Queen Elizabeth Safari 3-Day: Game Drives & Kazinga Cruise

See buffalo, elephants and lions across three days without arranging your own transport

A 3-day group safari from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's second-largest park and a UNESCO heritage site, with game drives in the Kasenyi sector and a launch cruise on Kazinga Channel. Day one is a 5-to-6-hour drive from Kampala with stops at the equator and Mbarara, followed by an afternoon game drive. Day two combines a morning game drive and an afternoon cruise to spot crocodiles, water birds and animals at the water's edge. Day three returns you to Kampala with a lunch stop in Mbarara.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Queen Elizabeth Park

• Have breakfast in Kampala
• Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Stop at the equator for photos
• Have lunch in Mbarara
• Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Afternoon game drive in the park
• Dinner and overnight at Engazi Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive and Launch Cruise

• Have breakfast at the lodge
• Morning game drive in Kasenyi sector
• Lunch at the lodge
• Afternoon launch cruise on Kazinga Channel
• Dinner and overnight at Engazi Lodge

Day 3: Return to Kampala

• Have breakfast at the lodge
• Drive back to Kampala
• Stop at the equator for photos
• Have lunch in Mbarara
• Arrive in Kampala late afternoon
• Drop off at hotel or Entebbe airport

The experience

The drive from Kampala takes 5 to 6 hours on tarmac via Mbarara, with a photography stop at the equator and lunch in Mbarara town before you reach the park in the afternoon. That first evening you go straight into a game drive around Mweya in the Northern Kazinga grassland thickets, where buffalo and elephants move through their natural habitat. The Kasenyi plains and Kasese road are where lions hunt Uganda Kobs, the park's largest antelope population.

Day two splits between a morning game drive in Kasenyi (where both small and large game concentrate), and an afternoon launch cruise on Kazinga Channel. The channel is known for its high crocodile density, and the cruise is when you see water birds and larger animals coming down to drink and bathe. You stay both nights at Engazi Safari Lodge.

The return journey on day three follows the same route back to Kampala, with a lunch stop and another chance at the equator if you want to repeat the photography. You arrive in Kampala late afternoon and can be dropped at your hotel or at Entebbe airport for an onward flight. The itinerary can be extended with extra days and activities if you want to stay longer in the park.

What’s included

• Accommodation at Engazi Safari Lodge for two nights.
• morning and afternoon game drives in the Kasenyi sector.
• launch cruise on Kazinga Channel.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• hotel pickup from Kampala and drop-off at your Kampala hotel or Entebbe airport.
• meals with vegetarian options available on request.

Options for this experience

3 options

Small GroupUp to 2 people · Guide in English · 06:30This is for a group of 2 people. Follows the itinerary of the Crater Lakes luxury tour, lasting 3 days, traveling in continental style through Kasese and Queen Elizabeth Park by safari vehicle. Pickup is included.

Group 2Up to 4 people · Guide in English · 06:30Group of 4 members only, with the same experience. Follows the itinerary of the Crater Lakes luxury tour, lasting 3 days, traveling in continental style with a Queen Elizabeth safari vehicle. Pickup is included.

Group 4Up to 6 people · Guide in English · 06:30This is a group of 6 travelers, with discounted figures. Follows the itinerary of the Crater Lakes luxury tour, lasting 3 days, traveling in continental style to Queen Elizabeth park by safari vehicle. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 14 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Inspire African Safaris

Is this one for you?Book the small-group option if you prefer fewer than four travelers and a more intimate pace through the park; the group-of-four option balances cost and group size; the pair option works for two travelers who want to share the vehicle and guide without waiting for others to join.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala?

The park is 5 to 6 hours from Kampala by tarmac road via Mbarara, covering 420 kilometers. The route includes a stopover at the equator for photography and lunch in Mbarara town before arrival in the afternoon.

What animals will I see on the game drives?

The Kasenyi sector and Northern Kazinga grasslands hold buffalo, elephants, lions and Uganda Kobs. Lions are most commonly spotted in the eastern Kasenyi plains and along the Kasese road, where they hunt the antelope herds.

What happens on the Kazinga Channel cruise?

The afternoon launch cruise follows the channel, which is renowned for its high crocodile concentration. You'll see crocodiles, water birds and larger animals like buffalo and elephants coming to the water to drink and bathe.

Where do I stay during the safari?

Both nights are at Engazi Safari Lodge, located within the park. You have accommodation after the first afternoon game drive and after the second day's activities before departing on day three.

What is included in the price?

The safari includes accommodation at Engazi Safari Lodge for two nights, all game drives and the Kazinga Channel cruise, an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup from Kampala. Meals are provided, with vegetarian options available if you request them at booking.