Discover Uganda’s second-largest park on this compact, action-packed 5-day Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. Beginning and ending in Kampala, this Uganda safari blends game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge and a full day in Ishasha to search for tree-climbing lions. Moreover, the route showcases Fort Portal, Rwenzori views, crater lakes and rich birdlife.
Trip highlights
Day 1: Transfer Kampala → Queen Elizabeth (via Fort Portal).
Day 2: Morning game drive / lion tracking (Kasenyi) + Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Day 3: Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking + Katwe & Nyamunuka crater lakes.
Day 4: Full-day game drive in Ishasha (tree-climbing lions).
Day 5: Return to Kampala via Igongo cultural lunch and Equator stop.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup & transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your driver-guide collects you in Kampala, briefs you, and drives west. En route, stop for lunch in Fort Portal and enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains, tea and banana plantations, and crater lakes. Finally, arrive in the park for an optional evening game drive before dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Kasenyi game drive (lion tracking) + Kazinga Channel boat cruise
After an early breakfast, head to Kasenyi plains for a morning game drive or guided lion tracking. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and many antelope and bird species. Then, after lunch, take a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel (40 km) to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, shore-feeding buffalo and abundant waterbirds such as kingfishers and African fish eagles. Conclude with an evening drive and return to the lodge.
Day 3: Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking & crater lakes tour
First, trek in Kyambura Gorge (Valley of Apes) with a park guide; trekking lasts from about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on chimp movements. Consequently, once located you spend one hour observing habituated chimpanzees and other primates. After lunch, visit Katwe and Nyamunuka crater lakes see local salt-harvesting communities and Nyamunuka, known as an animal “hospital.” Return to the lodge for rest.
Day 4: Full-day game drive in Ishasha sector
Drive south to the Ishasha sector for a full day searching for the famed tree-climbing lions. With a packed lunch in the bush, explore the floodplains and riverine woodlands where lions rest in fig and acacia trees, while also watching kobs, waterbucks, elephants and buffaloes. Afterwards, return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Return to Kampala (Igongo & Equator stops)
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then drive back to Kampala. Stop for lunch and a cultural break at Igongo Cultural Centre, and later experience the Equator (photo stop and shopping for crafts). Arrive in Kampala in the early evening and receive drop-off at your preferred location.
What the quotation includes
Chimpanzee trekking permit.
Park entrance fees and game drives.
Lion tracking fees.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise fee.
Full-time English-speaking driver-guide.
Accommodation (as per booking).
Pickup & drop-off in Kampala.
4WD safari vehicle and fuel.
Bottled drinking water.
What is excluded
International and domestic flights, and visas.
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, tips, etc.).