Tour to Queen Elizabeth NP Starting from Kampala. Elephants wading through the shallows of the Kazinga Channel, hippos grunting in their hundreds, lions draped across the branches of fig trees in Ishasha: Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular savannah park, and for good reason. It is also one of the easiest safari parks to reach from the capital, making a tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala the perfect way to experience a classic African safari in just a few days.

Kenlink Tours has been running safaris to Queen Elizabeth from Kampala since 2010. This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip in 2026: how long to go for, what it costs, how to get there, sample itineraries, the best things to do, current park fees, where to stay, and how to combine the park with gorillas or chimpanzees.

Queen Elizabeth Tours from Kampala: The Quick Answer

Queen Elizabeth National Park is about 6 to 7 hours’ drive from Kampala. Most tours last 2 to 5 days, and 3 days is the most popular length, giving you game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise and time to explore without rushing. A 3-day budget to mid-range tour typically costs about US$700 to US$1,200 per person for two people sharing, including transport, a driver-guide, park fees, the boat cruise, accommodation and meals.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

• Big game. Elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck and warthogs.
• The Kazinga Channel. One of Africa’s best boat safaris, with huge numbers of hippos and crocodiles.
• Tree-climbing lions. The Ishasha sector is one of the few places in Africa where lions regularly rest in trees.
• Primates. Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge and monkeys in Maramagambo Forest.
• Birdlife. More than 600 bird species, one of the highest totals of any park in Africa.
• Landscapes. Savannah, crater lakes, wetlands, forest gorges and views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
• Easy to combine with Bwindi gorillas, Kibale chimpanzees and Lake Mburo.

Pick and Transfer Safaris has a detailed Queen Elizabeth National Park guide if you would like more background on the park.

Queen Elizabeth Tour Options from Kampala (2026)

Tour	Highlights	Typical price per person (2 sharing)
2-day express	Game drive and Kazinga Channel cruise	About US$450 – US$750
3-day classic	Game drives, boat cruise, crater lakes or Kyambura	About US$700 – US$1,200
4-day with Ishasha	Adds tree-climbing lions in Ishasha	About US$900 – US$1,500
5-day with gorillas	Queen Elizabeth plus Bwindi gorilla trek	About US$2,200 – US$3,200
5-day with chimps	Kibale chimpanzees plus Queen Elizabeth	About US$1,400 – US$2,200

Prices are indicative and depend on season, lodge level and group size. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are included in the relevant tours.

Getting from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are two main road routes, both about 6 to 7 hours with stops:

Southern route via Masaka and Mbarara. Leave Kampala on the Masaka road, stop at the Equator at Kayabwe, continue to Mbarara, then turn northwest through Bushenyi and the tea estates to the park. This is the most common route and passes the Igongo Cultural Centre, a good lunch stop.

Western route via Fort Portal. Drive west through Mubende to Fort Portal, then south past the crater lakes to the park’s northern gate. This route is popular when combining Queen Elizabeth with Kibale Forest’s chimpanzees.

Many tours go one way and return the other, turning the trip into a circuit. Domestic flights to airstrips near the park are also available for travelers short on time, but most visitors drive, as the roads are good and the scenery is beautiful.

Tip: Leave Kampala by 6:30 am to beat the city traffic and arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.

2-Day Queen Elizabeth Express from Kampala

• Day 1 – Kampala to Queen Elizabeth. Early departure, a stop at the equator, and lunch on the way. Arrive in the afternoon for a short game drive on the Kasenyi plains before checking into your lodge.
• Day 2 – Morning game drive, Kazinga Channel and return. An early game drive when predators are most active, followed by the late-morning Kazinga Channel boat cruise, then the drive back to Kampala, arriving in the evening.

This is a fast trip. It works for residents with a weekend, but three days is far more relaxed.

3-Day Queen Elizabeth Classic from Kampala

The most popular itinerary, balancing time on the road with time in the park.

Day 1 – Kampala to Queen Elizabeth. Drive via the equator and Mbarara, arriving in the afternoon. Relax at your lodge or take an evening game drive.

Day 2 – Game drive and boat cruise. Start at dawn with a game drive on the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, elephants, buffalo and large herds of Uganda kob. After lunch, take the two-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise, passing hippos, crocodiles, elephants and countless birds.

Day 3 – Crater lakes or Kyambura Gorge, then return. Explore the Katwe explosion craters or track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, then drive back to Kampala.

Book this as our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. Pick and Transfer Safaris runs a similar 3 Days Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

4 to 5-Day Queen Elizabeth Tours with Ishasha, Chimps or Gorillas

4 days with Ishasha. Add a day in the southern Ishasha sector to search for tree-climbing lions and see herds of topi on open grassland.

5 days with chimpanzees. Start with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, then continue to Queen Elizabeth. Kenlink’s 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari and 3 Days Chimp Tracking Safari to Kibale can be combined with a Queen Elizabeth extension. See Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Kibale Forest National Park guide.

5 days with gorillas. Combine Queen Elizabeth with a gorilla trek in Bwindi via Ishasha, one of Uganda’s classic routes. Book it as our 5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari.

For a full week, our 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari adds Kibale and Bwindi, and Pick and Transfer Safaris offers the 4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari and 7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour.

Top Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives on the Kasenyi plains. The open grasslands in the northeast of the park are the best area for lions, which hunt the large herds of Uganda kob. Elephants, buffalo, warthogs and waterbuck are common. Early morning and late afternoon drives give the best sightings.

Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This natural channel links Lake George and Lake Edward, and its banks attract one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles, elephants, buffalo and many water birds such as pelicans, kingfishers and African fish eagles. The cruise usually lasts about two hours.

Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. In the remote southern sector, lions often rest in the branches of large fig trees during the heat of the day. Ishasha also has herds of topi and is quieter than the north of the park.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Known as the Valley of Apes, this sunken forest holds a small community of habituated chimpanzees. Sightings are less certain than in Kibale, but the gorge itself is spectacular.

Crater lakes and Lake Katwe. The Katwe explosion craters offer dramatic views, and at Lake Katwe you can see traditional salt mining that has continued for centuries.

Maramagambo Forest. Forest walks for monkeys and birds, and a famous cave full of bats.

Birdwatching. With more than 600 species, the park is a highlight of any birding trip in Uganda. Kenlink’s 7-Day Birdwatching Safari in Uganda includes Queen Elizabeth.

Community and cultural visits. Village walks, cultural performances and community tourism projects around the park.

Queen Elizabeth’s Main Areas at a Glance

• Kasenyi plains (northeast): classic game drives and lions.
• Mweya Peninsula: lodges, the Kazinga Channel boat launch and views over Lake Edward.
• Katwe crater area: volcanic craters and salt lakes.
• Kyambura Gorge (east): chimpanzees in a forested gorge.
• Maramagambo Forest (south): forest walks and the bat cave.
• Ishasha (far south): tree-climbing lions and the route to Bwindi.

Queen Elizabeth Park Fees (2026)

Under the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff for July 2024 to June 2026:

• Park entry: US$40 per foreign non-resident adult per 24 hours, and US$20 per child.
• Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking: US$100 per foreign non-resident.
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise: roughly US$30 to US$50 per person depending on the operator.

Foreign residents and East African citizens pay lower rates. Tariffs can change after June 2026, so we always confirm current fees when you book. On a Kenlink tour, park fees and the boat cruise are normally included.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Budget: Simple lodges, bandas and campsites around Katunguru, Kikorongo and near the park gates. Clean, safe and good value.

Mid-range: Comfortable lodges and tented camps with private bathrooms, good food and views over the Kazinga Channel, crater lakes or the savannah.

Luxury: Upscale lodges on the Mweya Peninsula, in Ishasha and on the edge of Kyambura Gorge, offering spacious rooms and excellent service.

We match the lodge to your budget and itinerary. If you plan to visit Ishasha or continue to Bwindi, a lodge in the south of the park saves time.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Dry seasons (December to February and June to September): The best time for game viewing. Grass is shorter, animals gather near water, and roads are easier. These are the busiest months, so book lodges early.

Wet seasons (March to May and October to November): The park turns lush and green, birdlife is at its best, and there are fewer vehicles. Some tracks, especially in Ishasha, can be muddy, so a 4×4 is essential. Some lodges offer lower rates.

The Kazinga Channel cruise and game drives run all year, so Queen Elizabeth is a good choice in any season.

What to Pack for a Queen Elizabeth Safari

• Light, neutral-coloured clothing and a warm layer for early morning game drives
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
• A light rain jacket in the wet seasons
• Comfortable walking shoes, plus hiking boots if you plan chimpanzee tracking
• Your passport and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Some cash for tips and souvenirs

Combine Queen Elizabeth with Gorillas and Chimpanzees

Queen Elizabeth sits right between Uganda’s two great primate destinations, which makes it the perfect centrepiece for a longer safari.

• Gorillas in Bwindi: The Ishasha sector is only about two to three hours from Bwindi’s Buhoma sector. See Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guide and our 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari.
• Chimpanzees in Kibale: About two to three hours north of the park.
• Murchison Falls: For a longer northern extension. See the Murchison Falls National Park guide.

Popular combined tours include our 4 Days Uganda Primate Tour, 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari and 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari. Pick and Transfer Safaris offers the 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari, the 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari and the 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife.

What Is Included in Our Queen Elizabeth Tours

• Pickup and drop-off in Kampala or Entebbe
• A private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and fuel
• A professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Park entry fees
• Game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Accommodation at your chosen level
• Meals as listed, usually full board
• Bottled drinking water

Not included: international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips and optional activities such as Kyambura chimpanzee tracking unless listed.

Why Choose Kenlink Tours?

• Based in Kampala, with door-to-door pickup.
• Safaris since 2010, with deep knowledge of Queen Elizabeth and western Uganda.
• Our own 4×4 fleet with pop-up roofs for game viewing. Self-drive is also available through our car hire service.
• Private tours tailored to you, or group tours and scheduled departures to share costs.
• Clear pricing, flexible itineraries and a commitment to local communities.

Learn more about us.

How to Book Your Queen Elizabeth Tour from Kampala

1. Contact us through our contact page with your dates, group size and interests.
2. Choose a tour length or ask for a tailor-made itinerary.
3. Confirm with a deposit.
4. Meet your driver-guide at your Kampala hotel and set off on safari.

Browse all our Uganda safaris or read more about Uganda.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Elizabeth Tours from Kampala

How far is Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala?

About 400 km, or roughly 6 to 7 hours by road with stops, via either Masaka and Mbarara or Fort Portal.

How many days do I need for Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Three days is ideal for a first visit, giving you game drives, the Kazinga Channel cruise and time to explore. Add a day for Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions.

How much does a tour to Queen Elizabeth from Kampala cost?

A 3-day budget to mid-range tour typically costs about US$700 to US$1,200 per person for two people sharing, including transport, guide, park fees, boat cruise, accommodation and meals.

Can I see the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

You can see elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards, but there are no rhinos in the park. Rhinos can be tracked at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, north of Kampala.

Where can I see tree-climbing lions?

In the Ishasha sector in the south of the park. Sightings are not guaranteed, but Ishasha is one of the best places in Africa to see them.

Can I combine Queen Elizabeth with gorilla trekking?

Yes. Ishasha is only two to three hours from Bwindi’s Buhoma sector, making Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi one of Uganda’s most popular combinations.

What is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The dry seasons, December to February and June to September, are best for game viewing, but the park is rewarding all year.

Can I visit Queen Elizabeth on a weekend trip from Kampala?

Yes, a 2-day trip is possible, but three days is much more relaxed and gives you more time in the park.

Tour to Queen Elizabeth NP Starting from Kampala

A tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala gives you everything a classic African safari should: big game on open savannah, one of the continent’s best boat safaris, rare tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees in a hidden gorge and spectacular crater lake scenery. In just three days you can experience the best of the park, and with a few more days you can add gorillas or chimpanzees for the ultimate Uganda adventure.

Ready to go on safari? Contact Kenlink Tours for a free quote, book our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, or browse more trips on our homepage. You can also explore Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Uganda gorilla safaris to add gorillas to your trip.