Boat Game Drive and Chimp Tracking in Queen Elizabeth Tour. Three activities define a visit to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park: gliding along the Kazinga Channel among hundreds of hippos, bouncing across the savannah at dawn in search of lions, and slipping down into a forested gorge to look for chimpanzees. A boat cruise, game drive and chimp tracking tour in Queen Elizabeth packs all three into one short, well-paced trip. In just three days, you experience water, savannah and forest, three completely different worlds within a single park.

At Kenlink Tours, these are the activities our guests ask about most when planning a Queen Elizabeth safari, so we have written this guide differently. Instead of only listing an itinerary, we take you through each activity in detail: when to go, what you will see, how to get the best photographs and what mistakes to avoid. You will also find a full three-day itinerary, lodge suggestions, costs, packing tips and answers to common questions.

Why These Three Activities Make the Perfect Short Safari

Each activity shows you a different side of Queen Elizabeth. The boat cruise brings you face to face with aquatic life and water birds in a way no vehicle can. The game drive delivers the classic African safari experience of predators, elephants and herds of antelope. Chimp tracking takes you on foot into a hidden forest to meet one of our closest living relatives.

Together, they create a balanced trip that suits almost everyone. The boat cruise is relaxing and accessible for all ages. Game drives are exciting but comfortable, and chimp tracking adds a sense of adventure without the demanding hikes of gorilla trekking. This combination is ideal for first-time visitors, families, photographers and travellers with limited time.

Because all three activities take place in or near the same park, you spend very little time driving between them. That leaves more time for wildlife and for enjoying your lodge. For more short and long safari ideas, visit our Uganda safari packages page.

Quick Overview of the 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Tour

• Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with an evening game drive on arrival
• Day 2: Sunrise game drive on the Kasenyi plains and afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Day 3: Morning chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge, then return to Kampala or Entebbe

Prefer a slower pace? Our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari offers a classic version of this trip, and travellers with more time can stretch it to four or five days to include the Ishasha sector and crater lakes.

Queen Elizabeth National Park at a Glance

Queen Elizabeth National Park covers nearly 2,000 square kilometres in western Uganda, between Lake George and Lake Edward and below the Rwenzori Mountains. It is Uganda’s most visited savannah park and one of the most diverse, with open plains, acacia woodland, tropical forest, wetlands and dozens of volcanic crater lakes. The Equator runs right through it.

The park hosts about 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, topis, warthogs, hippos and crocodiles are commonly seen, alongside lions, leopards and hyenas. The southern Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions, and the forested Kyambura Gorge shelters a community of chimpanzees.

For a deeper look at the park’s sectors and history, read this guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Activity 1: The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway about 32 kilometres long that links Lake George in the east with Lake Edward in the west. Its banks attract animals from across the park, especially during the heat of the day, when they come down to drink and cool off. The result is one of the densest concentrations of wildlife you will find anywhere in Africa.

What you will see: The channel is home to one of the largest hippo populations on the continent, and you will see dozens, sometimes hundreds, wallowing, yawning and grunting in the water. Large Nile crocodiles bask on the banks, while elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and Uganda kobs often stand at the water’s edge. Birdlife is spectacular: pelicans, African skimmers, open-billed storks, fish eagles, several kingfisher species, cormorants and huge flocks of gulls and terns.

How it works: Most cruises depart from the jetty below Mweya Safari Lodge on the Mweya peninsula and last about two hours. The Uganda Wildlife Authority runs a larger launch with several departures each day, while some lodges and private operators offer smaller boats for a more exclusive experience. Your guide will book the departure that best fits your itinerary.

Best time: Afternoon cruises are the most popular, as animals gather at the water in the heat of the day and the late light is warm and golden for photography. Morning cruises are quieter and cooler, with active birdlife.

Tips: Sit on the side of the boat facing the bank you will travel along, bring binoculars and a zoom lens, and wear a hat and sunscreen, as there is little shade on some boats. Listen to the guide’s commentary, as they often share fascinating details about hippo behaviour and the fishing villages along the shore.

Activity 2: Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth

Game drives are the heart of any savannah safari, and Queen Elizabeth offers some of the most rewarding drives in Uganda. You travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, giving everyone a clear view and space to photograph wildlife.

Kasenyi plains: The top area for lions. Kasenyi is the breeding ground for thousands of Uganda kobs, which attract predators. Early mornings offer the best chance to see lions hunting or resting after a kill, as well as hyenas, elephants and buffaloes.

Channel Track and Mweya: These tracks follow the Kazinga Channel and offer good sightings of elephants, buffaloes, warthogs and waterbucks, with views over the water and Lake Edward. Leopards are occasionally spotted in the thickets here.

Ishasha sector: Located in the south, Ishasha is famous for lions that climb and rest in large fig trees. It is more remote and can be visited on a longer itinerary or on the way to Bwindi.

Morning, evening or night: Morning drives, starting around sunrise, are best for predators and cooler temperatures. Evening drives offer beautiful light and active animals as the day cools. Where available, night drives reveal nocturnal species such as leopards, civets, genets and bush babies.

Tips: Be ready to leave early, dress in layers, keep your voice low near animals, and trust your guide, who will read tracks, listen for alarm calls and communicate with other guides to find wildlife.

Activity 3: Chimp Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is a deep, forested valley about 16 kilometres long, carved by the Kyambura River through the savannah of eastern Queen Elizabeth. From the rim, the forest canopy looks like a green river winding through golden grassland. Inside, a small community of habituated chimpanzees lives alongside other primates and many forest birds, earning the gorge its nickname, the “Valley of Apes”.

How it works: Tracking usually starts in the morning with a briefing at the Fig Tree Camp on the edge of the gorge. A Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger then leads a small group down steep trails into the forest. You follow the river, listen for the chimpanzees’ loud calls and search for signs of their movement, such as fresh food remains.

What you will see: If you find the chimpanzees, you spend up to one hour watching them feed, groom, play and call to one another. Even when the chimpanzees remain elusive, you are likely to see red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, olive baboons and a variety of birds, while enjoying the beauty of the gorge.

Success rates: Because the Kyambura chimpanzees are a small, free-roaming community, sightings are not guaranteed and are less certain than in larger forests. If seeing chimpanzees is a top priority, we can arrange tracking in nearby Kalinzu Forest, which usually has higher success rates, or extend your trip to Kibale Forest, the Primate Capital of the World. Learn more about Kibale Forest National Park.

Tips: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as trails are steep and can be slippery. Long trousers and long sleeves protect against nettles and insects. Keep at least eight metres from the chimpanzees, never use flash photography and do not track if you are unwell.

Smart Scheduling: How to Fit All Three Activities Together

Timing makes a big difference in Queen Elizabeth. Predators are most active at dawn, so game drives on the Kasenyi plains should start as early as possible. The boat cruise works best in the afternoon, when animals crowd the channel banks to escape the heat. Chimp tracking is normally done in the morning, when chimpanzees are most vocal and active.

That is why our itinerary places the sunrise game drive and afternoon boat cruise on the same day, with chimp tracking on the morning of departure. This plan avoids rushing, gives you a rest in the middle of the day, and keeps driving between activities to a minimum.

If your lodge is near Kyambura Gorge, you might swap the order, tracking chimpanzees on the second morning and doing the boat cruise that afternoon, then enjoying a final game drive on the way out. Your guide will adapt the schedule to boat departure times, permit availability and weather conditions.

Birds to Look For on the Kazinga Channel

Even travellers who are not dedicated birders are often amazed by the birdlife on the Kazinga Channel. The waterway and its banks support a huge variety of species, many of which can be seen at very close range from the boat.

Look out for the African skimmer, which flies low over the water with its lower bill slicing the surface, and the great white pelican, often seen in large groups. The channel is also excellent for kingfishers, including pied, malachite and giant kingfishers. African fish eagles perch in trees along the shore and call loudly, while yellow-billed storks, open-billed storks, saddle-billed storks and goliath herons wade in the shallows.

Other highlights include the water thick-knee, African jacana, red-throated bee-eater and sometimes the rare shoebill in the papyrus near Lake George. Bring binoculars and ask your guide to help identify species as you go.

Detailed 3 Days Boat Cruise, Game Drive and Chimp Tracking Itinerary

Here is our recommended three-day plan starting from Kampala or Entebbe. Timings are approximate and can be adjusted to suit you.

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth with an Evening Game Drive

Your driver-guide collects you early in the morning from your hotel in Kampala or from Entebbe International Airport. You travel southwest along the Masaka highway, stopping at the Equator at Kayabwe for photos and the famous water demonstration, then continue through Masaka and Mbarara, where you stop for lunch.

After lunch, you drive through the green tea estates of Bushenyi and descend the escarpment into the Albertine Rift Valley, enjoying sweeping views of the park. On arrival in the late afternoon, you enjoy a short evening game drive along the Channel Track or near your lodge, spotting elephants, buffaloes and antelopes in the soft evening light. You then check in, relax and enjoy dinner.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 2: Sunrise Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

An early wake-up call is rewarded with a sunrise game drive on the Kasenyi plains. As the sun rises over the savannah, your guide searches for lions, hyenas and leopards, as well as herds of Uganda kobs, buffaloes and elephants. On clear mornings, the Rwenzori Mountains form a dramatic backdrop.

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and a rest during the hottest part of the day. If you wish, you can take a short optional drive to the Katwe explosion craters or visit the Lake Katwe salt mines before lunch.

In the afternoon, you head to the Mweya jetty for the two-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Watch hippos and crocodiles at close range, elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge and a dazzling array of birds. Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening around the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3: Chimp Tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Return to Kampala

After an early breakfast, you drive to the Fig Tree Camp on the rim of Kyambura Gorge for your chimp tracking briefing. You then descend into the gorge with your ranger and spend the morning searching for chimpanzees and other primates. The activity usually takes two to four hours.

After the trek, you return to the vehicle and begin the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe via Mbarara and Masaka, with a lunch stop on the way. You arrive in the evening, where you are dropped off at your hotel or the airport. If you are continuing to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, you can instead drive south through the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Photography Tips for Your Queen Elizabeth Safari

Bring the right lens: A zoom lens of 100–400mm or similar is ideal for wildlife, while a wider lens captures landscapes, crater lakes and the boat cruise atmosphere.

Use the golden hours: Early mornings and late afternoons offer soft, warm light that makes wildlife photographs glow. Plan your game drive and boat cruise around these times.

Stabilise your camera: On game drives, rest your camera on a beanbag on the vehicle roof. On the boat, brace yourself against the rail and use a fast shutter speed to counter movement.

Adjust for the forest: Light is low in Kyambura Gorge, so increase your ISO and avoid flash, which is not allowed near chimpanzees.

Be patient: Some of the best moments, such as hippos yawning or lions waking up, happen after waiting quietly. Keep your camera ready.

Protect your gear: Bring a dust cover for game drives, a waterproof bag for the boat and forest, and spare batteries and memory cards.

What a Typical Safari Day Feels Like

Your day begins before sunrise with a gentle knock at your door and a cup of hot coffee or tea. Wrapped in a fleece, you climb into the safari vehicle as the sky turns pink over the savannah. Within minutes, you may spot a herd of elephants silhouetted against the dawn or hear the deep roar of a lion in the distance.

After several hours of wildlife viewing, you return to the lodge for a big breakfast and some time to relax by the pool or on your terrace, watching birds and perhaps a passing warthog. Lunch is followed by the afternoon boat cruise, where you drift past hippos and elephants as the light turns golden.

Evenings are spent around a campfire or on the lodge deck, sharing stories of the day’s sightings with fellow travellers before a delicious dinner. You fall asleep to the sounds of the African night: grunting hippos, calling hyenas and the chorus of insects. It is a rhythm that quickly becomes one of the most memorable parts of any safari.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This three-day tour is ideal for first-time safari travellers who want a varied introduction to Uganda’s wildlife, and for families looking for activities that suit all ages. It also suits travellers with limited time, such as those adding a short safari to a business trip or a gorilla trek, and photographers seeking diverse subjects in a compact area.

Travellers who want both primates and big game in a more intensive trip may prefer our 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Tour, while those interested in culture could add elements from our 4 Days Uganda Cultural and Gorilla Tour. You can also compare the 5-Day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, on the Mweya peninsula, is the most convenient base for the boat cruise. Kyambura Gorge Lodge, on the rim of the gorge, is ideal for chimp tracking. Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers an exclusive stay in the south.

Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, Park View Safari Lodge and Twin Lake Safari Lodge offer comfort and good value.

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages, Bush Lodge and guesthouses in Katunguru provide simple, affordable rooms.

Staying near Mweya or the Kasenyi plains suits game drives and the boat cruise, while lodges on the eastern side near Kyambura save time on tracking day. Our team will recommend the best location for your plans. Learn more about us on our About Us page.

Permits and Fees

Visitors pay Uganda Wildlife Authority park entrance fees, along with separate fees for the boat cruise and chimp tracking. Chimp tracking permits are limited per group, so booking ahead is recommended during busy months. Prices differ for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens and are reviewed periodically, so confirm current rates when booking.

A minimum age usually applies to chimp tracking, so let us know if you are travelling with children. When you book with Kenlink Tours, we handle all permits and bookings for you. Please read our terms and conditions for details on payments and cancellations.

Best Time for This Queen Elizabeth Tour

All three activities can be enjoyed year-round. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are best for game drives, as animals gather near water and grass is shorter. Trails in Kyambura Gorge are also drier and safer.

The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and excellent birding. Boat cruises are wonderful in any season, and the wet months often bring dramatic skies for photography.

How Much Does This 3-Day Tour Cost?

The cost depends on group size, accommodation level and optional activities. Larger groups pay less per person, while luxury lodges cost more than mid-range and budget options.

A typical Kenlink Tours package includes a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, fuel, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, park entrance fees, game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a chimp tracking permit, accommodation and meals as described, and bottled water. Drinks, tips and optional activities are extra.

You can save by joining our group tours or scheduled departure safaris, or hire a vehicle through our car hire in Uganda service. For a personalised quote, contact our safari experts and we will reply within 24 hours.

What to Pack

• Light, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives and the boat cruise
• Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy walking shoes for chimp tracking
• A warm fleece for early morning drives
• A lightweight rain jacket
• A hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent and any prescribed anti-malaria medication
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• A dust cover and waterproof bag for camera gear
• A reusable water bottle and small daypack
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate and travel insurance documents

Safety on Game Drives, the Boat and in the Gorge

Queen Elizabeth is a safe park to visit when you follow a few simple rules. On game drives, stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to step out, and never stand up through the roof near elephants or lions without your guide’s approval. On the boat, remain seated while moving, keep hands inside and follow the crew’s instructions; life jackets are provided.

In Kyambura Gorge, stay close to your ranger at all times, move carefully on steep sections and keep a respectful distance from all primates. Drink plenty of water and let your guide know if you have any health concerns before the trek.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Queen Elizabeth Safari

Skipping the early game drive: Many of the best predator sightings happen at sunrise. It is worth the early alarm.

Expecting guaranteed chimpanzee sightings: Kyambura is beautiful, but sightings are not certain. Choose Kalinzu or Kibale if chimpanzees are your main goal.

Wearing the wrong shoes: Smooth-soled shoes are dangerous on the steep gorge trails. Bring proper walking shoes with grip.

Forgetting sun protection on the boat: The equatorial sun is strong on the water. A hat and sunscreen are essential.

Trying to see too much in one day: Queen Elizabeth is large. A relaxed pace with fewer, better-timed activities usually leads to more rewarding sightings.

How to Extend This Tour

Add gorillas: Bwindi is a few hours south of Queen Elizabeth. Read about Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and see our 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari or 5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari.

Add more chimpanzees: Combine Kibale with Queen Elizabeth on our 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari or 4 Days Uganda Primate Tour. You can also compare the 3 Days chimpanzee tour in Uganda and the 4 Days wildlife and primate safari.

See more of Uganda: Our 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari, 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari and 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari include Queen Elizabeth along with parks such as Murchison Falls National Park. You may also like the 7 Days Uganda safari one-week tour or the 10 Days Uganda primates and wildlife itinerary.

Add birding: With over 600 species, Queen Elizabeth is a birding hotspot. See our 7-Day Birdwatching Safari in Uganda.

Continue to Rwanda: Explore our Rwanda safaris, or compare the 3 Days safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park and these Uganda and Rwanda wildlife safaris.

Why Book with Kenlink Tours?

Queen Elizabeth specialists: Since 2010, our Kampala-based team has guided hundreds of travellers through the park and knows its best tracks, boat departures and lodges.

Everything arranged: We handle permits, boat cruise bookings, lodges and transport so your trip runs smoothly.

Expert driver-guides: Our guides are skilled at finding wildlife and passionate about sharing Uganda’s nature and culture.

Comfortable vehicles: Our 4×4 safari vehicles feature pop-up roofs for the best views and photographs.

Responsible travel: We support local communities and vulnerable children through our foundation. Learn more in our guide About Uganda, or explore the safari ideas of our partners at Pick and Transfer Safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise?

The standard boat cruise lasts about two hours, with several departures each day from the Mweya jetty.

Is three days enough for Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Yes. Three days allows a game drive, the boat cruise and chimp tracking. Add a day if you want to visit Ishasha or the crater lakes at a slower pace.

Will I definitely see chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge?

No. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed, as the community is small and free-roaming. Kalinzu Forest and Kibale offer higher success rates.

What is the best time of day for a game drive?

Early morning is best for predators such as lions and hyenas, while late afternoon offers beautiful light and active animals.

Is the boat cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The boat cruise is safe, relaxing and enjoyable for travellers of all ages.

Can I add gorilla trekking to this tour?

Absolutely. Bwindi is only a few hours from Queen Elizabeth, so it is easy to add one or two days for gorilla trekking.

Book Your Boat Cruise, Game Drive and Chimp Tracking Tour Today

A boat cruise, game drive and chimp tracking tour in Queen Elizabeth is one of the most rewarding short safaris in Uganda. In just three days, you can cruise among hundreds of hippos, watch lions at sunrise on the Kasenyi plains and descend into a hidden gorge in search of chimpanzees. It is a perfect introduction to Uganda’s wildlife and a wonderful addition to any longer adventure.

Ready to experience Queen Elizabeth by water, land and forest? Let the team at Kenlink Tours plan every detail for you. Send us your enquiry today, and we will reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made itinerary and quote.