Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kazinga Channel Boat cruises |Game drives | Equator Experience
Overview of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best national parks for wildlife safaris ,boat cruises and famous for tree climbing lions. Tree-climbing lions are found in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania . This park offers Uganda’s vast array of wildlife and is characterised by lakes, wetlands, and savannah grasslands.
The park bears the name of the English queen who paid a visit there in 1954. Nestled between Lake Albert and Lakes Gorge sits Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Uganda’s premier birding safari destination is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to 620 bird species—the greatest number of any park in the world—making it the ideal place to go on a safari in Africa. The park is great for tracking other mammals in addition to apes.
Discover Ishasha, the park’s southernmost region, to see the lions that scale trees; they are typically seen perched on acacia trees. Along with linking Gorge and Lake Albert, a naturally occurring waterhole in Kazinga Channel is home to numerous hippos, elephants, and Nile crocodiles. Another interesting thing to do in Kasenyi is take a boat safari tour.
Drive 8 or 9 hours on the tarmac road from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. At Pieland Gorilla Safaris, we advise against travelling the entire 260 miles to Queen Elizabeth National Park without making a few tours at other national parks along the route.
Lion in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kajjansi airstrip near Kampala is another way to fly to the park; the closest airfields in Queens are Mwenya, Ishasha, and Kasese. Flying from Kampala’s Entebbe International Airport is another option. The flight to Queens takes approximately one or two hours.
In Uganda, most visitors combine more than one safari destination. For example, they may combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park or Kibale National Park with Murchison Falls National Park. The best months to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park are June to September and January to February during the dry season.
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited in 3 Days for game drives and Boat cruise on famous Kazinga Channel.
3 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive. Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari. Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive – Return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
Your safari guide from Pieland Gorilla Safaris will pick you up early in the morning from Kampala or Entebbe for a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, local villages, tea plantations, and rolling hills.
You may stop at the Equator for photos and refreshments before continuing toward the park. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge and relax before heading for an evening game drive.
During the game drive, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and lions. The evening light also offers excellent photography opportunities.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Queen Elizabthe National Park
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is famous for predators and large herds of antelopes.
Expect possible sightings of:
Lions
Elephants
Buffaloes
Waterbucks
Uganda kobs
Warthogs
Hyenas
Various bird species
Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This is one of the highlights of the safari and offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many water birds along the shores.
Optional evening cultural experience or crater lake exploration can be arranged.
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive – Return to Kampala or Entebbe
Enjoy an early breakfast followed by a short morning game drive for another chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the beautiful savannah scenery.
After the game drive, begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe with lunch en route. Arrive in the evening depending on traffic and stopovers.
End of Safari.
Safari Inclusions
Gorilla safari transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Park entrance fees
Game drives
Kazinga Channel boat safari
Accommodation for 2 nights
Meals as per itinerary
Bottled drinking water during the safari
Pickup and drop-off in Kampala or Entebbe
Safari Exclusions
International flights
Uganda visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Optional activities not mentioned
Laundry services
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons:
June to September
December to February
These months offer easier game viewing because animals gather near water sources and roads are more accessible.
The rainy seasons from March to May and October to November also provide beautiful green scenery, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Experienced safari specialists in Uganda and East Africa
Customized safari itineraries
Professional safari guides
Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles
Affordable luxury, midrange, and budget options
Reliable customer support
Strong local knowledge
Personalized safari experiences
Easy booking process
Commitment to responsible tourism
FAQs About 3 Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
What animals can I see in Queen Elizabeth National Park? You may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, warthogs, hyenas, and many bird species.
How long is the drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park? The drive usually takes about 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and stopovers.
Is the Kazinga Channel boat safari worth it? Yes, it is one of the best wildlife boat safaris in Uganda with excellent hippo and bird sightings.
Can I see tree-climbing lions during this safari? Yes, tree-climbing lions can sometimes be seen in the Ishasha sector if included in the itinerary.
What type of accommodation is available? Luxury, midrange, and budget lodges are available inside and outside the park.
Is this safari suitable for families? Yes, the safari is family-friendly and suitable for most age groups.
What should I pack for the safari? Carry light clothing, binoculars, sunscreen, camera, hat, hiking shoes, and insect repellent.
Can the safari start from Entebbe Airport? Yes, airport pickups and drop-offs can be arranged.
Is Queen Elizabeth National Park good for birdwatching? Yes, the park is home to over 600 bird species.
Can this safari be customized? Yes, Pieland Gorilla Safaris can customize the itinerary based on your interests and budget.