Day 1: Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your adventure begins early in the morning as an English-speaking guide from Mission Africa Safaris picks you up from an agreed location, typically your hotel, around 6am. The journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park spans approximately six hours, offering you a scenic drive through Uganda’s picturesque countryside. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and take memorable photos at the equator, a significant geographical landmark.
As you approach and leave Mbarara, prepare to be enchanted by the stunning physical landscapes. The area is characterized by its valleys and undulating terrain, adorned with lush tea plantations and grazing longhorned Ankole cattle, iconic symbols of Uganda’s agricultural heritage. Lunch will be served in the vibrant town of Mbarara, allowing you to savor local cuisine and recharge for the remaining journey.
Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check into your accommodation. For a luxurious experience, Mweya Safari Lodge offers excellent amenities and breathtaking views of the Kazinga Channel. Alternatively, Bush Lodge provides a more budget-friendly option without compromising on the stunning vistas.
In the evening, you will embark on a tour of Crater Lake Katwe, renowned for its salt mining activities. This visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the local economy and the traditional salt extraction methods used by the community. After an insightful tour, you will return to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay, ready for the exciting day ahead.
Day 2: Game Drive and Launch Cruise at the Kazinga Channel
Day two starts early with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee before heading out for a morning game drive on the Mweya Peninsula, situated around the Kazinga Channel. This three-hour safari takes you along various trails, where you will have the chance to spot a diverse array of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for jackals, buffaloes, forest hogs, warthogs, Uganda kobs, elephants, lions, and the elusive leopard. The morning light offers perfect conditions for photography, capturing the vibrant colors and dynamic movements of these magnificent animals.
After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for a late breakfast. The rest of the morning is yours to relax, perhaps by the poolside, as you soak in the serene environment and anticipate the afternoon’s activities.
Post-lunch, the adventure continues with a two-hour launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This boat trip provides unparalleled opportunities to observe a variety of bird species, including kingfishers and pelicans. The channel’s waters are also home to numerous elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles, offering you close-up views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The day concludes with dinner and another comfortable overnight stay at either Mweya Safari Lodge or Bush Lodge.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Departure
On the final day, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the Kyambura Gorge, an underground forest teeming with life. This unique ecosystem is home to chimpanzees, baboons, and a plethora of other primates. As you trek through the gorge, you will also encounter a variety of plant, tree, and bird species, making for a rich and immersive nature experience.
Following your visit to the Kyambura Gorge, you will return to the lodge for lunch and check out. The journey back to Kampala begins, with a scenic route passing through Maramagambo Forest. This leg of the trip offers additional chances to spot more mammals and primates, enriching your safari experience.
You will arrive in Kampala in the evening, where you can catch your departure flight or be dropped off at your hotel. This marks the end of your 3-day Queen Elizabeth Safari, a journey filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and the breathtaking beauty of Uganda’s natural landscapes.
