3 Days Best of Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Tour

When it comes to Uganda’s wildlife offerings, the Queen Elizabeth National Park often tops the list. This 3-day tour offers a fantastic snapshot of the park’s diverse ecosystems, abundant animals, and breathtaking scenery—all wrapped into a well-organized package by Cream Tours & Safaris. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary reveal a highly regarded experience that balances adventure, comfort, and authentic encounters.

One of the main things we love about this tour is how it combines varied activities: from game drives and boat safaris to chimpanzee trekking and crater lake visits. The inclusion of an early start for wildlife viewing makes sure you’re up close with Uganda’s big game, especially in the morning light. Plus, the guides seem to be a standout feature—reviewers praise Cesar and the team for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to spot wildlife. Lastly, the scenic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains and the park’s crater lakes promises stunning views that are worth every minute.

That said, a possible consideration is the pace of the tour—three days packed with activities mean long days and tight schedules. It’s ideal if you’re eager to see as much as possible in a short time, but it might feel rushed for those wanting a slower, more relaxed wildlife experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed introduction to Queen Elizabeth National Park without sacrificing authenticity. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure-seekers eager to explore Uganda’s most iconic landscapes in a short, organized trip.

Key Points

• Diverse ecosystems: From savannahs and crater lakes to lush gorges, the park offers a variety of landscapes.
• Wildlife-rich: Expect to see elephants, lions, Uganda Kobs, buffaloes, and a broad bird species count.
• Expert guides: The reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the experience.
• Balanced itinerary: Combines game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee trekking for a well-rounded wildlife encounter.
• Scenic views: The backdrop of Rwenzori Mountains and crater lakes make this more than just a wildlife trip—these are picture-perfect moments.
• Value for money: For $1,100 per person, including transportation, meals, and activities, the experience is quite comprehensive.

An In-Depth Look at the 3-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Tour

Day 1: From Kampala to the Park and Crater Drive

The adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel, signaling the start of a well-organized journey. Traveling west from Kampala, your driver-guide will take you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a notable stop at the Green Equator in Masaka. Here, you’ll get a chance to snap photos and experience that iconic cross-line moment, all within a half-hour stop that includes an entry fee.

Arriving at the park later in the afternoon, you’re treated to an excursion through the crater lakes and Katwe Salt Lake area. This first drive is more than just a warm-up—it introduces you to the park’s varied terrain. Reviewers like Geoffrey praised the “lions at their very best,” emphasizing how close and active the big cats can be. The guide’s local knowledge shines here, helping to spot animals and explain landscapes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Day 2: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Early mornings are when the park really comes alive. Starting around 6:00 am, your game drive along the Kasenyi trail aims to catch animals at their most active. Expect to see elephants, Uganda Kobs, and possibly lions—reviewers mention how guides like Cesar are exceptional at spotting wildlife and sharing their insights. The chance to see such a variety of mammals and birds (over 100 mammal species and 606 bird species) makes this a highlight.

Post-breakfast, the tour shifts gears with a two-hour boat safari along Kazinga Channel. This waterway, connecting Lake George and Lake Edward, provides a different perspective on the park’s wildlife. You’re likely to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and a host of bird species such as malachite kingfishers and pink-backed pelicans. The boat ride is often praised for its proximity to animals and the chance to photograph them from a unique vantage point.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Crater Lake Visit

The third day kicks off with an early start, heading out for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. This part of the trip is especially valued by those interested in primates. The gorge’s lush vegetation provides a habitat for chimpanzees and other primates, and the guided trek offers an opportunity to observe these intelligent animals in a semi-wild setting. Tour reviews emphasize the passion and expertise of guides like Cesar, who help locate the chimps and share fascinating facts.

After the trek, the journey back to Kampala includes a stop at the crater lakes—another scenic highlight—before heading to Mbarara for lunch. The drive back provides a relaxed end to an otherwise action-packed trip, giving you a moment to reflect on the adventure.

Transportation, Accommodation, and Overall Comfort

The tour features private transportation, which is essential for managing time efficiently and ensuring a comfortable journey. The long drives are broken up with stops at iconic sites and for meals, which makes the experience more enjoyable rather than exhausting.

While the accommodation details aren’t specified, reviewers mention that the lodges or camps used are simple but adequate, allowing you to feel immersed in the wild without sacrificing basic comforts. You’ll be in a good position to rest after long days of wildlife viewing and adventure.

Meals and Inclusives

The tour includes three lunches, two dinners, and two breakfasts—enough to keep you energized for the activities. The meals are typically provided at lodges or nearby eateries, giving you a taste of local flavors. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, which is typical for such tours, so you might want to bring your own if you plan to unwind with a drink.

Cost and Value

At $1,100 per person, the tour provides a comprehensive package that covers transportation, meals, park entry fees, and activities. Considering the number of game drives, boat safaris, and primate trekking, this fee appears to offer good value for an all-inclusive experience in a top Ugandan national park.

Authentic Encounters and Guides

One of the standout features, based on reviews, is the quality of the guides. Cesar, in particular, is praised for being friendly, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable about animals and the park’s landscapes. Travelers felt they were in good hands, which significantly enriches the overall experience. It’s clear that having an expert guide can make the difference between a good safari and a memorable one.

What You Can Expect in Terms of Wildlife

From the reviews, it’s evident that the wildlife viewing is excellent. Early morning drives maximize your chances to see active predators like lions and elephants. The boat safari is another highlight, providing close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Reviewers also appreciated the opportunity to see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, a unique feature of Queen Elizabeth Park. Such sightings are rare and add a special touch to your safari.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous wildlife enthusiasts eager to see Uganda’s diversity in a short time. It’s perfect if you want a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, primate encounters, and scenic landscapes. Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and are comfortable with long days will find this particularly rewarding.

If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced experience, or have specific accommodation preferences, you might want to consider additional options or extensions. But for those looking to maximize their wildlife sightings and enjoy a well-rounded Ugandan adventure, this 3-day trip hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife tour offers a highly organized, immersive experience with plenty of opportunities to see Uganda’s iconic animals and landscapes. The inclusion of game drives, boat safaris, and chimp trekking ensures that you’ll get a diverse and dynamic experience. The excellent reviews highlight the professionalism of guides like Cesar, who make sure you get the most out of every moment.

At a fair price, the trip balances adventure, comfort, and rich wildlife encounters, making it suitable for travelers eager to explore Uganda’s top park in a short span. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, this tour promises memorable moments and stunning scenery that will stay with you long after you leave.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The package covers private transportation, three meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), park entry tickets, and activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee trekking.

How long is the drive from Kampala?
The drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park is approximately 376 km, with the first stop at the Equator in Masaka en route.

Are there opportunities to see wildlife early in the morning?
Yes, the tour starts with an early morning game drive around 6:00 am, which is ideal for spotting animals when they’re most active.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
You can expect to see elephants, lions, Uganda Kobs, buffaloes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including kingfishers and pelicans.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, as it’s a private tour, it’s tailored to your group. Solo travelers can join and enjoy a personalized experience.

What should I bring for chimpanzee trekking?
A pair of comfortable walking shoes, light long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent, and perhaps binoculars for better viewing.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours may not be refunded.

This well-rounded, value-packed tour is a fantastic way to experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife and scenery in just three days. Whether you’re photographing lions lounging in the early morning or paddling along Kazinga Channel, your memories of Queen Elizabeth National Park are sure to be unforgettable.