Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s Premier Wildlife Destination

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and scenic savannah park, offering one of the most diverse wildlife safari experiences in East Africa. Located in the western part of Uganda, between Lake Edward and Lake George, this vast park covers over 1,978 square kilometers of grassland, forests, wetlands, and volcanic features.

From boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel to spotting tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must for anyone seeking authentic wildlife encounters in Uganda.

A Diverse Wildlife Haven in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth Park is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife. With over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, it’s one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Visitors can expect to see:

• Elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles
• Tree-climbing lions in the southern Ishasha sector
• Leopards, hyenas, warthogs, and antelope
• Primates including chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge
• A vast array of waterbirds, raptors, and migratory species

This rich biodiversity makes Queen Elizabeth National Park a top destination for both game drives and birdwatching tours in Uganda.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives are the best way to explore the open savannahs of the park, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours when wildlife is most active. There are several key areas to explore:

• Kasenyi Plains – Best for lion and Uganda kob sightings
• Ishasha Sector – Famous for its rare tree-climbing lions
• Mweya Peninsula – Located near the Kazinga Channel and ideal for seeing elephants, warthogs, and bushbucks

All game drives are guided by expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers or private guides. Self-drive safaris are also possible for experienced travelers.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

One of the park’s most unique features is the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway that links Lake Edward to Lake George. A boat cruise on the channel is a highlight of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The shores teem with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes, while kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles soar above.

The boat safari offers exceptional photography opportunities and a peaceful way to observe wildlife in Uganda from the water.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Located on the eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge offers a completely different experience. Known as the “Valley of Apes,” this steep rainforest gorge is home to a small population of chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking here provides the chance to track and observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment while enjoying the lush forest landscape. Other primates such as black-and-white colobus, vervet monkeys, and baboons are commonly seen as well.

Cultural Encounters and Community Tourism

Queen Elizabeth Park is surrounded by vibrant local communities. Through community tourism programs, visitors can engage with local traditions, music, dance, and crafts.

Popular cultural experiences include:

• Visiting Katwe Salt Lake, where locals still harvest salt using centuries-old techniques
• Attending traditional dance performances near the park
• Exploring local craft shops and community-based tourism projects

These interactions not only enrich the safari experience but also support sustainable tourism and local livelihoods.

When to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when wildlife viewing is at its peak and roads are more accessible. However, the park is open year-round, and the wet season also has its advantages—lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and fewer tourists.

Accommodation Options for All Budgets

Park offers a wide range of safari lodges and camps, suitable for luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers. Some top recommendations include:

• Mweya Safari Lodge – Upscale lodge with stunning views of the Kazinga Channel
• Elephant Plains Lodge – Modern luxury in the heart of the park
• Enganzi Game Lodge – Affordable and comfortable with scenic vistas
• Bush Lodge – Eco-friendly and budget-friendly option near Mweya

All accommodations provide easy access to game drive circuits and boat safaris.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park is about 6–7 hours by road from Kampala or Entebbe. Alternatively, domestic flights are available from Entebbe to Mweya, Kasese airstrips for quicker access, or Kigali

Queen Elizabeth National Park can also be easily combined with other attractions in western Uganda, such as:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (for gorilla trekking)
• Kibale Forest (for chimpanzee trekking)
• Rwenzori Mountains (for hiking and adventure)

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Queen’s Park plays a critical role in Uganda’s conservation efforts. Revenue from park entrance fees and tourism supports habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and community development.

By visiting this park, tourists contribute directly to the sustainability of wildlife tourism and help preserve one of Uganda’s most treasured landscapes.

Book a Uganda safari, wildlife in Uganda, game drives in Uganda

From classic game drives and boat safaris to chimpanzee trekking and cultural encounters, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers something for every traveler. Its mix of ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty make it a cornerstone of any Uganda safari itinerary.