5 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Safari (Game Drives and Chimpanzee Tracking)

The Start of Your Safari Adventure

Your 5 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Safari adventure begins as soon as your flight lands at Entebbe International Airport or when you are picked up from Kampala. From here, your guide will escort you on a scenic road transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive is about 6-7 hours and presents the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Uganda’s scenic landscapes.

As you journey through the Ugandan countryside, you’ll pass by lush farmlands, traditional villages, and colorful markets, immersing you in the rich culture and vibrant life of the country. Along the way, the picturesque Rift Valley landscapes and distant hills provide wonderful photo opportunities and a chance to observe Uganda’s dynamic rural life.

Arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, check in to your lodge, where you’ll enjoy the comfort of accommodations in the heart of the wilderness. The park is famous for its varied wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos), and offers a mix of ecosystems, from savannas to wetlands and forests.

The evening offers a game drive, where you’ll be introduced to the park’s diverse wildlife. This is a great time to spot nocturnal creatures like hyenas, lions, and the elusive leopard. As the sun sets over the savannah, enjoy the incredible experience of being surrounded by the wild and untamed beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

A Day of Wildlife Encounters

You’ll begin your day early to maximize your time exploring the wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After breakfast, you’ll head out for a morning game drive to explore the park’s vast plains, open savannas, and diverse habitats.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide array of animals, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, and a large population of lions. The park also boasts a rich birdlife, with over 600 species recorded, making it a haven for bird watchers. Your guide will ensure you have the best chance to spot the animals in their natural environment, providing insights into their behavior and ecology.

Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

After a thrilling morning of game driving, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George, offering an excellent opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The boat cruise is one of the best ways to observe the park’s aquatic life up close.

As you glide down the channel, your boat captain will point out the abundant wildlife along the banks and the fascinating birdlife that thrives in this environment. With its tranquil waters and stunning backdrop of green hills, the boat cruise is a relaxing yet exhilarating experience, providing unique photographic opportunities.

Relaxing Evening at the Lodge

After the boat cruise, you’ll return to your lodge for an evening of relaxation. You may choose to unwind by the pool, enjoy a sundowner drink on the veranda, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the park. The sounds of the wilderness will accompany your evening, enhancing your connection to the natural world around you.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

You will head to the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve, just a short drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kalinzu is home to one of Uganda’s most famous chimpanzee populations, making it an ideal spot for chimpanzee tracking. With its dense forest and diverse ecosystem, Kalinzu offers a pristine environment for tracking these incredible primates.

The chimpanzee tracking experience begins with a briefing from your ranger guide, who will provide information on chimpanzee behavior, safety protocols, and the forest’s biodiversity. After the briefing, you’ll set off on a guided trek into the forest. The lush, green environment of Kalinzu Forest is the perfect setting for spotting chimpanzees as they swing through the trees, forage, or socialize.

Up-Close Encounters with Chimpanzees

The trek through the forest will give you a unique opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kalinzu Forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and your guide will take you to areas where these primates are frequently spotted. You’ll have up to one hour to watch them interact, feed, and play, providing an intimate glimpse into their daily lives.

While chimpanzees are the stars of the show, Kalinzu Forest is also home to other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The forest walk is a highlight for nature lovers and primate enthusiasts alike.

Afternoon at Leisure

After your chimpanzee tracking adventure, you’ll return to your lodge to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. This is the perfect time to unwind and reflect on the experiences of the day. You may choose to relax by the lodge, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, or explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

A Journey to Ishasha – The Land of Tree-Climbing Lions

Head south towards the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lions in Africa that rest on the ground, the lions of Ishasha have developed the unique behavior of climbing trees to escape the heat and to get a better view of their surroundings. This is a rare and extraordinary spectacle that you won’t want to miss.

The drive to Ishasha takes you through the park’s varied ecosystems, including savannah grasslands and wetlands. As you arrive, your guide will lead you on a game drive through the sector, scanning the trees for the elusive lions. In addition to lions, you may spot elephants, buffaloes, topis, and other wildlife species.

Spotting the Famous Tree-Climbing Lions

The highlight of your day in Ishasha will be the chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions. These majestic creatures often rest on large fig trees, providing one of the most unique photo opportunities in Africa. The sight of a lion lounging on a tree branch is nothing short of breathtaking and a testament to the park’s rich wildlife diversity.

Your guide will ensure that you have plenty of time to observe these incredible animals, as well as other wildlife in the area. Ishasha is also a great location for birdwatching, so keep your eyes peeled for a variety of avian species during your game drive.

Evening Relaxation

After a day of exciting wildlife encounters in Ishasha, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved evening of relaxation. Reflect on the incredible experiences of the day as you unwind, enjoy a sundowner, and prepare for your final day in the park.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

The Final Scenic Drive Back to Entebbe

On your final day, you’ll enjoy a scenic road transfer back to Entebbe. The journey back takes approximately 6-7 hours, offering one last opportunity to enjoy Uganda’s stunning landscapes, rural life, and natural beauty. The road offers great photographic opportunities, so make sure your camera is ready to capture the breathtaking vistas and rural life.

End of Safari – Departure

Upon reaching Entebbe, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on your incredible 5-day safari as you make your way to the airport, cherishing the memories of seeing the Big Five, encountering chimpanzees in the wild, and witnessing the iconic tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.

Your Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari with Samz Tours Uganda will leave you with unforgettable experiences of Uganda’s rich wildlife and diverse landscapes. From thrilling game drives to serene boat cruises and enriching chimpanzee tracking, this safari encapsulates the very best of Uganda’s natural beauty.