3 days / 2 nights
3 Day Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
- Morning and evening game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Optional Ishasha tree-climbing lion visit on request
From$980per person
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Savanna, crater lakes and tree-climbing lions
Savanna, crater lakes and tree-climbing lions
Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda is one of the country's most varied parks, combining open savanna, crater lakes, papyrus wetlands, the Kazinga Channel and patches of forest within a single boundary. That mix of habitats supports an unusually broad species list for one park, including roughly 95 mammal species and over 600 recorded bird species, alongside the predators and grazers more typical of an East African savanna.
The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George, is the park's best-known feature. Boat cruises along it pass concentrations of hippos and buffalo, with elephants coming down to drink and a long list of water birds along the banks. Inland, the Kasenyi plains and the Mweya peninsula are the main game-drive areas, while the Ishasha sector in the park's south is known for lions that rest in the branches of fig trees, an unusual behaviour seen in only a few places in Africa.
Queen Elizabeth also borders Kyambura Gorge, a steep-sided forested rift valley where a separate habituated chimpanzee community can be tracked, giving visitors a chimpanzee option without travelling as far as Kibale. Kasese, at the park's edge, is the nearest town and doubles as a base for trips into the Rwenzori foothills.
Because the park spans several distinct zones that are not all close together, a visit usually covers at least two days to take in the Kazinga Channel cruise, a game drive on the northern plains, and, if time allows, a side trip to Ishasha or Kyambura Gorge.
A two-hour boat trip along the channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George, passing large pods of hippos, resting buffalo herds, elephants that come down to drink, and a long list of water and shoreline birds. It is usually the single most reliable wildlife activity in the park.
Morning and evening drives across the Kasenyi plains, the Mweya peninsula and other tracks to look for lions, antelope, elephants and, less often, leopard. Kasenyi is the more open, grassier area and generally has the higher density of grazers and predators.
The southern Ishasha sector, a separate part of the park reached by its own drive, is known for lions that rest in the branches of fig trees during the heat of the day. Sightings are not guaranteed, and Ishasha is usually visited as a full detour or on the way to or from Bwindi.
Guided tracking of a habituated chimpanzee community in a steep, forested gorge on the park's edge, one of the alternatives to Kibale for chimp tracking in Uganda and easy to combine with a Queen Elizabeth itinerary.
Scenic drives through the Katwe-Kikorongo crater field near Mweya, with salt-mining history at Lake Katwe and views over dozens of volcanic crater lakes.
Shorter guided walks around the Mweya peninsula or through Maramagambo Forest for birds, primates and forest scenery, a lower-key option between drives and the boat cruise.
The dry seasons, generally December to February and June to September, are the easiest for game viewing, with firmer roads and animals concentrating more predictably around water sources such as the Kazinga Channel. The wetter months bring lush scenery and fewer vehicles at sightings, but some tracks, particularly around Ishasha, can become difficult after heavy rain.
The park is reached by road from Kampala, a drive of around 6 to 7 hours, with routes running via Mbarara or via Fort Portal depending on which sector is the first stop. Kasese, at the park's edge, is only a short drive from the main game-viewing areas and is also the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains. Queen Elizabeth is commonly combined with Kibale National Park, about 2 to 2.5 hours (110 km) away, or with Bwindi as part of a longer western Uganda circuit.
Budget
Simple, clean accommodation and a popular budget choice near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Mid-range
Mid-range safari lodge near Queen Elizabeth with ensuite bandas and meals included.
Luxury
Upmarket lodge with guided activities, a popular luxury choice near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Lions are present and are often seen on game drives, including in Ishasha where they sometimes climb trees, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Two to three days is enough for game drives, the boat cruise and one extra activity such as Ishasha or Kyambura Gorge. Four or more days allow a more relaxed pace across the park's separate zones.
Yes. Chimpanzees can be tracked at Kyambura Gorge within the park, or at Kibale National Park about 2 to 2.5 hours away, which generally has higher tracking success rates given its larger, more established chimpanzee community.
No, it is a separate paid activity booked in addition to park entry, though it is affordable relative to activities like gorilla or chimpanzee permits. We include it in itineraries that feature Queen Elizabeth.
Yes, both apply nationally. Uganda requires an e-visa arranged in advance online and a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival.
3 days / 2 nights
From$980per person
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From$1,450per person
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6 days / 5 nights
From$1,850per person
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7 days / 6 nights
From$2,450per person
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