Queen Elizabeth National Park

Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier wildlife haven. Marvel at the breathtaking Kazinga Channel on a boat cruise, spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, trek for chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and enjoy classic game drives through the abundant Kasenyi and Mweya plains.

Park Overview

Queen Elizabeth National Park, a jewel in Uganda's diverse landscape, is a destination that enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife. Spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers, the park was established in 1952 and named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II following her visit to Uganda in 1954. Nestled between the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and the shores of Lake Edward, it encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including savannahs, forests, wetlands, and volcanic craters.

The park's unique geography features expansive savannah plains and rolling hills dotted with crater lakes, such as Lake Katwe, known for its salt extraction. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is a focal point of the park. It is renowned for its large population of hippos—reportedly the highest concentration in East Africa. Here, visitors can enjoy boat cruises that offer close encounters with wildlife along the water's edge, including elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife. It boasts over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. Among its notable inhabitants are the famous tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector, which have adapted to resting in fig trees—a rare sight that draws many tourists. Other wildlife includes elephants, leopards, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and various primates such as chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys..

Wildlife Encounters

Diverse Savannah Wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a sanctuary for a wide variety of savannah wildlife, offering visitors a chance to see iconic species in their natural habitat. From the majestic elephants roaming the plains to the elusive leopards resting in the trees, the park is teeming with life.

94+ Mammalian Species

600 Bird Species

Lions

Lions are particularly famous for their unique behavior of climbing trees, especially in the Ishasha sector, where they can often be seen lounging on branches..

Savannah Elephants

These gentle giants are known for their intelligence and strong social bonds. They can often be seen foraging for food in the park's grasslands.

Monitor Lizard

These large lizards are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including savannahs and forests.

Aquatic Birds

The park's diverse habitats support a wide range of avian life, making it one of the best birding destinations in Uganda.

Park Activities

Game Drives

Experience the thrill of encountering wildlife in their natural habitat through guided game drives.

Boat Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Guided Nature Walks

Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer an intimate, up-close experience with the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife, providing an enriching complement to game drives and boat safaris.

The Lion Tracking Experience

Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of Africa's most iconic predators. This immersive experience allows visitors to gain insight into lion behavior and contribute to vital conservation efforts, preserving these magnificent animals for future generations.

Lion tracking sessions are usually held in the early morning, around 8 AM, or late afternoon, around 4 PM. These times are chosen to maximize the likelihood of observing lions when they are most active. It can last about 1 to 3 hours, during which participants can learn about lion behavior, social structures, and feeding habits.

Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is limited to a few participants to minimize stress on the animals and enhance the quality of the experience. This ensures an intimate and educational encounter.

Participants are equipped with radio receivers that help locate lions fitted with collars.

Safari Packages

Gorillas in Bwindi and Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth

9 Days - Complete Ugandan Safari adventure

View Package

Honeymoon Safari

10 Days - Gorillas and the Nile

View Package

The Best of Uganda Safari

16 Days - Quick gorilla encounter getaway

View Package

Where to Stay

Luxury Accommodation Options

Kasenyi Safari Lodge

Strategically built at the starting point of the safari tracks, the camp provides easy access to the park’s big savannah game animals. Guests can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including lion pride, hippo, leopard, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, kob, hyena, and warthog.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

The guest bandas feature an afro-chic theme, with an emphasis on local artifacts reimagined in a new context. Each banda offers a unique view of either the savannah or the gorge, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Elephant Plains Lodge

Staying at Elephant Plains Lodge provides an opportunity to take a short drive to Kasenyi Plains for fantastic game viewing. Kasenyi Plains also has Uganda Kob breeding grounds, attracting an impressive number of predators in the area.

Budget Accommodation Options

Enjojo Lodge

Enjojo Lodge is a haven for wildlife, with herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelopes regularly spotted on the property. Additionally, the lodge is renowned for its abundant birdlife, making it an ideal destination for birders.

The Bush Lodge

Guests can enjoy meals and lounge in the main area, which is a large dining tent overlooking the Kazinga Channel and the Rwenzori mountain ranges. In the evenings, when the weather allows, guests can opt for a starlit dinner outside, with paraffin lights and a campfire creating a cozy setting for a 4-course dinner.

Gorilla Mountain Lodge

Designed and handcrafted using local materials by artisans from the local communities, Marafiki Safari Lodge also features timber cabins that provide comfortable and spacious accommodations for budget travelers.