Several Uganda tour operators offer a popular 3-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular national park. This is the best adventure for travelers with limited time in Uganda who want to take advantage of wildlife drives, beautiful scenery, and boat rides on the Kazinga channel.

One of the largest and most well-known national parks in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth Game Park is best visited year-round for activities like chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura canyon, boat excursions, and game viewing. It is situated in western Uganda. In Kampala or any other small town in Uganda, the safari begins and ends.

What to expect

You will travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is situated at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Two Ugandan bodies of water, Lake Edward and Lake George, which are joined by the Kazinga channel, are found in the park.

You’ll spend time touring Uganda’s most popular conservation area, which is home to around 100 animal species. 600 species of birds, 9 kinds of primates, including chimpanzees, and 5 types of habitats, including forest, shrub, wetland, savannah, and maritime, are all known to exist. With almost 600 hippo schools in the lazy channel, and a 45-kilometer-long river connecting lakes Edward and George, the park is renowned for having the highest concentration of hippos.

Additionally, the surrounding area of the park is breathtaking. A game drive and boat trip will put you extremely near to the park’s nature. It wouldn’t be a terrible idea to decide to go on a crater drive around the crater lakes belt, and meeting up with locals in Katunguru or Katwe Kabatooro will also be a wonderful option.

Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park

To drive to the park (QENP), you will be picked up from your lodge or hotel in the early morning. Our tour operator will give you a briefing on what to expect, and the driving time, and make sure you have the necessary gear for your three-day safari. You will pass through the tiny settlements along the Kampala-Mbarara road on your travel. Along the trip, you will get the chance to view royal drum makers, and tiny markets and an equator break will be worthwhile for stretching and taking photos. Lunch will be provided en route, and then you’ll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a little break and, if time permits, an evening game drive.

Dinner and overnight stay at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 2: Game drive and Boat cruise to Kazinga channel

After a pleasant breakfast, you will go to Kasenyi Plains for your 3-day wildlife safari game drive. Kasenyi Plains is home to a variety of wild creatures, and whether you see any of them depends on the luck of the day. On a good day, you might see small mammals like warthogs, buffalo, elephants, many antelope, and big cats like lions and leopards hunting. After lunch, head back to the lodge before making your way to Mweya Peninsula for a two-hour boat tour on Kazinga Channel. The channel is where most animals congregate to drink water and boasts the biggest number of hippos in the entire globe along with over 400 different bird species. There is a good probability that you may see hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and many more animals. Return to your lodge to spend the night and have dinner.

Overnight stay and dinner at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 3 Transfer to Kampala and end of a Safari

Depending on your flight out of Uganda, you might choose to go on another wildlife drive before making the drive back to Kampala. En route, you might choose to stop and see some crater lakes, the rift valley floor, and escarpments. You’ll arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon after having lunch.

End of the Tour

After Murchison Falls, Ssezibwa Falls is among the most frequently visited waterfalls in Uganda. The tourism capital of Uganda, Jinja City, and Ssezibwa Falls are both located nearby. Ssezibwa Falls, which is 32 kilometers from Kampala, is an important cultural and historical site in Uganda and Buganda people and the monarchy inclusive. The location is administered by the Buganda tourism department and is regarded as the most significant cultural and spiritual place in the country. There are tourist residents around who assist in providing information to visitors. For sports like water rafting and bungee jumping, it is advisable to visit the location at the end of the tour or after visiting the source of the River Nile. Ssezibwa falls is one of the top attractions to see in Uganda. Most people visit the falls for relaxation on weekends because of its fascinating beautiful scenery that offers the best destination for picnics and taking photographs.

History of Ssezibwa Falls

The Ssezibwa falls were created when water squeezed through small openings in the rocks and fell at a speed of 16 into a sizable pool that was 13 meters deep. The falls include a wide pool below and a number of sizable rocks with jagged edges. The Buganda Kabaka In order to establish it as a significant tourist destination, His Majesty the Kabaka Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II visited the location in 2002.

The River Ssezibwa is thought to have magical abilities in Buganda. This makes the falls look much more appealing. According to Buganda mythology, Nakagu Tabatusa, a Muganda married woman, had a marriage problem with her charming husband, Nsubuga Ssebwata, and she left her marital home for her parents’ house. She was instructed to resolve the matter at her husband’s house by her biological father. Her mother left her closer to her house as she was being escorted. She became weary as she got closer to her house and chose to rest. While she was sleeping, she gave birth to twins in the shape of water.

After being led by a man who observed her entering a bush, her husband eventually located her. When two rivers, named River Bwanda and River Ssezibwa, were born, they flowed in opposite directions: Bwanda went eastward to Nyenge, and Ssezibwa flowed westward to Lake Kyoga. Nalongo kkubo assisted the husband in pacifying the local spirits so that the shrine to cleanse them could be built. There are additional spiritual gods with abilities than Nalongo Kkubo, such as Walugembe (the deity of life and death), Kibuka (the god of war), Mukasa (the god of prosperity and riches), Musoke (the god of rain), and Dungu (god for hunting).

The tale of this Muganda woman continues from there. In Uganda, twins are considered a great blessing, and ceremonies are done to appease these gods. As a result, the parents have given the mother (Nalongo) and the father (Ssalongo) distinctive names.

The Luganda expression “Ssezibwa kkubo”, which means that my pass cannot be closed because the River Ssezibwa flows far to the east of Lake Kyoga—about 150 km—is the source of the name Ssezibwa. Visit Ssezibwa Falls and take in the wonderful sights, and fascinating tales told by the local guides. Additionally, the church owns property here. As well as gatherings and retreats, Christians often frequent this location to participate in baptismal activities.

Attractions and activities at Ssezibwa falls

The Ssezibwa waterfalls are a wonderful spot to unwind on the weekend or on a vacation. It provides a pleasant and tranquil setting and is close to Kampala, the country’s capital. In addition, it is inexpensive in comparison to other places in Uganda. Visitors to the Eastern Districts of Uganda who are going zip lining in the Mabira forest or returning from whitewater rafting in Jinja can stop at the falls to rest and wonder at the crystal-clear waters. The further pursuits include:

Bird watching: Over 50 different bird species can be seen in the woodland that encircles the Ssezibwa falls. African fin foot and Long Tailed Carmeportents can be seen swimming at the foot of the Ssezibwa waterfalls, which is undoubtedly the best location for birders. African hornbills, grey African paradise flycatchers, Black Necked Weavers, Ashly Fly Catchers, Hadada ibises, Olive Bellied Sunbirds, Little Grey Greenbuls, Striped Kingfishers, Red Eyed Doves, Yellow Fronted Canaries, and numerous other bird species can also be seen.

Camping and hiking rocks: The area is ideal for picnics and camping because it includes lovely greenery and rocks. While having a picnic, guests enjoy climbing and hiking these rocks. On some days, visitors can also go fire camping at the falls. Although climbing these cliffs is difficult and calls for physical fitness, the view of the falls and the surroundings are breathtaking.

Viewing waterfalls: Viewing the stunning waterfalls at the Ssezibwa falls is one of the fun things to do there. The environment is exciting and interesting, and the sounds and splashes here will change the way you live.

Cultural encounters: Local Ugandans have their own traditional religious practices and tiny gods they used to worship before Christianity and other religions arrived there. The most well-known shrines are still those of Jjaja Ssezibwa, which are situated adjacent to stunning waterfalls. People who are curious about Buganda and want to understand more about their ancestors’ deities and other supernatural beings. The shrine itself is reported to contain a number of relics, including pots, calabashes, beads, and cowrie shells. Women are not permitted inside the cave; only men who have not engaged in sexual activity the night before visiting are admitted. Smokes can be observed at waterfalls as a means of offering sacrifice to the gods.

Nature walks and photographs: The nature walk is the most intriguing and well-liked activity; it’s lovely to stroll about here. The first place to go is the woodlands nearby. Bamboo, Muvule, Musizi, Mahogany, fig, Eucalyptus, and Ebony trees are the predominant tree species. There are numerous bushes and shrubs in the region. You will see more birds, butterflies, and small primates with the aid of a local guide. It is possible to extend the walk by stopping at nearby farms, sugarcane fields, and tea plantations. Ssezibwa Falls is the spot to go if you’re looking for good views for taking pictures due to its lush flora, background full of rocks, trees, and thrilling waterfalls. The location is close to Kampala and boasts lovely foliage and waterfalls.

How to Reach Ssezibwa Falls

The distance from Kampala to Ssezibwa Falls is around 30 kilometers or one hour’s worth of driving. There is signage pointing visitors to the falls so that you don’t get lost, however depending on the volume of traffic in the town that day, from the asphalt road, the rest is murum road, which requires a four-wheel vehicle.

Best time to visit Ssezibwa falls

The Sezibwa Falls are open all year round, but if you want to see them at their most powerful, you must go when it’s raining. However, it’s preferable to visit during the dry season to take advantage of other waterfall activities. The view is unobstructed, the hiking trails are usable, and the camping spots are dry here.

You don’t need to be concerned about finding tour operators in Uganda. Despite being a landlocked nation, Uganda is one of the best places to travel on a safari in both East Africa and all of Africa. The great biodiversity, ideal climatic conditions, and wonderful tribes that are kind, loving, and alluring to visit are just a few of the many characteristics that make Uganda so unique.

The greatest population of critically endangered mountain gorillas is found in Uganda, which is also the finest place to search for chimpanzees in the wild and reserve facilities. There are numerous safari activities in Uganda, including the well-known gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, game viewing, bird watching, mountain climbing, particularly on the amazing snow-capped Mountain Rwenzori, community tours, grade 5 white water rafting, boat cruising, seeing the source of the Nile, and many more.

The question is, should I use a tour operator?

The first step in organizing a safari in Uganda is to involve a tour operator who will involve and help you with everything you want to know about the country. In general, the tour operator will put everything together for you. This is before looking for things like the country’s security, visa access, immunization cards, and other things that fall under that category. Tour guides are familiar with all the popular destinations in Uganda and can assist you in setting up all the necessary details so you may travel carefree.

Some individuals dislike using tour companies because they are trying to cut costs, however, there are other methods to cut costs outside of cutting back on your safari. Utilizing a neighborhood tour company may end up saving you time, money, and sleepless nights. Our tour guides’ expertise and experience make their compensation worthwhile. By taking care of all the basics, they can assist you in planning your safari and staying within your schedule wallet.

The tour operators will assist you with all the necessary reservations, including airport pickup and drop-off, park entrance fees, gorilla or chimpanzee permits, lodging, transportation, travel insurance, and other responsibilities like meal reservations. Even if you choose to make your reservations, the tour operator will know and can advise you on what is fundamentally required to make your safari comfortable and memorable in every way.

All of the aforementioned services and general guidance on other matters about your safari are handled by the tour operators; all you need to do is specify your preferences, budget, and schedule to ensure a successful trip because that is our area of expertise rather than attempting it on your own.

Factors to consider before choosing a tour operator

In Uganda, countless tour operators would be happy to collaborate with you. How should you go about selecting the ones you want to work with and entrust with your Uganda safari? Choosing a tour operator can be the most crucial option you make when organizing travels for your business. Just keep in mind that a tour company can make or break your group’s travel experience because tour operators have a significant impact on practically every aspect of a trip.

By all means, continue working with tour operators if you have solid ties with them and they have provided for your needs in the past. However, if you have never planned a trip before or are planning a different kind of vacation than you have in the past, you should take your time thoroughly investigating and screening tour operators before you entrust them with organizing your safari trip.

Business license and internal Tour Associations 

You don’t want to be conned into giving away your hard-earned cash by a dubious organization. Businesses that have a business license are obligated to abide by the regulations that safeguard the hard-earned cash and confidence of their potential clients.

Every tourism agency must apply for an investment license, which is then granted by the Tourism Licensing Committee following careful consideration. Before you make any payments to your chosen tour guide, be sure to ask them to email your proof of their tour operator’s license. By doing this, credibility will be increased and scams will be less likely.

Many of Uganda’s top tour companies are members of various associations. Being a member of these organizations makes it simple to file a complaint if you are unhappy with a service. Nevertheless, keep in mind that being a member of these organizations does not ensure high-quality services.

Specialties and Expertise

Every organization has its skills and expertise, or things it does exceptionally well, and it also has points of deficiency, just like anyone. Few tour operators have the resources necessary to organize and carry out top-notch journeys anywhere in the world. Instead, the majority have specialized in a small number of locations, travel philosophies, or clientele. Choose travel partners who are experts in the type of travel you want to perform to guarantee that your customers always enjoy the finest trip possible.

Exclusiveness and personalization

Some tour operators are based on the retail business model, which means that the majority of their income is generated from couples, individuals, and families who book Uganda tours through travel agencies and book directly from their website. These operators will be eager to arrange a vacation for your group, but if you’re not vigilant, your people might travel with strangers. Look for tour companies that provide group-exclusive tours and adjustable itineraries if you want a personalized tour for your group that is designed to meet their interests.

References and Reviews

A website and attractive sales collateral can be produced by any business. So, whenever you are working with a good travel company, look outside their advertising networks to learn what clients are saying. You should get recommendations from companies that are comparable to yours that the company has worked with, then you should contact those references to acquire the people’s candid opinions. You should check these sites to make sure that customer experiences have been mainly pleasant. Companies may have reviews placed on them on sites like Trip Advisor, Safari Bookings, and Google Reviews.

The Itinerary

Based on your preferences and the number of days available for the trip, a reputable tour operator in Uganda would suggest or advise the ideal itinerary. If you are unsure of all the tourist destinations in Uganda, check out what other tour companies are providing to find out if they have more activities you could find interesting. If you are not self-assured to do in Uganda, the trip operator must collaborate with you to choose pursuits that you enjoy. Only suggestions can be made by the tour operator; the choice is ultimately yours.

Passion and drive.

You will be able to tell when a company’s profile is expanded that the employees are genuinely passionate about what they do. Make certain to keep an eye out for anyone more concerned with taking c your requirements as opposed to how your presence will benefit them. Even before you leave, a company should make you feel welcome; this will put you at rest and comfortable. It might be challenging to determine someone’s level of drive and enthusiasm, it’s really difficult to measure, but you will just sense it.

Mode of Payment

A minimum of two payment options must be available to you from the travel operator. Both using a credit card and an official bank account are acceptable payment methods that must be offered by every travel operator. Only if you already know the trip operator and have faith in them is it advised to send money using other channels like Western Union, Money Gram, World Remit, and others. There must be security in every payment method to guarantee trust with clients who deal with you.

We would be delighted if you choose to tour with us as we exclusively conduct safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and collaborate with various Tanzanian and Kenyan trip operators. Whatever you decide, we want you to take the appropriate action for yourself.

We hope that this information will assist you in your planning, whether you are visiting East Africa or another region of Africa. Please get in touch with local tour operators if you have any additional questions, and we will do everything we can to assist you. We can put you in touch with one of our many dependable partners even if you want us to suggest a tour operator in a region where we don’t operate.

Rwenzori mountains are among the best destinations on the African continent stretching between the international border of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Protected by Rwenzori mountains national park, the mountains contain the highest summit of Uganda and Congo and the third highest of Africa after Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro of Tanzania which is Margherita on Mount Stanley, one of the massifs of the mountains.

The Pearl of Africa – Uganda has played a great role in the development and marketing of the magical Rwenzori ranges and this year of 2023, it has organized a marathon of different kilometers that is 42 for those running a full marathon, 21 for the half marathon and then the 5 kilometers for those running for fun. This 2023 edition starts on 2^nd September and it is geared up by several big brands in the world such as Uganda Breweries Ltd under the Tusker Lite brand with an aim of celebrating and recognizing the natural beauty and community in the heart of Kasese town.

Classified among the 30 world’s best marathons in 2022, the 2023 Rwenzori marathon will lead you through enticing places of Kasese as you pass through the country’s best destinations such as Queen Elizabeth national park, crater lakes, the equator as you enjoy the rewarding and breathtaking views of the majestic Rwenzori mountains. The 2023 Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon is truly a one of kind marathons and it has a number of purposes on Uganda and the world at large and among these include;

Promoting Tourism

The Rwenzori marathon is staged to promote Uganda’s tourism industry since it attracts participants and spectators from different regions and even countries. Organizing a marathon in a picturesque location like the Mount Rwenzori area could help promote tourism and highlight the natural beauty of the region.

Raising Awareness

The Rwenzori marathon will be used as a platform to raise awareness about various issues, such as environmental conservation, public health, or social causes in the surrounding area. Also, the event will draw attention to specific challenges or opportunities such as attractions in the Rwenzori region.

Fundraising

Kasese and Uganda at large have got a number of needy people who require charitable support. So, the Rwenzori marathon will be used as a fundraising event for charitable organizations or local initiatives. The proceeds from the event could go toward supporting local projects, infrastructure improvements, or humanitarian efforts.

Sports and Recreation

Since marathons provide a way for athletes and enthusiasts to challenge themselves physically and mentally, organizing it in a unique location like Mount Rwenzori could attract adventure seekers and those looking for a distinctive experience thus marketing it beyond Uganda’s boundaries.

Cultural Celebration

For the fact that Rwenzori mountains are surrounded by different locals, the 2023 marathon will also include the cultural and festival celebrations of the practices of the locals. After the run, there will be traditional elements, music, and food to showcase the cultural richness of the region.

Economic Boost

Hosting a marathon can bring in revenue to the local economy through increased tourism, spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and other services. A number of local people will be supported in different ways like buying some souvenirs from them, buying drinks and foods from them and others.

Destination Marketing

Organizing a marathon in a place like Rwenzori mountains which is a lesser-known or remote area can help put that location on the map and attract more visitors in the future.

The routes to be used during the marathon.

The 2023 Tusker lite Rwenzori marathon has three routes at different kilometers that the runners will use and they are;

The Equator Marathon (42 km)

While using this route, participants will embark on a remarkable journey through the awe-inspiring Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Equator and returning with breathtaking views of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. This addition showcases the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity that you can experience on a Rwenzori trek.

Note: The starting time of this is 6:40am

The Kilembe Half Marathon (21 km)

The half marathon remains unchanged from last year’s successful edition. Taking runners into the foothills of the Rwenzori mountain range, this route has gained global recognition, having been named one of the most scenic half-marathons in the world by USA Today.

Note: The starting time of this marathon is 7:00am

The 5 km Fun Run

The 5 km Fun Run through Kasese’s streets is a perfect family-friendly event, offering scenic views of the breathtaking Rwenzori mountains. Participants of all ages and skill levels can take part in this enjoyable and inclusive activity.

Runners get a bib, but there is no race timing for this one. With a focus on fun, families can make memories and enjoy the camaraderie of the event while exploring the local surroundings!

Note: The starting time of this marathon is 7:30am

Cost of the 2023 Rwenzori marathon

For one to take part in the run, he or she must possess a kit at UGX 60,000 for the EAC citizens and residents and then USD 60 for the international runners.

What it takes for one to participate in the marathon

• Participants of the full and half marathon (42km & 21km) must be over 18 years of age.
• Participants in the Family Fun Run (5km) under the age of 18 years must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.
• Participants must be in good health and physically prepared to take on the challenge of the race for which they are entered.
• Any kind of pet animal is not allowed on the course.
• Participants are obliged to follow the instructions of stewards, run officials or Uganda traffic police at all times.
• The organisers reserve the right of admission and to use the participant’s pictures, recordings or any other records obtained for any legitimate purposes, including commercial advertising by sponsors of the event.

Amidst the joy of your comfort ramble through the frozen moist forests of 334km² and 34km² rolls of conical extinct dormant volcanoes and seek for one of the remaining mountain gorillas virtually. Gorilla tracking is among the few natures untamed adventures which expose the real taste of Africa. Settled solid at your convenience, ramble through the steep rolling and untamed thick jungles of Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in search of the rare mountain gorilla species. Virtual gorilla tracking experience is another basic way of how-to uglier reach these jungles in a smart way.

Virtual gorilla experience brings the experience just closer and cheaper compared to real-life gorilla trekking. The experience has been launched, and this new form of virtually tracking the mountain gorillas comes to fit in the technology evolution space.

Uganda Wildlife Authority is proposing to put all gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park on line to be accessed by all people within and outside Uganda. According to management of Uganda Wildlife Authority, putting gorilla permits online will increase sales thus more money into Uganda Wildlife Authority.  Offers to be used in conservation of wildlife in all protected areas.

UWA management also argue that tour Operators have been complaining about failure to get availability when they call Uganda Wildlife Authority central reservations office in Kampala and that if permits go on line, then one can see them instantly

Availing gorilla permits on line is yet to be seen as it has received a lot of resistance from the private sector most especially from Ugandan Tour Operators under their umbrella organization called the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) who argue that by putting gorilla permits online will not only put them out of business since International Tour Operators will be able to buy them directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices but will also kill the tourism industry as a whole since clients will only be coming to Uganda for gorillas and then go for wildlife viewing in other neighboring countries of Kenya and Tanzania that have a competitive advantage over Uganda.

Uganda Tour Operators argue that the role of selling gorilla permits should be left to them since their businesses create employment to several people and that if they are deprived of this, they will run out of business. They further say that the role of Uganda Wildlife Authority is not to market Tourism products such us gorilla permits but is to conserve Wildlife in and out side Protected Areas. The role of Marketing Uganda as a tourism destination is supposed to be done by Uganda Tourism Board and therefore conflict of interest has been sighted.

Following the above issues, several meetings were convened to discourage Uganda Wildlife Authority from putting gorilla permits online and this ended up attracting the attention of the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife who has institute a committee comprised of representatives from AUTO, Local Communities, Uganda Wildlife Authority to be chaired by the Ministry of Tourism. Out comes of this committee will be communicated later.

The system to put gorilla permits online and also Uganda Wildlife Authority Electronic Card was funded by a grant from USAID.

We’ll keep you updated on the developments but for now, you must want to acquire a gorilla permit, right? Well, don’t sweat it because Primate Safari Experiences Limited will head up to the UWA offices, join the cues and do all the manual work to get you that precious gorilla permit document.

For gorilla trekking in Uganda, one should have a permit which costs US$700 for an hour in the company of the gorillas, very cheaper compared to Rwanda permit which hikes to US$1,500 for the same experience. And for the special gorilla habituation process of having more than 4 hours in the company of the species at US$1,500.

But before you get a permit to visit the gentle giants in the mist, you should have organised a gorilla trekking trip first. You know accommodation, transport, meals and some good African entertainment. Take a look at some of the tailor-made gorilla safaris we’ve put together that are so popular with many of our holiday travellers.

You may want to combine the gorilla tour with a savannah wildlife game drive gorillas and the big game an adventure you’ll not get anywhere else in this world.