Best African Safaris & Travel Services – African Authentic Safaris Ltd
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3 days 2 nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife in this compact yet comprehensive 3-day safari combining Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. This expertly crafted journey offers incredible opportunities to witness tree-climbing lions, abundant wildlife on the Kazinga Channel, and the unique zebra and giraffe populations of Lake Mburo. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this safari delivers an authentic Uganda wildlife experience with comfortable accommodations, professional guides, and unforgettable game drives through diverse ecosystems.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Kampala accommodation. Journey westward through Uganda’s scenic countryside, passing traditional villages and lush plantations. After approximately 6 hours, arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to over 95 mammal species. Check into your comfortable safari lodge, enjoy lunch, then embark on your first game drive seeking elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs. As evening approaches, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay under the African stars.
Rise early for a morning game drive focusing on the Ishasha sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. After this exciting wildlife encounter, enjoy breakfast at the lodge before departing for Lake Mburo National Park. The scenic 4-hour journey takes you through changing landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and after lunch, experience an afternoon boat safari on Lake Mburo, spotting numerous hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.
Begin your final day with an early morning game drive through Lake Mburo’s acacia woodlands, the perfect opportunity to spot zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species in the soft morning light. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast before embarking on an optional guided nature walk. This unique experience allows you to appreciate smaller wildlife and plants with an armed ranger guide. After lunch, begin your journey back to Kampala, arriving in the early evening with memories and photographs of Uganda’s incredible wildlife to treasure forever.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but the best time for the Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. During these months, wildlife congregates around water sources, making animals easier to spot. The roads are also in better condition, enhancing your safari experience. The wet seasons (March-May and September-November) offer lush landscapes and fewer tourists but may present challenging road conditions and occasional rain interruptions. Bird watching is excellent year-round, with migratory species present from November to April. We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak season.
Our Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari offers three accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The standard package includes mid-range lodges with comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, hot water, and electricity. These lodges offer authentic African ambiance while providing necessary amenities. The luxury option features premium lodges with spacious rooms, excellent views, swimming pools, and superior dining experiences. For budget travelers, we offer more basic accommodations with clean, comfortable rooms and essential amenities. All lodges are strategically located for optimal wildlife viewing and provide full-board meals prepared by experienced chefs, often incorporating local cuisine alongside international options.
The Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari is designed to accommodate various fitness levels and is generally considered moderately active. Most wildlife viewing occurs from 4x4 vehicles during game drives, requiring minimal physical exertion. The boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo involve sitting in comfortable boats. The optional guided nature walk in Lake Mburo is conducted at a leisurely pace over relatively flat terrain for approximately 1-2 hours. Travelers should be comfortable with early morning starts (typically 6:00-6:30 AM) and the ability to climb in and out of safari vehicles. Those with mobility issues can be accommodated with advance notice.
The Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities across diverse ecosystems. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The Kazinga Channel is home to one of the world’s largest hippo populations, numerous crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Lake Mburo National Park is the only place in Uganda where you’ll find zebras in significant numbers, alongside impala, eland, topi, and giraffes. Both parks host over 300 bird species. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, our experienced guides maximize your chances by knowing prime locations and animal behavior patterns.
For your Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari, pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive) that can be layered. Include long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection and evening insect defense. A light jacket or sweater is essential for cool mornings and evenings. Comfortable closed walking shoes are recommended, along with a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. Bring a good pair of binoculars, camera with zoom lens, extra batteries, and memory cards. Don’t forget insect repellent, personal medications, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes. A small daypack is useful for carrying essentials during game drives. Avoid bright colors or camouflage patterns, which can either alert animals or cause confusion with rangers.
The Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari involves several road transfers. The journey from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes approximately 6-7 hours, including comfort stops. The drive from Queen Elizabeth to Lake Mburo National Park is about 4 hours. The return from Lake Mburo to Kampala takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions near the city. All transfers are in comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles with window seats for everyone. The roads are a mix of paved highways and unpaved park roads. These drives offer opportunities to view rural Ugandan life and changing landscapes. Your guide will make regular stops for photographs, restroom breaks, and stretching at scenic viewpoints.
Our Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari typically operates with a maximum of six guests per vehicle to ensure everyone enjoys window seats and personalized attention from the guide. The average group size is 4-5 participants, creating an intimate safari experience while keeping costs reasonable. For those seeking more privacy or flexibility, we offer private safari options at an additional cost. Families or groups of friends often opt for exclusive use of a vehicle. During peak season (June-August and December-January), shared safaris may reach the maximum capacity, while in shoulder seasons, groups tend to be smaller. Regardless of group size, our guides ensure each guest receives individual attention and opportunities to pursue their specific wildlife interests.
Absolutely! The Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari can be customized to suit your preferences and interests. Popular modifications include adding an extra day in Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, extending your stay in Lake Mburo for horseback safaris or mountain biking, or including cultural experiences with local communities. The accommodation level can be upgraded or downgraded based on your budget. For photography enthusiasts, we can arrange specialized photography-focused game drives. The safari can also be extended to include other Ugandan destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking or Murchison Falls National Park. Contact us with your specific interests for a personalized itinerary.
For the Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo Combo Safari, several health precautions are recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda, and proof of vaccination may be required. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended as both parks are in malaria zones. Consult your healthcare provider about appropriate anti-malarial medication 4-6 weeks before travel. Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date, and consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Bring a basic first aid kit, any prescription medications, and anti-diarrheal medication. We provide clean bottled water throughout the safari. Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and evacuation is essential. Both parks have basic medical facilities, with more advanced care available in Kampala.
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