Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel hippos, tree-climbing lions and crater lakes in Uganda's most varied savanna park.
Overview
Queen Elizabeth is western Uganda's classic wildlife park, and it earns the label. Its roughly 1,978 square kilometres range from open grassland and papyrus swamp to crater lakes, thick forest and a gorge full of chimpanzees. Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and later renamed after a royal visit, it now sits within a wider protected landscape along the Rwenzori foothills.
The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward, is the park's beating heart. A slow boat trip along its banks puts you level with hippos, buffalo, elephants at the water's edge and a crowded bird list, all from a safe, unhurried position.
Down in the remote Ishasha sector, the land dries out into fig-dotted plains where lions have a habit of climbing trees to escape heat and flies. Sightings are never guaranteed, but scanning branches from a slow game drive is a highlight of any south-western route.
Add the Kyambura Gorge, a hidden rainforest ribbon where chimpanzees live, the Katwe explosion craters, Maramagambo Forest and the Mweya peninsula, and this becomes a park where one visit rewards several different moods. It sits neatly between Lake Mburo and Bwindi on a south-western circuit.
Top experiences
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
A two-hour launch trip along the channel to see hippo pods, crocodiles, elephants and huge numbers of waterbirds. Late afternoon is the classic time.
Game drives on the Kasenyi plains
Open grassland north of the channel is prime territory for Uganda kob, buffalo and sometimes lions. Dawn drives find predators still active.
Ishasha tree-climbing lions
Drive slow loops through the fig and acacia woodland of the southern sector, scanning branches for lions lounging above the grass.
Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking
Descend into a sunken forest gorge to look for a small chimpanzee community, along with monkeys and forest birds.
Explosion craters and Katwe salt lake
A scenic loop past volcanic craters and the traditional salt pans at Lake Katwe, where local workers still extract salt by hand.
Maramagambo Forest and bat cave
A guided walk through a mature forest to a cave where fruit bats roost, with forest birds and primates along the way.
Best time to visit
Queen Elizabeth is open all year and rewards visitors in every month. The drier months, roughly December to February and June to August, are easiest for game drives, while the rainy months make the landscape green and are excellent for birding, with migrants in residence. Some tracks, especially in Ishasha, can be slow in heavy rain.
How to get there
The park lies in the west, across Kasese, Rubirizi and Rukungiri districts, on the Rwenzori foothills. The Mweya peninsula and Kasenyi plains are reached from Kasese or Katunguru, and Ishasha in the south is reached via Rukungiri, which makes it a natural bridge to Bwindi.
From Mbarara
Mbarara to the Mweya area is roughly two and a half to three hours by road, and Ishasha is closer to four hours depending on the route. Many guests cross the park on their way between Lake Mburo and Bwindi.
Where to stay
Budget
Simba Safari Camp
Queen Elizabeth National Park area
A budget-friendly camp for travellers who want a simple bed close to the park's game drive tracks.
Mid-range
Enganzi Game Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
A mid-range lodge with views over the savanna plains, well placed for morning and evening game drives.
Luxury
Mweya Safari Lodge
Mweya Peninsula
A long-established lodge on the Mweya Peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel, with the Rwenzori range on the horizon and hippos in the water below.
Luxury
Katara Lodge
Rift Valley escarpment near Queen Elizabeth National Park
An upmarket lodge on the escarpment with far views over the savanna, Lake Edward and the Virunga and Rwenzori mountains, around twenty minutes from the park entrance.
Luxury
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Ishasha sector
A camp on the banks of the Ntungwe River in the Ishasha sector, the best place to sleep when the tree-climbing lions are your main goal.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Are the tree-climbing lions guaranteed?
No. Lions choose their own resting spots, and cool or rainy days mean they often stay on the ground. We allow enough time in Ishasha to increase your chances.
How long do I need at Queen Elizabeth?
Two nights lets you fit a channel cruise and at least one game drive. Add a third for Kyambura Gorge, crater lakes or Ishasha.
Is chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura easy?
The descent into the gorge is steep and can be slippery, and sightings are not guaranteed. Moderate fitness is enough, and a walking stick helps.
Can I combine Queen Elizabeth with gorillas?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular routes. Ishasha to Bwindi's Buhoma or Rushaga sectors is a short cross-country drive.
Safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park
2 days
2-Day "Primate & Savannah" Safari
This itinerary combines Uganda's famous wildlife experiences: tracking chimpanzees, classic savannah game viewing, and gorilla trekking
From, per personUGX 3,179,637
2 days
The Uganda Wildlife Express
Starting from Kampala or Entebbe, this trip features an early morning drive through scenic countryside with a stop at the Equator. Your first stop is Lake Mburo National Park home to impalas, zebras, and elands for a morning game drive or boat ride.
From, per personUGX 1,633,749
2 days
2 Day Safari
Escape into the wild on an unforgettable overnight adventure through Uganda’s famous savannahs. This action-packed 2-Day Uganda Safari combines guided game drives across wildlife-rich tracks with a relaxing boat launch along iconic river channels. Track iconic big game, witness stunning sunsets over the African bush, and experience a dense concentration of wildlife all seamlessly packed into a quick, thrilling itinerary.
From, per personUGX 1,452,600
2 days
2 Day Safari Uganda
Experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife in a condensed, action-packed getaway. Perfect for travelers short on time, this 2-Day Uganda Safari takes you directly to Lake Mburo National Park the country’s closest savannah park to Kampala.
From, per personUGX 1,861,084