2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari – Game Drives & Boat Cruise

Embark on a thrilling 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari and explore Uganda’s most scenic and wildlife-rich park. Known for its diverse landscapes, tree-climbing lions, and the breathtaking Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience even in just 48 hours.

This short Uganda safari combines game drives, a boat cruise, and scenic views—perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the best of Uganda wildlife safaris.

Spanning 1,978 square kilometers, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boasting savannah plains, volcanic craters, lush forests, and two major lakes—Lake George and Lake Edward.

It’s home to the famous Kasenyi Plains, where lions prowl at dawn, and the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Uganda or a seasoned safari-goer, this 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park tour delivers maximum adventure in minimal time.

Safari Highlights of the 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Game drive in Kasenyi Plains – Track lions, leopards, and antelopes at sunrise
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel – See hippos, crocs, and elephants up close
Stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains and volcanic crater lakes
Photo stop at the Equator crossing
Over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species in diverse habitats

Detailed Itinerary of the 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon Boat Cruise

Your 2 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport. Our comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle, equipped with a pop-up roof for photography, is driven by a professional English-speaking guide from Gorilla Nests Safaris.

The journey west takes you through Uganda’s lush countryside—past rolling tea plantations, banana groves, and rural villages. A must-stop is the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe (about 3.5 hours from Kampala), where you’ll take photos, witness the famous water experiment showing the Coriolis effect, and browse local crafts.

Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park by early afternoon. Enjoy a delicious lunch with views of the savannah or the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. After checking in, prepare for the highlight of the day: the Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

This 2-hour shared boat trip departs from Mweya Peninsula and glides along the 40-km channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Expect close-up sightings of hippos (one of the densest populations in Africa), Nile crocodiles, elephants bathing at the shore, buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species—including African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, and great white pelicans. The channel is a photographer’s paradise and a top wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth experience.

Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the park. Savor a candlelit dinner and spend the night under the African sky.

Overnight options:

Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury)
Enganzi Game Lodge (mid-range)
Pumba Safari Cottages (budget)

Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Wake before dawn for tea or coffee, then depart for a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains—the park’s prime predator zone. This is the best time to spot lions (including prides resting in candelabra trees), leopards in the underbrush, spotted hyenas, and herds of Uganda kob, the park’s signature antelope. Elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and giant forest hogs are commonly seen grazing in the golden light.

Your guide will track fresh prints and use radio communication with other rangers to locate rare sightings. The Queen Elizabeth game drive offers excellent chances to see four of the Big Five in Uganda (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo—rhinos are absent but can be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on request).

Return to the lodge for a full breakfast, pack up, and begin the scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. En route, enjoy sweeping views of the Rwenzori Mountains and optional stops at local markets.

An optional lunch stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara introduces you to Ankole culture through museum exhibits, traditional dances, and authentic Ugandan cuisine.

Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe by late afternoon, concluding your compact yet action-packed Uganda short safari.

Safari Inclusions and Exclusions of the 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Inclusions

Private transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
1 night accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury)
All meals: Lunch (Day 1), Breakfast (Day 2)
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Queen Elizabeth National Park entry fees
Kazinga Channel boat cruise (shared)
Bottled drinking water daily
Equator stop & Igongo Cultural Centre (if selected)

Exclusions

International flights
Uganda visa fees
Tips, alcoholic beverages, laundry
Personal expenses and travel insurance
Optional activities (e.g., Ishasha tree-climbing lions)

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons:

June to September
December to February

Animals gather around water sources, roads are dry, and visibility is excellent. The wet seasons (March–May, October–November) bring lush scenery, fewer tourists, and prime birding, though some tracks may be muddy. The park is open and rewarding year-round, and Gorilla Nests Safaris operates daily.

Wildlife to Expect

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a biodiversity hotspot with:

95 mammal species
Over 600 bird species

Common sightings include:

Lions (including prides in Kasenyi)
Leopards (elusive but regularly seen)
Hippos & Nile crocodiles (Kazinga Channel)
African elephants & Cape buffaloes
Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthogs, giant forest hogs

The park’s Ishasha sector (south) is world-famous for tree-climbing lions—a rare behavior seen only in Uganda and Tanzania. Add a half-day extension to your safari to witness this incredible phenomenon.

How to Get There

Route	Duration	Details
By Road	6–7 hours	Kampala → Masaka → Mbarara → Queen Elizabeth (420 km). Scenic and comfortable in our 4×4 vehicles.
By Air	1 hour flight + 30 min drive	Fly from Entebbe (EBB) to Kasese Airstrip via Aerolink or BAR Aviation. Ideal for time-savvy travelers.

Accommodation Options

Category	Lodges	Highlights
Luxury	Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge	Infinity pools, spa, panoramic views
Mid-range	Enganzi Game Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp	En-suite rooms, great locations, value
Budget	Pumba Safari Cottages, Simba Safari Camp, The Bush Lodge	Tents or bandas, shared facilities, authentic

Other Related Tour Packages;

Conclusion

Experience the wild beauty of western Uganda on our 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari. From the majestic Kazinga Channel alive with hippos and crocodiles to the roaring lions of Kasenyi Plains, this short safari promises unforgettable memories in one of Africa’s most biodiverse parks.

Gorilla Nests Safaris ensures every detail is perfect—safe transport, expert guides, and hand-picked lodges—so you can focus on the adventure. Whether you’re combining this with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or a city stopover in Kampala, this Uganda short safari is the ideal introduction to the Pearl of Africa.

Book with Gorilla Nests Safaris today and let us take you on an adventure of a lifetime!