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Queen Elizabeth National Park

Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination, and Uganda’s most visited national park. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.

Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.

As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music and more. The gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities.

Featured Experiences In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers one of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa. From classic game drives across vast savannah plains to boat cruises packed with wildlife encounters, every part of the park presents a different adventure.

Safari Game Drives

Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kasenyi and other game viewing areas where visitors can encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda kob, warthogs, and numerous antelope species.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The Kazinga Channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Descend into the spectacular Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the Valley of Apes, and search for habituated chimpanzees within its lush forest environment. 

Crater Lake Drive

Discover a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity as you explore the crater lake region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The scenic drive passes through rolling hills, panoramic viewpoints, and beautiful crater lakes that create some of the most breathtaking scenery in western Uganda.

Tree Climbing Lions Of Ishasha

The Ishasha sector is world-famous for its tree climbing lions, a rare behaviour observed in only a few places across Africa. Visitors can often spot these magnificent predators resting on the branches of giant fig trees while overlooking the surrounding plains.

Bird Watching Adventures

With more than 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. From wetlands and lakeshores to forests and open grasslands, the park provides diverse habitats that attract both resident and migratory birds.

Directions to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The park is located in the western part of Uganda, covering districts of Kasese and part Rukungiri .

From Kampala the park can be reached through two major highways ( Kampala-Fortportal highway and Kampala-Masaka highway )

The Kampala- Fort portal high way channels off from Busega, going through Mubende and Fort portal and then to Kasese. Its is a 410km road from the city to park. Travelers can have a visit to Kibale National park if interested to see a home of the primates in Uganda( mainly chimpanzees)

The  Kampala- Masaka highway channels off Natete going through Masaka, Mbarara and  turn  right approximately 1km  after the Mbarara referral hospital then leave the Mbarara- Kabale road to switch to  Mbarara-Kasese road  driving for about 120 km. Travelers can have access to lake Mburo if interested.

Places To Visit In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is filled with remarkable destinations that showcase its incredible wildlife, landscapes, and natural beauty. From wildlife-rich plains and forested gorges to scenic waterways and volcanic crater lakes, each area offers a unique experience for visitors exploring Uganda’s most popular national park.

Kasenyi Plains

The Kasenyi Plains are among the park’s most famous wildlife viewing areas and a favourite destination for game drives.

Kazinga Channel

The channel supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and attracts crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and countless bird species

Kyambura Gorge

Home to habituated chimpanzees . Its dramatic scenery and rich biodiversity make it one of the park’s most fascinating destinations.

Mweya Peninsula

Situated between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, Mweya Peninsula  offers spectacular views, excellent wildlife viewing, boat safari departures

Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes

The Katwe region features a collection of volcanic crater lakes formed by ancient volcanic activity. 

Lake Edward

One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Edward forms part of the western boundary of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lake George

Connected to Lake Edward by the Kazinga Channel, Lake George contributes significantly to the park’s rich biodiversity.

Maramagambo Forest

Maramagambo Forest is one of Uganda’s largest natural forests and offers a completely different experience from the park’s savannah landscapes. T

Important Travel Information

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are generally considered the best times for wildlife viewing. During these months, animals are easier to spot around water sources, vegetation is less dense, and game drive tracks are usually in excellent condition. The wetter seasons bring greener landscapes, fewer visitors, and outstanding birdwatching opportunities, making the park rewarding regardless of when you visit.
The park offers accommodation for every budget and travel style. Luxury travelers can choose safari lodges overlooking the Kazinga Channel and savannah plains, while mid-range lodges provide comfortable facilities close to major attractions. Budget camps and guesthouses are also available throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic safari experience without compromising access to wildlife and activities
All visitors are required to pay park entrance fees before accessing Queen Elizabeth National Park. Fees vary depending on residency status and are subject to change by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Additional charges may apply for activities such as chimpanzee tracking, boat cruises, guided nature walks, and lion tracking experiences.
The park is located in western Uganda and can be reached by road from Kampala, Entebbe, Fort Portal, Kasese, or Mbarara. Many travelers also combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Rwanda. Domestic flights to nearby airstrips provide a convenient alternative for visitors looking to reduce travel time.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, antelopes, and more than 600 bird species. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the park consistently offers some of the best game viewing opportunities in Uganda due to its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife populations.
Both self drive and guided safaris are popular ways to explore the park. Self drive visitors enjoy greater flexibility and independence, while guided safaris provide the benefit of local expertise and assistance with locating wildlife. A reliable 4x4 vehicle is recommended for both options, especially when exploring multiple sectors of the park.
Essential items include lightweight clothing in neutral colours, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and a reusable water bottle. Early morning and evening game drives can be cool, so a light jacket is also recommended.