Amazing Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a protected area in southwestern Uganda, celebrated for its varied ecosystems and wildlife. It is situated in the Western Rift Valley and includes lakes, savannah, forests, and wetlands. The park was originally established as Kazinga National Park in 1952 and renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit from Queen Elizabeth II.
Popular wildlife and game viewing
Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts a high concentration of wildlife, including four of the "Big Five" (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo).
Tree-climbing lions: The remote Ishasha sector in the park's south is famously one of the only places in the world where you can see lions resting in fig trees during the day.
Kazinga Channel: A boat cruise along this channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
Kasenyi Plains: Located in the northeastern part of the park, these savannah plains are a prime location for game drives to see lions hunting Uganda kobs, as well as elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.
Primates: Chimpanzees can be tracked in the Kyambura Gorge and the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The Maramagambo Forest also offers nature walks to see various primates and unique features like bat caves.
Things to do
Beyond traditional game drives, the park offers a range of activities to explore its diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel: This two-hour cruise is a must-do for viewing large numbers of hippos, as well as crocodiles, elephants, and water birds along the banks.
Chimpanzee tracking: Guided treks are available in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, providing a chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Nature walks: Explore the forests on foot, such as in Maramagambo Forest, with a guided walk to see primates, birds, and the bat caves.
Visit the crater lakes: Drive through the Katwe-Kikorongo Explosion Craters to see breathtaking volcanic scenery. You can also visit Lake Katwe, where salt has been traditionally mined for centuries.
Lion tracking research: Join a research experience to track radio-collared lions, with proceeds supporting carnivore conservation.
Bird watching: With over 600 bird species, the park is a birder's paradise. Excellent spots include the Kazinga Channel and Maramagambo Forest
Accommodations
Lodges and camps are available inside and outside the park for a range of budgets.
Luxury: Options include Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, and Ishasha Wilderness Camp. They often feature high-end amenities like pools, fine dining, and secluded settings with excellent wildlife views.
Mid-range: Lodges like Elephant Plains Lodge and Buffalo Safari Lodge offer comfortable, spacious rooms with stunning views at a more moderate price.
Budget: For a more affordable stay, options include Simba Safari Camp and Pumba Safari Cottages, which provide clean, basic accommodation
Planning your visit
Best time to visit: The dry seasons, from January to February and June to July, are considered the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and the vegetation is less dense.
Bird watching is excellent during the wet seasons (March to May and August to December) when migratory birds are present.
How to get there: The park can be reached by road (about a 6–7 hour drive from Kampala) or by air via domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to airstrips at Mweya or Kasese.