Safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala

Safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala. Kampala is the starting point for most wildlife adventures in Uganda, and one of the most rewarding journeys you can take from the capital is a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Within a day’s drive you leave the busy streets of the city behind and enter a world of open savannah, crater lakes and wildlife-filled waterways, where lions rest in fig trees, elephants wade into the Kazinga Channel and hippos gather in their hundreds.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited savannah park and one of the most diverse protected areas in Africa. The journey from Kampala is part of the adventure too, taking you across the Equator, past traditional craft villages, rolling cattle country, tea plantations and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

In this complete guide, the team at Pick and Transfer Safaris explains everything you need to know about safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala: the driving routes and travel times, the best stops along the way, flight options, recommended itineraries from two to seven days, costs, accommodation, the best time to go and practical tips for a smooth trip.

Queen Elizabeth National Park at a Glance

• Location: Western Uganda, in the Albertine Rift Valley, straddling the Equator
• Size: About 1,978 square kilometres
• Distance from Kampala: Roughly 400–420 km, depending on route
• Driving time from Kampala: About 6–7 hours
• Flying time from Entebbe/Kampala: About 1–1.5 hours to the Mweya or Kasese airstrips
• Highlights: Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Kasenyi game drives, Ishasha tree-climbing lions, Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees, Katwe crater lakes
• Wildlife: About 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species
• Recommended stay: 2–3 nights minimum

Why Take a Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala?

Uganda has many national parks, but Queen Elizabeth is the favourite for first-time visitors starting in Kampala. Here is why.

• Variety in one park: Game drives, a boat safari, chimpanzee tracking, crater lakes and cultural experiences are all available in a single destination.
• Excellent wildlife: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos and huge herds of Uganda kob, plus some of the best birding in Africa.
• Unique tree-climbing lions: The Ishasha sector is one of the few places in Africa where lions regularly climb trees.
• Scenic journey: The drive from Kampala passes many interesting stops, so the travel day is enjoyable rather than tiring.
• Perfect for combining: The park lies between Kibale Forest (chimpanzees) and Bwindi (gorillas), making it the centrepiece of most Uganda safari circuits.
• Good value: Park fees and accommodation are affordable compared with many other African safari destinations.

How to Get from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are two ways to travel from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park: by road or by air. Most travellers drive, as the journey offers great scenery and stops along the way, but flying is a good option for those short on time.

Option 1: Driving from Kampala (Most Popular)

Driving is the most common and affordable way to reach Queen Elizabeth. Our safaris use comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles – usually Toyota Land Cruisers or extended safari vans – with pop-up roofs for game viewing, driven by experienced driver-guides. Your guide collects you from your hotel in Kampala or from Entebbe International Airport, so the safari begins the moment you leave the city.

There are two main road routes from Kampala to the park, and many of our itineraries use one route on the way there and the other on the way back, creating a scenic loop.

The Southern Route: Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Queen Elizabeth

This is the most direct and most commonly used route, covering about 420 kilometres. You head south-west from Kampala along the Masaka Road, cross the Equator, continue to Mbarara, then turn north-west through Bushenyi and Ishaka, descending the escarpment into the park near Katunguru and the Kasenyi plains.

The southern route is ideal if you want to stop at the Equator, visit the Igongo Cultural Centre near Mbarara, or include Lake Mburo National Park on the way. It is also the route to take if you are continuing south to Ishasha and Bwindi after your safari.

The Northern Route: Kampala – Mubende – Fort Portal – Queen Elizabeth

The northern route travels west through Mityana and Mubende to Fort Portal, then south past the crater lakes and the edge of the Rwenzori Mountains to Kasese and the park’s northern entrance. The distance is similar, at roughly 400–420 kilometres.

This route is perfect if you want to include chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park before Queen Elizabeth, or to enjoy the beautiful crater lake region around Fort Portal. The scenery of tea plantations, green hills and views of the Rwenzoris is spectacular.

Which Route Should You Choose?

• Short safari (2–3 days) focused only on Queen Elizabeth: Use the southern route via Mbarara.
• Combining chimps in Kibale with Queen Elizabeth: Go via Fort Portal and return via Mbarara.
• Continuing to Bwindi for gorillas: Arrive via Fort Portal or Mbarara and exit through Ishasha to Bwindi.
• Including Lake Mburo: Use the southern route.

Option 2: Flying from Entebbe or Kampala

For travellers with limited time, scheduled and charter flights operate from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala to airstrips at Kasese and Mweya, near the heart of the park. The flight takes about an hour to an hour and a half and offers stunning aerial views of Lake Victoria, the countryside and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Flying saves around six hours of driving each way, but it is more expensive than travelling by road. Your safari vehicle and guide meet you at the airstrip for game drives. A popular compromise is to drive one way and fly the other, enjoying the scenery without spending two full days on the road.

Best Stops on the Drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth

One of the joys of driving to Queen Elizabeth is stopping along the way. Your guide will suggest stops depending on your route and the time available.

Stops on the Southern Route

• Mpambire Drum Makers: About an hour from Kampala, this roadside village is famous for its traditional Ugandan drums, handcrafted using techniques passed down for generations. It is a great place to buy an authentic souvenir.
• The Equator at Kayabwe: Stand with one foot in each hemisphere, watch the famous water experiment showing water swirling in different directions on either side of the line, and enjoy a coffee at one of the craft shops.
• Masaka: A good town for a refreshment break.
• Lake Mburo National Park: A short detour from the highway, home to zebras, impalas, elands, buffalo and leopards. Some itineraries include an overnight stay here.
• Igongo Cultural Centre: Just before Mbarara, this excellent museum and restaurant showcases the culture of the Ankole people and their famous long-horned cattle.
• Ankole cattle country: Look out for herds of Ankole cattle with their enormous curved horns grazing along the roadside.
• Tea plantations near Bushenyi: Lush green tea estates line the road as you approach the park.

Stops on the Northern Route

• Mityana and Mubende: Mubende is home to the Nakayima Tree, an ancient and culturally significant tree linked to Bacwezi legends.
• Fort Portal: One of Uganda’s most beautiful towns, surrounded by tea estates and crater lakes, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
• Crater Lakes: The Ndali–Kasenda crater lakes area offers stunning viewpoints and short walks.
• Kibale Forest: Stop for chimpanzee tracking or the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk.
• Rwenzori Mountains: The “Mountains of the Moon” provide a dramatic backdrop as you drive towards Kasese.

What to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Once you arrive, a wide range of activities awaits. Here are the experiences that should be part of your safari.

Kasenyi Plains Game Drives

The Kasenyi plains in the north-east are the best area for classic game drives. Early mornings are ideal, when lions are on the hunt and large herds of Uganda kob gather on their breeding grounds. You can also see elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, warthogs and, with luck, leopards and hyenas.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The two-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise from Mweya is one of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda. The channel links Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts enormous numbers of hippos, buffalo and elephants, as well as crocodiles and countless water birds. It is relaxing, photogenic and suitable for travellers of all ages.

Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

The remote southern Ishasha sector is famous for lions that rest in the branches of large fig trees. Ishasha is about two to three hours from the Mweya area and lies on the route to Bwindi, making it a perfect stop for travellers continuing to gorilla trekking.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is a forested ravine cutting through the savannah, home to a small community of habituated chimpanzees. Tracking here is an adventure, with steep trails and beautiful forest scenery.

Katwe Explosion Craters and Lake Katwe

The crater drive offers incredible views over volcanic craters, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains. Nearby, Lake Katwe is famous for traditional salt mining that has continued for centuries.

Maramagambo Forest and the Bat Cave

Guided walks in Maramagambo Forest reveal primates, forest birds and the famous bat cave, where pythons are sometimes seen hunting bats.

Birdwatching

With more than 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth is a paradise for birders. Highlights include shoebills in the Lake George swamps, flamingos on the crater lakes, African skimmers on the Kazinga Channel and many raptors, kingfishers and bee-eaters. Birders may also enjoy Kenlink Tours’ 7-day birdwatching safari in Uganda, or our 18 Days Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari for the serious enthusiast.

Cultural Experiences

Visit the Leopard Village cultural centre, local craft cooperatives and fishing villages along the lakes to learn about the communities living alongside the park.

Recommended Safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala

Here are our most popular itineraries from Kampala, from short wildlife trips to complete Uganda safaris.

2 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari from Kampala

A two-day trip is possible but involves long drives. It is best for travellers with very limited time who are happy to spend much of the trip on the road.

• Day 1: Early departure from Kampala (around 6:00 a.m. to avoid city traffic), drive via Mbarara with a stop at the Equator, arrive in the afternoon for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Overnight near the park.
• Day 2: Early morning game drive in Kasenyi, then drive back to Kampala, arriving in the evening.

Tip: flying one way makes a two-day trip much more relaxed.

3 Days Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Our most popular itinerary from Kampala and the one we recommend for a short wildlife trip. The 3 Days Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park gives you a full day in the park.

• Day 1 – Kampala to Queen Elizabeth: Pick-up from your Kampala hotel or Entebbe. Drive south-west with stops at Mpambire drum makers, the Equator and the Igongo Cultural Centre. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon; optional evening game drive.
• Day 2 – Full day in the park: Early morning game drive in Kasenyi, lunch at the lodge, and the afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Optional visit to the Katwe Explosion Craters or Lake Katwe.
• Day 3 – Return to Kampala: Optional early chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or a final game drive, then drive back to Kampala or Entebbe via Fort Portal or Mbarara.

Kenlink Tours offers a similar 3-day wildlife encounter to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala.

4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari

This itinerary adds chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, using the northern route via Fort Portal on the way there and the southern route on the way back. See our 4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari.

• Day 1: Kampala to Fort Portal and Kibale via Mubende; afternoon crater lakes walk.
• Day 2: Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, afternoon transfer to Queen Elizabeth.
• Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
• Day 4: Drive back to Kampala via Mbarara and the Equator.

For chimp lovers, see also our 3 Days Chimpanzee Tour in Uganda and Kenlink’s 3-day chimp tracking safari to Kibale.

5 Days Queen Elizabeth, Chimps and Gorillas

Combine the three great experiences of western Uganda – chimpanzees, savannah wildlife and mountain gorillas. Our 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari travels from Kampala to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through Ishasha for the tree-climbing lions. Kenlink Tours’ 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee tour in Uganda and 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari are great alternatives.

7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour

Our 7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour is the classic Kampala-based circuit: Kibale chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth game drives and boat cruise, Ishasha lions, Bwindi gorillas, and a relaxing finish at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mburo on the way back to Kampala. Kenlink Tours’ 7-day gorilla and wildlife safari in Uganda and 8-day gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife safari follow similar routes.

10 Days and Longer Safaris

With ten days or more, you can combine Queen Elizabeth with Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the north. Our 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife and 14-Day Uganda Primates and Safari Adventure are complete journeys through the country. Kenlink Tours’ 10-day Uganda primate, wildlife and cultural tour is another excellent long itinerary.

Wildlife You Can Expect to See

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to around 95 mammal species, making it one of the richest parks in Uganda for wildlife. On a typical safari from Kampala, you can expect to see many of the following:

• Lions: Found in the Kasenyi plains and the Ishasha sector, where they famously climb trees.
• Leopards: Present throughout the park but shy; most often seen early in the morning or late in the evening around Mweya and Kasenyi.
• Elephants: Large herds roam the savannah and are frequently seen drinking and bathing along the Kazinga Channel.
• Buffalo: Common in the plains and along the water’s edge.
• Hippos: The Kazinga Channel holds one of the largest hippo concentrations in Africa.
• Uganda kob: The national antelope, seen in large herds on the Kasenyi breeding grounds.
• Topi, waterbuck and bushbuck: Common across the grasslands, with topi especially numerous in Ishasha.
• Giant forest hog: One of the world’s largest wild pigs, often seen around Mweya.
• Spotted hyena: Sometimes seen on early morning drives.
• Primates: Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, plus black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys and baboons.
• Reptiles: Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards along the channel.

Choosing Your Safari Vehicle

The vehicle you travel in makes a big difference on the long drive from Kampala and during game drives. Here are the main options:

• Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof: The classic safari vehicle – robust, comfortable on rough roads, and excellent for game viewing through the open roof. Ideal for small groups.
• Extended safari van with pop-up roof: Spacious and cost-effective for larger groups, with good visibility for wildlife viewing. Suitable for the main roads and park tracks in dry conditions.
• Self-drive 4×4 (such as a RAV4 or Land Cruiser): For independent travellers who want to drive themselves. Smaller vehicles are cheaper but have less space and no pop-up roof.

All our guided safaris use well-maintained 4×4 vehicles with experienced driver-guides, charging points and plenty of space for luggage and camera gear.

A Typical Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Here is what a full day in the park usually looks like on a safari from Kampala:

• 6:00 a.m. – Wake-up call with tea or coffee.
• 6:30 a.m. – Morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, when lions and other predators are most active.
• 10:00 a.m. – Return to the lodge for a late breakfast.
• Midday – Relax at the lodge, enjoy lunch and watch wildlife from the deck or pool.
• 2:00 p.m. – Two-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise from Mweya.
• 5:00 p.m. – Optional crater drive or short evening game drive as the sun sets.
• 7:30 p.m. – Dinner and stories of the day’s sightings.

Travelling with Children

Queen Elizabeth is an excellent park for families. Game drives and the boat cruise are suitable for children of all ages, and kids especially love the hippos, elephants and crocodiles seen from the boat. Children pay reduced park fees, and many lodges offer family rooms. To keep younger travellers comfortable on the long drive from Kampala, plan regular stops – the Equator is always a favourite – and bring snacks, games and plenty of water. Note that chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge has a minimum age of 12 years.

Photography Tips for Queen Elizabeth

• Bring a zoom lens of at least 200–300mm for lions, leopards and birds.
• Use the golden light after sunrise and before sunset for the best images.
• On the Kazinga Channel cruise, sit along the edge of the boat for low-angle shots of hippos and elephants.
• For tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, be patient – lions often reposition, giving better angles.
• Use a beanbag or soft support on the vehicle window or roof to steady your camera.
• Don’t forget landscape shots of the crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Responsible Travel in Queen Elizabeth

Your park fees help fund ranger patrols, anti-poaching efforts and community projects around Queen Elizabeth, where people live alongside wildlife. To travel responsibly, keep a respectful distance from animals, never feed wildlife, avoid single-use plastics, and support local businesses by buying crafts directly from community groups and visiting cultural projects. At Pick and Transfer Safaris, part of our profits supports orphans and community initiatives, so your safari helps make a positive difference.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation in and around Queen Elizabeth ranges from simple campsites to luxury lodges. Where you stay affects both your budget and your experience.

Mweya Peninsula

The Mweya Peninsula overlooks the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward and is the departure point for boat cruises. Staying here puts you close to the Kasenyi plains and the channel, with a range of options from UWA bandas to upmarket lodges.

Kasenyi and Katunguru

Lodges near Kasenyi and Katunguru are ideal for early morning game drives in the plains and quick access to the boat launch.

Kichwamba Escarpment

Lodges on the Kichwamba escarpment offer spectacular views over the park and are close to Kyambura Gorge, perfect for travellers tracking chimps.

Ishasha Sector

Lodges and camps in Ishasha suit travellers looking for tree-climbing lions and those continuing to Bwindi. It is more remote and peaceful.

Kasese Town

Kasese, about an hour from the park, offers budget hotels and is convenient for travellers arriving on the northern route.

How Much Does a Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala Cost?

The cost of your safari depends on the number of days, accommodation level, group size, activities and season. Here are the main cost elements:

• Transport: A 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel and an English-speaking driver-guide is usually the biggest cost. It is shared by your group, so the cost per person falls with more travellers.
• Park entry: Charged per person per day. According to the published UWA tariff, foreign non-resident adults pay around US$40 per day, with lower rates for children, foreign residents and East African citizens.
• Activities: The Kazinga Channel boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura and guided walks each carry separate fees.
• Accommodation and meals: From budget bandas to luxury lodges, usually on a full-board basis.
• Flights (optional): Domestic flights save time but add to the cost.

At Pick and Transfer Safaris, we specialise in affordable budget and mid-range safaris. Contact us with your dates and group size for a personalised quote. Learn more about our company and how we keep our safaris great value.

What Is Typically Included in a Safari from Kampala?

• Pick-up and drop-off at your Kampala hotel or Entebbe International Airport
• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and fuel
• Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
• Park entrance fees
• Game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Accommodation on full board as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water

Not usually included: international flights, visas, travel insurance, optional activities such as chimp tracking, tips, drinks and personal expenses.

Best Time for a Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited all year round, thanks to its equatorial climate.

• Dry seasons (June to September and December to February): The best time for game viewing, as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is thinner. Roads from Kampala and park tracks are in better condition.
• Wet seasons (March to May and October to November): Lush green scenery, fewer visitors and lower lodge rates. Rain usually comes in short bursts, so game drives and boat cruises continue, though some tracks in Ishasha can become muddy.

Birdwatching is excellent all year, but especially between November and April when migratory birds are present.

Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls: Which Safari from Kampala?

Travellers in Kampala often choose between Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls for a short safari. Both are excellent, but they suit different trips.

• Distance: Murchison Falls is slightly closer, at about five to six hours north of Kampala, while Queen Elizabeth is about six to seven hours west.
• Highlights: Queen Elizabeth offers the Kazinga Channel, tree-climbing lions and Kyambura chimps. Murchison offers the Nile boat trip to the falls, Rothschild’s giraffes and rhino tracking at Ziwa on the way.
• Combining with primates: Queen Elizabeth sits between Kibale and Bwindi, making it the better choice if you also want chimpanzees or gorillas.
• Scenery: Queen Elizabeth has crater lakes and Rwenzori views; Murchison has the dramatic falls and the Nile.

If you have time, do both – our longer itineraries combine the two parks into one unforgettable journey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving Kampala too late: Morning traffic can add an hour or more. An early start means more time in the park.
• Planning only one night: With six to seven hours of driving each way, one night leaves little time for wildlife. Two nights is the minimum we recommend.
• Underestimating Ishasha’s distance: Ishasha is two to three hours from Mweya, so plan it as part of a route to Bwindi rather than a quick side trip.
• Forgetting cash: Small shops and craft stalls along the way may not accept cards.
• Skipping the boat cruise: It is one of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda and should not be missed.

Tips for Your Safari from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth

• Leave Kampala early. Departing around 6:00–7:00 a.m. helps you avoid city traffic and arrive in the park with time for an afternoon activity.
• Plan your route. Using different routes going and returning lets you see more of Uganda without backtracking.
• Break up the journey. Stops at the Equator, Igongo or Fort Portal make the drive enjoyable.
• Stay at least two nights. This gives you a full day in the park for both a game drive and the boat cruise.
• Carry cash. Uganda shillings are useful for snacks, souvenirs and tips along the way; ATMs are available in Mbarara, Fort Portal and Kasese.
• Bring snacks and water. Long drives are more comfortable with refreshments.
• Charge your devices. Many vehicles have charging points, but bring a power bank.
• Consider flying one way. It saves time and gives you beautiful aerial views.

What to Pack for Your Queen Elizabeth Safari

• Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives
• A warm jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain jacket
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate and travel insurance documents
• Personal medication and anti-malaria tablets
• Reusable water bottle

Safety on the Road and in the Park

Travelling by road in Uganda is generally safe with an experienced driver-guide who knows the routes. Our drivers are trained in defensive driving and familiar with all the roads between Kampala and the national parks. Inside the park, always follow your guide’s instructions: stay in the vehicle except at designated places, keep a safe distance from wildlife and never walk around unfenced lodges after dark without an escort, as hippos and other animals may wander through at night.

Self-Drive Safaris from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth

Self-drive safaris are a great option for independent travellers. The roads from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth are mostly tarmac and well signposted, and the main park tracks can be navigated in a 4×4. We offer self-drive 4×4 rentals with route guidance and support, and Kenlink Tours also provides 4×4 car hire in Uganda with or without a driver.

If you self-drive, we recommend hiring a UWA ranger guide for game drives – they know where the lions and leopards are likely to be. Also remember that Uganda drives on the left, and avoid driving at night outside towns.

Joining a Group Safari from Kampala

Solo travellers and those on a budget can save by joining a group safari, sharing vehicle and guide costs with other travellers. Kenlink Tours runs group tours in Uganda, and we can help you find other travellers with similar dates to share a private safari.

Things to Do in Kampala Before or After Your Safari

If you have extra time, Kampala and Entebbe offer plenty of interesting experiences:

• Kasubi Tombs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial place of the Buganda kings.
• Uganda Museum: Learn about the country’s history, culture and natural heritage.
• Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo: An important pilgrimage site.
• Owino and Nakasero markets: Experience the energy of Kampala’s busy markets.
• Entebbe Botanical Gardens: Peaceful gardens on the shores of Lake Victoria.
• Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre: A good introduction to Uganda’s wildlife in Entebbe.
• Mabamba Swamp: One of the best places in Uganda to see the rare shoebill stork.
• Source of the Nile in Jinja: A couple of hours east of Kampala, with rafting, kayaking and boat trips.

Combining Queen Elizabeth with Other Uganda Destinations

Queen Elizabeth is the hub of western Uganda’s safari circuit, making it easy to combine with other destinations:

• Kibale Forest: The best chimpanzee tracking in Africa, two to three hours north.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Mountain gorilla trekking, about three to four hours south via Ishasha. See our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari.
• Lake Bunyonyi: A beautiful lake for relaxing after your safari.
• Lake Mburo: A small savannah park on the route back to Kampala.
• Murchison Falls: Uganda’s largest park in the north. See our 3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls.
• Rwanda: Continue to Kigali through the south-western borders after gorilla trekking.

Browse all our Uganda wildlife safaris and longer safari packages for more ideas.

Why Book Your Queen Elizabeth Safari from Kampala with Pick and Transfer Safaris?

• Local expertise: Our team knows every route from Kampala to the parks.
• Affordable prices: Our safaris are designed for budget and mid-range travellers.
• Experienced driver-guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides who make every game drive count.
• Comfortable vehicles: Well-maintained 4x4s with pop-up roofs.
• Flexible itineraries: Every safari is tailored to your interests and schedule.
• Convenient pick-ups: From your Kampala hotel or Entebbe International Airport.
• Community impact: Part of our profits supports orphans and local community projects.

Explore all our destinations or view our complete list of safari packages. For a broader introduction to the country, see Kenlink Tours’ guide to Uganda as a travel destination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safaris to Queen Elizabeth from Kampala

How far is Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is about 400–420 kilometres from Kampala, which is roughly six to seven hours by road depending on the route and stops.

Can I visit Queen Elizabeth National Park as a day trip from Kampala?

A day trip is not practical by road because of the distance. We recommend at least two nights in the park. If you are very short on time, flying to Mweya or Kasese makes a shorter trip possible.

What is the best route from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth?

The southern route via Masaka and Mbarara is the most direct. The northern route via Fort Portal is ideal if you want to include Kibale Forest and the crater lakes.

Are there flights from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Yes. Scheduled and charter flights operate from Entebbe and Kajjansi to airstrips at Kasese and Mweya, taking about one to one and a half hours.

How many days do I need for a Queen Elizabeth safari from Kampala?

Three days is the ideal minimum, giving you a full day in the park for a game drive and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Can I combine Queen Elizabeth with gorilla trekking?

Yes. Bwindi is about three to four hours from Queen Elizabeth via Ishasha, so a five- to seven-day safari can include both.

Book Your Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala

A safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala is one of the best ways to experience Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes. From the Equator and Ankole cattle country to lions on the Kasenyi plains, hippos in the Kazinga Channel and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, every part of the journey is memorable.

The beauty of starting in Kampala is flexibility. You can arrive at Entebbe in the morning and be on your way west the same day, or spend a night in the capital first to rest after your international flight. You can travel by road and enjoy the countryside, fly for speed, or combine both. You can keep the trip short and focused on wildlife, or turn it into a grand circuit that includes chimpanzees in Kibale, gorillas in Bwindi and the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi. Whatever you choose, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the perfect heart of a Uganda safari.

Whether you have three days for a quick wildlife escape or a full week to add chimpanzees and gorillas, our team will design a safari that fits your interests, schedule and budget.

Ready to go? Contact Pick and Transfer Safaris today on +256 200 921 002, +256 793 194 703 or info@pickandtransfersafaris.com. We plan, you explore.