Three days is enough time to properly experience the Pearl of Africa’s most popular savannah park, without the length or cost of a full primate circuit. This short safari is built entirely around Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most rewarding destinations for classic game viewing, primates and birdlife alike.
The journey from Kampala introduces you to the park’s remarkable diversity, sprawling savannah, shaded forest, sparkling lakes and fertile wetland, all supporting the country’s best population of tree-climbing lion alongside elephant, buffalo and leopard. A morning game drive and an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise, hippo, elephant and crocodile lining its shores, fill the first full day, before a genuinely memorable descent into Kyambura Gorge to track wild chimpanzee on foot, watching them rest, play and interact before the drive back to Kampala.
A compact, privately guided introduction to Uganda’s wildlife for travellers with limited time who still want a genuine safari and a real primate encounter.
This itinerary suits travellers with limited time in Uganda who still want a proper safari experience, strong game viewing, a boat cruise and chimpanzee trekking, without committing to a longer, gorilla-inclusive circuit. It works well as a standalone short break or as an add-on before or after other travel in the region, and it’s a strong, accessible introduction to Uganda’s wildlife for first-time visitors.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is rewarding throughout the year, and chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura Gorge continues regardless of season. June to September and December to February bring the driest conditions and the easiest road access for game drives, while the wetter months offer a quieter, greener alternative for travellers who don’t mind occasional rain.
An early pick-up from your hotel at 7am, or from the airport, starts the safari. Your driver guide welcomes you to the Pearl of Africa, getting to know each other on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park and the best place in the country to see lion, including the famous tree-climbing variety. The park’s diverse ecosystems, sprawling savannah, shaded and humid forest, sparkling lakes and fertile wetland, make it ideal for classic game viewing, primates and over 600 recorded bird species. The journey from Kampala takes approximately eight hours, with a stop for lunch along the way, arriving in the afternoon or evening. You’ll settle into your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and get a good night’s sleep ahead of tomorrow’s activities.
After breakfast, a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park brings your first proper glimpse of elephant herds, alongside lion, Cape buffalo and the notoriously elusive leopard. You’ll return to the lodge to rest and enjoy lunch, before heading out for a two hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Expect excellent sightings of hippo, elephant and crocodile along the water, alongside plentiful birdlife on the shores. Return to the lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night.
After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the visitor centre near Kyambura Gorge for a briefing before setting out, walking stick and guide in hand, to descend the 200 metre slope down to the river in the valley below. From there, the search for chimpanzee begins, and once located, you’ll spend time watching them rest, play, feed and interact, a genuinely close and memorable encounter. You’ll return to the lodge for lunch before checking out for the road trip back to Kampala, arriving in the late evening and bringing the safari to a close
Pricing
Rates vary by season, with low season from $850 per person and peak season (June to September, and December to February) from approximately $1,080 to $1,200 per person. Final rates confirmed at time of booking.
Why travel with us
We keep group sizes intentionally small so every guest gets the attention, flexibility, and authenticity a safari deserves.
Our guides are born from the landscapes they lead. Decades of knowledge, sharp eyes, and a genuine passion for East African wildlife.
From comprehensive pre-trip briefings to 24-hour in-country support, your safety and comfort are always our first consideration.
Every safari we operate contributes to wildlife conservation and local community projects across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
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