Queen Elizabeth National Park in Three Days

Queen Elizabeth National Park is big, varied and easy to love, and three days lets you see its best parts without rushing. The Uganda Wildlife Authority lists it at 1,978 square kilometres, with more than 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. This plan splits the days between the northern plains, the channel and the southern sector.

Before you go

From Mbarara the northern sector and the channel are roughly two to three hours by road through Ishaka and Katunguru. Leave early, so you arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon boat cruise. Read our seasons guide to choose your dates, and our packing list for what to bring.

Day 1: The Kazinga Channel

Arrive at midday and check in near the channel. In the afternoon take the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway of about forty kilometres linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Hippos crowd the shallows, Nile crocodiles bask on the banks, and elephants and buffalo come down to drink. Pelicans, kingfishers and fish eagles add a long bird list. Afternoon light is warm, so bring your camera and binoculars.

Day 2: Northern plains and Katwe craters

Start with a sunrise game drive in the northern plains, where Uganda kobs, buffalo, elephants and sometimes lions are active in the first hours. After lunch visit the Katwe explosion craters and the salt lake nearby, a scenic drive among volcanic landforms. Ask about a community visit if you want to meet people who live beside the park. UWA lists cultural tours with the Bakonzo, Basongora and Banyabindi communities.

Day 3: Ishasha or Kyambura Gorge

If you want lions, drive south to the Ishasha sector and search for lions resting in fig trees, a behaviour UWA describes as rare globally. Allow time and go early, since sightings depend on luck as much as skill. If you prefer a forest morning, visit the Kyambura Gorge, a forested chasm known for chimpanzees and birds. Trails are steep, so ask about fitness and permits. Ishasha is also on the road to Bwindi, which makes it a natural lead-in to gorillas.

Making it longer

Add a night for Ishasha, or combine the park with Kibale for chimpanzees. Our Kibale chimps and Queen Elizabeth safari shows one way, and our 3 day Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari covers the park on its own.

Tips

• Early starts are best for drives. Midday is for lunch and rest
• Bring binoculars. The birding is excellent
• Allow extra time in Ishasha in the wetter months, when tracks can be slow
• Ask for a guide who knows recent lion locations

Plan your stay

Tell us your dates and group size on the plan your trip page, and we will price three days in Queen Elizabeth and build the route around your other plans.