What to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda – Activities, Safaris & Adventures with Hillary Uganda Trips
Experience the Wild Side of Uganda with Hillary
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited and diverse protected area. Set in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, this incredible park stretches across the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. With over 95 mammal species and 600+ bird species, the park is a magnet for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
But what truly sets your experience apart is the personal guidance of Hillary – a professional local photographer and founder of Hillary Uganda Trips. With Hillary as your private guide, you won’t just go on a safari—you’ll immerse yourself in the rhythm of the savannah, capture stunning wildlife shots, and hear local stories only a Ugandan native can share.
If you’re wondering what to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park for your next unforgettable Ugandan safari.
Classic Game Drives in Kasenyi Plains & Mweya Peninsula
No visit to Queen Elizabeth is complete without a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains—the park’s most famous wildlife viewing area. This golden grassland is home to Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, and lions.
Morning and evening game drives offer the best chances to catch predators hunting or basking in the soft light. If you’re lucky, Hillary may lead you to witness a lion pride stalking prey—an experience you’ll never forget.
🚙 Book your guided game drive with Hillary through Hillary Uganda Trips or send a WhatsApp +256726436969.
Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This boat cruise is one of the most relaxing and scenic activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering exceptional sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species along the banks.
Hillary, being a seasoned wildlife photographer, brings his camera and sharp eye for photo opportunities. He’ll guide you on how to capture crisp shots of African fish eagles, elephants bathing, or a buffalo herd drinking at sunset.
🛶 Plan your boat safari today with Hillary Uganda Trips | 📧 Email: hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com
Tracking Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector
The southern part of the park, Ishasha Sector, is one of only two places in Africa where lions regularly climb trees. These tree-climbing lions can often be seen lounging on fig trees during the day—a unique sight that draws travelers from around the world.
With Hillary guiding you, you’re not just hoping to see the lions—you’re learning their behaviors, spotting patterns, and maybe even photographing that perfect moment as a lion stretches on a branch against the savannah sky.
Explore the Ishasha lion tracking experience via Hillary Uganda Trips
Bird Watching in Maramagambo Forest & Kazinga Flats
Queen Elizabeth is a birding paradise with over 600 species ranging from water birds to forest dwellers. The park is a designated Important Birding Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
Some highlight birds include:
- African Skimmers
- Shoebill storks (occasionally in the marshes)
- Pel’s Fishing Owl
- White-winged Warbler
- Martial Eagle
Whether you’re an avid birder or just starting out, Hillary’s local knowledge and patience will make the experience educational and exciting. He’ll help you identify species by sound and sight while providing useful photography tips.
📸 Join a birdwatching safari with Hillary via Hillary Uganda Trips
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
The Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes,” lies in the northeastern part of the park and is a lush rainforest tucked between golden savannahs. Here you can track chimpanzees in their natural habitat, listen to their calls echo through the forest, and follow their movements across the vines.
Though sightings are not always guaranteed, the gorge walk itself is worth it. With Hillary accompanying you, he’ll share his deep knowledge of the ecosystem and help you document moments even when the chimps remain elusive.
🥾 Ready for a forest trek? Plan your Kyambura chimp tracking with Hillary Uganda Trips
Photography Safari with Hillary – Capture Nature’s Drama
Whether you’re a beginner with a smartphone or a professional with a DSLR, going on a photography safari with Hillary is a rare treat. As a passionate wildlife photographer, Hillary customizes safaris around light, composition, and animal behavior to help you return home with powerful images.
Your itinerary can include:
- Golden hour shoots at sunrise/sunset
- Behind-the-scenes guidance on wildlife photo ethics
- Exclusive locations off the beaten path
📷 Book a personalized photo safari with Hillary here
Night Game Drives – Discover Nocturnal Wildlife
Night game drives are a special activity available only in certain Ugandan parks—including Queen Elizabeth. They offer a rare glimpse into the nocturnal world, where you may spot:
- Genets
- Civets
- Nightjars
- Leopards
- Bush babies
Hillary’s keen sense of observation and tracking ensures you get the most out of this unique experience. With spotlights and night vision gear, you’ll discover a mysterious side of the savannah that most visitors miss.
🌙 Inquire about night drives via Hillary Uganda Trips
Visit Katwe Salt Lake – Cultural Tour
Located just outside the Mweya Peninsula, Lake Katwe is a traditional salt mining site where locals still extract salt using ancient methods. A visit here offers a blend of culture, science, and history.
You’ll walk through salt pans, meet local miners, and witness how Uganda’s natural resources are still harvested today. Hillary ensures this cultural tour is responsible, informative, and respectful of the local communities.
🌍 Add a Katwe visit to your safari plan at Hillary Uganda Trips
Plan Your Dream Safari Today with Hillary Uganda Trips
Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, birding enthusiast, cultural traveler, or a family looking for a safe and exciting adventure, Queen Elizabeth National Park has something for you.
And when you travel with Hillary—Uganda’s renowned local guide and wildlife photographer—you get more than a guide: you gain a friend, teacher, and visual storyteller.
📧 Email Hillary today at hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com
💬 Or chat directly on WhatsApp +256726436969
Why Choose Hillary Uganda Trips?
Choosing Hillary Uganda Trips ensures your safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is deeply personalized, educational, and visually inspiring. With Hillary’s guiding experience, storytelling, and photography skills, your safari becomes a memory that lives long after your return home.