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A lion cub resting in the branches of a candelabra tree in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. A family group of African elephants walking across the grassland in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. A Cape buffalo resting in the grassland of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. A group of hippos in the water of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Elephants grazing beside a large acacia tree on the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. A female Uganda kob standing in the grassland of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
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Uganda · Queen Elizabeth National Park

3 Days Midrange Bespoke Safari

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  • Duration3 days, 2 nights
  • Start & endEntebbe or Kampala
  • Travel stylePrivate, tailor-made
  • Activity levelEasy

Overview

Savannah Game Drives and the Kazinga Channel

Experience Uganda’s wildlife on a three-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of East Africa’s most diverse wildlife destinations. The trip combines scenic countryside drives, savannah game drives, a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel and two comfortable nights at Elephant Plains Lodge.

You travel from Entebbe or Kampala past traditional communities and rolling hills, with a stop at the Equator crossing. In the park you explore the Kasenyi Plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob and, with luck, lions or leopards, and enjoy close views of hippos, crocodiles and birdlife from the water.

Best forCouplesFirst-Time VisitorsWildlife Lovers
DestinationsQueen Elizabeth National Park

Highlights

  • Equator crossing: Stop at the Equator for photographs on your way west.
  • Kasenyi Plains game drives: Search the open savannah for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob and warthogs, with chances of lions and leopards.
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise: See hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants along the banks and rich birdlife at close range.
  • Rift Valley scenery: Enjoy crater lakes, tea-growing areas and countryside along the route.
  • Birdwatching: Look out for African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans and herons.
  • Midrange comfort: Stay at Elephant Plains Lodge, subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • Private safari: Travel with an English-speaking driver-guide in a 4×4 with a pop-up roof.

Itinerary

Day by Day

3 days · 2 nights
Open a day to see it on the map
  • Tour durationAbout 7 hours by road
  • Tour distanceAbout 420 km
  • AccommodationElephant Plains Lodge
  • MealsLunch & dinner

Your driver-guide picks you up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, gives a short briefing on the journey and the safari schedule, and sets off for western Uganda in your private 4×4. The road takes you from busy towns through rural settlements, green countryside and farmland, with views of local markets and roadside fruit stalls.

Your first stop is the Equator crossing, where you can take photographs and browse the nearby craft stalls. You then continue west, with a lunch stop along the way, before reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In the afternoon or early evening, depending on your arrival time, you enjoy a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, home to large numbers of Uganda kob and other herbivores. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs and antelope, and for lions resting in the grass. Leopards are possible but never guaranteed. As the sun sets, you continue to Elephant Plains Lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

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  • Tour durationMorning game drive and afternoon boat cruise
  • AccommodationElephant Plains Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner

After an early breakfast at the lodge, head out for a morning game drive while temperatures are cooler and many animals are active. With your driver-guide you explore the Kasenyi Plains and surrounding areas, searching for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks and warthogs. The abundance of antelope also attracts predators, which gives you a chance of spotting lions.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch, then transfer to the departure point for the afternoon’s boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is a vital water source for the park’s animals. Look out for large groups of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the shore and elephants coming down to drink or bathe.

It is also an excellent place for birdwatching, with African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, pelicans, cormorants and herons. The slow pace of the cruise is ideal for photography. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.

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  • Tour durationAbout 7 hours by road
  • Tour distanceAbout 420 km
  • MealsBreakfast & lunch

Enjoy breakfast at Elephant Plains Lodge, then check out and start the journey back. Depending on your departure time, interests and road conditions, you can add a visit to the crater lakes region near the park, with its viewpoints and volcanic landscapes. Or you can leave early for a more direct return.

Your guide arranges stops along the way for photographs and lunch as you drive back through Uganda’s countryside. On arrival in Entebbe or Kampala, you are dropped at your hotel, residence or Entebbe International Airport, as arranged.

If you fly out the same day, allow plenty of time for the road journey and airport check-in. An extra night may be advisable if your flight or the traffic makes a same-day connection difficult.

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This itinerary is a guide. Driving times depend on road and weather conditions, and park activity schedules can change the timing of game drives and the boat cruise.

Before you go

Tour Details

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  • Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport in Entebbe or Kampala
  • Two nights at Elephant Plains Lodge, subject to availability
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park entrance fees for the included activities
  • Game drives as specified in the itinerary
  • One Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
  • Fuel and transport costs
  • Applicable government taxes
  • International flights
  • Uganda visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic and premium drinks
  • Laundry and personal expenses
  • Optional activities not in the itinerary
  • Optional domestic flights
  • Extra accommodation before or after the safari
Day 3Crater lakes visitAdd a visit to the crater lakes region near the park, with its viewpoints and volcanic landscapes, depending on your departure time.

Not included in the price unless your confirmed itinerary lists them.

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited all year. The drier months, December to February and June to September, usually make game drives easier, while the rest of the year is greener with more rain.

DifficultyEasy

This is an easy safari. Game drives and the boat cruise are done seated, and the main effort is the long drive on the first and last day.

  • Lightweight, comfortable clothing for warm weather
  • A light jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries
  • A reusable water bottle and a small daypack
  • A rain jacket, especially in the rainy seasons
  • Your passport and any prescribed medication

Most visitors need a visa for Uganda. Check your own requirements well before you travel, and speak to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention.

Park entry fees support the national park and its conservation work. Animals are wild, so follow your guide’s instructions and keep a safe distance.

Guest reviews

What Our Guests Say

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 Adventure00681786045 profile picture 
 
 
 Adventure00681786045 
 
 
 
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A must have experience!
I recently went on a couples tour and it is a wonderful experience throughout. Our tour guide extended great hospitality and was very knowledgeable on many topics while giving the tour. He gave very interesting facts the entire tour, there was never a dull moment. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to have a similar experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sarah A profile picture 
 
 
 Sarah A 
 
 
 
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It was such a Blast
Amazing experience with Bespoke Safaris (U) Ltd. The guide was professional, friendly, and made our trip smooth from start to finish. Everything was well organized, and his knowledge and hospitality made exploring Murchison Falls even more special. I Highly recommend them for anyone looking for a memorable safari experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Nomad06633789421 profile picture 
 
 
 Nomad06633789421 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Low cost, local tours by young Ugandans who are knowledgeable and committed.
I was visiting Acholi in March and my Ugandan colleagues recommended Bespoke Safaris and dropped me off at the park where I had booked a low cost hotel for myself and my Bespoke guide in the hotel in the park. I only had 2 days. The guide drove up from Kampala and met me that evening. He was extremely knowledgeable about he park and animals I could see, I only had one day and had to be back in Kampala that night. We set off that evening and again at 0530, I had a safari tour car to myself and he ensured I saw everything, antelope, monkeys, lions, cheetah, giraffe, hippos, elephants and more. He was extremely knowledgeable, we seemed to be first everywhere, he knew all the other guides and they supported each other in ensuring we all had the best experience. He then drove me back to Kampala. What I really liked was that this is a young Ugandan owned and managed company and I felt I was supporting young entrepeneurs as well as having a great experience. I will use them again and see more of this beautiful country.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Brian T profile picture 
 
 
 Brian T 
 
 
 
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A Trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel,Hot Springs, ETC
Adventuring with Bespoke Tours and Travel-SMC LTD wasn’t just a tour but also an astounding experience,Our driver James was such an amicable man and well familiar with vast options of where and when I should tour, I visited several places including Queen Elizabeth National Park, saw , Lions,,Leopards, Elephants,,etc .The Twin lakes , The hot springs , Kazinga Channel with aquatic animals like Crocodile ,etc. He chose the best hotels for us with the best Menu and our safety was always his first priority . I highly recommend their service
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Bernard M profile picture 
 
 
 Bernard M 
 
 
 
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We wanted to highly recommend this amazing company! Our experience working with them was outstanding. During our planning phase everything went extremely well. We worked with James Mutabazi, He was able to promptly respond to our questions and requests. Every single detail was handled extremely well. He made our dreamed itinerary a reality. James made our trip unforgettable. The hotels, transportation, driver,at the same time our guide , the food and environmental calmess and activities exceeded our expectations! We learned so much during our trip that we are still processing all the information we received and all the experiences we lived. Thank you for making our trip to the "pearl of Africa" a remarkable one Uganda being home, it still has a special place in my heart and mind. Thanks to Beskope tours and travel company
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ramprasad N profile picture 
 
 
 Ramprasad N 
 
 
 
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Fantastic service and Great memories
We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for organizing such a memorable and smooth trip for us. Everything was well-planned — from the accommodations and transportation to the sightseeing spots and local experiences. We truly enjoyed every moment of our journey

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