Queen Elizabeth National Park 3-Day Trip from Kampala

Queen Elizabeth National Park is often called Uganda’s jewel for good reason. With its sprawling landscapes, abundant wildlife, and incredible diversity of ecosystems, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Africa’s natural beauty up close. This 3-day tour from Kampala, offered by Rebette Tours & Travel Services, promises a well-rounded adventure filled with wildlife sightings, cultural insights, and memorable moments.

We love that this experience takes you through forests, wetlands, and lakes—all in one trip—highlighting Uganda’s ecological variety. The chance to spot over 600 bird species, 10 primate species, and more than 30 large game animals makes it a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Plus, the unique opportunity to have a “date with big cats” during night hunting is a highlight that sets this safari apart.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves some long drives—about 250 miles on the way to the park—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with road travel and who appreciate a full immersion into the landscape. This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who love wildlife, photography, and cultural exploration, but it might be less suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Contents show

Key Points

Wildlife Diversity: Over 600 bird species, 10 primates, and 30 large mammals including lions, leopards, and elephants.
Ecosystem Exploration: Diverse habitats like forests, wetlands, and lakes provide excellent wildlife and birding opportunities.
Cultural Touch: Stop at Igongo Cultural Centre to learn about Ankole culture and enjoy local cuisine.
Night Safari: Experience the thrill of night hunting for big cats—a rare and exciting adventure.
Comfort & Convenience: Includes transportation in a 4×4 vehicle, accommodation, meals, and guided expertise.
Value for Money: At $925, the tour offers a comprehensive package with park fees, guides, and all key experiences included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the 3-Day Queen Elizabeth Park Tour

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Kampala

Day 1: Departure from Kampala & Cultural Stopovers

The journey begins early in the morning with a pickup from your Kampala hotel. The route can take two main roads—through Mbarara or via Masaka—both offering scenic drives that showcase Uganda’s vibrant countryside. The first option takes you through Mbarara, covering approximately 250 miles, with a stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre. Here, travelers get a fascinating glimpse into the Ankole culture, with traditional homesteads and local cuisine that add depth to the experience.

If you choose the route through Masaka, you’ll get the chance to cross the Equator, a fun photo opportunity and a chance to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously. This stop is often highlighted in reviews for adding a sense of adventure and geographical significance.

Day 2: Wildlife Encounters & Ecosystem Exploration

Once at Queen Elizabeth National Park, the real adventure begins. The safari vehicle—usually a sturdy 4×4 with a pop-up roof—allows excellent wildlife viewing from all angles. The guide, often a local with vast knowledge, points out species and shares insights about animal behavior and habitat.

Expect to see the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos (if present)—plus giraffes, warthogs, and countless antelopes. Reviewers often mention the thrill of spotting elusive predators like lions lounging in the grass or leopards perched high in trees. The park’s diversity means you’re likely to encounter a variety of primates, including baboons and chimpanzees, along with a multitude of bird species.

The birding opportunities here are remarkable, with over 600 species documented. Birdwatchers will love the chance to see endemic and migratory birds, adding a colorful dimension to the safari.

Day 3: Night Hunting & Return to Kampala

The final night offers a unique experience—a night safari focused on big cat night hunting. Many reviewers describe this as both exhilarating and slightly nerve-wracking, but definitely a highlight for wildlife lovers. Seeing predators in their natural nocturnal environment provides a deeper understanding of their hunting behaviors and adds a sense of intimacy to the safari.

After breakfast, the return journey to Kampala begins. The tour includes bottled water throughout, plus evening local beers to relax after a day of adventure. The trip concludes with hotel drop-off, leaving travelers with lasting memories.

More Great Tours Nearby

What You’ll Love About This Tour

Wildlife & Birdwatching: With over 600 bird species and numerous mammal sightings, it’s a photography and nature lover’s paradise. The guides are experienced at spotting hidden animals and tend to be very helpful in getting good views.

Cultural Experiences: Visiting Igongo Cultural Centre enriches the safari by adding an understanding of local traditions and way of life, making your trip more meaningful.

Comfort & Convenience: The included transportation, park fees, meals, and accommodation make this a hassle-free experience—great for those who want to focus on the adventure without worrying about logistics.

Night Safari: The chance to observe predators in their natural environment at night is a rare opportunity that elevates this tour from typical safaris to an unforgettable experience.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Kampala

Points to Consider

While the tour offers fantastic value, it does involve considerable travel distances, which could be tiring for some. The long drives mean you’ll need patience, but the scenery, cultural stops, and wildlife sightings help make up for it. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for young children under 6, pregnant women, or travelers with certain mobility issues—so plan accordingly.

Practical Information for Travelers

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, water, insect repellent, binoculars, and sunscreen are essentials. Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, and don’t forget a garbage bag to keep the environment clean.

What’s Not Allowed: Pets, smoking, littering, and feeding animals are all prohibited to protect wildlife and other guests.

Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes, bring a hat and sunscreen for daytime, and have insect repellent handy. During the night safari, patience and quiet are key to spotting animals.

Reservations & Payment: You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans are not yet finalized. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Additional Insights from Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlight the professionalism of guides like Sam and Grace, who are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach. One reviewer mentioned the “excellent spotting skills” that led to close-up views of predators, making the experience truly special. Others appreciated the well-organized logistics—from the comfortable vehicle to the tasty meals—and felt the value was justified given the comprehensive nature of the trip.

A common tip from past travelers is to bring extra camera batteries and a zoom lens for capturing distant wildlife, especially during early mornings and late evenings when animals are most active.

The Sum Up

This Queen Elizabeth National Park 3-day tour from Kampala offers a balanced mix of wildlife immersion, cultural engagement, and unforgettable night encounters. It’s a great choice for travelers who want an all-in-one safari experience without the hassle of planning each detail. The inclusion of local guides, park fees, and comfortable transport makes it a good value at $925 per person, considering the extensive activities and accommodations provided.

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those eager to learn about Uganda’s natural and cultural landscapes, this tour provides a taste of the country’s rich biodiversity. While it involves significant travel time, the rewarding encounters with lions, elephants, and stunning birdlife make it worthwhile. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, authentic safari experience in Uganda, this trip ticks many boxes.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes professional English-speaking guides, park entrance fees, a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, bottled water, accommodation, meals (lunch and dinner), hotel pickup and drop-off, and 4 local beers in the evening.

Are there any optional stops during the journey?
Yes, you can stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre to learn about Ankole culture and enjoy local cuisine, or at the Equator crossing for a quick photo and geographical experience.

How many wildlife species can I expect to see?
You can expect to see over 600 bird species, 10 primate species, and more than 30 large game animals including lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old due to the nature of the safari activities and long drives.

What should I bring on the safari?
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, water, insect repellent, binoculars, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing are recommended.

Are vegetarian or special dietary requirements accommodated?
The tour includes meals, but specific dietary needs should be communicated in advance with the provider.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Is overnight accommodation included?
Yes, the tour includes accommodation, though details about the specific lodges are provided during booking.

What’s the best time to go for wildlife viewing?
While not explicitly stated, safaris like this generally offer good wildlife sightings during the dry season, when animals gather around water sources.

Overall, this safari strikes a wonderful balance between wildlife viewing, culture, and adventure, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive Ugandan safari experience.