Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is like stepping into a world of wonders. Located in Kasese District, this park is full of different areas like wide-open savannas, deep forests, sparkling lakes, and wetlands that are perfect for animals and plants. On Queen Elizabeth Safaris, visitors can see elephants, hippos, and even lions that climb trees. The Park sits right at the foot of the huge Rwenzori Mountains, and it’s filled with beautiful lakes that have formed in valleys between rolling green hills.
- Walk through many different areas, from thick forests to wet marshes.
- See amazing animals, like lions up in trees and big groups of elephants.
- Enjoy stunning views of big mountains and deep blue lakes.
- Meet local people and learn about their way of life and stories.
Our Queen Elizabeth National Park Safaris give you a chance to really get to know the region and its local culture. It’s a special place that shows how important it is to take care of our world’s natural spaces.
Best Time To Visit
Savannas, Forests, Lakes Galore in Queen Elizabeth National Park—Wildlife Wonders Await, Big Four and More, Chimp Tracks and Endless Tracks!
Queen Elizabeth National Park welcomes visitors all year, but some months offer special sights. From January to February and June to July, during the dry seasons, it’s easier to spot animals. They gather around water, and the plants are not so thick, making it perfect for seeing wildlife and walking on dry paths. These months are sunny, great for seeing chimpanzees and the best for bird watching.
The wet seasons, from March to May and August to December, bring a different kind of beauty. The park turns lush and green, full of life. This time is still good for seeing animals and the best for spotting birds that come from far away. The paths can be a bit muddy, and sometimes the rain might keep you inside, but the fresh, vibrant landscape makes up for a few raindrops.
Wildlife
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a bustling hub for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, elephants and buffaloes roam freely, and lions are a common sight. The park is rich in a variety of antelope species, including Uganda kob, topi, and bushbuck. The Kazinga Channel teems with hippos and crocodiles, enhancing the thrilling safari experience.
While giraffes and zebras are missing, the park compensates with unique sightings like the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, resting in the fig trees. The park also hosts a troop of habituated chimpanzees and other primates like the black-and-white colobus monkey. For bird lovers, the park offers a chance to spot rare species in their natural habitat, adding to the park’s vibrant biodiversity.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, near Kasese town. It stretches over 1,974 square kilometres, including lakes Edward and George with the Kazinga Channel in between. The park is known for the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
You can reach Queen Elizabeth National Park by road or air. Flights from Entebbe to Kasese take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. By road, it’s about 6.5 hours from Kampala or 2.5 hours from Kibale National Park. This park is on the route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Spending 2-3 nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideal. This schedule allows for a full day of wildlife watching, including a morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. If staying longer, explore different sectors and enjoy multiple safaris.
Expect to see tree-climbing lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, waterbucks, Ugandan kobs, buffaloes, and a diverse array of birds during game drives and boat trips in the park.
Originally named Kazinga National Park in 1952, it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park after a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. The park is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, which support 95 mammal species and 600 bird species.
Craters
Discover volcanic craters, lush with life or filled with water.
Safaris
Witness diverse wildlife on the expansive, game-rich Kasenyi Plains.
Boating
Experience close encounters with wildlife on a Kazinga Channel boat safari.
Chimpanzees
Venture into Kyambura Gorge for thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventures.
Hiking
Explore Maramagambo Forest's nature trails, wildlife, and hidden cave bats. .
Lions
Spot unique tree-climbing lions in the remote Ishasha sector.
