Queen Elizabeth National Park: A True Medley of Wonders

Nestled in Uganda's Kasese District, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, ranging from expansive savannahs and lush forests to shimmering lakes and fertile wetlands. The park occupies a land area of 1978km.sq, making it the second largest conservation area in the country. This rich variety makes it an ideal habitat for a wide array of wildlife, primates, and bird species, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for Uganda safaris or tours.

The park sits in the shadow of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, offering breathtaking views of crater lakes dramatically carved into the verdant rolling hills. Visitors are treated to unforgettable sights, including the iconic Kazinga Channel, whose shores teem with hippos, elephants, and buffaloes. In the Ishasha plains, you can spot the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees, ready to pounce on herds of Ugandan kob that graze nearby.

Queen Elizabeth National Park also boasts a vibrant cultural heritage. Tourists can engage with local communities through traditional dances, storytelling, music, and other cultural activities. Participating in community projects allows visitors to leave a meaningful impact during their visit.

Originally known as Kazinga National Park, the park was renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. Gazetting the park has played a vital role in preserving its ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and neighboring communities. Contact us for more information.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a premier wildlife conservation area and a top tourist destination. Its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes it an ideal stop for visitors combining gorilla trekking with a safari experience. The park offers an array of exciting activities, including game drives, Kazinga Channel boat cruises, lion tracking, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, and mongoose tracking on the Mweya Peninsula. Visitors can also enjoy exceptional accommodations that provide a relaxing and authentic African experience.

Kazinga Boat Cruise

The Kazinga Boat Cruise, also known as the launch cruise, offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park up close. A scenic ride along the 40km-long Kazinga Channel provides incredible views of African elephants, Cape buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. This unforgettable experience runs twice daily (three times during peak season). The morning cruise begins at 11:00 AM and lasts two hours, ending at 1:00 PM. The afternoon cruise starts at 3:00 PM and concludes at 5:00 PM. Bookings can be made at the Mweya offices, allowing you to choose a time that suits your schedule.

Game Drives

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are a must-do activity, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters. The best time for game drives is during the dry seasons, from June to September and January to February, when the tracks are dry, grass is shorter, and wildlife viewing is at its peak. During these drives, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and participate in lion tracking research in the Kasenyi Plains. You can also encounter herds of buffalo, Uganda kobs, elephants, leopards, deers, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, and hippos (especially in the morning), among other fascinating wildlife species.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is an exciting and unique activity within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known as the "Valley of Apes" or the "Valley of Comedy," Kyambura Gorge is a stunning rainforest strip that cuts through the vast savannah. This lush habitat, enriched by the Kyambura River, provides the perfect home for chimpanzees. The activity is overseen by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger, who guides you through the biodiversity in the gorge. These fascinating primates can often be seen swinging through the trees or walking on the ground, showcasing their adaptability to the environment. The gorge's striking beauty and vibrant ecosystem make chimpanzee tracking an unforgettable adventure.

Birding

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birding paradise, boasting over 619 bird species, many of which are recognized internationally. It is acknowledged by the International Birding Association (IBA) for its diverse avian population, supported by a variety of habitats, including savannah woodlands, forests like Maramagambo and Kalinzu, and wetlands. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings along the Kazinga Channel during a boat cruise, where species such as cormorants, kingfishers, white egrets, black bee-eaters, flycatchers, and the iconic African fish eagle are frequently spotted. The park’s incredible biodiversity makes birding here a truly rewarding experience.

Lion Tracking

Lion tracking is an exciting and educational activity highly favored by visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This experience involves tracking lions fitted with radio collars in the Kasenyi Plains, guided by professional researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program (UCP). It offers a unique opportunity to observe lions up close, learn about their behavior, and witness their daily activities—if you’re lucky, you might even see them on a hunt, stalking Uganda kobs for their next meal.

This activity is limited to a small number of participants to minimize disruption to the natural environment, ensure a meaningful learning experience, and provide an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Therefore, you need to contact us in advance so that we can get in touch with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to make sure you book early. Lion tracking combines adventure with conservation, offering a deeper appreciation of the "king of the jungle" in its natural habitat.

Cultural Encounters

Cultural encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park provide an immersive experience into authentic African traditions. During this activity, you’ll enjoy captivating folklore and storytelling sessions from the elders of local communities. The Kikongoro cultural dancers, a group of women deeply rooted in African traditions, offer lively performances at the equator. Their traditional dances are complemented by a variety of African crafts, perfect for souvenirs to take home as a memento of your visit to wild Africa.

Additionally, the fishing villages along the Kazinga Channel and Lake George, such as Businga Village, offer enriching community walks. Here, you can engage in activities like fishing, boat racing, and sport fishing. Don’t miss the chance to savor fresh fish snacks straight from the water and immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the local communities.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Hiking and nature walks around the crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park are truly captivating. For instance, the 27km Katwe Crater Drive offers stunning views of rolling hills, vast savannah plains, and the iconic Rwenzori Mountains. Another must-see is the Katwe Crater Salt Works, where you can witness the salt mining process. The story of how local miners brave the harsh conditions to extract salt from the acidic lake is both fascinating and moving.

Hiking opportunities also abound in Maramagambo Forest, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, and Kyambura Gorge. Engaging in these hiking adventures in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a variety of experiences, such as butterfly watching in Kyambura Gorge, scenic vistas during the crater hikes, and learning about the diverse tree species in Kalinzu Forest. Maramagambo Forest is home to millions of bats residing in the caves, and although the bat cave was previously closed due to the Marburg virus outbreak, a viewing shelter has now been established to ensure safety while observing the bats.

Where to Stay During Your Queen Elizabeth National Park Visit

Accommodation options in Queen Elizabeth National Park are plentiful, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, you'll find a variety of choices with excellent service. Notable luxury lodges for your stay in the park include Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, and Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Midrange lodges include Ishasha Safari Camp, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Jacana Lodge, and Ishasha Pride Lodge. Budget Lodges include Kasenyi Safari Camp, Enshama Game Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Engiri Game Lodge, Topi Lodge, Ishasha Jungle lodge, among many others.

Best Time to Visit

While Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited year-round, the best experiences are typically from June to September and December to January, when wildlife sightings are at their peak. During this period, the tracks are dry, making game drives a fun activity to do. You also get to see several animals near water sources s they drink water and cool off.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular tourist destination and one of the best wildlife viewing spots in the country. It pairs perfectly with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, given their close proximity, or with a trip to Kibale Forest National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. This park truly offers something for everyone and is an essential stop on any Ugandan adventure.