Uganda luxury gorillas and lions safari

Entebbe is the jump-off point for most Uganda safari holidays, as it is home to the country’s only international airport.

It’s also the hub for light-aircraft flights to all the main attractions, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park.

Most stays in Entebbe will be short and sweet, providing a place of rest and recharge after a long international journey, ahead of an early flight out the following morning. However, for those willing to stay longer, its location on the northern shore of Lake Victoria provides a charming setting for a buzzing town

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is a spectacular national park with a diversity of wildlife and habitat that’s tough to beat.

Uganda’s answer to the big game reserves of Kenya and Tanzania, QENP is the most visited national park in Uganda. With almost 2,000 square kilometres to explore, it’s easy to see why.

The park is located in the west of Uganda and stretches from Lake George in the north east to the Virunga mountains in the south west.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its population of tree-climbing lions, who rest in fig trees. This unusual behaviour can be observed in the Ishasha area of the park in the south west.

The Kasenyi sector of the park, close to Lake George, is home to the greatest density of wildlife, including large herds of elephant, buffalo, and varied antelope, such as the Ugandan Kob.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most magical and evocative safari locations on the planet.

Its name alone conjures up images of mist-covered rainforest, home to the legendary mountain gorillas.

Once at risk of extinction, the gorilla population of Bwindi is now thriving, thanks to tireless conservation efforts and the benefits of international tourism. Today, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to more than 50% of the world’s wild mountain gorillas.

Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi is also home to some stunning hiking trails, phenomenal community co-operatives, and colourful birdlife. In short, no Uganda safari holiday would be complete without some time spent here.

No.5 Boutique Hotel is a lovely, modern property, ideally located close to the international airport.

Entebbe is the start and end point for most Uganda safari holidays; No.5 Boutique Hotel provides the perfect sanctuary to catch breath and ease tired legs.

The property is built around a lawned courtyard, complete with an appealing swimming pool for cooling off in the day. The service is excellent and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home.

Accommodation is provided in a choice of luxury rooms and two-storey apartments. All have air-conditioning and comfortable furnishings. The apartments have the added benefit of a balcony and an open plan living room and kitchenette.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an authentic tented safari experience located in a stunning area of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The Ishasha sector of the park is remote and unspoiled, and with no other accommodation in the area this feels like true wilderness. Close to the border with the DRC, the Virunga mountains form the backdrop to open savanna and grasslands. Wildlife in this part of the park is abundant and the area is famed for its unusual, tree-climbing lions that take refuge from the heat in the branches of fig trees.

The ten luxury canvas tents are spacious and kitted out with all you’ll need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The hot-water bucket showers add a touch of authenticity, as do the flushing eco-toilets. Ishasha Wilderness is a camp built to have a minimal footprint amongst the pristine surroundings.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is one of the few properties located within the boundary of the national park, and is the most established luxury camp in Uganda.

The tent luxury tents are nestled into the jungle canopy, each complete with stylish furnishings, a bathtub, and indoor shower. All rooms can be converted to triples, which is perfect for those travelling with children. The electric blanket will keep you cosy at night.

The Sanctuary focus on wellness shines through, with a gym bag in the rooms and a spa in the guest area. In the evening, guests sit around the outdoor fireplace for sundowners and cocktails. A guest entertainer plays traditional music on an African harp and shares stories.

The camp has established a philanthropy project at Bwindi Community Hospital, which is well worth a visit. For those looking to complement their gorilla trekking with other activities, we recommend organising guided birding walks with a local expert, or a forest walk to the Munyaga waterfall.

Most visits to Entebbe will involve little more than a welcome meal and perhaps some time by the pool in one of its charming hotels. However, there is much more to enjoy for those who would like to spend a little more time in the city.

Recently, modern shopping malls have been built offering a variety of retail choices. There’s also a scenic golf course to enjoy. The botanical gardens provide an attractive respite in the city centre.

The proximity to Lake Victoria also means that visitors can head out on the lake and enjoy observing the birdlife and wildlife to be found there.

Experience an unforgettable Big Five safari in Uganda’s underrated Queen Elizabeth National Park – a breathtaking expanse of savannah, wetlands, and equatorial forest nestled between Lakes Edward and George.

With iconic species like elephants, lions, and leopards thriving amidst diverse ecosystems, this park offers classic safari adventures, from game drives to boat safaris along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. Encounter herds of buffalo and spot elusive leopards against a backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains—a perfect destination for a quintessential African wildlife experience.

Mountain gorillas are only found in two locations in Africa, one of which is Bwindi, where 50% of their number are found.

A day of gorilla trekking involves walking through pristine rainforest, followed by an hour spent in the company of a gorilla family. You’ll be amazed at how they interact; their social hierarchy, and how they tend their young. This hour will be one to live on in the memory forever.