Overview
A Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in East Africa. Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
This 3-day safari in Uganda is designed for travellers seeking a compact yet immersive adventure. From sweeping savannah plains and volcanic crater lakes to the iconic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, the park delivers breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Highlights
- Thrilling game drives in the Kasenyi Plains with chances to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes
- Scenic Kazinga Channel boat cruise with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife
- Optional chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- Opportunity to spot tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
- Stunning landscapes featuring crater lakes and the Great Rift Valley
Itinerary
Morning – Departure from Kampala & Journey Begins
Your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari starts with an early pickup from Kampala or Entebbe.
- Pickup Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Begin your scenic drive դեպի western Uganda
- Pass through vibrant towns, rural villages, and lush countryside
Key Stop: Equator Crossing (Kayabwe)
- Take memorable photos at the Equator line
- Watch water flow experiments
- Shop handmade crafts and souvenirs
Mid-Morning – Scenic Drive Through Western Uganda
Continue your journey through:
- Rolling hills and banana plantations
- Tea farms and open savannah landscapes
- Herds of iconic Ankole long-horned cattle
Your guide will share insights about:
- Local culture and traditions
- Uganda’s geography and ecosystems
Afternoon – Lunch & Arrival at the Park
- Lunch Stop: Mbarara town (around 1:00 PM)
- Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Upon entering the park:
- Enjoy your first wildlife sightings
- Spot animals like:
- Uganda kobs
- Buffaloes
- Warthogs
Arrival & Check-in (3:00 – 4:00 PM)
- Settle into your lodge
- Relax and enjoy panoramic views
Evening – First Game Drive Experience
Head out for your first game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
Why this is special:
- Cooler temperatures increase animal activity
- Golden sunset lighting is perfect for photography
Animals you may see:
- Elephants in herds
- Lions preparing for night hunts
- Antelopes grazing
- Buffaloes roaming
Optional Night Activity
- Night Safari (extra cost)
- Spot nocturnal animals like:
- Hyenas
- Bush babies
- Leopards (rare)
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Bush Lodge / Ihamba Safari Lodge
- Midrange: Kasenyi Safari Camp
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Morning – Sunrise Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains
Start early with tea/coffee before heading into the savannah.
- Start Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Best time to spot predators and active wildlife
Highlights:
- Lions (often hunting or resting)
- Elephants crossing plains
- Buffaloes in large herds
- Hyenas and jackals
- Uganda kobs and waterbucks
Your guide enhances the experience by:
- Tracking wildlife
- Explaining animal behavior
Mid-Morning – Return & Relaxation
- Return to lodge around 10:00 AM
- Enjoy a full breakfast or brunch
- Relax and recharge
Optional:
- Swim (luxury lodges)
- Enjoy scenic views from the lodge
Afternoon – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Head to the famous Kazinga Channel for a 2-hour boat safari.
- Start Time: Around 2:00 PM
What makes it unforgettable:
- Extremely close wildlife encounters
Wildlife sightings:
- Large pods of hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- Elephants drinking at the shore
- Buffaloes cooling off
Birdlife:
- African fish eagles
- Pelicans
- Kingfishers
- Herons
Evening – Crater Lakes Scenic Drive
Explore the crater lakes region:
- Volcanic explosion craters
- Stunning panoramic viewpoints
- Lush green landscapes
Possible sightings:
- Elephants
- Baboons
- Birds
Return to the lodge for:
- Dinner
- Campfire relaxation
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Morning – Optional Game Drive or Relaxation
Choose how to spend your final morning:
Option 1: Game Drive (6:30 AM)
- Final chance to spot:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Early bird activity
Option 2: Relax at Lodge
- Enjoy breakfast with scenic views
- Take photos and unwind
Mid-Morning – Departure from the Park
- Check out of the lodge.
- Begin return journey to Kampala
Afternoon – Lunch Stop & Cultural Visit
Lunch Stop: Mbarara town
Optional visit to:
- Igongo Cultural Centre
Here you can:
- Learn about Ankole culture
- Visit the museum
- Buy souvenirs
Evening – Arrival in Kampala / Entebbe
- Arrival Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
- Drop-off at hotel or airport
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Park entrance fees
- Accommodation (full board)
- Game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bottled drinking water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (chimp tracking, night safari, lion tracking)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
FAQS
You can expect to see:
- Lions (including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha)
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Leopards (rare but possible)
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Over 600 bird species
Yes — it’s one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Uganda. You get incredibly close to hippos, elephants, and birds, making it a must-do activity.
Yes, especially in the Ishasha sector. However, sightings are not guaranteed and depend on timing and luck.
