Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most diverse and scenic wildlife destinations, located in the western part of the country between Lake George and Lake Edward. The park is famous for its rich wildlife, open savannah plains, forested gorges, crater lakes, and the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. This safari itinerary is designed to offer a complete experience by combining wildlife viewing, boat safaris, primate tracking, nature walks, and cultural encounters.
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
The safari begins with a road transfer from Kampala, Entebbe, or Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey offers scenic views of Uganda’s countryside, tea plantations, and crater landscapes, with planned stopovers for refreshments, photography, and lunch. Upon arrival, guests check in at a lodge located inside or near the park. The evening is spent relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
The day starts early with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, the prime wildlife viewing area of the park. Guests may spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs, and a variety of bird species. After breakfast and rest at the lodge, the afternoon is dedicated to a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This water safari offers close views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and one of the highest concentrations of water birds in Uganda. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking, Nature Walk, and Cultural Experience
After breakfast, guests proceed for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge under the guidance of Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The experience includes a guided forest walk and opportunities to see other primates while learning about conservation. After lunch, guests enjoy a guided nature walk to explore plants, birds, and smaller wildlife. Later in the afternoon, a cultural visit to nearby fishing communities and Lake Katwe allows guests to learn about traditional fishing methods and salt mining. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Departure
After breakfast and check-out, guests drive to the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. A game drive in Ishasha also offers sightings of elephants, buffaloes, topis, and antelopes in wide open plains. After the game drive, guests exit the park and return to Kampala, Entebbe, or continue to another destination such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Kampala / Entebbe – Masaka – Mbarara – Bushenyi – Kasese – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Fort Portal – Kasese – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kasenyi Plains game drive route
Mweya Peninsula – Kazinga Channel boat cruise route
Mweya – Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking route
Katwe – Lake Katwe cultural visit route
Mweya – Ishasha sector route
Ishasha – Kihihi – Ntungamo – Mbarara – Masaka – Kampala / Entebbe
Optional extension: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Pick-up and drop-off from Kampala, Entebbe, or Fort Portal
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional guide
Fuel for the entire safari
Park entrance fees to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning game drives
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kyambura Gorge)
Guided nature walk
Cultural and community visits
Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Drinking water during the safari
International and domestic flights
Uganda visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Game drives and boat cruise: Suitable for all ages
Chimpanzee tracking: 12 years and above
Guided nature walks: 6 years and above
Cultural visits: Suitable for all ages
All activities guided by professional safari guides and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers
Strict adherence to park rules and regulations
Safe distance maintained from wildlife at all times
Life jackets provided and mandatory during the Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Chimpanzee tracking conducted in small guided groups
First-aid kit available in the safari vehicle