2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Itinerary

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse wildlife destinations, offering a rich variety of ecosystems, from savannah grasslands and acacia woodlands to dense forests and wetlands.

It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and adventure travelers alike, home to a wide range of animals including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and over 600 bird species.

This 2-day safari itinerary will guide you through the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park, ensuring you get the most out of your short time in this stunning wildlife-rich region.

Activity Overview of the 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

The 2-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari offers an exciting wildlife adventure, highlighting the park’s diverse ecosystems and rich animal life. On Day 1, you’ll explore the southern Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, before enjoying an afternoon game drive to spot buffalo, elephants, and more. Day 2 features a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Afterward, enjoy a game drive in the northern sector, home to lions, leopards, and zebras. This safari offers a perfect mix of game drives, boat trips, and wildlife viewing in one of Uganda’s top parks.

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Detailed itinerary of the 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Day 1: Arrival and Wildlife Safari in the Southern Ishasha Sector

Morning: Arrival and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your 2-day safari adventure with an early morning departure from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by road, with the drive offering scenic views of Uganda’s countryside. If you are staying in a nearby town, such as Kisoro or Kabale, the drive will be shorter, depending on your location.

Once you arrive at the park, the first stop is the Ishasha Sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This sector is renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions, an unusual and rare behavior among lions. The Ishasha Sector is less visited than other parts of the park, offering a more serene and private safari experience.

Late Morning: Afternoon Game Drive in Ishasha

Upon reaching Ishasha, you’ll embark on a game drive to search for wildlife. The afternoon safari in this sector is a highlight of the park, as it provides opportunities to witness the park’s iconic animals in their natural habitat.

During the game drive, expect to encounter herds of buffalo, elephants, and Ugandan kob—a species of antelope that is abundant in the park. You might also spot waterbuck, warthogs, and hyenas in the savannah plains.

The real highlight, however, is the chance to observe the famous tree-climbing lions. These lions have developed the unusual habit of climbing fig trees, where they rest during the hottest parts of the day.

The behavior is not fully understood, but it’s believed that the lions climb trees to escape the heat, reduce the risk of tick infestations, and gain a better vantage point for hunting. While sightings are not guaranteed, they are fairly common in the Ishasha Sector, especially in the late afternoon when lions are more likely to be lounging in the branches.

Your guide will help you spot wildlife and interpret the behavior of the animals. This part of the park is perfect for photographers looking to capture the unique beauty of Uganda’s wilderness.

Evening: Check-in to Accommodation and Sunset Views

After the afternoon game drive, head to your lodge or camp for check-in. There are several accommodation options available in the Ishasha area, ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges. Some popular choices include:

• Ishasha Wilderness Camp (luxury tented camp)
• Topi Lodge (mid-range)
• Ishasha River Camp (budget)

Relax and enjoy a cold drink or coffee while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding savannah and escarpment. Many lodges offer an evening sundowner (a drink while watching the sunset) in a picturesque location, giving you the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s wildlife sightings.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge and spend the night listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 2: Morning Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel and Game Drive in the Northern Sector

Early Morning: Morning Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

Start your second day with an early breakfast, then head out to the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The Kazinga Channel is famous for its large populations of hippos, which are commonly seen wallowing in the waters, as well as numerous crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. The channel is also home to a wide variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles, pelicans, herons, and kingfishers.

The boat safari typically lasts 2-3 hours, offering a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife and a fantastic opportunity to photograph the animals up close. The morning light makes the experience even more memorable, casting a golden glow over the water and providing excellent conditions for wildlife photography. In addition to the hippos and crocodiles, you may also spot elephants and buffalo as they come down to the water to drink.

Birdwatchers will be in their element, as the Kazinga Channel is an important hotspot for over 600 species of birds that call the park home. Your guide will help you identify the different species and explain the various ecological relationships in this important wetland habitat.

Late Morning: Game Drive in the Northern Sector

After the boat safari, you’ll embark on a game drive in the Northern Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a more varied landscape of savannah, woodlands, and wetlands. The area is rich in wildlife, and you’ll have the chance to encounter lions, leopard, elephants, zebras, waterbucks, and baboons.

The northern sector also offers a chance to explore Mweya Peninsula, a scenic area that juts out into Lake Edward. This area is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic views over the water, making it a great spot for photography.

Depending on the time of year and your luck, you might also have a chance to see the elusive leopard or witness predator-prey interactions. Queen Elizabeth is home to many species of carnivores, including the park’s famous lions, which can often be found lounging or hunting in the area. The predator sightings in the northern section of the park can be thrilling for safari-goers.

Lunch and Relaxation

After the morning game drive, it’s time for lunch. Many safari lodges offer a packed lunch during game drives or have a restaurant for a more relaxed meal. If you’re staying at a lodge in the northern section of the park, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the surrounding savannah.

During lunch, take a moment to relax, reflect on your safari experiences, and enjoy the tranquil environment. If you are staying at Mweya Safari Lodge, you may also have time to relax by the pool or enjoy the view of the surrounding landscapes.

Afternoon: Departure or Optional Afternoon Safari

After lunch, your guide will take you on a short drive to a designated exit point or back to your accommodation. If you’re not in a rush, you may opt for an optional afternoon game drive. A short drive through the park can provide one last chance to spot wildlife before heading back to your destination.

If you are returning to Kampala or Entebbe, the journey will take approximately 5-6 hours by road. If you’re heading towards Kisoro or Kabale, the journey time will be shorter. You can expect to reach your destination by evening.

End of 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Frequently Asked Questions about Queen Elizabeth National Park

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