3 Day Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
By Ngeye Tours and Travel
Ultimate Safari Overview – A Short, Powerful East African Wilderness Encounter
This 3 Day Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safaris expertly crafted for travelers who have limited time but still desire an immersive and authentic African wildlife experience. Designed in line with Kenya Uganda Safari Holiday expectations, this short journey offers a beautiful complement to Uganda iconic savanna landscapes, allowing guests to seamlessly extend their East African adventures into Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife haven. From the moment you leave Entebbe and travel through lush highlands, tea plantations, and rural homesteads, the road unfolds into one of the continent’s most diverse ecosystems. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a spectacular wildlife destination known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, impressive lion sightings, abundant hippos, sprawling savannas, volcanic craters, and the legendary Kazinga Channel Africa’s natural wildlife corridor.
Over three rich days, travelers enjoy the thrill of a classic game drive in Kasenyi Plains, cruise along the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel, and explore landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic forces. Early mornings showcase golden light over the savanna as predators and grazers begin their day. Afternoons reveal dramatic scenery dotted with crater lakes, acacia trees, and wildlife converging at water sources. Though short in duration, the trip delivers unforgettable memories, excellent photography opportunities, and professionally guided experiences that highlight the depth and beauty of Uganda’s natural heritage.
DETAILED DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your 3 Day Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari begins with an early morning departure from Entebbe as your Ngeye Tours and Travel guide picks you up from the airport or your overnight hotel. Leaving behind the bustling lakeside town, the journey quickly transitions into Uganda’s scenic countryside, dominated by rolling hills, tea and banana plantations, and vast open landscapes. As you drive toward the western region, you will pass lively roadside markets, traditional homesteads, and emerald-green farmlands that paint a picture of everyday Ugandan life. A scheduled stop in Mbarara, the largest city in southwestern Uganda, offers a chance to enjoy lunch, stretch your legs, and take in views of the Ankole long-horned cattle grazing along the highway.
The journey continues as landscapes begin to open into sweeping savannas, crater valleys, and woodlands announcing your approach to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on the time of day, you may begin spotting wildlife such as baboons, antelopes, or even elephant families grazing near the roadside. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Irungu Forest Safari Lodge, a comfortable mid-range retreat neatly tucked near the park boundary. The lodge offers serene views of the surrounding wilderness, allowing you to settle in and relax after your long drive. Enjoy the tranquility of the evening, listen to distant animal calls, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive through Kasenyi Plains & Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Your day begins early as you rise for the morning game drive across the vast Kasenyi Plains—an iconic wildlife arena known for its golden grasses, panoramic views, and high concentration of predators and grazers. This region of the park is particularly famous for its lion population, often seen preparing for a hunt or resting atop anthills as they scan the plains for Uganda kob, buffalo, and warthogs. With the sun rising and illuminating the savanna, the atmosphere becomes magical, offering excellent visibility for photography and wildlife observation. Elephants slowly move through acacia woodlands, buffalo form massive herds, and the birdlife is extraordinary, making the Kasenyi game drive one of Queen Elizabeth’s best highlights.
After returning to your lodge for lunch and a brief rest, the adventure continues with an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel a natural 32-kilometre waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats, hosting the world’s highest concentration of hippos and attracting large numbers of crocodiles and elephants that gather to cool along the banks. As your boat drifts gently across the channel, you will come face-to-face with pods of hippos, flocks of cormorants, kingfishers, and African fish eagles, and occasionally witness predators stalking the shores. The tranquil waters provide a peaceful contrast to the excitement of the morning drive, making this combination one of East Africa’s most well-rounded wildlife experiences.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: All Meals Included
Day 3: Return to Entebbe – End of the Safari Adventure
After a restful night at the lodge, you will enjoy breakfast as you prepare for your return journey to Entebbe. The scenic drive retraces your route through Queen Elizabeth’s rich landscapes and Uganda’s western highlands, showcasing crater lakes, terraced hillsides, and sprawling savannas. As you leave the park behind, the vibrant wildlife gradually fades into the distance, replaced by lively town centers, roadside fruit markets, and colorful trading hubs along the highway. Optional stops can be made in Mbarara for refreshments or at the Uganda Equator landmark, a perfect opportunity for memorable photographs and souvenir shopping.
The journey continues as you approach Kampala’s outskirts, where the road grows busier, reflecting the transition back into urban life. By late afternoon or early evening, you will arrive in Entebbe, concluding your 3-Day Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Unforgettable Safari. Your guide will drop you at the airport or your pre-arranged hotel, marking the end of a rewarding wilderness experience. Though short, this safari delivers profound encounters with Uganda’s landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture making it an excellent addition to a Kenya–Uganda Safari Holiday or a perfect stand-alone adventure for travelers craving East Africa’s iconic nature scenes.
Main Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
SAFARI INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
All ground transportation in a customized safari vehicle
Fuel for the entire trip
All park entry fees
Morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
All meals as indicated in the itinerary
Drinking water during the safari
Accommodation at Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
Airport pick-up and drop-off
En-route lunches and planned stopovers
Exclusions
International flights
Uganda tourist visa
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Tips to guides, porters, and lodge staff
Alcoholic and soft beverages
Personal travel insurance
Souvenirs and optional activities not listed
Laundry services and items of personal nature