Queen Elizabeth National Park

Diverse landscapes where Uganda’s wildlife thrives in natural harmony.

Queen Elizabeth National Park combines vast savannahs, lush forests, dazzling lakes, and rich wetlands to create a spectacular safari location. It is home to iconic wildlife, rich birdlife, and the famous Kazinga Channel, making it an unforgettable experience for both nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Area

1,978 sq km

Established

1952

Location

Southwestern

Altitude

910 - 1,350 m

Climate

Warm Tropical

Terrain

Savannah Plains

Fauna

Lions

Flora

Acacia Woodland

Home to tree-climbing lions and thrilling wildlife viewing adventures.

Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches across a rich mosaic of landscapes, from golden savannah plains to lush forests, volcanic craters, and shimmering lakes. Every corner promises a unique blend of beauty and adventure.


Framed by the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, the park presents breathtaking views of crater lakes carved into rolling hills. Along the Kazinga Channel, hippos, elephants, and buffalo gather, while Ishasha’s fig trees shelter elusive tree-climbing lions.

Beyond wildlife encounters, the park is a cultural treasure. Local communities share traditional dances, storytelling, and music, giving visitors an authentic taste of Ugandan heritage. Opportunities for cultural exchange make every visit deeply memorable.


Visitors can enjoy diverse activities such as boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, nature walks, and hot air ballooning. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a year-round destination, with its peak wildlife experiences best enjoyed between June and September and December and January.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth National Park provides excellent animal encounters throughout the year, with peak game viewing occurring during the dry months. Wet months bring lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and scenic beauty, yet rain can occasionally disrupt planned activities.

Best Time

January to February

High Season

June to September

Low Season

April to May

Best Weather

June to July

Best Time

January to February

High Season

June to September

Low Season

April to May

Best Weather

June to July

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Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s Wildlife Gem

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most iconic safari destinations. Its vast landscapes, rivers, and crater lakes create a sanctuary where both wildlife and culture thrive together.

The park is famous for its large number of animals, from elephants and buffalo to hippos and antelopes. Visitors often set out on game drives to watch wildlife grazing on open plains or resting under scattered trees.

Beyond mammals, the park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. With more than 600 bird species recorded, it is one of the best places in East Africa for birdwatching safaris.

Queen Elizabeth is also known for its unique experiences like lion tracking, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and boat cruises on Kazinga Channel. These activities make every visit a journey of discovery and adventure.

Cultural tourism also plays an important role here. Visitors can meet nearby communities, learn about traditional crafts, and enjoy music and dance performances that share the stories of the local people. These interactions create a deeper connection to Uganda’s way of life.

Evenings in Queen Elizabeth are peaceful, with glowing sunsets over crater lakes and the distant call of hippos echoing through the air. It is a place where nature feels close and time seems to slow, leaving travelers with lasting memories.

The park’s diverse scenery adds to its appeal. From savannah plains to tropical forests, wetlands, and volcanic craters, every part of Queen Elizabeth feels different. This variety ensures that each drive or walk brings new views and wildlife encounters.

One of the park’s most captivating sights is the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. Seeing these majestic animals resting on fig branches is rare and unforgettable, making it a highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Queen Elizabeth National Park FAQs

Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park located?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, between Lakes George and Albert. The Kazinga Channel runs across it. It’s roughly a 6.5-hour drive from Kampala or a short flight.

The park has 95 different kinds of mammals, including elephants, lions, hippos, and chimpanzees. It also has more than 618 different kinds of birds, the highest number in Africa. This makes it an excellent Uganda Destination for wildlife and birding safaris.

Some of the main Uganda attractions include tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, the Kazinga Channel boat safari, wildlife drives in the Kasenyi Plains, chimp trekking in the Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, and beautiful views from the Katwe Crater Lakes.

On a Uganda Safari, you may reach Queen Elizabeth National Park by car in 6 to 7 hours or by charter airplane. It’s around 389 km from Kampala. Most people drive to get there so they can see the beautiful scenery along the way.

The best times to visit Uganda for a safari are when it’s dry, from January to February and from June to September—birdwatchers like March to May or August to December best, when migratory species come to the area.

Game drives, boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel, birding, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, nature walks, and cultural excursions are all part of popular things to do in Uganda. Each of these activities lets you see the park’s many distinct landscapes in a new manner.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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