Safari Overview
A superb introduction to Uganda and its most varied and charming national park. Imagine over 100 mammal and 600 bird species and you have an idea of Queen Elizabeth’s exceptional wildlife.
We spend one day in each of the park’s three distinct sectors: Ishasha’s savannah, the northern crater lakes and plains (with a boat trip in the Kazinga Channel) and the Kyambura Gorge. Lions, elephant, hippo, chimps, antelope, buffalo and a vast array of birds can be expected.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala – Ishasha Sector
We begin the tour with the long drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately 5 hours). This is a tiring journey, but the hills and forests of Southwest Uganda are impressive and make for pleasant breaks and photo opportunities en route.
Arriving after lunch, we take our first game drive through the wild savannahs of the park’s Ishasha sector, looking out in particular for its famed tree-climbing lions. You can also expect to see elephant, buffalo, several species of antelope and if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard.
Day 2: Mweya and Northern Circuits
Up early to make the most of the morning animal activity, we head out across plains and craters to see the spectacular thousands of Ugandan kob, lions and elephants. This is an incredible drive, stopping by the beautiful Katwe Crater Lakes.
The afternoon is an unbelievable boat trip down the Kazinga Channel. Many visitors consider this to be the highlight of their Ugandan trip and you will see why. The quantity of hippo, buffalo and birds is simply outstanding. With chances to see Shoebill storks and African fish eagles, the bird life is impressive to say the least.
The evening is spent in the grounds around our base, keeping an eye out for the not so timid lions, hyenas and hippos as they stray into lodge grounds.
Day 3: Kyambura – Kampala
Another early rise and drive south to the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. Here the walk takes 3-4 hours depending on the weather and in addition to the chimps, we can expect to see black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and baboons.
In the afternoon it’s the long journey back to Kampala/Entebbe, where the tour ends.