This 5-day safari takes you into the heart of western Uganda, combining the scenic beauty of Lake Mburo National Park with the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey offers a mix of savannah game drives, tranquil boat cruises, cultural encounters, and stunning landscapes ranging from rolling hills to crater lakes and wetlands. Expect to encounter zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and an incredible variety of birdlife, while also immersing yourself in Uganda’s cultural richness. Perfect for travellers who want a short but rewarding wildlife experience, this safari blends relaxation with adventure for an unforgettable holiday.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Pick-up and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Game Drive
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 4: Game Drive and explore the crater lakes
- Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe and Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Game Drive
Your safari kicks off with pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala, where you meet your driver-guide and start the journey southwest to Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes about 4–5 hours, offering scenic views of rolling hills, small towns, and traditional homesteads. A stop at the Equator in Kayabwe gives you the chance to take photos, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a brief demonstration of how water swirls differently in the northern and southern hemispheres.
On arrival at Lake Mburo, you check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the acacia-dotted landscapes. Later in the afternoon, you head out for an evening game drive as the park comes alive with wildlife activity. Expect to see herds of zebras, impalas, and elands grazing in the open grasslands, giraffes browsing the treetops, and warthogs trotting about. The golden light of sunset makes this a perfect time for photography, and bird lovers can also spot crowned cranes, fish eagles, and rollers. You return to your lodge in time for dinner, followed by a relaxed evening under the calm atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo, where you may spot zebras, giraffes, impalas, and other wildlife active in the cool hours. After breakfast, check out and drive west towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through scenic countryside, farms, and rolling hills. On arrival, enjoy a short game drive as you head to your lodge, where elephants, buffalo, and antelopes are often seen. Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge with views of the park.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the best time to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and a wide variety of birdlife. The open savannah and crater-filled landscapes make for excellent wildlife viewing and photography.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The cruise offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo along the shores, as well as countless water birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and kingfishers. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Game Drive and explore the crater lakes
Begin the day with another game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, increasing your chances of spotting predators, elephants, buffalo, and other savannah wildlife. Afterwards, head to the northern sector near the Rwenzori foothills to explore the crater lakes, a region of stunning volcanic landscapes dotted with small lakes, forests, and villages. The scenery is breathtaking, and birdwatchers will enjoy spotting unique species around the craters. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, passing through scenic countryside, tea plantations, and lively roadside markets. You may stop for photos or a quick lunch along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be dropped off either at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.