2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

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.

In Collaboration with Gatsio Safariz. Updated on March 12, 2026.

Disclaimer

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)
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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

06:30 – 06:45 • 15m

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

06:45 – 09:00 • 2h 15m

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

09:00 – 09:30 • 30m

Short roadside stop for photos at the Uganda Equator (Kayabwe). Time-limited stop for a quick photoshoot and stretch.

Plot 24 Kikutuzi-Mpigi District, X2VP+M6, Kayabwe, Uganda
4.4 (2,994 reviews)
Opening hours
  • Monday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

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

09:30 – 19:30 • 10h

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.

Uganda
4.4 (3,015 reviews)
Opening hours
  • Monday7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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)

19:30 – 20:00 • 30m

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
4.7 (86 reviews)

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

20:00 – 06:00 • 10h

Check-in and overnight at the lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
4.7 (86 reviews)

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

06:00 – 11:00 • 5h

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.

Uganda
4.4 (3,015 reviews)
Opening hours
  • Monday7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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

05:45 – 06:00 • 15m

Guide briefing and vehicle departure for the early-morning game drive (departure at 06:00).

Uganda
4.4 (3,015 reviews)
Opening hours
  • Monday7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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)

11:30 – 18:30 • 7h

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)

18:30 – 19:00 • 30m

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

Days2
Highlights4
Season-
Month-
PersonaFriends
Transfers4
Restaurants-
Total Activities6
Total Places6
Activities TypesTransfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Break, Hotel, Experience
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2 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari