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3 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
From
US $523 Per Person
3 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
From
USD $523
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3 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
This 3 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park safari takes you deep into one of Uganda’s most scenic and wildlife-rich parks, located approximately 7 hours southwest of Kampala. Covering nearly 2,000 km², Queen Elizabeth National Park lies within the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the west. The park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kobs, giant forest hogs, and more than 600 species of birds.
One of the highlights of this Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This boat safari gives you a great chance to see hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and many colorful water birds up close.
Why book This Safari:
- A Two-hour boat cruise along the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel
- Morning game drive spotting elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, Uganda kobs and more
- Evening game drive with views of the Great Rift Valley
- Optional chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest
- Visit to the Kikorongo Equator monument
Your Itinerary Detail
Day 1: Pick Up and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your 3-day Queen Elizabeth National Park safari begins early in the morning. At 7:00 AM, our professional driver-guide will pick you up from your preferred location in either Entebbe or Kampala.
After a brief safari briefing, you will embark on the approximately 7-hour, 400-kilometer drive southwest towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through Uganda’s scenic countryside, rolling hills, farms, and lively towns, offering a glimpse of everyday rural life.
Along the way, you will stop in the bustling town of Mbarara for a relaxing lunch break. After lunch, you will continue the drive to the park and make a memorable stop at the Kikorongo Equator monument, located near the entrance to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Here, you can stand on the equator line, experiencing the unique feeling of being in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once. It’s also a fantastic spot for photos and to witness the fascinating equator water swirling demonstration, along with learning fun facts about this global landmark.
Later, you will continue to your lodge in the Kyambura area of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You can choose to relax and enjoy spectacular views of the Rift Valley escarpment or take a community walk to meet local villagers. Alternatively, you may go on an evening game drive, where you will get your first chance to see wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and possibly lions or leopards as the sun sets.
Your day ends with a delicious dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda
Middle class: Enganzi Game Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room
Exclusive: The River Station
Meal Plan: Lunch en route & Dinner at the lodge
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Activities
After an early breakfast, set off on a morning game drive through the open savannah, where the cool morning air and golden sunrise offer ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. As the mist slowly lifts over the plains, this is one of the best times to observe animals in their most active state.
During the drive, expect to encounter iconic African wildlife, including members of the Big Five—elephants, buffaloes, and, with some luck, lions—as well as other fascinating species such as hyenas, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, and waterbucks.
Your expert guide will help you track and identify these animals while sharing insights into their behaviors and the park’s rich ecosystem.
Optional: Predator Tracking Experience
For a deeper wildlife experience, consider upgrading to a predator tracking excursion. Accompanied by experienced park rangers and researchers, you’ll use radio tracking equipment to locate lions and leopards in real time—an exciting and educational addition for those interested in conservation and predator behavior.
Midday: Relax and Lunch at the Lodge
After the morning safari, return to your lodge for lunch and a bit of rest. You’ll have time to unwind, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or take a short walk around the property before your afternoon adventure begins.
Afternoon: Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
In the afternoon, you will head to the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
A boat safari along this channel is one of the most unforgettable experiences Queen Elizabeth National Park has to offer.
The Kazinga Channel boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa and is also home to Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an incredible variety of water birds. You may spot pelicans, cormorants, African fish eagles, and—if you’re lucky—the elusive shoebill stork.
Optional: Private Boat Safari Upgrade
For a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a private boat safari. This allows you to explore the Kazinga Channel at your own pace, get much closer to the wildlife, and enjoy a quieter setting—ideal for photographers, birders, or travelers seeking a more personalized adventure.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda
Middle class: Enganzi Game Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Exclusive: The River Station
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
Day 3: Game Drive & Transfer Back to Kampala
After an early breakfast, check out of your lodge and enjoy a game drive as you transfer back to Kampala. If you have time today, you opt to visit the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve for a chimpanzee trekking experience.
Kalinzu Forest is one of Uganda’s top destinations for observing wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, with a success rate of over 90%. While this is slightly lower than Kibale Forest, Kalinzu offers several distinct advantages: it is less crowded and more affordable.
The forest is part of a community-based ecotourism project managed alongside the National Forestry Authority, which means your visit supports local conservation and development efforts. The trek can be moderately challenging, as locating the chimpanzees often requires a longer hike through dense forest. However, for most reasonably fit travelers, the reward is well worth the effort. Hearing the distant calls of the chimps and then seeing them swing through the treetops or interact on the forest floor is a truly magical and humbling experience.
Chimpanzees share nearly 99% of human DNA, making these encounters both emotional and educational. After the trek, you’ll begin your scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.
The return journey takes approximately 7 hours (about 400 km), with lunch and refreshment stops along the way.
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, residence, or the airport, marking the end of your 3-day Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Prices And Levels For This Trip
The selected comfort levels (see the bottom of the page for more information) give you a good indication of the type of accommodations and the total price. We’d be happy to discuss in person whether the accommodations meet your needs and combine different levels where appropriate.
* The prices below are starting prices and are shown in US Dollars per person .
Simple
- 1 Person = US$ 1336
- 2 Pax = US$ 822
- 4 Pax = US$ 598
- 6 Pax = US$ 523
Middle Class
- 1 Person = US$ 1482
- 2 Pax = US$ 879
- 4 Pax = US$ 624
- 6 Pax = US$ 540
Luxury
- 1 Person = US$ 1906
- 2 Pax = US$ 1158
- 4 Pax = US$ 889
- 6 Pax = US$ 764
Exclusive (High Season)
- 1 Person = US$ 4877
- 2 Pax = US$ 3916
- 4 Pax = US$ 3594
- 6 Pax = US$ 3487
Exclusive (Low Season)
- 1 Person = US$ 3745
- 2 Pax = US$ 2592
- 4 Pax = US$ 2299
- 6 Pax = US$ 2201
Tour Inclusions
- All entrance fees to the national parks
- All mentioned activities (unless marked optional)
- Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional guide/driver (English speaking)
- Accommodation (as listed in the itinerary)
- Drinking water on all days
Tour Exclusions
- International flight to and from Uganda
- Domestic flight transfers
- Optional Activities
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Tips
Accommodation level according to your wishes
During this carefully balanced tour, you can stay at four different levels. Each day’s options are displayed and linked directly to the corresponding accommodation, giving you an immediate feel for these special places. The price overview shows the price differences between the different levels. The four levels are explained in more detail below.
LUXURY: Some of the finest accommodations in Uganda in terms of comfort, service, and cuisine. During your stay, you’ll experience exclusivity worthy of the highest standard.
EXCLUSIVE: Unique accommodations in the highest segment for gourmets who appreciate small-scale hospitality, comfort, intimacy, a high level of service and delicious dining with an extensive wine list.
MID-RANGE: These are comfortable, charming accommodations in beautiful locations for the ultimate African experience! Often used by Choose Uganda Safaris for their excellent value.
SIMPLE: These basic accommodations are often used by budget-minded travelers. Sometimes “lazy camping” is used, which involves a furnished tent with beds
