How to Plan Kalangala Island Beach Holiday with a Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
A trip combining Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kalangala Island Beach offers a perfect mix of wildlife adventure and island relaxation. Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda boasts rich wildlife, while Kalangala Island provides a serene escape on Lake Victoria.
Highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park
This park lies in the Rift Valley and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is home to over 95 mammal species and 612 bird species, including rare Albertine Rift endemics. The park features diverse landscapes such as forests, grasslands, bushy plains, acacia woodlands, and lake shores.
The park’s scenery includes jagged Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop, with its floor dotted by dry and wet crater lakes. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is one of the most exciting activities here.
Highlights of Kalangala Island
Kalangala Island, made up of 84 small islands, is a stunning retreat for relaxation. Popular islands in this group include Bugala, Ngamba, Bukasa, and Bunyama. The main way to explore the islands is by boat. Kalangala offers activities like swimming, nature walks, birdwatching, and fishing, making it a great choice for a peaceful getaway.
Itinerary for Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kalangala Island
Day 1: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start early with breakfast and begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stop at the Equator to take photos while standing in both the northern and southern hemispheres. After lunch, continue to the park and enjoy a game drive as you enter.
During the drive, look out for animals such as elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, lions, Uganda kobs, and bushbucks.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bush Lodge, Jacana Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Katara Lodge.
Day 2: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a game drive. Drive along tracks like Kasenyi and North Kazinga, where you may spot lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, and antelopes. Visit the Ishasha sector to see tree-climbing lions and drive through the crater lake area for stunning views of Lake Nyamunuka and other lakes.
Birdwatching is excellent here, with chances to see martial eagles, saddle-bill storks, and shoebills.
After lunch, head to the pier for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This 40-kilometer channel links Lake Edward and Lake George. Watch animals like hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the shore. Bird species like flamingos, African skimmers, and pink pelicans are common.
Return to your lodge for relaxation.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
After breakfast, drive to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. This adventure takes you into a 100-meter-deep gorge formed by the Kyambura River. Trek through the forest to find chimpanzees, which share about 98% of human DNA.
During the trek, you may also see other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons. Once you locate the chimpanzees, spend one hour observing them. Return to your lodge to rest after the trek.
Day 4: Drive to Entebbe
Leave Queen Elizabeth National Park after breakfast and drive to Entebbe. Spend the night in this charming lakeside town.
Accommodation options: Protea Hotel, Boma Guest House.
Day 5: Ferry to Kalangala Island
After breakfast, head to the Nakiwogo Pier to catch the ferry to Kalangala Island. Enjoy the cool breeze and scenic views of Lake Victoria during the boat ride.
Arrive at Kalangala and relax on the sandy beaches. The islands are ideal for unwinding from busy city life.
Accommodation options: Brovad Sand Beach, Ssese Habitat Resort, Hornbill Camp, Panorama Camp, Banda Island.
Day 6: Activities on Kalangala Island
After breakfast, explore Kalangala through various activities. Go for a forest walk, birdwatching, or fishing. You can also take a village walk to learn about the local communities or swim in the lake. End the day by relaxing around a campfire by the lake.
Day 7: More Island Activities
Take part in any activities you missed the previous day, such as nature walks, fishing, or birdwatching. Alternatively, spend the day lounging on the beach and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Day 8: Return to the Mainland
After breakfast, take the ferry back to the mainland and continue your journey home or to your next destination.
How Much Does a Safari to Kalangala Island and Queen Elizabeth National Park Cost?
The cost of a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kalangala Island depends on the type of experience you choose. You can go for a luxury, mid-range, or budget option. For all options, the park entrance fee for Queen Elizabeth National Park is $40 per person for 24 hours.
When planning your safari, consider the number of people in your group, the number of days you want to spend, the activities you plan to do, and the season of your trip. These factors greatly affect the total cost.
Our safari consultants can help you design a safari that matches your budget and interests. Share your preferences and travel details with us, and we will provide a customized itinerary and quotation based on your available time.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kalangala Island and Queen Elizabeth National Park?
You can visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kalangala Island at any time of the year, but most travelers prefer the dry season. This season runs from June to October and December to February. During these months, the weather is clearer, making it easier to explore.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dry season offers the best time for game drives. The grass is shorter, and you can spot animals more easily as they move around in search of water. The park’s roads also stay in good condition, allowing for smoother navigation.
Kalangala Island is ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, forest walks, and community visits. During the dry season, the weather is sunny, and Lake Victoria looks stunning with its calm waters reflecting the bright sunlight. Boat cruises on the lake are also more enjoyable during this time.
Keep in mind that the dry season is Uganda’s peak tourism period. Many travelers visit during these months, so accommodations and safari services tend to fill up quickly. Book your safari early to secure the best options.
Can I See the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular wildlife destination, but it does not have all of the Big Five. You can see four of the Big Five animals here: elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. However, you may not spot all of them during one visit since these animals roam freely in the wild.
The park offers more than just the Big Five. Be open to seeing other fascinating animals. You may encounter hyenas, waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, giant forest hogs, warthogs, and mongoose, among others.
For bird lovers, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a paradise. The park hosts about 612 bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Additional Notes for Your Safari
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park can include game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and guided nature walks. Each activity offers a unique way to explore the park and its wildlife.
Activities on Kalangala Island
Kalangala Island, located on Lake Victoria, offers activities such as swimming, boat cruises, forest walks, and cultural visits to local fishing villages. These experiences allow you to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Planning Your Safari
Decide how many days you want to spend on your trip. For a combined visit to Kalangala Island and Queen Elizabeth National Park, a 5 to 7-day itinerary is ideal. This allows enough time to enjoy the highlights of both destinations without feeling rushed.
Why Choose Iconic Africa Safaris?
At Iconic Africa Safaris, we specialize in creating memorable trips. Whether you want a luxurious getaway or a budget-friendly adventure, we design safaris that meet your needs. Contact us today to start planning your journey to Kalangala Island and Queen Elizabeth National Park!
