Queen Elizabeth National Park -

Overview: Uganda’s Premier Safari Destination

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited and celebrated national park, widely regarded as the crown jewel of the country’s remarkable protected area system. Stretching across the southwestern part of Uganda, this extraordinary ecosystem blends savannah plains, tropical rainforests, crater lakes, wetlands, and the vast expanse of the Kazinga Channel — a natural waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. The park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness an astonishing variety of wildlife in a single destination.

Established in 1952 during the British colonial era and initially named Kazinga National Park, the park was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1954 to commemorate the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1979, the park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its global ecological importance and its role as a critical sanctuary for thousands of species of plants, animals, and birds.

Covering an area of approximately 1,978 square kilometres (764 square miles), Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas in Africa. The park lies within the Albertine Rift Valley — one of the world’s most biodiverse regions — and forms part of a transboundary ecosystem that extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park. This connectivity enhances the ecological richness of the landscape and supports the free movement of wildlife across international borders.

Key Facts About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Official Name	Queen Elizabeth National Park
Country	Uganda, East Africa
Year Established	1952 (as Kazinga National Park); renamed 1954
UNESCO Status	Biosphere Reserve (designated 1979)
Total Area	Approximately 1,978 km² (764 sq mi)
Location	Southwestern Uganda, Albertine Rift Valley
Districts Covered	Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri districts
Distance from Kampala	Approximately 410–430 km (5–6 hours by road)
Altitude Range	910 to 1,390 metres above sea level
Managed By	Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
Key Waterway	Kazinga Channel (connecting Lake George & Lake Edward)
Number of Mammal Species	Over 95 species
Number of Bird Species	Over 620 species
Number of Reptile Species	Over 40 species
Vegetation Zones	Savannah, rainforest, wetland, crater lakes
Most Famous For	Tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, boat cruise, big game

Location of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda, lying between latitudes 0° and 0°30’S and longitudes 29°30’E and 30°E. It occupies a broad lowland basin within the Albertine Rift Valley — Africa’s western branch of the Great Rift Valley system. The park is bordered to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwenzori Mountains, to the north by the Rwenzori foothills and Lake George, and to the south by Lake Edward.

The park is divided into two main sections: the northern sector (Kasenyi plains and Mweya Peninsula) and the southern sector (Ishasha sector), which are separated by a belt of community land. The iconic Kazinga Channel, stretching approximately 40 kilometres in length, bisects the heart of the park and serves as the lifeblood of its ecosystems, attracting concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and hundreds of bird species along its shores.

Which Districts Does Queen Elizabeth National Park Cover?

The park spans four districts in southwestern Uganda: Kasese District in the north and northwest (containing the Mweya Peninsula headquarters and the Kasenyi plains), Kamwenge District in the northeast, Rubirizi District in the central and southern zones, and Rukungiri District on the southeastern boundary. The park headquarters and most tourist facilities are located on the Mweya Peninsula within Kasese District.

Distance from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located approximately 410 to 430 kilometres (255 to 267 miles) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The journey by road typically takes 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and the specific entry gate targeted. The most commonly used route from Kampala runs south through Masaka, then westward through Mbarara, and continues northwest through Bushenyi and Kasese — following the well-maintained tarmac of the Kampala–Kasese highway.

An alternative scenic route passes through Fort Portal (Kabarole), descending the Albertine Rift escarpment into Kasese District, offering dramatic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. For visitors targeting the Ishasha sector (famous for tree-climbing lions) in the south of the park, the route from Kampala via Mbarara to Rukungiri and then south to Ishasha is approximately 480 kilometres and takes around 6 to 7 hours. Charter flights are also available from Entebbe International Airport to the Mweya airstrip, significantly reducing travel time to under 2 hours.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Entrance Fees

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages entry to Queen Elizabeth National Park and charges entrance fees that contribute to conservation and community development programmes. Fees are payable in US Dollars (USD) or Ugandan Shillings (UGX) at current exchange rates. Below is a breakdown of the current entrance fee structure:

Visitor Category	Fee (USD)	Notes
Foreign Non-Residents (Adults)	$40 per day	Applicable to all non-East African tourists
Foreign Non-Residents (Children, 5–15 yrs)	$20 per day	Children under 5 enter free
East African Residents (Adults)	$25 per day	Valid East African ID required
East African Residents (Children)	$10 per day	Valid East African ID required
Ugandan Citizens (Adults)	UGX 20,000	National ID required
Ugandan Citizens (Children)	UGX 5,000	National ID required
Students (Ugandan)	UGX 5,000	With valid student ID
Vehicle Entry Fee (Foreign Reg.)	$30 per entry	Per vehicle, per entry
Vehicle Entry Fee (Local Reg.)	UGX 20,000	Per vehicle, per entry
Boat Cruise (per person)	$30 per person	2-hour Kazinga Channel cruise
Nature Walk	$10 per person	Guided walk
Game Drive Guide Fee	$20–$30	Per game drive session

Note: Fees are subject to periodic revision by Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is advisable to confirm current fees at ugandawildlife.org or with your tour operator before travelling. Chimpanzee trekking permits (Kyambura Gorge) are charged separately at approximately $50 per person per trek.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited year-round due to Uganda’s equatorial climate, which provides a relatively stable temperature range of 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). However, certain seasons are better suited for specific wildlife and birding activities. The park experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons annually:

Dry Seasons (Best for Game Viewing)

The two dry seasons — December to February and June to September — are widely considered the best times to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife and game viewing. During these months, vegetation thins out, water sources concentrate animals near the Kazinga Channel and other key watering holes, and dusty roads remain passable. The dry season also coincides with the peak of the park’s birding season, when resident birds are most active and migratory species arrive.

The long dry season from June to September is particularly favoured by travellers as it aligns with summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. Animal sightings are at their peak during these months, and the savannah grasses are shorter, making it easier to spot lions, leopards, hyenas, and elephants. Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel during this period offer incredible concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.

Rainy Seasons (Green Season)

The short rainy season runs from March to May, while the long rainy season falls in October and November. Although rain can make some dirt tracks muddy and navigation challenging, the wet season transforms the park into a lush, verdant landscape that is extraordinarily beautiful. The rainy season also brings excellent birding opportunities, as thousands of migratory birds from Europe and Central Africa arrive. Additionally, travel during the low season comes with reduced accommodation rates and fewer crowds, offering a more intimate safari experience.

Top Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel is undoubtedly the park’s most iconic attraction. This 40-kilometre natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward is home to one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, with an estimated 5,000 individuals inhabiting its waters. The channel’s banks teem with Nile crocodiles, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, elephants, and an astonishing array of waterbirds. The two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a highlight of any visit to the park, offering close-up encounters with wildlife from the comfort of a motorised boat.

2. Ishasha Sector — Tree-Climbing Lions

The Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park is world-famous for its population of tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lion populations worldwide, the Ishasha lions have developed the unusual habit of climbing into the branches of large fig trees (Ficus natalensis) and acacia trees to rest during the heat of the day. This remarkable behaviour — documented in very few other places on Earth — makes the Ishasha sector one of East Africa’s most sought-after wildlife destinations. Game drives in the Ishasha sector are particularly rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon when lions are most active.

3. Mweya Peninsula & Visitor Centre

Perched on a high promontory overlooking the confluence of the Kazinga Channel, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori Mountains, the Mweya Peninsula is the heart of the park’s tourism infrastructure. The peninsula houses the Mweya Safari Lodge, Uganda Wildlife Authority visitor centre, boat cruise jetty, and launch site. The views from Mweya over the Kazinga Channel at sunset are among the most spectacular in all of Uganda.

4. Kasenyi Plains

The Kasenyi Plains in the northern sector of the park form the primary game-viewing savannah. This open grassland stretching from the Kazinga Channel’s northern shore to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains supports large populations of Uganda kob, topi, warthogs, hyenas, lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and jackals. The famous Uganda kob mating arenas (leks) are found on the Kasenyi plains, where hundreds of male kob compete for territories in an extraordinary display of competitive courtship.

5. Kyambura Gorge (Chimpanzee Trekking)

Known as the ‘Valley of Apes,’ Kyambura Gorge is a dramatic 100-metre-deep river gorge cutting through the park’s savannah plains. The gorge is home to a habituated community of approximately 16 chimpanzees, making it one of the few places in Uganda where chimpanzee trekking is available outside the dedicated chimpanzee sanctuary forests. Guided treks along the gorge floor through gallery forest are an unforgettable experience, offering opportunities to observe chimpanzees feeding, resting, grooming, and vocalizing in their natural habitat. The gorge also supports red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and a rich birdlife.

6. Maramagambo Forest

Maramagambo Forest is one of Uganda’s most biodiverse rainforests, covering much of the eastern flank of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This ancient tropical forest harbours troops of chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, giant forest hogs, forest elephants, and a remarkable array of forest birds. The forest is also famous for the Python Cave — a dark limestone cavern inhabited by enormous African rock pythons and a massive colony of Egyptian fruit bats. The bats attract large numbers of python predators to the cave, creating a unique ecological spectacle.

7. Crater Lakes Circuit

Queen Elizabeth National Park and its environs are dotted with more than 80 explosion craters formed by ancient volcanic activity. Many of these craters have filled with water, creating a chain of brilliantly coloured crater lakes — ranging from jade green to deep blue and even blood red — that stretch across the Bunyaruguru and Katwe-Kabatoro crater lake fields. The Crater Lakes Circuit in the eastern Bunyaruguru area offers scenic drives and walking trails past several of these lakes, including Lake Nyamunuka, Lake Nkuruba, and the famous Lake Katwe, where artisanal salt mining has been practiced for over 500 years.

8. Lake Katwe Salt Mining Community

Lake Katwe, situated within the park near the town of Katwe, is Uganda’s most important source of natural salt. Local communities have harvested salt from this crater lake for centuries, using traditional methods that remain largely unchanged today. Visitors can tour the salt mining operation, observe workers extracting and processing salt crystals, and learn about this ancient and economically vital practice. A visit to Lake Katwe provides valuable insight into the relationship between conservation and community livelihoods.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives are the most popular activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the primary method by which visitors encounter the park’s remarkable wildlife. Conducted in 4WD safari vehicles — either your own rented 4×4 or through tour operator vehicles — game drives traverse the park’s network of murram (gravel) and dirt tracks, offering access to different habitat zones at varying times of the day.

Morning Game Drives

Early morning game drives departing between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM are the most productive for big cat sightings. Lions, leopards, and hyenas are most active in the cool morning hours, often returning from nocturnal hunts or resting near kills. The golden light of the African dawn also makes for exceptional wildlife photography. The Kasenyi plains and the Ishasha sector are the top destinations for morning game drives.

Afternoon Game Drives

Afternoon game drives departing around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM catch the tail end of the midday rest period and the evening activity surge. Elephants frequently visit the Kazinga Channel banks at this time, and lions in Ishasha descend from their tree perches to hunt. Afternoon drives conclude near sunset, providing extraordinary lighting for photography and the chance to observe nocturnal species beginning their evening activities.

Night Game Drives

Uganda Wildlife Authority permits special night game drives on designated routes within the park. These after-dark excursions, conducted with powerful spotlights from open-sided game drive vehicles, reveal a completely different cast of wildlife including leopards, African civets, genets, white-tailed mongooses, porcupines, servals, and various owl species. Night game drives are particularly popular among seasoned safari-goers seeking a more exclusive wildlife experience.

Self-Drive vs Guided Game Drives

Visitors may undertake self-drive game drives using their own 4WD vehicle equipped with a park map. However, hiring an experienced UWA ranger guide is strongly recommended, as guides possess intimate knowledge of animal locations, behaviours, and the best routes for wildlife sightings. A guide fee of approximately $20 to $30 per session is payable at the park gate. Many lodges also provide private game drive vehicles with dedicated guides as part of their accommodation packages.

Nature Walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nature walks and guided hiking trails offer an immersive, ground-level perspective of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse ecosystems that cannot be replicated from a safari vehicle. Conducted in small groups with armed UWA ranger escorts, nature walks are safe, educational, and deeply rewarding experiences that connect visitors with the finer details of the bush — tracks, insects, plant species, birds, and the sounds and scents of the African wilderness.

Mweya Nature Walk

The Mweya Nature Walk departs from the Mweya Peninsula and traverses the open savannah along the Kazinga Channel shore. This relatively easy walk of 2 to 4 kilometres allows close-up encounters with Uganda kob, warthogs, buffaloes, and the abundant birdlife of the channel banks. The walk provides panoramic views across the channel to the distant Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward.

Maramagambo Forest Walks

Guided forest walks through Maramagambo Forest take visitors deep into the dense tropical rainforest, following established trails through mahogany, fig, and ironwood trees. Walkers may encounter chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, forest elephants, and a spectacular diversity of forest birds and butterflies. The Python Cave walk (approximately 3 km round trip) is the most popular trail, culminating at the cavern where rock pythons and fruit bats create an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Crater Lakes Walking Trails

Several guided walking circuits connect the explosion crater lakes in the Bunyaruguru area, passing through farming communities, dense shrubbery, and open grassland. These walks offer excellent views into the impossibly blue or green crater lakes far below and provide insights into the geological history of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Chimp Trekking Walk — Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trek is technically a guided nature walk lasting 2 to 4 hours, descending 100 metres into the gorge and following the resident chimpanzee community through the gallery forest. This is the most physically demanding walk in the park, involving steep descents and ascents on uneven terrain, but the reward of finding and observing chimpanzees in the wild makes it entirely worthwhile. Treks are limited to 6 visitors per group per session to minimize disturbance to the chimpanzees.

Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park supports over 95 mammal species — one of the highest concentrations of mammal diversity of any protected area in East Africa. The park’s varied habitats, from open savannahs and crater lakes to tropical rainforest and wetlands, sustain an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Below are the key animal species found in the park:

Big Game & Iconic Species

African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana) — Large herds roam the Kasenyi plains and channel banks
African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) — Massive herds, often numbering in the hundreds, are common throughout
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) — Thousands inhabit the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s largest concentrations
Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) — Abundant along the Kazinga Channel and lakeshores
African Lion (Panthera leo) — Found on the Kasenyi plains and the famous tree-climbing population in Ishasha
Leopard (Panthera pardus) — Present throughout the park but elusive; best spotted on night drives
African Leopard — Inhabits forested areas and is occasionally spotted on savannah game drives
Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) — Common, especially at dawn and dusk on the plains
Uganda Kob (Kobus kob thomasi) — Extremely abundant; the national animal of Uganda
Common Hippopotamus — Up to 5,000 individuals in the Kazinga Channel

Primates

Common Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) — Habituated groups in Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo Forest
Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) — Widespread, commonly seen near lodges
Red-tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius) — Maramagambo Forest
Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) — Forest interiors
Black-and-White Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza) — Maramagambo Forest
L’Hoest’s Monkey (Allochrocebus lhoesti) — Rare; found in montane forest edges

Antelopes & Ungulates

Topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela) — Kasenyi plains
Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) — Common near water sources
Oribi (Ourebia ourebi) — Small antelope of open grasslands
Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) — Abundant on savannahs
African Wild Pig / Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) — Forested areas
Giant Forest Hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) — Rare; Maramagambo Forest

Other Notable Mammals

African Rock Python (Python sebae) — Python Cave, Maramagambo Forest
Mongooses (various species) — Common in grasslands and forest edges
African Civet (Civettictis civetta) — Nocturnal; visible on night drives
Serval (Leptailurus serval) — Grassland specialist; occasionally spotted
African Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis) — Kazinga Channel and lakeshores

Birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park

With over 620 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations and one of the most species-rich parks on the continent. The park’s exceptional avian diversity reflects the incredible range of habitats — from savannah and papyrus swamps to tropical rainforest and lake systems — that support both resident African species and thousands of Palearctic migrants. The park is a must-visit destination on any serious African birding itinerary.

Iconic Waterbirds (Kazinga Channel & Lakes)

African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) — Rare; skims the Kazinga Channel surface for fish
Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) — Hundreds rest on the channel banks
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) — Large flocks on Lake Edward
African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) — Iconic; call is the ‘voice of Africa’
Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) — World’s largest heron; common along the channel
Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex) — Rare and highly sought; found in papyrus swamps near Lake George
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) — Common wader
Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) — Dazzling; common along waterways
Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) — Africa’s largest kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) — Very common; hovers over water before diving
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) — Walks on floating vegetation
Intermediate Egret and Great Egret — Abundant on channel banks
Long-tailed Cormorant and Great Cormorant — Colony nesting sites
African Openbill Stork (Anastomus lamelligerus) — Common near water

Savannah & Open Country Birds

Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) — Majestic; Africa’s largest eagle
Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) — Distinctive short-tailed eagle
Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) — Common in open areas
Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) — Terrestrial; strides through grassland
Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) — Africa’s heaviest flying bird
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) — Impressive ground-dwelling hornbill
Uganda’s National Bird — Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) — Common throughout
African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster) — Hunting over savannah
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) — Spectacular large stork

Forest & Specialty Birds

African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) — Ultra-rare Albertine Rift endemic
Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis) — Maramagambo Forest
White-naped Pigeon (Columba albinucha) — Forest canopy specialist
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird — Forest interior
Papyrus Canary (Crithagra koliensis) — Papyrus swamps near Lake George
Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) — Loud and spectacular
African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) — Brilliant green; forest edges
Various sunbird species — at least 15 species recorded

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives on the Kasenyi plains and Ishasha sector
Kazinga Channel boat cruise (2 hours; departs Mweya jetty)
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Guided nature and forest walks in Maramagambo Forest
Bird watching (620+ species; guided birding available)
Visit the Python Cave in Maramagambo
Crater lakes scenic drive and walking circuit
Lake Katwe salt mining community tour
Night game drives (by prior arrangement with UWA)
Cultural visits to Bakiga and Banyaruguru communities
Sport fishing on Lake Edward and Lake George (permit required)
Canoe or kayak excursions on crater lakes
Sunset photography from the Mweya Peninsula viewpoint
Lion tracking with UWA research teams (seasonal; by arrangement)
Visit the equator monument on the Kampala–Kasese highway

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to all budgets — from ultra-luxury lodges and tented safari camps to comfortable mid-range lodges and budget bandas (self-contained cottages). The majority of accommodation is clustered around the Mweya Peninsula and in the Ishasha sector in the south.

Luxury Accommodation

Mweya Safari Lodge — The park’s flagship lodge; perched on the Mweya Peninsula with panoramic views over the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward; full-service restaurant, infinity pool, and guided activities
Kyambura Gorge Lodge — Eco-luxury lodge on the eastern edge of the park; sustainably operated and community-owned; spectacular gorge views
Ishasha Wilderness Camp — Exclusive tented camp in the Ishasha sector; ideally located for tree-climbing lion sightings; private and intimate
Jacana Safari Lodge — Elegant lodge near the Kazinga Channel; en-suite cottages with channel views; excellent birding from the grounds

Mid-Range Accommodation

Elephant’s Haunt — Comfortable lodge on the channel banks; popular with families
Bush Lodge Mweya — Value-for-money option adjacent to Mweya Safari Lodge
Katara Lodge — Perched on a crater rim; stunning sunset views; community-focused
Tembo Canteen & Guest House — Budget-friendly government facility on the Mweya Peninsula
Haven Lodge — Comfortable mid-range option near the Ishasha sector

Budget & Camping

UWA Public Campsite (Mweya) — Established campsite with ablution facilities; self-catering
UWA Bandas (Mweya) — Self-contained cottages managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority; affordable
Hosea’s Hostel, Kasese — Budget accommodation in nearby Kasese town
Various community guesthouses in Katunguru, Kasese, and Kabatoro

Practical Tips for Visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park

Book accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak June–September season
Bring lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige); avoid bright colours
Pack binoculars — essential for bird watching and distance wildlife viewing
Wear sun protection and carry insect repellent containing DEET
Confirm yellow fever vaccination — required for entry into Uganda
Carry sufficient Ugandan Shillings and USD for park fees and tips
Always follow ranger instructions during nature walks and chimp treks
Observe a minimum distance of 7 metres from wildlife at all times
Start game drives early (6–7 AM) for the best big cat sightings
Hire a local Uganda Wildlife Authority guide for the best wildlife experience
Respect the park’s no-litter policy and leave no trace of your visit
Avoid standing upright or making sudden movements near hippos on land — extremely dangerous

Queen Elizabeth National Park: A Living Natural Wonder

Queen Elizabeth National Park represents Uganda’s most complete safari experience — a single destination encompassing the grandeur of Africa’s great savannahs, the mystery of ancient rainforests, the tranquillity of volcanic crater lakes, and the abundance of the Kazinga Channel’s wildlife spectacle. Whether you arrive in search of the legendary tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, the thunderous hippo pods of the channel, the acrobatic chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge, or simply the extraordinary diversity of over 620 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park will exceed your every expectation and leave you with memories that endure a lifetime.

As Uganda’s most visited park and the centerpiece of the country’s tourism offering, Queen Elizabeth National Park continues to evolve and improve its visitor experience while remaining deeply committed to wildlife conservation and community benefit. Plan your visit, choose your season wisely, and prepare to be transformed by one of Africa’s most magnificent wild places.