Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda: Complete Safari Travel Guide (2025)
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and accessible savannah park, spans over 1,978 square kilometers in the western part of the country. Located between Lake George and Lake Edward and bisected by the Kazinga Channel, this protected area is a haven for wildlife, landscapes, and culture.
Established in 1952 and renamed in 1954 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s visit, the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, scenic crater lakes, volcanic cones, and incredible biodiversity. It forms part of a vast ecosystem that includes Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Maramagambo Forest, and Kasenyi Plains.
Where Is Queen Elizabeth National Park Located?
Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in Western Uganda, straddling the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. The park is part of the western arm of the East African Rift Valley.
GPS Coordinates: 0.2000° S, 30.0000° E
Distance from Kampala: Approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles) – a 6 to 7-hour drive via Fort Portal or Mbarara.
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
With over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth is one of the richest parks in Africa for biodiversity.
Key Wildlife Species
- Lions – including the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
- African Elephants
- Leopards
- Buffaloes
- Hippos
- Nile Crocodiles
- Uganda Kobs
- Warthogs
- Hyenas
- Giant Forest Hogs
Birdlife
Queen Elizabeth is a designated Important Birding Area (IBA) and paradise for ornithologists.
Notable species include:
- Shoebill Stork
- African Skimmer
- Martial Eagle
- Pel’s Fishing Owl
- Pink-backed Pelican
- Great White Egret
- Malachite Kingfisher
Top Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
1. Game Drives in Kasenyi and Mweya Plains
Game drives are ideal in the early morning or late afternoon. The Kasenyi Plains are best for lion sightings, while Mweya Peninsula offers leopard chances and great views.
2. Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel connects Lakes George and Edward and is one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways. A 2-hour boat cruise unveils massive hippo pods, basking crocodiles, elephants on the banks, and countless waterbirds.
3. Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector
The Ishasha Sector, in the park’s southern part, is world-renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior seen in very few places globally. You can often spot them lounging in fig or acacia trees.
4. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Nicknamed the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a lush sunken rainforest inside the park. Chimpanzee tracking here offers a unique mix of primate encounters, hiking, and birdwatching.
5. Visit the Explosion Crater Lakes
The park’s northern crater area features volcanic explosion craters with panoramic viewpoints over the rift valley. The Katwe Crater offers incredible scenery and an opportunity to visit a salt-mining village at Lake Katwe.
6. Nature Walks and Cultural Tours
Guided nature walks are possible in Maramagambo Forest and Mweya Peninsula, offering close encounters with birds, insects, primates, and reptiles. Cultural experiences with local communities include music, dance, salt-making, and storytelling.
Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers accommodation for every budget, from budget hostels to luxury lodges with exceptional views.
Luxury Lodges
- Mweya Safari Lodge – Located on the Mweya Peninsula, overlooking Kazinga Channel
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Boutique eco-lodge with crater lake views
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Best for exploring tree-climbing lions
Midrange Lodges
- Enganzi Game Lodge – Overlooks the park with spacious cottages
- Buffalo Safari Lodge – Offers boat cruise and game drive packages
- Marafiki Safari Lodge – Great views of the Rwenzori Mountains
Budget Options
- Simba Safari Camp – Affordable yet comfortable, near the Kasenyi Plains
- Pumba Safari Cottages – Small eco-lodge with local food and nature access
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Dry Season (June – August, December – February)
- Best for game drives and boat cruises
- Roads and trails are more accessible
- Animals gather near water sources
Wet Season (March – May, September – November)
- Lush scenery and fewer tourists
- Ideal for birdwatching (especially migratory birds)
- Some roads may be muddy and harder to traverse
How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park
By Road
- Kampala → Fort Portal → Kasese → Park (via Mweya Gate)
- Kampala → Mbarara → Bushenyi → Park (via Katunguru Gate)
Private safaris, tour vehicles, and buses are available. Driving is scenic but long.
By Air
Charter flights land at Mweya Airstrip or Kasese Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi.
Entrance Fees (Uganda Wildlife Authority – 2025)
| Category | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | East African Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Child | $20 | $10 | UGX 5,000 |
| Vehicle (Foreign) | $30 | $30 | UGX 30,000 |
(Prices are subject to change – confirm with Uganda Wildlife Authority before traveling.)
Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Packages
Safari packages can be tailored to suit any itinerary:
- 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari – Includes game drives and Kazinga boat cruise
- 5 Days Wildlife & Chimpanzee Safari – Adds Kyambura Gorge chimp tracking
- 7 Days Uganda Safari – Combine with Bwindi for gorilla trekking, Kibale for chimpanzees, and Lake Mburo or Murchison Falls
Steady Safaris Limited and other tour operators offer customizable trips with luxury or midrange accommodation.
Queen Elizabeth National Park FAQs
Is QENP safe for tourists?
Yes. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers patrol regularly. Follow park rules, and travel with a guide or reputable company.
What animals can I see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, kobs, hyenas, and many birds.
Can I go gorilla trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
No. Gorilla trekking is only possible in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located nearby.
Is it worth visiting if I’ve already been to the Serengeti or Kruger?
Absolutely, this park offers unique features like Kazinga Channel cruises, tree-climbing lions, crater lakes, and rich birdlife.
Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Few places in Africa offer such a diverse safari experience in one park. Whether you’re cruising along the Kazinga Channel, tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, or spotting lions on the Kasenyi Plains, which guarantees unforgettable memories.
Its accessibility, diversity of habitats, and wildlife density make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Uganda or East Africa.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a jewel in Uganda’s crown. With sweeping savannahs, volcanic craters, tropical forests, and vibrant wetlands, this park offers one of the most comprehensive safari experiences in Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time traveler, the beauty and biodiversity of this park will leave you in awe.
Plan your visit today—and let Uganda’s wild heart surprise you.
