Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s legendary safari destination. While many travelers focus on gorilla trekking in the mist-shrouded Bwindi or Mgahinga, few realize the country also offers classic African safari experiences, and Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers just that.
From breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to consistent year-round game viewing, the park is the ideal place to add to your itinerary. Whether you are keen on seeing the tree-climbing lions or chimpanzees, or enjoying boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, here’s our guide on how you can make the most of a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.
About Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park spans 1,978 square kilometers (764 sq mi), stretching between Lake Edward to the south and Lake George to the north, and traverses the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri.
Initially founded as Kazinga National Park in 1952, the park was renamed in 1954 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of England following her visit to Uganda. Today, it is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations and home to an immense wildlife population.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second-largest park after Murchison Falls. It is characterized by a variety of ecosystems ranging from wetlands, equatorial forests, caves, expansive savannah and volcanic hills dotted with crater lakes like Lake Katwe, which is known for its salt extraction.
The majestic snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains rise thirty miles north of the park, providing a scenic backdrop which contrasts with the park’s diverse landscapes.
Few conservation areas in the world boast such a high biodiversity rating as Queen Elizabeth National Park. It boasts over 95 mammal species—the most of any wildlife park in Uganda—and more than 600 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse, concentrated wildlife areas in Africa.
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts immense wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, warthogs, giant forest hogs, and plenty of antelope species, including Uganda kob, topi, sitatunga, and waterbuck.
Around 10 primate species including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and various species of mangabeys and baboons occupy densely forested areas such as Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
Avid birders have over 600 bird species to tick off their list, making the park a top birding hotspot. Notable birds include the Great Blue Turaco, African fish eagle, yellow-billed stork, Saddle-billed Stork, large flocks of Lesser Flamingos, various kingfishers, and numerous aquatic birds such as pelicans and cormorants.
Things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
1. Game drives in Kasenyi
Explore the Kasenyi plains on scintillating game drives. Located in the northeastern section of the park, this game-rich area offers exceptional wildlife viewing with varied predator-prey interactions. Explore these open grasslands with your guide for about 3 hours in the early morning or late afternoon. You may sight an elephant herd moving between acacia trees, a leopard emerging from the grasses, or a hyena slouching back to its den.
2. Game drives in the Ishasha sector
While lions are predominantly found on the ground, those of the Ishasha Sector spend their days lounging in the boughs of fig trees. It allows them to scan the vast savanna plains for prey. Their flair for climbing trees has made Queen Elizabeth National Park a famous game viewing destination.
This region receives relatively few visitors due to its remoteness, which makes for delightfully private game drives and sundowners to remember.
3. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Boat-based wildlife viewing on the Kazinga Channel is a highlight of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 32 km long natural freshwater channel cuts across the park and connects Lake Edward to Lake George. It’s a magnet of diverse wildlife, most notably hippos, the highest concentration in East Africa, and prolific birdlife.
Launch trips take place twice a day, drifting along the shore to Pelican Point. You can expect to enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife along the water’s edge, including elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
4. Kyambura Gorge Chimp tracking
Kyambura Gorge trekking is one of the highlights in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It offers thrilling and immersive guided nature walks as part of an exciting chimp tracking experience, through a lush, steep ravine carved out by the Kyambura River.
The 100m-deep chasm is densely forested and provides the perfect habitat for large primates, particularly chimpanzees. Visitors can track Kyambura Gorge’s only chimp habituated troop, and observe their unique behaviour for at least an hour.
5. Visit the Explosion Craters
The Katwe Explosion Craters, a few kilometers north of Mweya, are among a cluster of volcanic craters and one of the most striking features of Queen Elizabeth National Park. These round basins are evidence of ancient volcanic activity and now scattered throughout the park, some covered in vegetation, while others are water-filled.
The 24-kilometer half-day crater drive is a rewarding way to explore some of these fascinating extinct volcanic craters. You’ll learn about their history and ecology, and visit the highly prized salt mines like Lake Katwe, which are helpfully not too far from the park’s camps and lodges.
What a Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Entails
Safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park typically feature a game drive on the Mweya Peninsula and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. If you’re keen on spending more than two nights, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, game drives in the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions, and visiting the crater lakes or the Katwe salt pans is incredibly rewarding.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Entry Fees
Queen Elizabeth National Park entry fee is US$40 for non-residents, US$30 for foreign residents, and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens per person, valid for 24 hours. The fee supports the conservation projects of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
While Queen Elizabeth National Park is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons from January to February and from June to August (also peak safari season) when wildlife viewing is at its best. During these months, there is less rainfall, thinner vegetation, and animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot.
The wet seasons from March to May and October to December provide lush, green landscapes, making the park beautiful, with abundant opportunities for birding.
Tips for Your Trip
Consider packing appropriate clothing on your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. Carry neutral-colored, loose-fitting long sleeved shirts and trousers, sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, camera and extra lenses, a brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Rain is possible at any time of year, so prepare for potential disruptions but don’t let it interfere with your wildlife viewing.
safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park
