Overview
Discover the beauty of Western Uganda on a 4-day adventure packed with wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes. Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Kampala to Fort Portal, where you’ll explore the town, visit royal palaces, and take in the breathtaking crater lakes. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for thrilling game drives, spotting elephants, lions, and hippos, and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Conclude with a visit to the famous Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions before returning to Kampala. A perfect blend of nature and wildlife for the ultimate Ugandan escape!
Trip Highlights
- Culture
- Wild life
- National Park
- Animals
- Nature
Itinerary
- **Morning:**
- Depart early from Kampala and drive to Fort Portal, a scenic journey of about 4-5 hours. Enjoy the beautiful countryside views along the way, including tea plantations and the rolling hills of western Uganda.
- Arrive in Fort Portal, known for its cool climate and beautiful landscapes.
- **Late Morning:**
- Explore the vibrant town of Fort Portal. Visit the Tooro Palace, the royal palace of the Tooro Kingdom, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Take a walk around Fort Portal’s charming town center, visiting local markets, cafes, and craft shops.
- **Afternoon:**
- Have lunch at a local restaurant in Fort Portal, enjoying regional delicacies.
- After lunch, visit the nearby crater lakes, such as Lake Nyinambuga or Lake Kyaninga. These stunning crater lakes are perfect for nature walks, photography, and enjoying panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
- **Evening:**
- Check in at your lodge or hotel in Fort Portal, relax, and enjoy dinner. Optional evening activities include a guided walk around the lodge or a visit to the Amabere Caves for a unique cultural and historical experience.
- **Early Morning:**
- Have breakfast at your lodge and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, about a 2-3 hour drive from Fort Portal.
- Arrive at the park and begin your first game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
- **Late Morning:**
- Continue exploring the park, focusing on the Kasenyi Plains, known for their high concentration of lions and other big game.
- Enjoy a mid-morning break at the Mweya Peninsula with views of the Kazinga Channel.
- **Afternoon:**
- Have lunch at the Lodge or a picnic lunch within the park.
- After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat cruise offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birdlife along the channel’s banks.
- **Evening:**
- Enjoy an evening game drive en route to your lodge. Check in, relax, and have dinner while soaking in the sounds of the African wilderness.
- **Early Morning:**
- Embark on an early morning game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Spot other wildlife like buffaloes, warthogs, and various antelope species.
- **Late Morning:**
- Visit the Katwe Salt Lake to see traditional salt mining practices that have been passed down through generations. This is a great spot to learn about local livelihoods and enjoy scenic views of the lake.
Embark on the journey back to Kampala
Cost Includes
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Transfers
Cost Excludes
- Flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
The best time to visit is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. These months provide better road conditions, easier wildlife viewing, and more comfortable trekking weather.
The drive from Kampala to Fort Portal takes about 4-5 hours, while the drive from Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park is around 2-3 hours. Be prepared for scenic, yet potentially bumpy, roads.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to elephants, lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions), buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, various antelope species, and over 600 species of birds. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise offers great close-up wildlife viewing.
The trip involves light activities like nature walks around crater lakes and short game drives, making it suitable for people with moderate fitness levels. No strenuous physical activity is required.
Yes, the package includes accommodation in lodges or hotels, along with meals. Some packages may also include picnic lunches during excursions, so check with the travel provider for full details.
