Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth: easy Uganda savannah
Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth turn the drive to and from Uganda's gorillas into a proper safari, adding zebra, boat rides and tree-climbing lions along the way.
Queen Elizabeth National Park · Lake Mburo · Uganda safari
Your journey towards Uganda's mountain gorillas should be an integral part of the holiday rather than a simple transit. The national road network ensures most gorilla treks involve driving through spectacular savannah parks, and both Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth make these long drives worthwhile in their own right.
Used effectively, these stopovers transform transit days into productive game-viewing sessions, offering a balanced perspective of the country's diverse ecosystems.
Breaking up the Uganda road route
| Stop | Distance from Kampala | Highlight activity |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Mburo | ~3 hours | Walking and cycling safaris |
| Queen Elizabeth | ~5-6 hours | Kazinga Channel boat cruise |
| Ishasha (to Bwindi) | ~7-8 hours | Tree-climbing lions en route |
Highlights
- Exploring Lake Mburo
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- The Route to Bwindi
01
Exploring Lake Mburo
Located roughly three hours from Kampala, Lake Mburo is Uganda's smallest savannah park and serves as a vital staging post between the capital and Bwindi. The landscape features rolling green hills and ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks.
It is one of the few Ugandan parks where walking and cycling safaris are permitted. The park holds healthy numbers of plains zebra and eland, which are species rarely encountered elsewhere in the country.
02
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Kazinga Channel boat cruise, linking Lake Edward and Lake George, remains one of Uganda's premier wildlife activities for viewing hippo, buffalo, and diverse birdlife. The Southern Ishasha sector is particularly famous for its unique lions that climb acacia and fig trees to escape the afternoon heat and biting insects.
03
The Route to Bwindi
Ishasha sits directly on the road to Bwindi's southern sectors, such as Rushaga and Nkuringo. This geographic advantage ensures the drive itself becomes a game-viewing opportunity rather than lost travel time.
Breaking the Kampala to Bwindi journey at both parks spreads out the long travel days, resulting in a significantly more comfortable and rewarding safari itinerary.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Your trip price, without guesswork
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I see lions during a trip to Uganda?
Yes. Queen Elizabeth, particularly the Ishasha sector, and Murchison Falls both offer excellent lion sightings, including the famous tree-climbing behaviour Ishasha is known for.
