Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda – The Medley of Wonders

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and scenic safari destination, stretching across 1,978 square kilometers of rich savannah, wetlands, and tropical forests. Located in western Uganda between Lake Edward and Lake George, the park sits within the Albertine Rift Valley, offering an incredible diversity of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences.

Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed two years later in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, this remarkable park showcases the best of Uganda’s natural heritage. Its varied ecosystems range from open plains and crater-dotted hills to dense forests and sparkling lakes , making it a paradise for wildlife lovers, bird watchers, and adventure seekers alike.

A Landscape Shaped by Nature

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s breathtaking landscape combines rolling savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, tropical forests, volcanic craters, and sparkling waterways. Elevations range from 910 meters at Lake Edward to over 1,350 meters in the crater highlands of Katwe. The park lies at the heart of the Albertine Rift, where ancient volcanic activity created dozens of crater lakes and rugged escarpments.

The climate is generally warm and tropical, with temperatures averaging 18°C to 28°C. Two rainy seasons occur from March to May and September to November, when the vegetation becomes lush and green. The dry months between June to August and December to February offer the best visibility for wildlife viewing and game drives.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Queen Elizabeth National Park is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, hosting over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species — making it one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa.

The park’s vast plains are home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, topi, and waterbucks, while lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas roam as top predators. The southern sector of the park, known as Ishasha, is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior observed in only a few places on Earth. These majestic cats rest in fig trees during the heat of the day, offering photographers unforgettable scenes.

In the wetlands and along the Kazinga Channel, visitors encounter hippos, Nile crocodiles, and countless waterbirds. The channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George, is one of the best places in Africa to observe wildlife up close from the water.

Primate lovers are drawn to the Kyambura Gorge, a deep forested valley often called the “Valley of the Apes.” Here, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys thrive amid lush vegetation.

Birdwatchers will find paradise in Queen Elizabeth, with species ranging from the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, and papyrus gonolek to colorful kingfishers, bee-eaters, and flamingos around the crater lakes.

Top Attractions and Activities

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

A boat safari along the Kazinga Channel is one of the park’s most popular experiences. The two-hour cruise provides incredible views of hippos wallowing in the water, elephants cooling off along the banks, and crocodiles basking in the sun. The shores teem with birdlife, making it a photographer’s dream.

Game Drives

Morning and evening game drives through the Kasenyi Plains and North Kazinga area offer excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, kob, and antelopes. The open savannahs provide stunning backdrops, especially during sunrise and sunset safaris.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

The lush Kyambura Gorge offers one of the most thrilling experiences in the park — tracking wild chimpanzees. Guided treks through the gorge also reveal waterfalls, forest birds, and breathtaking scenery.

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions

In the park’s southern Ishasha sector, visitors can see the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig and acacia trees. This area also supports herds of topi, buffalo, and elephants, making it a rewarding safari stop.

Crater Lakes and Katwe Salt Pans

The Katwe Explosion Crater area in the northern sector offers panoramic views of over 30 crater lakes, some filled with shimmering water and others covered in salt flats. Katwe Salt Lake has been mined for centuries, and visitors can learn about traditional salt extraction methods from local communities.

Maramagambo Forest Walks

Guided forest walks in Maramagambo Forest reveal a quieter side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The forest is home to bats, primates, and many bird species, and offers trails leading to scenic lakes and waterfalls.

Getting There

Queen Elizabeth National Park is easily accessible by both road and air.

  • By Road: The park is about 410 kilometers (6–7 hours) from Kampala via Mbarara or Fort Portal. The journey passes through scenic countryside and local villages.

  • By Air: Charter and scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip land at Kasese, Mweya, or Ishasha airstrips, providing quicker access for luxury safaris.

Accommodation Options

There is a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets:

  • Luxury Lodges: Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, and Kyambura Gorge Lodge offer comfort and elegance in stunning settings.

  • Mid-Range Lodges: Elephant Plains Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, and Park View Safari Lodge blend affordability with great comfort.

  • Budget Stays and Campsites: Simba Safari Camp, Pumba Safari Cottages, and The Bush Lodge are excellent for budget travelers and backpackers.

Many lodges overlook the Kazinga Channel or crater lakes, offering breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open all year, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons (June–August and December–February) when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources and roads are easier to navigate. The rainy seasons (March–May and September–November) bring lush greenery, fewer crowds, and excellent birding opportunities.

Conservation and Community Involvement

Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Queen Elizabeth National Park plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and community empowerment. Local communities around the park participate in eco-tourism projects, cultural performances, and craft-making, ensuring that tourism benefits the people who live near the park.

Efforts are ongoing to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect endangered species, particularly through anti-poaching patrols and environmental education. The park also forms part of a larger conservation corridor linking to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kibale National Park in Uganda.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is often called “the medley of wonders” — and rightly so. It offers the complete African safari experience in one destination: lions and leopards prowling the savannah, chimpanzees in lush forests, hippos and crocodiles in shimmering channels, and over 600 species of birds filling the skies.

Whether you are on a short holiday or an extended Uganda safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers unforgettable encounters, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking scenery. It is a place where adventure meets tranquility, and every moment brings you closer to the wild heart of Africa.