A Travel Guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda – Safari, Lodges & Activities
Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most visited national parks, was established in 1952 and originally named Kazinga National Park. It was later renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II following her visit in 1954. Covering approximately 1,978 square kilometers, the park is located in the western part of Uganda, spanning Kasese, Kamwenge, Rukungiri, and Rubirizi districts. Its creation aimed to protect the region’s abundant wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking landscapes, including crater lakes, fertile wetlands, savannah plains, and forests. Today, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a premier wildlife and safari destination, renowned for its big game, bird species, and stunning scenery.
The park offers incredible game drives, boat cruises, and opportunities to witness the famous tree climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
Led by Hillary, a local professional wildlife photographer, our guided safaris ensure you experience the best of Queen Elizabeth National Park while learning expert tips for capturing breathtaking wildlife images.
1. Location and Geography
Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda is located north of in Kasese District, between Lake George and Lake Edward, and is connected by the famous Kazinga Channel. It spans an area of 1,978 square kilometers, making it one of the largest and most visited national parks in Uganda.
Diverse Ecosystems
The park boasts a variety of landscapes, including savannah plains, fertile land, wetlands, volcanic cones, crater lakes, and dense forests like Maramagambo Forest and Kalinzu Forest. These unique ecosystems make it one of the parks with the highest biodiversity ratings in East Africa.
Wildlife and Bird Species
The park is home to abundant wildlife, including over 95 mammal species such as elephants, buffalo, hippos, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, Uganda kob, antelope, and more. It also hosts 600 bird species, including the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, pelicans, and thousands of water birds that inhabit the park’s lakes, wetlands, and rivers.
2. How to Get to Queen Elizabeth Park Uganda
By Road
The most common way to reach Elizabeth National Park Uganda is by road from Kampala via Mbarara (a 6-7 hour journey) or via Fort Portal (a 5-6 hour journey). The park is also accessible from Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, making it a popular and great cross-border safari holiday destination.
By Air
For those preferring a faster option, flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Mweya Airstrip or Kasese Airstrip. Tour operators can arrange flights for a more convenient travel experience.
3. Top Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda.
Game Drives in the Kasenyi Plains
The Kasenyi Plains are one of the best areas for game drives, offering spectacular views of big game such animals as lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and herds of Uganda kob. Morning and evening game drives provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Tree Climbing Lions of the Ishasha Sector
The Ishasha Sector is well known for its tree climbing lions, a rare phenomenon seen in only a few places in the world. These lions rest in the fig trees, offering tourists a unique photographic opportunity.
Boat Cruises on the Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, providing one of the best boat safaris in Africa. The channel is about 32 kilometre long boasting the highest concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles in the whole world.These boat cruises allow visitors to witness hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and hundreds of water birds along the shores.
Chimp Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Located in the eastern part of the park, Kyambura Gorge is a hidden forest valley where visitors can track chimpanzees and other primate species like baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Maramagambo Forest and Kalinzu Forest
These forests offer opportunities for nature walks, chimp trekking, and birdwatching. Maramagambo Forest is also home to bat caves and various volcanic features.
Lake Katwe and Salt Mining
Lake Katwe is famous for salt mining, where local communities extract salt using traditional methods. A visit here offers insight into Uganda’s rich history and economic activities.
Crater Lakes and Volcanic Features
The park is home to several crater lakes, formed by ancient volcanic cones. These lakes, including Lake Nyamunuka and Lake Munyanyange, provide breathtaking landscapes and habitats for flamingos.
4. Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Luxury Lodges
- Mweya Safari Lodge (Located on Mweya Peninsular, offering stunning views of Kazinga Channel)
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Best for viewing tree climbing lions)
Mid-Range Lodges
Budget Lodges & Tented Camps
Accommodation options range from luxury hotels, tented camps, and budget lodges, ensuring all travellers find a comfortable stay.
5. Activities in Queen Elizabeth Park Uganda
Game Viewing and Game Drives
Game viewing is the main attraction in Queen Elizabeth, with game drives in the Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Sector, and Mweya Peninsular. Visitors can expect to see the big cats, large mammals, and diverse bird species. This activity is done in the two days, early morning and evening time since it’s the perfect time for big cats hunting.
Birdwatching
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s top birding destinations, boasting an impressive diversity of over 600 bird species, making it one of the best bird watching locations in East Africa. The park’s varied ecosystems including savannah plains, fertile wetlands, crater lakes, dense forests, and the Kazinga Channel provide ideal habitats for a wide range of resident and migratory birds. Some of the most sought-after species include the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, great white pelican, flamingos, papyrus gonolek, malachite kingfisher, African skimmer, and numerous species of herons, storks, and raptors. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is particularly rich in water birds, while the Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge provide excellent sightings of forest species. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual nature lover, bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a remarkable opportunity to witness Uganda’s incredible avian biodiversity.
Guided bird watching tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park are led by experienced local birding guides who help visitors identify both common and rare species while sharing insights into their behaviours and habitats. The Ishasha Sector is home to savannah species like the helmeted guineafowl and grey-crowned crane, while the Mweya Peninsula offers excellent photography opportunities for waterfowl and waders. The crater region, including Lake Katwe, attracts thousands of flamingos, creating a stunning pink spectacle. Kyambura Game Reserve and Maramagambo Forest provide excellent chances to spot forest-dwelling birds, including the elusive African finfoot. For the ultimate experience, early morning and late afternoon birding excursions are recommended, as these are the most active times for birdlife. Whether exploring on foot, by boat, or during a game drive, bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an unforgettable experience that showcases Uganda’s extraordinary birdlife.
Cultural Experiences and Local Communities
Visitors can engage with local communities to experience traditional dances, crafts, and local storytelling, gaining a deeper understanding of Uganda’s heritage.
Gorilla Trekking in Nearby Bwindi
For those looking to combine a safari holiday with gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is just a few hours away south from Queen Elizabeth. This offers a unique opportunity to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
6. Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Dry Season (June – September & December – February)
- Best time for game drives and game viewing
- Easier access to the park’s roads and trails
Rainy Season (March – May & October – November)
- Lush landscapes and better birdwatching opportunities
- Roads may be muddy, but wildlife is still visible
6. Why Book a Safari with Hillary Uganda Trips?
Expert Photography Guidance
Led by Hillary, a professional wildlife photographer, our safaris offer expert tips on capturing the best wildlife and landscape shots. Whether you’re interested in big cats, primates, water birds, or stunning sunsets over the crater lakes, Hillary ensures you return home with breathtaking photos. Join our ultimate 5 days Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth national park
Customizable Itineraries
We offer Tailor-made safaris that combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with other parks in Uganda, with highlights including Bwindi, Murchison Falls, and Kibale Forest.
Sustainable Tourism & Local Engagement
By booking with us, you support local communities, conservation efforts, and sustainable tourism in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park – A Must-Visit Destination
Whether you want to experience thrilling game drives, witness the tree climbing lions, cruise along the Kazinga Channel, hike or explore the stunning Maramagambo Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an unforgettable adventure.
For an expertly guided safari experience with top-notch photography insights, book your trip with Hillary Uganda Trips today!
