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Private High-End & Midrange Wildlife Safaris

3-Day Queen Elizabeth Tree-Climbing Lion Safari

Voyage into the scenic rift valley floors to trace legendary tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, cruise the bustling wildlife highway of the Kazinga Channel, and witness huge herds of savannah wildlife.

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Location
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodations
Luxury & Midrange
Vehicle Type
4x4 Private Cruiser
Experience Uganda's Premier Wildlife Park

The Tree-Climbing Lion & Rift Valley Savannah Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park is arguably Uganda’s most famous ecosystem, framed by the majestic Rwenzori mountains and the sparkling crater networks of the Albertine Rift Valley. On this private, expertly guided tour, you'll travel through classic grasslands home to elephants, leopards, Uganda kobs, giant forest hogs, and over 600 bird species.

Your journey is designed with pacing optimization. In the northern Kasenyi Plains, we track predators on early morning drives. In the southern Ishasha Plains, we embark on specialized track-scouting for the world-renowned tree-climbing lions resting in the giant fig trees. Midday, you'll cruise the Kazinga Channel—a natural canal linking Lakes Edward and George, offering phenomenal photography opportunities with hippos, crocodiles, and watering elephants.

Every element is customized by our expert local consultants to ensure safe, seamless, and high-value travel for our guests from Europe, the US, Canada, and the UK.

Safari Highlights

  • Search for the legendary tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
  • Premium boat cruise on the natural Kazinga Channel
  • Sunrise predator tracking drives in the Kasenyi plains
  • A scenic drive past volcanic crater lakes and the Equator monument
  • Stunning photographic views of the Rwenzori mountain ranges
Transparent Pricing & Tier Details

Select Your Safari Tier

Tailor-made options built for seamless high-end travel. Book securely or contact us for personalized luxury groups.

Midrange Safaris
$1,150
USD per person (Min. 2 travelers)
  • Accommodation: Enganzi Lodge or Kasenyi Safari Camp
  • Fully-featured 4x4 Custom Safari Land Cruiser
  • Private English-speaking Specialist Driver/Guide
  • All Park Entry Permits, Boat Cruises & Lion tracking fees
  • Full Board Meals throughout your safari
Pay & Secure Midrange Tier
Top Rated Experience
Luxury Safaris
$2,250
USD per person (Min. 2 travelers)
  • Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Elephant Plains Lodge
  • Premium 4x4 Safari Cruiser with extended photography roof
  • Elite Lead Guide with advanced birding/ecology expertise
  • All Park Entries, boat cruise permits, and private game drives
  • All meals, select premium drinks, and bespoke wilderness service
Pay & Secure Luxury Tier
The Journey Plan

Your Complete Day-By-Day Itinerary

Meticulously optimized travel times with maximum pacing for photographic wildlife viewings.

Day 1

Equator Stop, Crater Drives & Afternoon Arrival

Your safari begins with a morning pickup from your hotel or Entebbe Airport. Travel westward through fertile agricultural farmlands to the Kayabwe Equator Crossing for a fascinating geographical experiment and lunch. Wind through the tea-plantation hills of Fort Portal and enjoy a stunning scenic drive across the edge of the crater lake networks.

Ascend into the rift valley with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains as you cross into the park borders. Enjoy an introductory evening game drive searching for elephants and antelopes before checking in to your lodge.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2

Morning Predator Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Set out at sunrise for a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Your professional guide will track lion prides returning from hunts, nocturnal leopards, and giant forest hogs. The plains are rich with Uganda kobs, buffalo herds, and waterbucks.

In the afternoon, experience the highlight of the park: a 2-hour private boat cruise on the natural Kazinga Channel. This waterway supports the world's largest concentration of hippos. Get remarkably close to elephants, buffalo herds, and water birds quenching their thirst at the water's edge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3

Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha & Travel Back to Kampala/Entebbe

Following breakfast, drive south to the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This sector is famous for tree-climbing lions resting on horizontal branches of giant fig trees. Scan the trees for this majestic sight, along with massive Topi herds roaming the plains.

After a memorable morning drive, begin your return journey via the scenic Western Rift Valley corridor. Enjoy a lunch stop in Mbarara before arriving back in Kampala or Entebbe Airport in the evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

What is Included

  • Private 4x4 Custom Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • All Queen Elizabeth National Park vehicle & park entry fees
  • Professional, English-speaking expert safari guide
  • Scenic crater lake tour and Equator crossing tour
  • Exclusive private Kazinga Channel launch cruise
  • Bespoke tree-climbing lion tracking in the Ishasha sector
  • Accommodation for 2 nights on a full board basis
  • Complimentary bottled water in the vehicle at all times

What is Excluded

  • International Flights & Visa Fees (Uganda Tourist Visa is $50 USD)
  • Gratuities and tips for your professional guide and lodge staff
  • Personal expenses (spa, souvenirs, laundry, premium alcohol)
  • Bespoke options such as hot air balloon safari over the rift valley
  • Travel and medical insurance
Comfort & Luxury Handpicked

Where You Will Sleep

We partner exclusively with verified eco-lodges that combine high levels of hospitality with rich environmental ethics.

Midrange Safari Standard

Enganzi Game Lodge

Perched on a hillside overlooking the spectacular Queen Elizabeth savannah, Enganzi provides rustic, comfortable cottages with spacious decks and private, clean bathrooms, keeping you close to nature.

Premium Luxury Experience

Mweya Safari Lodge

Located on a peninsula in the heart of Queen Elizabeth, Mweya Safari Lodge offers luxury rooms, a swimming pool overlooking the Kazinga Channel, and top-tier fine dining services.

The Photographic Experience

Authentic Safari Moments

A Team Built On Integrity

Your Dedicated Safari Experts

Meet the dedicated destination specialists steering your classic journey from inquiry to farewell.

Samuel Ojok - Managing Director

Samuel Ojok

Managing Director (U.K. Based)

Coordinating high-end travel logistics and bridging operations directly with European and American clientele to deliver premium travel safety standards.

Fassie Adyero - Chief Operations Officer

Fassie Adyero

Chief Operations Officer (Uganda)

Our on-the-ground operational anchor ensuring all private vehicles, permits, guides, and five-star lodge check-ins run flawlessly in the wild.

Brian Ogenrwot - Tour Consultant

Brian Ogenrwot

Tour Consultant (Uganda)

Our custom destination expert, handcrafting itineraries and tailoring Murchison Falls routes to match your group size and pacing preferences.

Stories From Our Travelers

Verified Safari Experiences

True feedback from clients who booked their premium wildlife safaris through Wander and Wonder.

★★★★★

"Tracking tree-climbing lions was surreal. Our private cruiser was incredibly clean and the guide made us feel completely secure throughout. Wander and Wonder is standard-setting."

Richard B.
California, USA
★★★★★

"Excellent organizational standards. Kazinga channel cruise was full of wildlife, and Mweya Lodge has the most spectacular views. Great coordination by the UK and Uganda team."

Laura & James G.
Munich, Germany
★★★★★

"Flawless trip. From custom catering to the tracking timing, Brian tailored our itinerary beautifully. We are already planning our gorilla trekking extension for next season."

Sophie T.
Paris, France
Clear Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to key planning questions regarding your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Is it guaranteed that we will spot the tree-climbing lions?
While wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed, the Ishasha sector is the premier spot in East Africa for this phenomenon. Our expert guides are in constant communication with local rangers to maximize your spotting opportunities.
What is the driving time from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The drive is approximately 6 to 7 hours. However, we break the journey beautifully with an informative Equator crossing stop, a scenic lunch, and crater lake views to ensure your comfort.
Are domestic flight options available instead of driving?
Yes. We can customize this itinerary to include local charter flights from Entebbe International Airport directly to the Kasese or Mweya Airstrips to completely bypass road travel.
What should I pack for this specific savannah safari?
We recommend light neutral-colored clothing, comfortable closed shoes, a sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, binoculars, and a high-zoom camera.
Direct Lead Channel

Ready to Design Your Journey?

Complete the form on the right. Our tour consultant, Brian Ogenrwot, typically reviews inquiries and replies within 12 hours with a fully mapped safari overview.

For expedited bookings or live emergency consultation, contact our direct business channels below:

Calls & WhatsApp Support
+44 7826 805254
Email for Bookings
bookings@wanderandwonderug.com
General Inquiries
info@wanderandwonderug.com