Queen Elizabeth National Park is referred to as “the Pearl of Uganda”. The park has a high concentration of wildlife that many visitors yearn for. The park is well known for “the Big Five” i.e. the elephants, buffaloes, hippos. The park is spread along the eastern shore of the Rift Valley’s Lake Edward covering 2500 square kilometers. The park’s northern section is particularly scenic with lion prides and herds of elephants and cape buffalo, Africa’s most dangerous animal.
There are tremendous views of the Rwenzori peaks from its plains, which are decorated with giant candelabra euphoria trees. In the northeast section of the park is Chambura Gorge, which has lion, leopard, African finfoot and black bee eaters. In the Kikorondo area, plains give way to the dramatic cones of extinct volcanoes, some of which are filled with beautiful crater lakes. Some of the most spectacular game viewing takes place by boat on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward with its smaller brother, Lake George. The channel is packed with thousands of hippos, buffalo, elephant and multitudes of fish-eating birds. The southern Ishasha sector of the park, lying in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains of DR Congo, has huge grasslands that stretch out with grazing topi, kob and cape buffalo. In the old fig trees you can see the rare tree-climbing lions.
Trip Highlights
Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Day 3: Departure
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife tour
After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, undertake a game drive in the park in anticipation of mammals such as Hippos, Buffaloes, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Lions, primates and the elusive giant forest hog among others. For bird watchers enjoy viewing some of 610 bird species recorded in this park which makes QENP a birder’s haven. Water birds, forest and woodland birds are resident in this park. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge/Institute of Ecology (FB)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Dedicate the morning to chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge and the afternoon to a nature walk to the Maramagambo forest for a visit to the bats and pythons cave and the hunters’ cave. Visit the numerous magnificent crater lakes. End up at Katwe salt mines to see how salt is extracted locally. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge/Institute of Ecology (FB)
Day 3: Return Trip to Kampala
After breakfast go for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The Channel harbors a lot of mammals along its banks including buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and a variety of water birds.
In the afternoon transfer back to Kampala arriving in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Speke Hotel (FB)
End of the tour
Tour Inclusions
- Transportation from the meeting to the departure point
- Expert, English-speaking local driver/guide
- All accommodations while on tour
- Meal as indicated in the itinerary
- Park Entrance fees
- 1 Chimpanzee Tracking permit
- All Activity Fees included in the tour itinerary
- Pre-tour briefing and itinerary document, maps and postcards
Tour excludes
- International flight ( can be arranged if required )
- Visa and personal insurance
- Drinks, tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Any item or activity not mentioned in the tour package.
