Journey to the Park

Your adventure begins early in the morning with pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. After a short briefing from your driver-guide, you will embark on a scenic drive southwestwards towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, passing through beautiful countryside, rolling hills, plantations, and small towns.

En route, there will be a stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photographs and a chance to witness a water experiment demonstrating the northern and southern hemisphere divide. Lunch will be enjoyed in Mbarara town before proceeding to the park.

Evening Game Drive

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check into your lodge, refresh, and head out for an evening game drive. This is a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife as they become active during the cooler hours. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and if lucky — the elusive leopard. As the sun sets over the savannah, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options:

• Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages

• Mid-range: Elephant Hub Lodge

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains

After an early breakfast, set out for a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, one of the park’s most popular areas for wildlife viewing. The vast open grasslands attract large herds of Uganda kobs, often followed by lions in search of prey. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, waterbucks, and various bird species.

Your guide will navigate through different game tracks, increasing your chances of spotting a wide range of wildlife. The beautiful backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains makes for incredible photographic moments.

Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

After lunch and some rest, you will head for a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, elephants, and buffaloes along the banks.

The cruise is also ideal for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of pied kingfishers, African fish eagles, cormorants, and pelicans. The boat ride lasts about 2 hours and offers a unique perspective of the park’s ecosystem. Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Katwe Salt Lake Visit

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on a short drive to the nearby Katwe Salt Lake, a traditional salt mining site where locals have harvested salt for centuries. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional salt mining process, witness the salt pans, and interact with the local community. The area also offers panoramic views of Lake Edward and the surrounding crater lakes.

Return Journey to Kampala

Following the salt lake visit, begin your journey back to Kampala, with lunch en route in Mbarara. Enjoy the scenic drive, making brief stops for photographs and stretching. You will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, marking the end of your memorable 3-day Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.