Uganda · Safari

3-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari with Kazinga Cruise and Chimp Trekking

3 Days Round trip from Uganda Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Travel from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a scenic stop at the Uganda Equator
02 Stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at the equator monument
03 Enjoy a thrilling morning game drive to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and various antelope species
04 Cruise along the Kazinga Channel to view hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide range of birdlife
05 Trek through Kalinzu Forest in search of wild chimpanzees and experience their natural behavior up close
06 Capture stunning wildlife photography and panoramic views of savannah, crater lakes, and wetlands

Embark on a captivating 3-day safari adventure through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most biodiverse and scenic wildlife destinations. Travel from Entebbe with a scenic stop at the Uganda Equator before exploring the park's vast savannahs on a thrilling game drive in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and other wildlife. Cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and vibrant birdlife up close. Conclude the journey with an immersive chimpanzee trekking experience in the lush Kalinzu Forest before returning to Entebbe.

Embark on a captivating 3-day safari adventure through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most biodiverse and scenic wildlife destinations.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Masaka, Mbarara, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin with breakfast at your hotel or residence in Entebbe or Kampala.
Meet your professional driver-guide for a tour briefing.
Drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park with scenic views along the Masaka road.
Stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and demonstrations of the Coriolis effect.
Explore local craft shops and purchase handmade souvenirs.
Continue through Mbarara and Bushenyi with views of lush tea plantations.
Arrive at your lodge inside or near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Check in and relax in preparation for the following day's activities.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge and rest overnight.

Day 02

Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up early and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
Embark on a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains.
Spot diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes, and warthogs.
Observe birdlife such as African fish eagles, crested cranes, storks, and flamingos near Lake Bunyampaka.
Return to the lodge for a full breakfast and relax.
Have lunch at the lodge.
Proceed for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Sail between Lake George and Lake Edward with views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
Capture photographs of herds of elephants drinking along the banks.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Chimpanzee Trekking and Return to Entebbe

Depart early to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee trekking.
Hike through the forest and track one of the habituated chimp communities.
Learn about chimpanzee behavior and ecology from expert guides.
Return to the lodge for a quick refresh and check-out.
Travel back toward Entebbe with a lunch stop in Masaka.
Pause again at the Uganda Equator for final photographs.
Arrive in Entebbe in the evening and conclude your safari journey.

Where this trip takes you

Kasenyi Plains, Kazinga Channel, Lake Edward, Kalinzu Forest Reserve

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Chimp trekking permits (for non-residents): 1 permit, 2 permits, or 3 permits per person
All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as an optional upgrade)
Gorilla trekking permits (for non-residents): 1 permit or 2 permits per person
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal items)
Additional accommodation before and after the tour
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
International flights (to and from the client's home country)
Round-trip airport transfer
Gratuities

What to bring

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing: choose earth tones like khaki or olive to blend in and deter insects.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: protect skin from sunburn and bug bites.
Warm layers: pack a fleece or light sweater for chilly evenings.
Waterproof jacket or poncho: prepare for unexpected rain.
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots: essential for game drives and nature walks.
Sandals or flip-flops: great for relaxing at the lodge or during boat rides.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap: shield your face and neck from sun exposure.
Sunglasses with UV protection: protect eyes from glare.
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm: prevent sunburn and chapped lips.
Insect repellent with DEET: keep mosquitoes and insects at bay.
Antiseptic handwash or sanitizer: stay hygienic when water access is limited.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards: document your wildlife encounters.
Binoculars: improve birdwatching and distant animal spotting.
Flashlight or headlamp: useful for power outages and nighttime activities.
Power bank: keep electronics charged during long days outdoors.
Daypack or small backpack: carry essentials during excursions.
Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
Waterproof bag or dry sack: protect electronics and valuables during water-based activities.
Personal medications and first aid kit: include painkillers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and prescriptions.
Travel documents: carry passport, visa (if needed), insurance papers, and permits.
Guidebook or bird identification book: enrich your experience with knowledge about the local fauna.
Lightweight long-sleeved shirt and pants (for boat cruises): combine sun protection with comfort.
Rain jacket or poncho (boat-specific): prepare for fast-changing weather on the water.

Know before you go

Explore the Kasenyi Plains on game drives to spot lions, elephants, and Ugandan kobs.
Visit the Ishasha sector for a chance to see the rare tree-climbing lions.
Embark on a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of bird species.
Depart from either Mweya Peninsula or Katunguru Bridge for the Kazinga Channel cruises.
Track habituated chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge within their natural forest habitat.
Discover over 600 bird species, making Queen Elizabeth National Park a prime destination for birdwatchers.
Interact with local communities, including fishing villages and salt miners, for a deeper cultural understanding.
Visit during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August for optimal wildlife viewing and easier travel conditions.
Stay informed about security risks, especially in areas near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Use only registered and reputable tour operators, and follow local authority and park warden guidance.
Remain in designated areas, avoid disturbing wildlife, and do not go on solo walks.
Wear lightweight, neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect from sun and insects.
Pack comfortable walking shoes or boots suitable for both game drives and nature walks.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for sun protection during outdoor activities.
Carry binoculars and a camera with extra batteries to enhance wildlife viewing and photography.
Include insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit in your health essentials.
Book your Kazinga Channel boat cruise in advance, especially in peak seasons.
Choose an afternoon cruise for better chances of wildlife sightings.
Sit on the left side of the boat for optimal views of the shoreline and wildlife.
Always wear a life jacket and follow safety instructions during boat excursions.
Stay at Mweya Safari Lodge for scenic views of the Kazinga Channel.
Choose Ishasha Jungle Lodge if you wish to focus on tree-climbing lion sightings.
Consider eco-lodges for sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options.
Travel by road from Kampala, which takes approximately 7.5 hours.
Fly from Entebbe International Airport to either Mweya or Kasese airstrips for quicker access.