Big Five Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda may be famous for its gorillas and lush rainforests, but nestled in the western corner of the country lies one of East Africa’s most underrated safari destinations Queen Elizabeth National Park. This diverse wilderness is not only home to the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino although rhinos must be seen nearby at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary), but also to over 600 species of birds, crater lakes, and dramatic savannah landscapes.

If you’re looking for a short but unforgettable safari experience, a 3-day Big Five game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the perfect trip. 

Day 1: Journey to the Wild – Arrival and First Game Drive

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a departure from either Kampala, Entebbe, or Kigali. For travelers coming from Kigali, the road journey via the Cyanika or Gatuna border is scenic and culturally enriching, offering glimpses of rural life and views of the Virunga Mountains. If coming from Entebbe or Kampala, the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes about 6-7 hours.

You’ll arrive in the park in the early afternoon. After checking into your lodge  options range from the luxurious Mweya Safari Lodge to budget-friendly Simba Safari Camp  you’ll head out for your first game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.

This part of the park is renowned for large herds of Uganda kob, often attracting lions and leopards on the hunt. Keep your binoculars and cameras ready early sightings often include elephants, warthogs, and buffaloes. The game drive lasts until sunset, when the golden light sets the savannah ablaze with color.

Return to your lodge for a hearty dinner under the stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 2: Big Game and the Kazinga Channel Cruise

Rise early for a full day of wildlife adventure. After a sunrise breakfast, you’ll head out for a morning game drive focused on tracking more of the Big Five. While black rhinos are not found inside the park itself, many visitors combine this safari with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary either before or after, allowing you to tick off all five iconic animals.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, your best chance to complete the “Big Four” (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard) is during the cooler early morning hours. Your expert guide will help identify fresh tracks, spot predators in the tall grass, and explain the behaviors of the park’s wildlife.

By mid-morning, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest.

In the afternoon, prepare for one of Queen Elizabeth’s most famous experiences: the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and supports one of the densest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in Africa.

From the comfort of the boat, you’ll get up close to elephants bathing, buffalo cooling off, and countless bird species including African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks, and kingfishers. It’s an excellent opportunity for photography, offering rare perspectives on the wildlife and park’s landscape.

As you cruise back to shore, watch the sun dip behind the Rwenzori Mountains – also known as the “Mountains of the Moon”. It’s a magical way to end a day on safari.

Day 3: Ishasha Sector and Departure

On your final day, head south to the Ishasha Sector, a remote and beautiful part of the park best known for its tree-climbing lions – a rare behavior exhibited only here and in parts of Tanzania. Unlike their savannah-dwelling cousins, these lions often lounge in fig and acacia trees to escape the heat and insects below.

A game drive in Ishasha offers a chance to spot these unique predators, as well as topi, buffaloes, and large herds of elephants that migrate through the area. This part of the park is less crowded, giving you a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.

After your game drive and a picnic lunch in the wild, it’s time to begin your return journey. Whether you’re heading back to Kampala, Entebbe, or Kigali, you’ll depart with a camera full of photos and a heart full of memories.

What to Expect and What to Pack

• Best Time to Visit: The park is open year-round, but the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the best game viewing.

• What to Pack: Light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with zoom lens, binoculars, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Accommodation: Options range from high-end lodges to basic campsites, so you can tailor the trip to your budget.

• Wildlife Guarantee: While the Big Five sightings are never 100% guaranteed, Queen Elizabeth offers excellent odds, especially for elephants, lions, and buffalo.

Combining with Other Attractions

Many visitors pair this safari with other Ugandan highlights:

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – To complete your Big Five list

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – For gorilla trekking

• Kibale National Park – For chimpanzee tracking

• Rwenzori Mountains – For hiking and mountaineering

Every detail of your safari can be customized to ensure it reflects your individual needs and desires

A 3-day Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a perfect snapshot of Uganda’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Whether you’re spotting a leopard in the golden light of dawn or cruising alongside hippos on the Kazinga Channel, every moment is filled with wonder and discovery.

Short enough for a long weekend but rich enough to feel like a full expedition, this safari is ideal for both first-time visitors to Africa and seasoned travelers. From the drama of predator hunts to the serenity of the savannah sunset, Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers an authentic, exhilarating African safari experience.