5-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari (Kazinga Cruise + Ishasha Lions)
Safari Overview:
This 5-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park takes you to the most visited savannah national park in Uganda, and the second largest national park after Murchison Falls National Park. This is the most popular and visited national park in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out for its diverse landscape and wildlife, as it receives more rainfall compared to the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya and the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania, thus providing visitors with more panoramic views for much of the year. Among the amazing features in the park are exploration crater lakes, Gorges, Salt Lakes, and rift valley Lakes like Gorge and Edward. Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for hosting the rare tree-climbing lions, but visitors can also spot chimpanzees at the Maramagambo and the amazing Kyambura Gorge. The Kazinga channel is one of the best places to spot birds in the world. During certain months of the year, the sheer density of birds within and around the channel will leave even the most seasoned birders very impressed. Other activities and attractions include nature walks at the Maramagambo forest, hot air balloon wildlife viewing, visiting the Katwe salt mining lake, cultural visits, and taking part in wildlife research tours.
Quick Overview
- Best for (travelers): first-time Uganda safari, photographers, birders, couples/families
- Kasenyi sunrise drive
- Kazinga cruise
- Kyambura chimps (optional)
- Ishasha lions
- Start/End logistics: Entebbe/Kampala road option + domestic flight option to Mweya/Kasese
- Launch trip (Kazinga cruise): $30 (FNR)
- Chimp tracking (Kyambura Gorge): $100 (FNR)
- What changes your quote: lodge tier, group size, season, flight vs road, private vs shared elements
Detailed 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive + Mweya Peninsula orientation (road or flight)
Your journey begins with a strategic transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. While the road transfer from Kampala/Entebbe takes approximately 6 to 7 hours through beautiful Ugandan countryside, the drive is part of the experience, offering authentic views of villages and landscapes. Alternatively, we can arrange an internal flight to the Mweya or Kasese airstrips for a faster, more luxurious start. Upon arrival and check-in to your chosen lodge, many of which offer breathtaking views from the Mweya Peninsula, you will be perfectly positioned for the adventure ahead. The Mweya Peninsula sits strategically on a ridge, separating Lake Edward from the famous Kazinga Channel, making it the most visited and easily accessible part of the park
Afternoon Activity: Depending on your arrival time, we recommend an initial short game drive through the Mweya sector to stretch your legs and familiarize yourself with the park’s environment. This often results in the first sightings of warthogs, buffalo, and various antelope species.
Evening: Enjoy dinner overlooking the channel or the distant Rwenzori Mountains, preparing for the spectacular game viewing scheduled for the morning.
Day 2 — Kasenyi sunrise drive & Kazinga boat safari
The Kasenyi Plains Sunrise Game Drive
We start early, before dawn, to catch the predators when they are most active. Our target is the Kasenyi Plains, renowned among seasoned guides for having the highest density of animals in the park. This vast stretch of savannah is the hunting ground for the area’s largest lion population and is home to immense herds of Uganda Kob, the staple diet of the big cats.
Your experienced guide will navigate the track systems, utilizing years of expertise to locate lion prides, solitary leopards, and large breeding herds of elephants and buffalo. Keeping your camera ready is essential; the early morning light across the plains provides perfect photographic opportunities for the African fish eagle and the stunning Topi antelope.
The World-Famous Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
The afternoon is reserved for one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife experiences: the boat cruise along the 32km-long Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is a magnet for the park’s wildlife. Gliding along the channel offers an unparalleled vantage point, unique to the region, allowing for close encounters that are often impossible during a vehicle game drive. You will witness some of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, often found cooling themselves in the water, alongside vast herds of thirsty buffalo and elephants that gather at the banks. The channel is also a haven for over 600 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher‘s paradise
Day 3 — Kyambura chimps (or Katwe salt mines)
While QENP is famed for its savannah game, it is also a critical location for primates. Today, we delve into the extraordinary sunken rainforest known as the Kyambura Gorge, or the “Valley of Apes”.
The gorge, an impressive 100-meter deep chasm, is a dramatically beautiful place to hike. This specific ecosystem is home to a habituated troop of chimpanzees, offering a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience. The trek is a unique opportunity to encounter one of our closest relatives in their natural habitat, requiring patience and fitness as you navigate the steep terrain under the guidance of expert rangers. Primate Focus: You will learn about the social structure of the chimpanzees and their conservation status. Alternative: For guests who prefer a less strenuous activity, Day 3 can be substituted with a visit to the nearby Lake Katwe Salt Mines, a fascinating cultural site where you can learn about traditional salt mining in south-western Uganda and often spot migrating flamingos.
acacia trees during the heat of the dayWe dedicate the entire day to tracking these magnificent creatures. Your guide will methodically search the branches of the famous low-lying fig trees, using local knowledge to pinpoint the exact locations where the pride has sought shelter. Beyond the lions, the Ishasha sector offers a different kind of game drive experience, characterized by vast, open plains teeming with topi, which are rarely seen in the northern part of the park. This geographical shift ensures you capture the full ecological diversity of QENP.
Key Takeaway: While the exact reason for the tree-climbing behavior remains debated, theories range from escaping the heat and tsetse flies to avoiding wet ground after rain. Observing this unique spectacle is a bucket-list item for any serious African safari enthusiast.
Day 5 — Final drive & departure logistics (airstrip option)
After an early breakfast, you have the option of a final, shorter game drive in the Ishasha area to secure any sightings missed the previous day, or a slow drive back towards the central Mweya sector. The journey back provides a final opportunity to spot the large buffalo herds, elusive leopards, and numerous bird species. The farewell drive is conducted at a relaxed pace, allowing you to reflect on the diversity of the “Medley of Wonders” you’ve experienced from the savannah of Kasenyi to the rainforest of Kyambura. Departure: Your driver-guide will coordinate your transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe (6-7 hour drive) or deliver you to the Mweya or Kasese airstrip for your pre-booked domestic flight
QENP Accommodation Tiers and Logistics Guide
Luxury Tier Example
For the ultimate QENP experience, our Luxury Tier often features the iconic Mweya Safari Lodge. Located dramatically on the Mweya Peninsula, the lodge offers spectacular views over the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. Experience: The lodge features a large swimming pool and sundeck overlooking the channel, where you can often watch hippos and elephants coming down to drink. Accommodation options include standard rooms, deluxe rooms (often with air conditioning), and even larger suites.
Our Mid-Range Tier balances comfort, service, and strategic location. Lodges like Ihamba Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, or Buffalo Safari Lodge are selected for their excellent service,
proximity to key park sectors, and comfortable amenities, often costing between $90 to $185 perperson per night. This tier offers exceptional value, providing comfortable, private accommodations with ensuite facilities without the premium of the ultimate luxury brands.
What’s included/excluded
Included: 4×4 safari vehicle, driver-guide, accommodation/meals, park entry, game drives, Kazinga cruise ticket, bottled water
Excluded: international flights, visas, tips, insurance, optional Kyambura permit (if priced separately)
