Queen Elizabeth 3-Day Safari

This trip fits into a shorter Uganda visit, good for people who want savannah game viewing and a boat cruise without committing to a full week. It works well tagged onto a Bwindi gorilla trip since Queen Elizabeth sits between Kasese and Bwindi on the standard route, or as a stand-alone short break from Entebbe.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Entebbe or Kampala to Queen Elizabeth. Drive south west via Mbarara or via Fort Portal and Kasese, roughly 6 to 7 hours depending on route and traffic through Kampala. The Kasese route gives you views of the Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day. Arrive at your lodge by late afternoon, with time for a short game drive if light allows.

Day 2: Kazinga Channel and game drive. Morning game drive along the Kasenyi track, home to lion, elephant, buffalo, kob and warthog. After lunch, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, the narrow stretch of water linking Lake Edward and Lake George, known for large hippo pods and dense birdlife along the banks.

Day 3: Ishasha and departure. Early drive south to the Ishasha sector, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on a rougher road, to look for the tree-climbing lions that rest in fig trees during the day. This is a real behaviour, not staged, so sightings depend on the day. Drive back out of the park towards Kampala or Entebbe, or onward to Bwindi if you are continuing your trip.

What is included

• Road transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
• 2 nights accommodation, mid-range lodge, full board
• Game drives as listed, including the Ishasha sector
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Park entry fees for the days covered
• Bottled water in the vehicle

What is not included

• International flights and visa or East African Tourist Visa (USD 100)
• Tips for driver-guide and lodge staff
• Alcoholic drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance
• Any activity not listed above, such as a chimp trek in the Kyambura Gorge (available as an add-on)

Best time to go

December to February and June to September give the driest roads and the best game viewing, as animals gather near permanent water. The wetter months, March to May and October to November, still work for this trip, roads simply take longer and can be muddy in places, particularly the track into Ishasha.

How fit do you need to be

Easy. This is a road-based safari with no trekking required. Game drives and the boat cruise are all seated. It suits families, older travellers and anyone who wants wildlife without a physical challenge.

FAQs

Are the tree-climbing lions guaranteed? No. Ishasha’s lions climb trees more often than lions elsewhere, but it is still wild behaviour, not a scheduled show. Most groups get a sighting, some in trees, some not, and we will not promise what we cannot control.

Can I add a Kyambura Gorge chimp walk to this trip? Yes, it is a popular add-on and can be built into day 2 or 3 depending on timing. Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda costs USD 300 per person where trekking is offered. Ask us when you enquire.

Is 3 days enough to see the park properly, or should I do more? 3 days covers the main highlights well, Kasenyi plains, the channel and Ishasha. If you want more time for photography or a second boat cruise, we can extend to 4 or 5 days for a modest extra cost.

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