3 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary to Queen Elizabeth National Park

3 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary to Queen Elizabeth National Park is an exhilarating opportunity to investigate one of Uganda’s premier wildlife locales. Notable activities encompass game drives in the Kasenyi Plains to observe lions, elephants, and Uganda kobs; a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel for hippos, crocodiles, and other avian species; and an excursion to the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. This park, situated in western Uganda, is renowned for its abundant wildlife, volcanic craters, and breathtaking savannah landscapes. This concise yet comprehensive itinerary is perfect for those desiring an introduction to Uganda safaris while exploring the varied wildlife and natural splendor that render Queen Elizabeth National Park an essential destination in Uganda.

  • Day 1: Kampala- Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 2:  Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Safari
  • Day 3: Queen Elizabeth- Entebbe

Day 1: Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following an early breakfast, one of our guides will retrieve you from your lodging in Kampala by 8:00 AM and transport you to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will make several stops at the Equator for photography and in Mbarara at Agip Motel for lunch. From there, you will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will admire the stunning scenery, tea plantations, expansive grasslands, long-horned Ankole cattle, woods, and the Rift Valley Escarpment. Embark on an evening game drive en route to your lodge. Enjoy dining and accommodation at Ihamba Safari Lodge (budget option) or Mweya Safari Lodge (premium option). Meal itinerary: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Commence the day with an early cup of tea or coffee before to undertaking a game drive along the Queen’s Mile and the Kasenyi route. This trail features elephants, waterbucks, lions, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, and several bird species. Return for breakfast and lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, partake in a two-hour boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel, where you will observe buffalo, elephants, hippos, kobs, and warthogs, among other wildlife. This excursion will also allow you to observe a variety of birds. Enjoy dining and accommodation at Ihamba Safari Lodge (economical) or Mweya Safari Lodge (luxurious). Dietary schedule: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Entebbe

After cherishing delightful memories from the previous day, you will enjoy a substantial breakfast in preparation for a primate walk, followed by lunch at the magnificent Kingfisher Lodge before proceeding to Entebbe. Nonetheless, a visit to the Igongo Cultural Village is an experience that must not be overlooked. Dietary schedule: breakfast and lunch.

Queen Elizabeth national park wildlife

Queen Elizabeth national park wildlife

Which wildlife species can be seen on a 3 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary in Queen  Elizabeth National Park

Visitors on a 3-day safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park can anticipate observing a diverse array of wildlife species due to the park’s remarkable biodiversity. It has more than 95 species of mammals and over 600 species of birds, rendering it an exceptional locale for wildlife observation.

Among the most distinguished animals are the “Big Four”: elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Despite the absence of rhinos, a key component of the conventional “Big Five,” the diverse fauna within Queen Elizabeth National Park compensates for this deficiency. Herds of African elephants and Cape buffaloes are likely to be observed, especially along the Kazinga Channel, where these creatures gather to hydrate and regulate their temperature.

A distinctive animal to observe in this park is the tree-climbing lion, typically located in the Ishasha sector, situated in the southern part of the park. In contrast to the majority of lions that recline on the ground, these lions ascend fig trees to repose and evade the heat.

Additional often seen wildlife comprises hippopotamuses, warthogs, antelopes (including Uganda kob and topi), and primates such as chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys in the adjacent Kyambura Gorge. Visitors may also observe little carnivores such as hyenas, civets, and servals.

The park is a haven for avian aficionados, particularly around the Kazinga Channel and Lake Munyanyange, where one may observe species such as fish eagles, flamingos, pelicans, and storks.

Three days in the park provides ample opportunity for seeing a substantial segment of this varied species.

What activities are included during the 3-day safari, including wildlife drives and boat safaris?

During a three-day safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one can partake in several exhilarating activities that facilitate the exploration of the region’s natural splendor and the observation of its diverse species. The primary activities generally encompass game drives, boat safaris, and community engagements.

1. Game Drives

Game drives are one of the most favored activities within the park. During these excursions, you will traverse in a safari vehicle accompanied by an informed guide to observe wildlife in their natural environment. The prime locations for wildlife drives within the park are the Kasenyi Plains and the Ishasha region.

The Kasenyi Plains are home to elephants, buffalo, lions, antelopes, and warthogs. The Ishasha district is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, which frequently repose in substantial fig or acacia trees.

Game drives typically occur in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Guides frequently leverage their expertise to monitor wildlife, enhancing your likelihood of encountering elusive species such as leopards.

2. Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel, linking Lake George and Lake Edward, is a hub for wildlife activities. A boat safari in this location enables intimate encounters with wildlife like as hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and diverse avian species.

The waterway is renowned for its substantial population of hippos. Elephants, buffalo, and various other creatures may be observed drinking water along the shoreline. Ornithologists will appreciate observing herons, African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers.

Boat safaris are generally tranquil and provide an excellent opportunity to see the park’s fauna from the sea.

3. Chimpanzee Tracking

Tracking chimpanzees is an additional attraction for visitors. The Kyambura Gorge, referred to as the “Valley of Apes,” provides guided excursions to observe chimpanzees in their native environment. Observing these astute primates in proximity is an unparalleled and indelible experience.

4. Community Engagement and Cultural Encounters

The park is encircled by dynamic local villages that provide cultural experiences. One can explore adjacent communities to acquire knowledge about indigenous cultures, music, dance, and craftsmanship. These trips frequently assist local communities.

A standard 3-day  Uganda safari itinerary may encompass morning game drives, afternoon boat safaris, and an excursion to Kyambura Gorge or nearby towns.