Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, our guide/driver, will come to collect you from hotel in Kampala at around 8 am and straight hit the road to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will make several stops on the road and the first is at the Equator to take some photographs.

Other stop over will be because of either a spotted green scene worth to take some pictures and the crater lakes on our way to the park. Next stop should be at Mbarara at Agip Motel for lunch.

From there, you will continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park as you marvel at the breath-taking scenery, tea plantations, the open grasslands, long horned Ankole cattle, the woodlands and the rift valley escarpments not forgetting the terrain of the road. You will experience a game drive in the evening as you drive in for your accommodation and dinner.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Ihamba Safari Lodge
• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Kingfisher lodge

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start an early day with an early cup of tea/ coffee, before embarking on an early morning game drive along the Queen’ mile and the Kasenyi trail. On this trail, you will be able to spot the largest mammals including the Elephants, Lion, leopard, buffalos.

You will also have a chance to see other groups of animals including; Uganda kobs, warthogs. And if you are a bird’s lover, you will have a chance as well to spot as many bird’s species as possible in this Park. Return for breakfast plus lunch at the lodge.

Its optional, after breakfast, you can return for another game drive or just relax in your lodge as you wait for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2 hours’ boat ride on the Kazinga channel where you will encounter Buffalos, elephants, hippos, kobs, plus warthogs among others. This ride will also enable you to see an array of birds. After then you will return to your lodge/campsite for dinner and overnight

Recommended Accommodation:

• Ihamba Safari Lodge
• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Kingfisher lodge

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth- Kampala

With wonderful memories of a busy previous day, you will have a hefty breakfast, then prepare for a primate walk; have lunch at the splendid kingfisher lodge before continuing back to Kampala.

However, visiting the Igongo cultural village is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. This will give you a chance to observe the cultural attachment of the Ankole tribe, the habitats of this area.

Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park – 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Uganda Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park, established in 1952, is one of Uganda’s most iconic and biologically diverse national parks. Covering an area of approximately 1,978 square kilometres, this vast protected area is nestled within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley, offering sweeping views of Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and the Rwenzori Mountain Range. Renowned for its incredible biodiversity and dramatic landscapes, the Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is a true jewel in Uganda’s tourism crown.

A Park with Historical and Geological Significance

The park’s creation was influenced by various natural and historical factors, as recorded by British historian Douglas Willocks, who highlighted the area’s unique geological features and rich wildlife heritage. Its positioning between lakes, rift escarpments, and volcanic features contributed to its formal designation as a national park in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth National Park lies at the crossroads of Uganda’s natural safari wonders — offering views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the lush savannah plains, and the Mitumbe Hills, which overlook the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. These vistas make the park ideal for photographic safaris, hiking excursions, and scenic nature drives.

Unique Landscapes and Scenic Beauty

The park’s landscape is defined by a stunning contrast of ecosystems. From rolling savannah grasslands and acacia woodlands to volcanic craters and tropical rainforests, every corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a new visual experience. The eastern section is particularly notable for its gentle escarpments, peaceful green hills, and abundant euphorbia trees, making it a serene and captivating environment.

The park is also famous for its vivid colour palette, with hues shifting from lush greens to deep blues depending on the light and weather, earning it poetic references as the “Centre of Darkness in Africa,” a term often used to describe its enigmatic charm and dramatic appearance.

Adjacent Protected Areas and Conservation Zones

A Queen Elizabeth National Park safari benefits from its proximity to other significant protected areas and forest reserves, forming part of a broader conservation corridor in western Uganda. These include:

• Kigezi Wildlife Reserve (256 km²)
• Kyambura Wildlife Reserve (152 km²)
• Kalinzu Forest Reserve, which extends to Virunga National Park in the DRC (200 km²)
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park, located just a few kilometres to the north

This connected landscape supports animal migrations, genetic diversity, and habitat conservation, making the area a hotspot for ecological research and eco-tourism.

Exceptional Biodiversity – A Wildlife Enthusiast’s Paradise

Queen Elizabeth National Park holds one of the highest biodiversity indices of any protected area in the world. The park is home to more than 600 bird species and around 95 mammal species, making it a favourite destination for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The savannah plains, wetlands, and tropical forests support a wide range of iconic African wildlife, including Queen Elizabeth Uganda Safari highlights:

• Big Cats: Lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha), Leopards, Side-striped Jackals
• Herbivores: African Elephants, Cape Buffaloes, Warthogs, Hippos
• Antelopes: Uganda Kob, Waterbuck, Topi, and Bushbuck
• Primates: Chimpanzees (in Kyambura Gorge), Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons

The Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George, is teeming with hippos and Nile crocodiles, and offers spectacular boat cruises ideal for viewing wildlife and birds at close range.

Signature Wildlife Viewing Spots

• Mweya Peninsula: A prime area for spotting elephants, buffalo, warthogs, hippos, and a variety of birds
• Kyambura Gorge: Famous for chimpanzee tracking and breathtaking forest views
• Ishasha Sector: Renowned for its tree-climbing lions and large herds of antelope
• Lake Katwe Crater Area: Known for its dramatic volcanic scenery and salt mining activities

Top Activities to Enjoy in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park can immerse themselves in a variety of exciting and educational activities. Popular Queen Elizabeth Uganda Safari experiences include:

Game Drives

Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems during morning and evening game drives, which offer excellent opportunities to spot large mammals and predators in their natural habitat.

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

A boat safari along the Kazinga Channel offers intimate encounters with hippos, buffalo, elephants, and a rich variety of water birds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans.

Bird Watching

With over 600 species of birds, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birding paradise. Key spots include the Maramagambo Forest, Lake Munyanyange, and the Ishasha plains.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Track wild chimpanzees in the lush Kyambura Gorge, a beautiful sunken rainforest teeming with primates and exotic flora.

Nature Walks and Hiking

Guided nature walks in Maramagambo Forest or the Mweya Peninsula allow visitors to discover the park’s rich biodiversity on foot.

Cultural Visit to Igongo Cultural Centre

En route to or from the park, a stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre near Mbarara provides a glimpse into Ankole culture, heritage, and cuisine.

Visit the Equator and Twin Lakes

Take iconic photos at the equator marker, and optionally visit the nearby twin lakes of Lake Katinda and Lake Mirambi, located within scenic crater landscapes.

Final Thoughts

Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is more than just a safari destination; it is a living tapestry of Uganda’s ecological and cultural richness. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife photographer, or first-time visitor to Africa, this park delivers unforgettable safari experiences filled with adventure, tranquillity, and discovery. Its combination of wildlife diversity, breathtaking scenery, and conservation importance makes it a must-visit attraction in Uganda.