2-Day Uganda Budget Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park 2026-2027
Experience Uganda’s top wildlife destination on a 2-Day Budget Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Includes game drives, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, accommodation, meals, and professional guide.
Customer Reviews
4.9
2-Day Uganda Budget Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your Affordable Gateway to Uganda’s Wildlife & Nature
This 2-day safari is perfect for travelers who want to see Uganda’s amazing wildlife without spending too much time or money. It is a short trip that lets you enjoy the best of the park in just two days.During the safari, you will go on game drives, see beautiful landscapes, and take a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. You will have a chance to see animals like elephants, lions, hippos, and many more, all in their natural habitat.
Everything is organized for you, including transport, accommodation, meals, and parkactivities, so you can enjoy your trip without worry. Even in just two days, this safari gives you a fun, exciting, and memorable experience in Uganda’s wildlife and nature.
Overview
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular safari destinations in East Africa because it offers a little bit of everything incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, crater lakes, dense forests, and a wide variety of birds. Its diverse habitats make it possible to see many different animals and enjoy scenic views, all in one park.
This 2-day safari package is designed to give you the best highlights of the park in a shorttime. You will enjoy a scenic drive across western Uganda, passing through lush hills, local villages, and farmland. A relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel allows you to see hippos, elephants, and crocodiles up close while enjoying the peaceful river scenery.
You will also experience a rewarding game drive in the Kasenyi plains, famous for lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and another savannah wildlife. During the safari, you will stay in comfortable budget accommodations that offer clean, simple rooms and friendly service. Meals and bottled drinking water are provided to keep you refreshed, and your professional safari guide will share insights about the animals, birds, and local culture.
Even with limited time, this 2-day safari ensures you enjoy amazing wildlife sightings, capture beautiful photos, and create memorable moments that will stay with you long after your trip.

Why Choose This Safari?
Perfect for Travelers with Limited Time
This 2-day safari is designed for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park in a short period. You will enjoy the most popular attractions and wildlife experiences without needing to take a long vacation. It’s ideal for busy schedules, weekend getaways, or anyone who wants a memorable safari adventure in just two days.
Budget-Friendly & High Value
This safari offers a complete wildlife experience at an affordable price. You can enjoy comfortable accommodations, professional guides, and full access to the park’s main attractions without overspending. It’s a great choice for travelers who want quality service and adventure while staying within a budget.
Covers the Park’s Best Experiences
The safari focuses on the park’s most iconic activities. You will enjoy the world-famousKazinga Channel boat cruise, where wildlife gathers along the water, and a game drive inthe Kasenyi savannah plains, known for lions, elephants, and other savannah animals. Both experiences allow you to see animals up close, capture amazing photos, and fully appreciate Uganda’s natural beauty.
Safari Highlights
✓Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
✓Queen Elizabeth National Park- Departure
Detailed 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park + Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Morning: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe
Your safari begins early in the morning when your driver-guide picks you up from Kampala or Entebbe. Traveling in a comfortable safari vehicle, you will head west toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way. The journey passes through rolling hills, lush green farmlands, and charming local villages. You will see school children walking to class, busy roadside markets, and the colorful sights of teaplantations and banana gardens, which make the journey lively and memorable.
Along the way, your guide will provide interesting stories about the region, the culture, and the local people, giving you a sense of Uganda beyond its wildlife. There will be opportunities to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy snacks, making the drive comfortable and enjoyable. The fresh, cool air of western Uganda adds to the feeling of adventure as you approach the park.
Afternoon: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will head straight for the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise, one of the park’s top attractions. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George, attracting a large variety of wildlife that comes to drink, feed, or rest along its banks.
During the boat cruise, you can expect to see hundreds of hippos resting in the water,elephants bathing and drinking along the shore, and crocodiles sunbathing near theriverbanks. You may also spot buffaloes cooling in the water and local fishermen returning with their daily catch, adding a cultural element to your wildlife adventure. The slow-moving boat allows you to get very close to the animals, making it an ideal experience for photographyand close observation of Africa’s natural beauty.
Evening: Check-In & Relax
After the boat cruise, you will check into your budget lodge, which offers simple, clean, and comfortable rooms. Most lodges are set in peaceful surroundings where you can enjoy the sounds of nature. In the evening, relax after your first day of safari with a delicious dinner and enjoy the calm, quiet night under Uganda’s starry sky.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Budget lodge with self-contained rooms and friendly staff
Day 2: Early Morning Game Drive + Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Early Morning: Kasenyi Plains Game Drive
The morning is the best time for wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park because most animals are active before the sun gets too hot. Your experienced safari guide will drive slowly and carefully across the Kasenyi Plains, allowing you to get close to the animals while giving you plenty of time for photography and observation.
During the game drive, you may see a wide variety of wildlife. Lions are often found near the kob mating grounds, while elephantsroam gracefully across the plains. Large herds of Uganda kobs graze together, and warthogsdash playfully with their tails held high. You may also spot buffalo herds, waterbucks, and bushbucks. With some luck, hyenas may appear in the early morning, and the plains are filled with savannah birds of many different species.
Your guide will not only point out animals but also share interesting facts about their behavior, help you track wildlife, and identify different species. This makes the experience educational as well as exciting, especially for first-time safari visitors or wildlife enthusiasts.
Mid-Morning: Scenic Drive Out of the Park
After the game drive, you will start your scenic journey back toward Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, there may be stops for crater lake viewpoints, opportunities to take more photos, or a quick visit to local souvenir markets. This part of the trip is relaxed, giving you time to reflect on your safari experiences and enjoy the beautiful countryside of western Uganda.
Afternoon: Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe
You are expected to arrive back in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, depending on traffic and stopovers. This marks the end of your short but unforgettable safari, leaving you with lasting memories of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
What’s Included
- Round-trip transport in a safari vehicle
- English-speaking professional guide
- All park entrance fees
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Game drives
- 1-night accommodation in a budget lodge
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- Government taxes and service charges
This package is designed to give you full value with no hidden costs.
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Uganda visa fees
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not listed
- Tips and personal shopping
- Extra meals not included in the plan
These are personal or optional expenses that vary per traveler.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Best Wildlife Viewing Months: June – September
The months of June to September are part of the dry season and are considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals gather near water sources, making them easier to spot on game drives. The weather is generally dry and sunny, which makes exploring the park more comfortable and allows for excellent photography opportunities.
Best Wildlife Viewing Months: December – February
Another great period to visit is December to February, which is a short dry season. During these months, the skies are usually clear, visibility is high, and the landscapes are open, giving you a better chance to see animals. Game drives are pleasant, and the lighting is perfect for capturing the park’s stunning scenery in photos.
Rainy Season: March – May & October – November
The park experiences its rainy seasons from March to May and October to November. During these months, the park becomes lush and green, creating a beautiful natural environment. Birdlife is especially abundant, making it a great time for bird watchers. Some roads may be slippery, which can slow down game drives, but the wildlife experience remains excellent. An additional benefit of visiting during the rainy season is that prices for accommodation and safaris are often lower, making it more budget-friendly.
What to Pack
Clothing
- Comfortable light clothes
- A warm sweater for cold mornings
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable closed shoes
Gear
- Camera for photos
- Binoculars
- Small backpack for personal items
Personal Items
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
Packing light helps you travel comfortably.
Safari Price (Budget Option)
The price of this 2-day Uganda budget safari depends on a few factors, including the number of travelers, the season of travel, the type of accommodation you choose, and your preferred pickup location. We design this safari to be affordable and suitable for most travelers, giving you a complete wildlife experience without stretching your budget. To get the best available price, simply contact us with your travel dates and group size, and our team will provide a personalized quote that fits your schedule and needs.
Why Queen Elizabeth National Park Stands Out
· Home to over 95 mammal species
Queen Elizabeth National Park is rich in wildlife, hosting over 95 different mammal species. Visitors can expect to see iconic African animals like lions, elephants,buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, hippos, and many more. The park’s diverse habitats including savannah, wetlands, and forests make it easy to spot animals even on a short safari. This variety ensures that every game drive is exciting and full of surprises.
· More than 600 bird species
The park is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 600 species of birds. From the majestic African fish eagle gliding above the Kazinga Channel to colorful kingfishers, herons, weaver birds, and rare species like the shoebill stork, the park offers endless opportunities for bird photography and observation. Both beginners and experienced birders will enjoy exploring the park’s rich avian life.
· Beautiful landscapes including crater lakes & savannah plains
Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only about wildlife it also offers breathtaking scenery. The park features open savannah plains, peaceful forests, and sparkling crater lakes that create stunning photo opportunities. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, provides a natural waterway where wildlife gathers, offering some of the best close-up animal sightings in Africa. Rolling hills and views of the Rwenzori Mountains add to the park’s dramatic beauty.
· Close to major towns like Kasese and Fort Portal
The park is conveniently located near major towns such as Kasese and Fort Portal, making it easy to access for travelers coming from Kampala, Entebbe, or western Uganda. This proximity allows for shorter travel times, more time in the park, and easy connections to other attractions in the region, such as the Rwenzori Mountains or the Congo Nile Trail.
· Perfect for short and long safaris
Whether you have just a weekend or an entire week, Queen Elizabeth National Park caters to all schedules. You can enjoy short safaris, such as 1-2-day trips that include game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, or longer safaris that explore Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions, forest walks, and community visits. The park’s combination of accessible wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and variety of activities makes it ideal for both quick adventures and extended wildlife explorations.
This park offers one of the richest wildlife experiences in Uganda, combining incredible animals, stunning scenery, and convenient access, making it perfect for travelers seeking a memorable safari, even with limited time.
Book Your 2-Day Uganda Budget Safari Today
This 2-day safari is designed to give you a complete wildlife experience in a short time. It’s simple, exciting, and affordable perfect for anyone who wants to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park without taking too many days off or spending too much money. During the safari, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, spot incredible wildlife, and relax in nature while everything is organized smoothly for you.
With Rede Tours and Safaris, planning your trip is easy and stress-free. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with friends, or with your family, we take care of every detail. Just share your travel dates, the number of people, and any special preferences, and we will create the perfect safari tailored to your needs.
We can assist you with choosing the best budget lodge, arranging pickup from Kampala, Entebbe, or nearby towns, adjusting the itinerary to match your schedule, or adding extra activities like chimp trekking or an extended safari. Our team is experienced, friendly, and always ready to answer your questions, giving you peace of mind throughout the planning process.
Contact Rede Tours and Safaris today to reserve your safari, confirm availability, or customize your itinerary. Your unforgettable Uganda wildlife adventure is just one message away!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I join a group?
Yes, you can request group joining options depending on your travel dates.
2. Do I need to be very fit?
No, this safari requires only light physical activity.
3. What type of accommodation should I expect?
Clean, budget-friendly lodges with good service and private bathrooms.
4. Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, with prior notice.
5. Can the safari start from areas close to the park?
Yes — Fort Portal, Kasese, and Mbarara pickups can be arranged.
6. Can I extend my trip?
Yes. You can add chimp trekking, gorilla trekking, or a visit to Ishasha for tree-climbing lions.