6 Days Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

This 6-day Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari is designed for travellers who want a deeper experience in and around Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse savannah safari destination. The itinerary combines chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, lion tracking with researchers, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, community and cultural visits, guided nature walks, and game drives in both the Kasenyi and Ishasha sectors. It is a strong choice for travellers who want more than a standard wildlife safari and are interested in conservation, local culture, birdlife, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Safari highlights

• Scenic transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
• Community experience at Kikorongo Cultural Centre
• Lion tracking with a research team
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Optional crater drive to Baboon Cliffs
• Guided walk around Lake Kikorongo
• Visit to Katwe Salt Lake and Lake Munyenyange
• Community agro tour
• Ishasha tree-climbing lion experience
• Nature walk along the Ishasha River
• Final game drive before return to Kampala

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, evening game drive

After breakfast, depart Kampala and drive southwest via Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stop for lunch en route, then continue to the park and arrive in the afternoon. After check-in and a short rest, head out for an evening game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, one of the park’s best wildlife viewing areas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge, Mid-range Kyambura Game Lodge, Budget Simba Safari Camp.

Day 2, Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, cultural experience

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. This guided forest experience gives you the chance to observe chimpanzees as they feed, move through the trees, and interact in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Kikorongo Cultural Centre, where you will meet women from the local community and learn about traditional crafts such as bead-making, paper crafts, and basket weaving. Enjoy cultural dances and drama performances before an evening game drive on the Kasenyi Plains. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3, Lion tracking, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, optional crater drive

After breakfast, meet the lion research team for a lion tracking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This activity gives you the chance to learn more about lion monitoring and conservation work in the park. After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of birdlife along the shores. Later, you may choose an optional crater drive to the Baboon Cliffs for scenic views and a sunset drink before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4, Guided nature walk, Katwe Salt Lake, evening game drive

Start the day with a guided nature walk around Lake Kikorongo, where you may spot a variety of bird species around the lake and nearby vegetation. After lunch, visit Katwe Salt Lake and learn about traditional salt mining methods that have supported local communities for generations. Continue with a short walk to Lake Munyenyange, where lesser flamingos may be seen seasonally, especially from August to November, along with other birdlife. Later, enjoy an evening game drive on the Channel Track before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5, Community agro tour, Ishasha tree-climbing lions, guided nature walk

Today begins with a community agro tour through local farmland, where you learn about farming methods, beekeeping, and medicinal plants. After this experience, drive to the Ishasha Sector for a picnic lunch on the Ishasha Plains. In the afternoon, explore the Edward Flats in search of the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, one of the best-known wildlife highlights in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will also enjoy a guided nature walk along the Ishasha River before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 6, Morning game drive in Ishasha, return to Kampala

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive through the Ishasha Plains, where you may see Uganda kob, buffalo, topi, elephants, and, if you are lucky, the famous tree-climbing lions. Return to the lodge for lunch, then check out and begin the drive back to Kampala. Depending on your travel plans, you may be dropped off at the airport for your departure flight or at your hotel for an overnight stay.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport transfers
• Private safari vehicle and driver guide
• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
• Park entry fees
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
• Lion tracking experience
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Guided nature walks and community visits
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary