3-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

From

$667

3-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

From

$ 667

Contact a Safari Expert

+256 (704) 324 972

Tour Overview

This 3-day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari is the perfect short wildlife adventure in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most visited national park—and for good reason. It’s one of the most beautiful and diverse places in East Africa, with wide savannahs, tropical forests, crater lakes, and views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.

Located near Uganda’s famous gorilla trekking areas, this park is also home to four of the Big Five animals (excluding rhino), including large numbers of elephants, buffaloes, and lions. During this unforgettable safari, you’ll enjoy classic game drives and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and hundreds of birds. The park has more than 610 bird species—the highest count of any national park in East Africa.

You may also explore the Kyambura Gorge, a lush forest valley that shelters a group of wild chimpanzees. This safari is ideal for travelers who want a rich wildlife experience without spending too many days on the road. With beautiful scenery, exciting wildlife sightings, and friendly local culture along the way, the 3-day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari offers a perfect taste of Uganda’s natural wonders.

Trip Highlights

See wild animals at sunrise – watch lions, elephants, and more on game drives
Boat ride on Kazinga Channel – get close to hippos, crocodiles, and many birds
Stand at the Equator – take fun photos with one foot in each half of the Earth
Amazing birdwatching – spot colorful birds, with over 600 kinds in the park
Beautiful road trip views – enjoy green hills, farms, and friendly villages along the way

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your 3-day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari begins with a warm welcome from your friendly and professional guide, who will give you a short briefing about the exciting adventure ahead. You’ll then begin your scenic road trip—about 410 kilometers, taking 7 hours—heading southwest from Kampala or Entebbe toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The drive itself is part of the adventure. You’ll pass through beautiful rolling hills, green countryside, and lively towns and villages where locals go about their daily lives with joy and simplicity. One of the highlights along the way is a stop at the Equator in Kayabwe. Here, you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern—a perfect spot for fun photos. You can also explore roadside craft stalls and buy handmade souvenirs to remember your journey.

Around midday, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant, usually in the bustling town of Mbarara. As you continue your drive, the landscape begins to change. Forests and hills give way to vast open savannahs as you draw closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The park is a true gem of the Great Rift Valley, lying between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward. It’s one of the best wildlife destinations in Uganda, known for its rich mix of habitats—from tropical forests to crater lakes and grassy plains. In the heart of the park is the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George to Lake Edward. This channel is bursting with life—hippos wallow in the water, crocodiles bask on the banks, elephants come to drink, and hundreds of colorful birds fly overhead.

To the west of the channel, the land is dotted with ancient volcanic craters, while the lush green Kyambura Gorge shelters a small but wild group of chimpanzees. As you drive through the park, keep your eyes open—you might spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, warthogs, and even the shy giant forest hog. Bird lovers will be amazed to know that over 600 bird species live here, making it a paradise for birdwatching.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and take some time to relax. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out for your first game drive. As the sun sets over the savannah, it’s a perfect time to see animals in action and soak in the beauty of Uganda’s wild landscapes.

Accommodation Options (Full Board/Half Board):
Budget: Bush Lodge – Banda (Half Board)
Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge (Full Board)
Semi-Luxury: Katara Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Activities

Today is a full day of adventure in the wild! From sunrise to sunset, you’ll explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and discover its incredible wildlife, peaceful landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

Your day begins early with a morning game drive. As the first light of dawn touches the savannah, the park comes alive with activity. The golden sunlight makes everything glow, and animals are still active after the cool night. You’ll drive through the open grasslands in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and, if you’re lucky, lions or leopards resting in the morning light. The peaceful quiet of the park is only broken by the calls of birds, the rustle of animals in the bush, and the soft hum of your safari vehicle. It’s a magical way to start the day and feel deeply connected to nature.

After your game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch. This is a perfect time to sit back, enjoy the views, and reflect on all the amazing wildlife you’ve seen so far.

In the afternoon, get ready for one of the highlights of the trip—a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lake George and Lake Edward and is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife up close. As you cruise along the calm waters, you’ll see hippos splashing and yawning, crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, and herds of buffaloes drinking from the edge. If you’re lucky, elephants may come down to the water to cool off and play.

The birdlife is just as impressive. You’ll spot colorful kingfishers, elegant herons, cormorants spreading their wings to dry, and even the majestic African fish eagle soaring above. The boat safari is peaceful, scenic, and full of photo opportunities that you’ll treasure forever.

To make your day even more special, there are some optional experiences you can choose. In the morning, instead of the usual game drive, you can join a wildlife researcher to help track lions or leopards using radio collars. This gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation work in action. In the afternoon, you can upgrade to a private boat cruise, which allows for a more personalized experience—moving at your own pace, getting closer to the animals, and enjoying quiet time with your guide.

After a thrilling day on land and water, you’ll return to your lodge for a warm, hearty dinner. As night falls and the sounds of the wild fill the air, you’ll drift off to sleep with memories of a truly amazing day in the heart of Uganda’s wilderness.

Day 3: Drive back To Kampala/Entebbe

After two incredible days exploring the wild beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park, it’s time to say goodbye to Uganda’s savannah landscapes and begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. You’ll enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. This is the perfect moment to take in the last views of the park—perhaps spotting a few birds or animals right outside your window—before checking out and hitting the road.

The drive back is another scenic adventure, offering one last look at Uganda’s lush countryside. You’ll pass through local villages, tea plantations, and rolling hills, catching glimpses of everyday life and the friendly faces that make Uganda so welcoming. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, often in Mbarara, and stretch your legs before continuing the final part of the journey. You’ll also have the chance to stop again at the Equator in Kayabwe, where you can take more photos or shop for any last-minute souvenirs from the local craft markets.

As the journey ends in either Kampala or Entebbe—depending on your travel plans—you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of close wildlife encounters, breathtaking views, and the warm spirit of Uganda.