Kampala in 2 Days for Friends - Evening game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
In Collaboration with Gatsio Safariz. Updated on March 12, 2026.
A compact 2-day wildlife safari from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park with an Equator photo stop, an evening and early-morning game drive, a Kazinga Channel boat trip, and return to Kampala the following day. Pickup from your Kampala pickup point is at 06:30 on Day 1.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Gatsio Safariz, inspired by the tour 2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Evening game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Early-morning game drive for peak wildlife activity
- 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel
- Photo stop at the Uganda Equator (Kayabwe)
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Kampala, drive west with an Equator photo stop; arrive at lodge for check-in and an evening game drive. Overnight in the Kasese/Queen Elizabeth NP area.
Pickup — Bushpig Backpackers Hostel, Kampala
Meet at your pickup point. Guide and vehicle will collect you and depart Kampala at 06:30.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a small bag ready inside the vehicle to keep essentials handy for the drive.
- Confirm your room/hostel name with the driver at boarding to speed up the pickup.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses for the roadside transfer; mornings can be bright even if cool.
Drive from Kampala toward Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin the drive west toward Kasese / Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect scenic countryside and one main photo stop at the Equator.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack motion-sickness remedies if you or friends are sensitive to long drives.
- Keep water accessible — refill bottles during brief stops to stay hydrated.
- Charge phone power banks before departure; mobile charging during the drive may be limited.
Photo stop — Equator Monument, Kayabwe
Short roadside stop for photos at the Uganda Equator (Kayabwe). Time-limited stop for a quick photoshoot and stretch.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep valuables secured in the vehicle; this is a brief roadside photo stop.
- Ask your guide to capture group photos so everyone is in frame.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the monument area is a short walk from parking.
Continue drive to lodge; check-in and refresh, then evening game drive
Drive onward to the Kasese / Queen Elizabeth area. On arrival at the lodge check in and refresh. Later take an evening game drive in the park (approx. 2 hours) to look for elephants, warthogs and other wildlife; return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a light jacket for the evening game drive — temperatures drop after sunset.
- Ask the guide about seating arrangement in the vehicle for the game drive to secure a preferred side.
- Keep camera batteries charged and memory cards empty; evening light can produce good photos.
(Operational note / short break)
Tips from local experts:
- Use this short downtime after arrival to check gear and confirm the next morning's pickup with reception.
- Request wake-up time and breakfast arrangements from the lodge reception the evening before.
- If travelling with friends, agree on rendezvous points in the lodge in case of differing arrival times.
Overnight — Songbird Safari Lodge (or similar) in the Queen Elizabeth area
Check-in and overnight at the lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm checkout/meeting time at reception for the early-morning departure.
- Leave a small bag packed for the morning game drive so you don't need to repack in the dark.
- Keep any medications and important items in a bedside bag rather than in luggage stored away.
Day 2
Early-morning game drive followed by a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. After the boat trip, begin the return transfer to Kampala with expected arrival in the evening.
Game drive and boat trip (Kazinga Channel) — start of day
Early-morning game drive to catch wildlife in active hours, followed by the scheduled boat trip on the Kazinga Channel (approx. 2 hours) to view hippos, waterbirds and lakeshore wildlife.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a compact binocular and a telephoto lens if you have one; wildlife sightings are often at a distance.
- Wear neutral-coloured layers for cooler mornings and remove layers as temperatures rise.
- Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements during the boat trip to improve wildlife viewing.
Early-morning briefing / depart for game drive
Guide briefing and vehicle departure for the early-morning game drive (departure at 06:00).
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive on time at the lodge meeting point to avoid delaying the group departure.
- Confirm seating order with the guide if you have a preferred side for photography.
- Carry a small snack and water for the morning; food options may be limited until after the boat trip.
Boat trip follow-up and transfer to Kampala (Acacia Villa Kampala)
After the boat trip, regroup and begin the return transfer to Kampala (approx. 7 hours driving time). Drop-off will be at Acacia Villa Kampala or the pre-arranged central Kampala drop-off point.
Tips from local experts:
- Store wet clothing or damp items in a plastic bag during the return drive to keep the vehicle clean.
- Stretch legs at scheduled rest stops; plan restroom breaks with the guide during the long transfer.
- Keep your phone charged and accessible for the driver's arrival updates; mobile reception can vary along the route.
End of tour — Drop-off at Acacia Villa Kampala (or arranged Kampala drop-off)
Arrive back in Kampala and be dropped off at Acacia Villa Kampala or your pre-agreed central Kampala drop-off location. End of the 2-day safari service.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact drop-off preference with the guide before leaving the park to avoid delays.
- Have local cash available for any incidental expenses on arrival in Kampala.
- Collect all personal items from the vehicle before disembarking; check seat pockets and roof rack areas if used.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Break, Hotel, Experience |
