This Queen Elizabeth National Park Day Tour offers a thrilling introduction to one of Uganda’s most diverse and wildlife-rich national parks. Perfect for travelers based in Fort Portal, this full-day excursion combines a classic savannah game drive with the famous Kazinga Channel boat safari, providing excellent opportunities to spot both land and water wildlife in a single day.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to the iconic Big Four—lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes—as well as hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, primates, and over 600 bird species. The park’s dramatic landscapes include open plains, crater lakes, wetlands, and sweeping views of Lake George, Lake Edward, and the distant Rwenzori Mountains.

This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, birders, and travelers with limited time who still want a complete safari experience.

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Detailed Itinerary

06:00 AM – Pick-up from Fort Portal

Your day begins early at 6:00 AM, when your professional safari guide will pick you up from your hotel in Fort Portal. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 90 km toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through rural communities and open countryside.

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Equator Stop & Scenic Viewpoints

En route, you will stop at the Equator crossing for:

• A photo session

• Fun experiments demonstrating the Earth’s rotation

Continue driving to the park entrance, where you will enjoy panoramic views of:

• Lake George

• Kikorongo fishing village

• Expansive plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park

This area provides an excellent overview of the park and the wildlife habitats you will explore during the day.

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7:00 AM – Morning Game Drive

After paying park entrance fees, you will begin your morning game drive around 7:00 AM. The game drive lasts approximately 4–5 hours, covering the Kasenyi plains and surrounding areas.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

• Lions

• African elephants

• Cape buffaloes

• Leopards (with luck)

• Uganda kob, waterbuck, bushbuck

• Warthogs, bush pigs, hyenas

The open savannah landscape allows for excellent wildlife viewing and photography.

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Breakfast Stop at Kasenyi Plains

After about 2.5 hours, you will stop in the Kasenyi area for breakfast. Here, you will also have an opportunity to:

• Stretch your legs

• Interact with local craft vendors

• Purchase handmade souvenirs

 

01:00 PM – Lunch at Kazinga Channel

After completing the game drive, proceed to one of the tourist restaurants near the Kazinga Channel for a hot lunch. Relax and enjoy views of the water and surrounding landscapes.

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02:00 PM – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

At 2:00 PM, embark on the famous Kazinga Channel boat safari, one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 2-hour boat cruise covers approximately 41 km along the natural channel that connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

During the boat safari, expect to see:

• Large pods of hippos

• Nile crocodiles

• African elephants and buffaloes drinking at the shoreline

• Nile monitor lizards

Because the channel is a focal point for wildlife, you may also spot land animals such as:​

• Bushbuck

• Waterbuck

• Warthogs

• Bush pigs

Bird lovers will enjoy sightings of:

• African fish eagles

• Kingfishers

• Pelicans

• Storks

• Migratory birds, including species from Europe and Asia

Throughout the cruise, your guide will share insights about the history of the park, the local communities, and the ecosystem, making this a rich and educational experience.

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04:00 PM – Return & Departure

At approximately 4:00 PM, the boat safari ends at the departure point, where you will meet your safari guide. You will then begin the return journey to Fort Portal or your next destination, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of the day.

​​​Price

• USD 170 per person (joining a group of 2–3 people)

• Private tour: USD 290 per person