3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Classic Uganda Wildlife & Kazinga Channel Experience

Our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park is a perfectly balanced short wildlife adventure, ideal for travelers seeking authentic African game drives, boat safaris, and scenic landscapes in one of Uganda’s most diverse protected areas.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, vast savannah plains, crater lakes, and rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit destination on any Uganda safari.

Safari Highlights

• Scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside

• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Kazinga Channel boat safari with hippos & crocodiles

• Chance to see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha (optional)

• Over 95 mammal species & 600+ bird species

• Professional safari guide & 4×4 safari vehicle

• Strong conservation and community tourism impact

Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Afternoon Game Drive

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from Entebbe or Kampala, followed by a scenic drive westwards through Uganda’s rolling countryside, tea plantations, and traditional rural communities. Along the way, you will enjoy photographic stops and a relaxed lunch en route.

Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biologically diverse park, you will proceed directly to your lodge for check-in and a short rest. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive across the Kasenyi plains, one of the park’s prime wildlife viewing areas.

Expect sightings of African elephants, Uganda kob, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, and a variety of antelope species. Predators such as lions and spotted hyenas are often seen during this time as they begin their evening activity.

As the sun sets over the Rwenzori Mountain foothills, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

After an early breakfast, set out for a sunrise game drive, the best time to observe predators and nocturnal species returning from their hunts.

The Kasenyi sector offers excellent opportunities to spot lions, leopards (occasionally), elephants, and large buffalo herds against a backdrop of open savannah.

Following the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before the afternoon highlight of the safari — the Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

This unforgettable boat safari takes you along the natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos.

From the comfort of the boat, you will see giant crocodiles, bathing elephants, buffaloes, and an extraordinary array of birdlife including African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and storks.

The boat cruise also provides outstanding photographic opportunities and demonstrates the importance of water ecosystems in wildlife conservation.

In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3: Optional Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions & Return Transfer

After breakfast, you may choose to drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions often seen resting in fig and acacia trees — a unique behavior found in only a few places in Africa.

After this final wildlife experience, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, enjoying scenic views and a relaxed lunch stop en route. You will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your memorable Queen Elizabeth safari.

This safari directly supports wildlife conservation efforts and community livelihoods through park fees and responsible tourism practices.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation Options

Luxury Lodges

• Mweya Safari Lodge

• Kyambura Gorge Lodge

• Elephant Plains Lodge

Mid-Range Lodges

• Enganzi Game Lodge

• Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

• Park View Safari Lodge

Budget Lodges

• Bush Lodge

• Irungu Forest Safari Lodge

• Simba Safari Camp

(Accommodation depends on availability and traveler preference.)

Safari Includes

• Airport / hotel pickup & drop-off

• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Professional English-speaking safari guide

• Park entrance fees

• Game drives as per itinerary

• Kazinga Channel boat cruise

• Accommodation on full board or stated meal plan

• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Excludes

• International flights

• Uganda visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)

• Optional activities not mentioned

• Alcoholic & soft drinks

Why Choose This Safari?

This 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a complete Ugandan wildlife experience.

It combines classic game drives, a world-class boat safari, and meaningful conservation impact — all delivered with professional planning and expert local knowledge.

How much does it cost to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The main cost is the park entry fee (conservation fee), valid for 24 hours, managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

As of the current 2024-2026 tariff (still in effect in January 2026):

• Foreign non-residents (most international visitors): USD 40 per adult.
• Children (5–15 years): USD 20.
• Children under 5: Free.

Additional fees apply for activities (e.g., boat safari on Kazinga Channel ~USD 30, chimpanzee tracking ~USD 100, game drives or guides extra).

Vehicle entry, accommodation, and transport are separate. Pay at park gates (cash/card accepted, prefer USD notes).

Annual passes exist for residents/East Africans, but not typical for tourists.

Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park located?

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is in the Western Region of Uganda, in southwestern Uganda along the Albertine Rift Valley.

It spans approximately 1,978 km² between Lake George (northeast) and Lake Edward (southwest), connected by the famous Kazinga Channel.

The park borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park) to the west and lies near the Rwenzori Mountains. It’s about 410 km (6–7 hours’ drive) west of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

Is Queen Elizabeth National Park worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely—it’s widely regarded as one of Uganda’s top safari destinations and a must-visit for most travelers. It offers incredible diversity: classic savanna game drives with elephants, buffaloes, lions (including the rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha), hippos/crocodiles on boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, over 600 bird species, volcanic craters, and cultural interactions. Reviews from 2025–2026 (TripAdvisor, safari experts) praise its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and value—often calling it a “highlight” or “unforgettable.” It’s especially worthwhile if combining with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or chimps in Kibale. While not as dense as some East African parks (e.g., occasional quieter sightings), its variety, accessibility, and unique features make it highly recommended.

Which district is Queen Elizabeth Park in?

The park spans multiple districts in western Uganda: primarily Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. (Some sources mention overlaps with Bushenyi or Kabarole, but the core four are Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri.) The main entrance (e.g., Katunguru gate) is in Kasese District, and the famous Ishasha sector (tree-climbing lions) is in Rukungiri District.

For the latest fees or bookings, check the official UWA site or trusted operators—happy planning your Ugandan adventure!