Planning a safari from Rwanda to Uganda? The drive from Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park is 4 to 6 hours (270 km) via Katuna/Gatuna border - making Kigali 2-3 hours closer than Entebbe for Queen Elizabeth safari.
Yes, you can do Queen Elizabeth National Park safari from Kigali and most travelers do. A 3 day Queen Elizabeth safari from Kigali saves you 9 hours of return driving, allows easy combination with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and offers game drives in Kasenyi plains for lions, elephants, buffaloes plus Kazinga Channel boat cruise with 5,000 hippos.
In this guide, Semu Gorilla Safaris team leader Edison shares the exact Kigali to Queen Elizabeth distance, drive time to Katunguru and Ishasha sector with tree climbing lions, best route via Kabale - Mbarara, border requirements including East Africa Tourist Visa $100, safari cost from $750, and detailed 3 day itinerary from Kigali.
| Distance | 270 km to Katunguru Gate / 400 km to Ishasha |
| Drive Time | 4-5 hrs to North, 6-7 hrs to Ishasha |
| Best Route | Kigali - Katuna/Gatuna - Kabale - Mbarara - Katunguru |
| Border | Katuna/Gatuna - 30-45 mins + $100 East Africa Visa |
| Safari Cost | From $750 Budget / $950 Mid / $1400 Luxury |
| Highlights | Tree climbing lions, Kazinga boat cruise, 5000 hippos, Kasenyi game drive |
The shortest and best route from Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park is via Katuna/Gatuna border. The road is 90% tarmac with 10% well maintained murram. For full park experience see our Queen Elizabeth National Park safari guide.
Road Condition: Kigali to Mbarara is fully tarmac. Mbarara to Queen Elizabeth is murram but well graded - 4x4 Land Cruiser recommended for this wild heart of Uganda safari.
To cross from Rwanda to Uganda for Queen Elizabeth safari you need:
At Gatuna Border: Exit Rwanda immigration (15 mins), walk 200 meters neutral zone, enter Uganda immigration (20 mins). Our guide Edison handles all border formalities. Money exchange available at border - 1 USD = 3700 UGX.
Distance: 270 km | Driving Time: 5 hours including border
06:00 AM pick up from Kigali hotel, drive 90 km to Gatuna border. Cross to Uganda via Katuna with our guide handling paperwork. Continue via Kabale - Mbarara to Queen Elizabeth. Check in at lodge near Kazinga Channel. Optional evening game drive in Kasenyi plains if time allows. Overnight at Bush Lodge / Enganzi Lodge.
Best day for Big Five sightings
06:30 AM morning game drive in Kasenyi - best chance for lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopard. Explore our full Queen Elizabeth National Park safari guide for all activities.
03:00 PM Kazinga Channel boat cruise for 2 hours - see 5000 hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking, 600 bird species. This 32km channel connects Lake George to Lake Edward. Overnight at same lodge.
Distance: 400 km to Kigali | Driving Time: 7 hours
06:00 AM drive to Ishasha sector to see famous tree climbing lions in Ishasha resting on fig trees. Game drive en route, then exit via Kabale and cross Katuna border back to Kigali. Drop at airport / hotel by 5 PM.
Want longer safari? Extend with Bwindi gorilla trekking tour packages from Kigali after Queen Elizabeth for ultimate wildlife experience.
| Package Type | Price From | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Days Budget | From $680 | 4x4, Park Fees, Boat Cruise, Budget Lodge |
| 3 Days Mid-Range | From $890 | 4x4, Park Fees, Boat Cruise, Mid Lodge, Meals |
| 3 Days Luxury | From $1290 | 4x4, Park Fees, Boat Cruise, Luxury Lodge, All Meals |
Semu Gorilla Safaris Includes 2027-2028: 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, professional English speaking driver guide, park entrance, boat cruise, accommodation, meals, bottled water, border assistance. Excludes: Visa, flights, tips. Prices from - subject to lodge availability.
Dry Season (June - September & December - February) 2027-2028: Best for game drives - animals gather near Kazinga Channel. Road from Kigali is easiest.
Wet Season (March - May & October - November) 2027-2028: Fewer tourists, green scenery, best for bird watching - 600+ species. Road needs 4x4 but still passable.
We run Queen Elizabeth National Park safaris from Kigali daily throughout 2027-2028 season.
270 km, 4.5 to 5 hours driving via Katuna/Gatuna border including 30 minutes at border. Shortest route vs Cyanika border which is 7 hours.
Katuna/Gatuna border is best - fully tarmac to Mbarara, less crowded, open 24 hours. Our guide handles East Africa visa and paperwork.
Yes - most popular is 5 days Kigali to Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth. Start with our Bwindi gorilla trekking tour packages from Kigali then 2 days in Queen for game drives and Kazinga boat cruise.
4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, park entry from $40, Kazinga boat from $30, accommodation, meals, professional guide, border assistance. Excludes visa from $100 and flights. See full details in our Queen Elizabeth National Park safari guide.
Shortest 5 hour route via Katuna border with professional guide - 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof. Daily departures from Kigali.
Contact Semu Gorilla Safaris
Get Free Quote WhatsApp UsResponse in 10 minutes | East Africa Visa Help | Custom Itineraries Available | +256771026496
Related: Queen Elizabeth Safari | Bwindi Gorilla Tours
