Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, in Kasese district, Queen Elizabeth National Park, also known as ‘the medley of wonders’ is the second largest national park in Uganda after Murchison Falls National Park, with a total area of 1,978 square kilometers.
The Park is undeniably one of the most touristic places in East Africa; comprising of several unique attractions including the one-of-a-kind tree climbing lions.
The wildlife-loaded Kazinga channel is one of the things you wouldn’t love to miss when you visit the Park along with several crater lakes which you will be passing-by as you’re driving to the Park. Below is how your memorable 3-days program in the Park may look like:
Day 1: Driving to the Park:
So you are kicking off your day marvelously as you drive westwards of the country to explore some of the wonders the Pearl of Africa – Uganda is blessed with.
If you booked for a driver-guide, he will definitely come to pick you up from your hotel of residence or airport but if you are going on a self-drive trip (with no driver-guide), your car will still be brought to you wherever you will be and then set forth.
On your way driving to the Park, you will have to cut your journey short in either Mbarara or any other town for lunch and then proceed to the Park immediately after your delicious lunch.
There are very many attractions you will be passing-by as you are heading to this remarkable Park, among them include; the beautiful crater lakes and very many eye-catching attractions. Few kilometers from the Park’s gate, you can opt to stop at the Equator for an exciting experiment before entering the Park for a thrilling evening game drive.
Yes, now you have entered the Park and some of its wonders will immediately start coming into your sight! If you are lucky enough, you will even spot all the four members of the big five taking residence in this fascinating Park; elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards.
The other member of Africa’s big five is the rhino and in Uganda it can only be seen in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Meanwhile, after your evening game drive, where you will have seen a number of animals like hippos, elephants, buffaloes, water-bucks, crocodiles, Kob, and bush-bucks, you will then drive out of the Park straight to your lodge for supper and the overnight.
Day 2: Morning game drive & boat cruise:
Wake up very early in the morning; clean yourself and then have a breakfast. Drive to the jungle and have a thrilling morning game drive where you will view a variety of animals in the Park.
If you paid the US$ 50 for the lion tracking experiment, you will then have to go for this awesome activity as well – where you spot even the leopards; it’s a guarantee.
So if you have missed to see lions and leopards on your entire game drive, you don’t have to be worried as this experiment is a guarantee of seeing these two big cats and enjoy their daily amazing behaviors at a close-up range.
After the morning game drive, you will drive straight to Mweya sector of the Park for the fascinating boat cruise on the spectacular Kazinga channel. However, before going for the boat cruise you will first have lunch at any of the restaurants in Mweya.
After lunch, you will then drive to the starting point of the boat cruises in Mweya. Before even stepping your foot in the boat (for the boat cruise), already you will have been wowed by the many animals that you will see afar relaxing and chilling on the shores of the Kazinga channel.
You will spot a variety of animals and water bird species as you cruise along the beautiful Kazinga channel. Hippos and Crocodiles are the permanent attractions here along with the regular visitors which include; elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, water-bucks and many other antelopes. From the boat cruise, you will then drive back to your lodge for supper and the overnight.
Day 3: Morning game drive in the Ishasha sector:
So this is a very special day as you are eagerly waiting to spot the unique lion species in the Park known for their distinctive characteristics of climbing the fig tree branches. These lions usually climb trees when it is too hot, so it’s better not to go in the jungle very early because you might miss to see them.
Leave your lodge at around 10am or 11am and head to the jungle searching for these unique lion species exhibiting wondrous behaviors different from those of the usual lions you know, it’s such an unforgettable experience indeed! After spotting these fascinating tree climbing lions, you will then drive back to Kampala (Entebbe International Airport) or to your next destination, of which in proximity is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Buhoma sector – mountain gorilla excursions.
If you had more days, you can also visit the Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth National Park for the thrilling experience of tracking chimpanzees.