Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda’s most popular and diverse national park, located in the western part of the country. Spanning over 1,978 square kilometers, this park offers an incredible range of landscapes, from savannah and wetlands to dense forests and crater lakes, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to over 95 species of mammals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles, Queen Elizabeth is a treasure trove of biodiversity. The park is also renowned for its rich birdlife, with over 600 species recorded, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
The park’s prime location between the Rwenzori Mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the south provides not only diverse wildlife but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Its proximity to other natural wonders, such as Ishasha, known for its tree-climbing lions, and the Kazinga Channel, offers a unique combination of land and water safaris. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat cruises, nature walks, and chimpanzee trekking in the nearby Kyambura Gorge. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an unforgettable adventure through one of East Africa’s most picturesque and wildlife-rich regions.
Destination | Queen Elizabeth |
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Depature | Yes Required |
Departure Time | 08.00AM |
Return Time | after 2 days |
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Excluded |
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Morning:
7:00 AM – Depart from Kampala/Entebbe
Start your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a 6-7 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes, from the bustling city to the rural countryside and stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
1:00 PM – Arrival and Check-in
Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, check in at your accommodation. There are several excellent options, such as Mweya Safari Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp, offering comfort and excellent views of the park.
Afternoon:
2:30 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
After check-in, enjoy a hearty lunch at your lodge, taking in the scenic surroundings and relaxing before your afternoon activities.
4:00 PM – Evening Game Drive
Head out on an evening game drive, one of the best times to spot animals as they become more active. This drive will take you through the park’s vast savannahs, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, and herds of warthogs. The evening light creates a stunning backdrop for photography, as the golden hour transforms the park’s landscapes.
Evening:
Morning:
6:00 AM – Early Morning Game Drive
Start the day early with a morning game drive through the park’s varied landscapes. The cooler morning hours are perfect for spotting predators such as lions and leopards, as well as large herds of elephants and buffaloes. You may also spot the park's unique tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector, known for their habit of lounging in the branches of fig trees.
9:00 AM – Return to Lodge for Breakfast
After the game drive, return to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the park before the afternoon’s activities.
Afternoon:
11:00 AM – Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of the park’s highlights. The channel is a hotspot for wildlife, and you’ll get the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and an impressive array of bird species, including pelicans, marabou storks, and waterbucks. The boat ride provides close-up views of the wildlife as they gather at the water's edge.
1:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
After the boat safari, head back to the lodge for lunch. You’ll have some free time to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Evening:
4:00 PM – Optional Nature Walk or Visit to the Crater Lakes
In the afternoon, you can either go on a nature walk around the park, guided by an expert ranger, or visit the nearby crater lakes, including Lake Katwe, where salt mining is carried out. The lakes offer beautiful views and a chance to observe the local communities at work.
6:30 PM – Return to Lodge and Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your lodge, recounting the day’s experiences and the incredible wildlife sightings.
Morning:
6:00 AM – Early Morning Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Begin the day with a chimpanzee trekking experience in the Kyambura Gorge, located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The gorge, also known as the "Valley of Apes," is home to a population of wild chimpanzees. Accompanied by a guide, trek through the lush forest to track and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The trek lasts around 2-4 hours, and you may also encounter other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
9:30 AM – Return to Lodge for Breakfast
After your chimpanzee trek, return to your lodge for breakfast and to relax before the journey home.
Late Morning:
Afternoon:
1:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
Return to your lodge for a final lunch and enjoy the peaceful setting before preparing for departure.
2:00 PM – Departure for Kampala/Entebbe
After lunch, check out and start your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.
7:00 PM – Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe
Arrive back in Kampala or Entebbe in the evening, concluding your unforgettable safari adventure at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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