A dedicated Queen Elizabeth National Park safari for travellers who want classic savannah wildlife without a trekking permit — game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and Ishasha’s famous tree-climbing lions, all requiring only park entry fees rather than a limited-availability permit.
Detailed Itinerary
Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Road transfer south, arriving in the afternoon with time for an evening game drive on the Kasenyi plains.
Full Day: Boat Cruise and Ishasha Lions
Morning Kazinga Channel boat cruise for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife, afternoon drive south to Ishasha specifically to look for tree-climbing lions resting in fig-tree branches.
As above
Morning Game Drive, Return to Entebbe
An early game drive before the return road transfer to Entebbe.
Permits & Costs
| Park entry fee | ~$40 per person per day |
| Boat cruise | Included in tour price |
| Gorilla or chimpanzee permit | Not required for this itinerary |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who’ve already trekked gorillas on a separate trip, or anyone wanting a pure savannah safari without the cost or physical demand of a primate trek.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Boat cruise & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
What Makes Queen Elizabeth Distinct
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s mix of savannah, wetland and forest within one boundary supports over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species — an unusually high count reflecting its varied habitat. The Ishasha sector’s tree-climbing lions, resting in fig-tree branches through the heat of the day, are a genuinely unusual sighting most visitors don’t expect from an African safari.
What to Pack
Comfortable layered clothing (early morning game drives can be cool before the day warms up), sun protection, and binoculars if you have them. No hiking boots or rain gear are strictly necessary since this itinerary involves no walking.
Can this be booked at short notice?
Yes — unlike gorilla or chimpanzee permits, this itinerary needs only standard park entry fees, bookable with just a few days’ notice in most cases.
Is this suitable for families with young children?
Yes — with no minimum age requirement and no walking involved, it’s one of our most family-friendly itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for this trip?
No — only standard park entry fees apply, bookable with much shorter notice than a gorilla or chimpanzee permit.
Can this be added onto a gorilla trekking itinerary?
Yes — it combines naturally as an extension before or after a Bwindi trek, since Queen Elizabeth sits directly between Bwindi and Kibale.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.