5 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari

The 5-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari is a thrilling wildlife adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Uganda’s second-largest national park, Queen Elizabeth National Park. This safari offers an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural encounters. From scenic game drives in the vast savannah plains to a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel teeming with hippos and crocodiles, this trip is designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The safari also includes a visit to the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking and an excursion to the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. This is an ideal safari for those who wish to explore Uganda’s incredible biodiversity within a limited time.

• Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with breathtaking views of the countryside.
• Exciting game drives in the Kasenyi plains with a chance to spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and antelopes.
• A thrilling boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
• Chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge, a haven for primate lovers.
• A visit to the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.
• Cultural encounters with the local communities, including the Bakonzo people.

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Kampala or Entebbe, heading southwest towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you will pass through stunning landscapes of rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and traditional homesteads. You will have a stopover at the Equator for a photo session and a brief experiment to witness the geographical division between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Lunch will be served in Mbarara, Uganda’s cultural capital, before proceeding to the park. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and have some time to relax. If time allows, you can take a short evening game drive to catch a glimpse of the park’s wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge. Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge
• Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge / Parkview Safari Lodge
• Budget: Bush Lodge / Simba Safari Camp

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, one of the best spots in the park for wildlife viewing. This drive offers a great opportunity to spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and if lucky, lions and leopards hunting for prey. The game drive lasts about 3–4 hours before returning to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a spectacular boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This 2-hour cruise provides an excellent platform to view large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle, kingfishers, and pelicans. The boat cruise is a highlight of the safari as it allows for close-up encounters with wildlife. After the cruise, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, you will set off for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes.” This underground forest is home to a habituated group of chimpanzees and offers a thrilling trek through dense vegetation. The experience of watching chimpanzees in their natural habitat, playing and grooming each other, is fascinating. Along the way, you may also encounter other primates such as baboons, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon, you will embark on another game drive, focusing on areas you may have missed earlier. Expect to see more wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and nocturnal animals as the sun sets.

  On this day, you will drive to the Ishasha sector, a unique part of Queen Elizabeth National Park known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lions, the ones in Ishasha have adapted to resting on fig trees, offering an extraordinary sight. The game drive in this sector provides an opportunity to see these magnificent predators alongside other wildlife such as topis, elephants, and buffaloes. After a rewarding game drive, you will have lunch at a nearby lodge before embarking on another afternoon game drive to maximize your chances of spotting more wildlife. Later, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

On the final day of your safari, you will enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive back to Kampala. You may have an optional visit to a local community to interact with the Bakonzo people, learning about their culture and traditional way of life. A stopover in Mbarara for lunch will give you a chance to stretch and reflect on your incredible adventure. Upon arrival in Kampala, you will be dropped off at your preferred location or the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 5-day safari.

• Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
• Accommodation for 4 nights in selected lodges/camps
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Services of an English-speaking professional guide
• Park entrance fees
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Game drives in different sectors of the park
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, and alcoholic beverages
• Additional activities not included in the itinerary
• Optional visit to local communities (can be arranged at an extra cost)

The 5-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari is an exhilarating experience that immerses you in Uganda’s rich wildlife and scenic landscapes. Whether you are witnessing the majesty of tree-climbing lions, enjoying a boat cruise surrounded by hippos, or trekking through the dense forests of Kyambura Gorge in search of chimpanzees, this safari offers unforgettable moments. It is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Uganda’s wilderness in a short yet fulfilling adventure. If you are a nature enthusiast, wildlife lover, or simply looking for a refreshing escape, this safari is tailored just for you!