uganda kobs
Warthogs
Waterbucks
Antelopes
Hippos
Hyenas
Different bird species

The exact wildlife you see will depend on the day and location.

Mambo’s existing Queen Elizabeth safari includes guided game drives and describes the park as a destination for viewing lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

A safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park does not have to be limited to game drives.

You can also include a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

The Kazinga Channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is one of the park’s most important wildlife attractions. The waterway attracts hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and numerous water birds.

A boat cruise gives you a different perspective from a game drive.

Instead of searching for animals from a safari vehicle, you travel along the water and observe wildlife gathered around the channel.

For travelers with enough time, combining:

Game drive + predator search + Kazinga Channel boat cruise

creates a much more complete Queen Elizabeth safari.

Mambo’s published Queen Elizabeth itinerary includes both game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

From Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi

After exploring Queen Elizabeth, your safari can continue toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

One advantage of including the southern Ishasha sector is that it can create a logical connection between Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.

The journey itself is part of the adventure, taking you through the changing landscapes of southwestern Uganda.

As you approach Bwindi, the open savanna landscape gradually gives way to the dramatic forested hills associated with the Albertine Rift.

This creates an exciting transition:

Savanna wildlife → Ishasha → Bwindi rainforest → Mountain gorillas

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is the highlight for many travelers on this combined safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most important mountain gorilla destinations.

On trekking day, you report to the appropriate park headquarters for briefing before entering the forest with trained rangers and trackers.

The trek involves walking through dense forest and sometimes steep terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family.

Once you locate the gorillas, you spend the permitted viewing time observing them in their natural environment.

Mambo’s 3-day Bwindi gorilla tour includes gorilla trekking and a Batwa cultural encounter, with transport in a 4×4 vehicle, professional guide, accommodation, meals and activities included according to the published itinerary.

What Can You Expect During Gorilla Trekking?

Your trek may involve:

Walking through dense forest
Crossing uneven or muddy terrain
Climbing or descending steep slopes
Following gorilla trails
Listening for sounds from the forest
Searching for the assigned gorilla family
Observing gorillas at close range
Learning about gorilla behavior from trackers and guides

The duration and difficulty can vary considerably because gorillas are wild animals and move through the forest.

Lion and Leopard Tracking vs Gorilla Trekking

Although both activities involve wildlife, they are very different experiences.

Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari	Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Open savanna and woodland	Dense rainforest
Search for lions and leopards	Search for a habituated gorilla family
Mainly vehicle-based	Mainly hiking
Game viewing	Primate trekking
Wildlife moves freely	Trek follows gorilla movements
May include Kazinga boat cruise	May include cultural/community experience
Best for predators and savanna wildlife	Best for mountain gorillas

Combining them allows you to experience two very different sides of Uganda.

How Many Days Do You Need?

The ideal duration depends on your priorities.

4-Day Safari

A short itinerary can combine:

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drive
Gorilla trekking
Travel between destinations

However, this can be relatively fast-paced.

5-Day Safari

Five days provides a better balance.

A possible itinerary is:

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Day 3: Transfer to Ishasha and evening game drive
Day 4: Morning and afternoon game drives in Ishasha
Day 5: Return toward Kampala or Entebbe

This closely follows the structure of Mambo’s existing Ishasha tree-climbing lions and Bwindi gorillas safari.

6–7 Days

A longer safari allows you to slow down and add Queen Elizabeth activities such as:

Additional game drives
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Ishasha game drives
Cultural experiences
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, subject to availability
Extra accommodation nights

For travelers who want both wildlife and gorillas without rushing, 5–7 days is an excellent range.

Sample 6-Day Lion, Leopard and Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meet your Mambo safari guide and begin your journey toward western Uganda.

Depending on your departure time, you can make stops along the way before continuing toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Arrive at your lodge, relax and prepare for the following day’s wildlife activities.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 2: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with a game drive through the park.

Search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and other wildlife.

Later, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

The cruise provides opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and water birds.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth to Ishasha

After breakfast, travel toward the southern Ishasha sector.

Enjoy the changing scenery and, depending on the itinerary and timing, take an afternoon game drive searching for the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.

Overnight: Ishasha

Day 4: Ishasha to Bwindi

Enjoy a morning game drive before continuing toward Bwindi.

Arrive at your lodge and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Overnight: Bwindi

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing.

Enter the forest with the ranger and tracking team and begin your search for a habituated mountain gorilla family.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax.

Depending on your schedule, a cultural experience can also be added.

Overnight: Bwindi

Day 6: Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe

Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.

Depending on your flight schedule, Mambo can customize the final day around your onward travel plans.

Can You Add Chimpanzee Trekking?

Yes, chimpanzee trekking can be considered when building a longer Uganda primate safari.

One option is Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, subject to permit availability and the current itinerary.

Alternatively, travelers with more time can combine Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi with Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s major chimpanzee trekking destinations.

This can turn your trip into a broader Uganda primate and wildlife safari featuring:

Chimpanzees + Lions + Leopards + Elephants + Gorillas

Mambo already publishes longer wildlife and primate itineraries covering destinations including Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo.

Best Time for a Lion, Leopard and Gorilla Safari in Uganda

Uganda can be visited throughout the year.

However, your preferred travel period may depend on whether you prioritize easier trekking conditions, wildlife viewing, photography, lower-season travel or availability.

For gorilla trekking, conditions in the forest can change quickly. Rain is possible even during generally drier periods.

For wildlife viewing, game drives are possible throughout the year, although animal behavior and visibility can vary with seasonal conditions.

Rather than choosing dates based solely on weather, it is better to consider:

Gorilla permit availability
Accommodation availability
Your preferred safari duration
Wildlife activities
International flight schedule
Budget
Trekking fitness
Photography priorities

Mambo can help build the itinerary around your preferred dates.

What to Pack for a Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

For this combined safari, pack for both game drives and forest trekking.

Photography Tips for Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi

Wildlife photography requires patience.

In Queen Elizabeth, keep your camera ready because predators may appear unexpectedly.

For leopard photography, a longer lens can be particularly useful because leopards may remain some distance from the vehicle.

In Bwindi, photography is different. Dense vegetation and changing light conditions can make gorilla photography challenging.

Bring extra batteries and memory cards, and follow all ranger instructions when photographing gorillas.

Most importantly, respect the animals and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.

Why Book This Safari With Mambo Gorilla Safaris?

Mambo Gorilla Safaris specializes in Uganda and wider East African safari experiences and publishes safari itineraries combining wildlife, primates and gorilla trekking.

For example, Mambo offers:

3-day Bwindi gorilla trekking
3-day Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari
5-day Ishasha tree-climbing lions and Bwindi gorillas
Longer wildlife and primate safaris
Customized safari arrangements

Mambo’s published Ishasha and Bwindi itinerary specifically combines gorilla trekking with wildlife viewing in Ishasha and states that the tour can be customized.

When planning your safari, Mambo can help you choose the appropriate route, accommodation level, safari duration and activities according to your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I combine lion and leopard tracking with gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Yes. Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi can be combined in one Uganda safari. The itinerary can include game drives for lions and leopards followed by gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

2. Where can I see lions in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s leading destinations for lion viewing. The Ishasha sector is particularly famous for tree-climbing lions.

3. Where can I see leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Leopards occur in Queen Elizabeth National Park and may be encountered during game drives, including around Mweya and the Channel Track. However, leopard sightings are unpredictable because they are wild and elusive animals.

4. Can I see tree-climbing lions and mountain gorillas on the same safari?

Yes. Mambo Gorilla Safaris already publishes a 5-day itinerary combining Ishasha tree-climbing lions with Bwindi gorilla trekking.

5. How many days do I need?

A 5-day safari can provide a good combination of gorilla trekking and Ishasha wildlife viewing. Six or seven days allows more time for Queen Elizabeth activities such as additional game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

6. Are lion and leopard sightings guaranteed?

No. Lions and leopards are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will search suitable wildlife areas based on conditions and animal movements.

7. Is gorilla trekking difficult?

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through a natural forest environment and can involve steep, muddy or uneven terrain. The difficulty varies depending on where the gorilla family is located on the day of your trek.

8. Can I add a Kazinga Channel boat cruise?

Yes. The Kazinga Channel is one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s major attractions and can be included in a longer itinerary.

9. Can Mambo customize the safari?

Yes. Mambo’s published Ishasha and Bwindi itinerary states that the tour can be customized.

10. Can I add chimpanzee trekking?

Yes. Chimpanzee trekking can be considered in Queen Elizabeth’s Kyambura Gorge or incorporated into a longer itinerary through Kibale Forest, subject to permit availability.

Plan Your Uganda Lion, Leopard and Gorilla Safari With Mambo

A safari combining lion and leopard tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi gives you an extraordinary combination of Uganda’s savanna and rainforest experiences.

You can search for lions and elusive leopards on game drives, look for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel and then enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of mountain gorillas.

Whether you are planning a 5-day Uganda wildlife and gorilla safari, a longer 7-day adventure or a customized East African itinerary, Mambo Gorilla Safaris can help design the trip around your interests, budget and travel dates.

Ready to combine Uganda’s big cats with mountain gorillas? Contact Mambo Gorilla Safaris today for a customized itinerary and quotation.