Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular savannah safari destination. Experience game drives, tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and unforgettable wildlife adventures.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most visited savannah national park and one of East Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Located in western Uganda between Lake George and Lake Edward, the park spans approximately 1,978 square kilometers, making it the country's second-largest national park.

Established in 1952 and named after Queen Elizabeth II following her visit to Uganda in 1954, the park is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional wildlife viewing. From vast savannah plains and volcanic crater lakes to lush forests and wetlands, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a remarkable variety of landscapes within a single destination.

The park is home to more than 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, making it one of Africa's top locations for both wildlife safaris and birdwatching. It is especially famous for its rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector and the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, where visitors can enjoy unforgettable boat safaris.

Whether you're exploring Uganda on a classic safari or combining the park with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park promises an unforgettable African adventure.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers one of Uganda's most diverse safari experiences.

• Famous for the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha

• Home to elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, and more

• Spectacular boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

• Over 600 bird species for exceptional birdwatching

• Scenic crater lakes and volcanic landscapes

• Excellent wildlife photography opportunities

• Outstanding game drives across diverse ecosystems

• Easily combined with Bwindi, Kibale, and Lake Bunyonyi

Top Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Game Drives

Explore the park's diverse landscapes on guided game drives through the Kasenyi Plains and other wildlife-rich areas. Early morning and evening safaris offer excellent chances to spot elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, and, with some luck, leopards and lions.

The open savannah provides ideal conditions for photography and wildlife observation.

2. See the Famous Tree-Climbing Lions

The Ishasha Sector is one of only a few places in Africa where lions are regularly seen resting in the branches of large fig trees.

Although researchers continue to study this unusual behavior, visitors are often rewarded with the remarkable sight of lions lounging above the ground, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.

This unique attraction makes Ishasha a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

3. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel is one of the highlights of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This natural waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward and supports one of Africa's highest concentrations of hippos. During the cruise, visitors can also observe:

• Nile crocodiles basking along the shoreline

• Large herds of elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water's edge

• Monitor lizards

• Countless water birds

The close proximity to wildlife makes this one of the best boat safaris in East Africa.

4. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Often referred to as the "Valley of Apes," Kyambura Gorge offers a unique chimpanzee trekking experience within the park.

Descending into the lush tropical forest hidden beneath the surrounding savannah creates a striking contrast in landscapes. Guided treks provide opportunities to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat while learning about the gorge's ecology and conservation.

5. Visit the Crater Lakes

The park's volcanic history has created dozens of beautiful crater lakes surrounded by scenic hills.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic viewpoints, photography, nature walks, and peaceful moments overlooking these spectacular landscapes.

6. Birdwatching

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Africa's premier birding destinations.

With more than 600 recorded bird species, birdwatchers have excellent opportunities to spot:

• African Fish Eagle

• Shoebill Stork (occasionally in nearby wetlands)

• Grey Crowned Crane

• Saddle-billed Stork

• Pelicans

• Kingfishers

• Bee-eaters

• Martial Eagle

Birdwatching is rewarding throughout the year, especially around wetlands and the Kazinga Channel.

7. Cultural Experiences

Communities surrounding the park offer authentic cultural encounters where visitors can:

• Learn traditional farming practices

• Visit local craft markets

• Enjoy cultural dance performances

• Meet local beekeepers

• Experience Ugandan hospitality and cuisine

These visits help support sustainable tourism and community livelihoods.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park protects one of Uganda's richest concentrations of wildlife.

Mammals

Visitors may encounter:

• African Elephants

• Lions

• Tree-climbing Lions

• Leopards

• Buffaloes

• Hippos

• Uganda Kobs

• Waterbucks

• Topis

• Bushbucks

• Giant Forest Hogs

• Spotted Hyenas

• Warthogs

Primates

The park is also home to:

• Chimpanzees

• Olive Baboons

• Vervet Monkeys

• Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys

• Red-tailed Monkeys

• L'Hoest's Monkeys

Birds

With over 600 bird species, highlights include:

• African Fish Eagle

• Grey Crowned Crane

• Pelicans

• Saddle-billed Stork

• African Skimmer

• Malachite Kingfisher

• African Jacana

• Martial Eagle

Best Time to Visit

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open throughout the year.

Dry Season (June - September & December - February)

The dry months offer the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. Roads are generally in better condition, making game drives more comfortable.

Ideal for:

• Game drives

• Boat cruises

• Photography

• Tree-climbing lion sightings

Wet Season (March - May & October - November)

The rainy seasons transform the park into a lush green landscape.

Advantages include:

• Excellent birdwatching

• Beautiful scenery

• Fewer visitors

• Great photographic opportunities

Wildlife viewing remains rewarding throughout the year.

Travel Tips

• Pack lightweight clothing in neutral colors for game drives.

• Bring binoculars for birdwatching and distant wildlife.

• Carry sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.

• A camera with a zoom lens is highly recommended.

• Book the Kazinga Channel boat cruise in advance during peak seasons.

• Spend at least two nights to experience both game drives and the boat safari.

Nearby Attractions

Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideally located for combining with other top destinations in Uganda and Rwanda:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Mountain gorilla trekking.

• Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee trekking and rainforest walks.

• Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation, canoeing, and scenic island tours.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Gorilla trekking and volcano hiking.

• Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Multi-day mountain trekking.

Experience

Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers one of Uganda's most complete safari experiences. From sunrise game drives across the Kasenyi Plains to unforgettable boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and the excitement of spotting tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, every day brings new adventures.

The park's diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich birdlife make it a favorite destination for families, photographers, honeymooners, and first-time safari travelers alike.

At Glocal Rwanda Safaris, we design personalized Queen Elizabeth safaris that combine expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully planned itineraries. Whether you're exploring Uganda alone or combining this park with Rwanda's gorilla trekking experiences, we'll help you create memories that last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park located?

The park is located in western Uganda between Lake George and Lake Edward and is easily accessible from Kampala, Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Rwanda.

What is Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for?

The park is best known for its tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel boat cruises, diverse wildlife, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and exceptional birdwatching.

How many days should I spend in the park?

A 2–3 day stay is ideal to enjoy game drives, a boat cruise, chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife photography.

Can I combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking?

Yes. Many travelers combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a classic Uganda safari.

What animals can I see?

Visitors commonly see elephants, buffaloes, lions, tree-climbing lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, warthogs, hyenas, chimpanzees, and hundreds of bird species.