Queen Elizabeth Park: Wildlife Safari, Boat Ride & Chimps

Summary

Queen Elizabeth National Park safari with wildlife, boat trip and chimpanzee trekking included

You’ll travel from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park with hotel pickup included, stopping at the Equator before exploring crater lakes and salt villages with your guide. Spot lions, elephants, hippos and rare birds on game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat ride. Trek into Kyambura Gorge for wild chimpanzees—there’s always something unexpected waiting around each turn.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to see a lion lounging in a fig tree? I didn’t think much about it until our driver, Moses, slowed the van near Ishasha and pointed up. There she was—tail flicking lazily, golden eyes half-closed. The air smelled faintly of dust and wildflowers after last night’s rain. We’d left Kampala early (the kind of early where you’re not sure if you’re awake yet), stopped at the Equator for that classic photo—I still have red dust on my shoes from there—and then rolled west through villages where kids waved at us like we were celebrities. By the time we reached Queen Elizabeth National Park, I was hungry and more excited than I’d admit.

The first afternoon was all crater lakes and salt pans—honestly, I thought salt just came from the sea before this. Katwe village felt both ancient and alive; women in bright wraps carried baskets on their heads, laughing with each other as they worked. Our guide explained how families have harvested salt here for generations. Later, back at Kasenyi Safari Camp, I tried to write down everything but got distracted by hippos grunting somewhere out in the dark. It’s funny what sticks with you.

The next morning started before sunrise—coffee so strong it made my hands shake—and then straight onto the Kasenyi trail for our game drive. We saw elephants moving through misty grass, Uganda kobs bounding away in little bursts, and a warthog that seemed almost too cartoonish to be real. Moses spotted a pair of lions in the distance; he had this way of quietly pointing things out without making a big deal. After breakfast (eggs never taste as good as they do after a chilly morning outside), we took a boat along the Kazinga Channel. Hippos everywhere—some yawning wide enough to fit my backpack inside—and buffaloes standing so still they looked carved from stone. Birds flashed blue and green in the reeds; someone said “malachite kingfisher” but I just remember how tiny it looked next to those massive animals.

On our last day we went chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. The forest there is thick and humid—you can hear your own breath echoing off the vines sometimes. Our local tracker led us down slippery paths (I nearly lost a shoe) until suddenly there were chimps above us, calling out to each other like kids on a playground. It felt strange leaving all that behind when we drove back toward Kampala; I kept thinking about those lions in the trees and how quiet everything gets just before sunrise out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfer and crater drive

• Pick up from hotel
• Stop at Equator for photos and lunch
• Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Afternoon crater drive and Katwe Salt lake visit

Day 2 — Morning game drive and boat safari

• Early morning game drive on Kasenyi trail
• Return to lodge for breakfast and lunch
• Afternoon boat safari on Kazinga Channel

Day 3 — Chimpanzee trekking and return

• Early game drive to Kyambura Gorge
• Chimpanzee trekking tour
• Crater lake experience and viewing
• Drive back to Kampala with lunch stop
• Transfer to hotel or airport

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park?

It’s about 376 km from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park, usually taking most of the day including stops along the way.

Is hotel pickup included for this Queen Elizabeth safari?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included for this tour.

What animals can I see on a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari?

You may see lions (including tree-climbing ones), elephants, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, Uganda kobs, crocodiles, chimpanzees and many bird species.

Does this tour include a boat ride on Kazinga Channel?

Yes, an afternoon boat safari along Kazinga Channel is part of the itinerary.

Is chimpanzee trekking part of this safari tour?

Yes, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is included on the final day.

Are meals provided during the tour?

The tour includes lunch stops during transfers; breakfasts are available at your lodge accommodation.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

The tour is wheelchair accessible including transportation options and most areas visited.

What’s included

Your experience includes private transportation with hotel pickup from Kampala or Entebbe, guided game drives through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannahs and crater lakes region, an afternoon boat ride along Kazinga Channel spotting wildlife up close, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge with an expert local guide leading you throughout—all meals as described are provided along the route before returning you safely at journey’s end.