Queen Elizabeth National Park
Safari suitability: 8/10
Find your tourThe park does contain four of the five (no rhino) and is exquisite in scenery and other wildlife sightings.
What YAS members think
Highlights
- Queen Elizabeth National Park spans the equator
- The park is one of the most popular parks in the country due to its magnificent biodiversity
- The park is home to over 95 species of mammals and more than 600 bird species
- Ideal for bird watching, chimp tracking, hiking and Nile cruises
About Queen Elizabeth National Park
Named after Queen Elizabeth II and established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth National Park spans an estimated 1,987 km² (764 miles²). Located in western Uganda, the park covers the districts of Kases, Kamwenge, Bushenyi and Rukungiri, stretching from the crater foothills of the Rwenzori peaks in the North and along Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south. The park has the highest bio-diversity rating of any national park in the world, and it is arguably one of Uganda’s most picturesque and popular parks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is an idyllic habitat location for various species of wildlife, offering diverse ecosystems, including savannah, humid forests and sparkling lakes. Similar to most areas in Uganda, wildlife in the park decreased significantly during the civil war. However, over the years, the numbers have been replenished and continue to rise. The park is currently home to over 95 species of mammal including buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards and ten primate species including the chimpanzee. And, for those who wish to see all their hippos in one, tidy place, the parks boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the entire world! It is also worth visiting for the birding alone. With over 600 species of birds, the largest in any protected area in East Africa, it is sure to offer an unforgettable experience to bird watchers. Not only is Queen Elizabeth National Park known for sightings of some of Africa’s most iconic bird species and chimp tracking, it also provides scenery ideal for hiking and cruises along the Kazinga channel of the Nile, which flows from its headwaters in Lake Victoria and joins the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
The easiest route to the park is from Kampala, through Mbarara, and is about a five to six hour drive. Charter flights can also be arranged to the surrounding areas of Kasese, Mweya and Ishasha.
Best times to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Due to Uganda’s location along the equator, temperatures tend to fluctuate minimally. In general, daytime temperatures range from 18 C (64 F) to 28 C (82 F). It can get cooler at night, so it is recommended that travelers bring layers of clothing. The driest months tend to be January and February, but there is always a chance of rainfall.
This is the second largest national park in Uganda and covering an area of 197800 ha found in the Albertine rift valley. The area was affected by Rinderpest and smallpox in 1890s and then the arrival of tsetse flies at the beginning of 20 century. In 1910 the seriousness of nagana and human sleeping sickness led the officials to move the inhabitants to areas free of the tsetse flies leaving the area vacant. In 1925, the Lake George game reserve was established, followed in 1930 by the Lake Edward game reserve. These were later enlarged to include the crater areas and the area south of the Kazinga Channel. The Kibale forest corridor game reserve to the north of Lake George was also established to provide a corridor of Elephants to pass to and from Kibale forest. The park was renamed the Kazinga national park and was gazetted in 1952, and was renamed again after the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Queen Elizabeth national park in 1954. It harbors a number of animals like hippos, lions, elephants, topis, buffaloes, water bucks, warthogs,spotted hyenas, Uganda Kobs and leopards. It has also a great number of birds like the egrets, herons, weavers, sacred ibis, pelicans, cormorants, plovers and many others.
Sort by:
Kenya
The park’s landscapes are mesmerizing—rolling savannah, shimmering crater lakes, and lush wetlands framed by the distant Rwenzori Mountains. Every corner offered a new surprise. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise was a true highlight, bringing me eye-to-eye with pods of hippos, massive crocodiles basking on the banks, and countless birds painting the sky with color. On game drives, I was thrilled to spot elephants, buffaloes, and even a leopard slipping silently through the tall grass. But nothing compared to the Ishasha sector, where I witnessed the legendary tree-climbing lions lounging lazily on fig branches—an unforgettable and rare sight. What struck me most was the park’s incredible diversity. In one day, I saw everything from playful warthogs and elegant antelopes to flocks of flamingos along the crater lakes. The knowledgeable guides made the experience even richer, sharing fascinating stories about the animals and their habitats. Queen Elizabeth National Park is not just a safari—it’s a vibrant showcase of Uganda’s wild heart, where every moment feels magical and unique. I left with a deep sense of awe and a longing to return.
Welcome to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), Uganda's most biodiverse protected area and a true showcase of the country's natural beauty. As your tour operator, we often describe QENP as the "all-rounder" – a park that delivers an incredible variety of landscapes, wildlife, and activities within a single, accessible destination. From tree-climbing lions to boat cruises teeming with life, a safari here is wonderfully diverse. This guide will help you prepare for its unique blend of experiences. Section 1: What to Expect - The Realities of the QENP Experience QENP is a vast park split into multiple sectors, each with its own character. The key to enjoying it is understanding this variety. A. The Diverse Landscapes & Sectors: The Mweya Peninsula: The main tourist hub, characterized by open savannah with stunning views of Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. It has a classic "African safari" feel. The Kasenyi Plains: Vast grasslands that are the prime location for game drives, known for large herds of Uganda Kob and their predator, the lion. The Ishasha Sector (South): Famous for its tree-climbing lions that lounge in the fig trees. This remote area offers a more wild and untamed feeling. The Kyambura Gorge: A deep, lush gorge nicknamed "The Valley of Apes," home to a habituated chimpanzee troop. The Maramagambo Forest: A dense tropical forest offering walking trails to see bats, primates, and the "Blue Lake" and Python cave. B. The Wildlife & Key Activities: The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: This is the undeniable highlight and a must-do activity. A 2-3 hour launch trip offers the highest concentration of hippos in Africa, enormous Nile crocodiles, and elephants, buffalo, and waterbuck drinking at the water's edge. It is also a world-class birding spot. Game Drives: Expect to see large numbers of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and various antelope like Uganda Kob, waterbuck, and topi. The highlight is spotting lions—both on the Kasenyi plains and, uniquely, in the trees in Ishasha. Leopards are present but elusive. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge: A unique experience that involves descending into a deep gorge to track chimps. It's more of a "chimpanzee walk" than a strenuous mountain trek, but the terrain can be muddy. Birding: With over 600 species of birds, including the spectacular Shoebill Stork, QENP is a birder's paradise. C. Overall Vibe: QENP offers a relaxed yet productive safari atmosphere. The climate is generally warm. Days are typically split between an early morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise, making for a perfectly balanced safari day. Section 2: The Essential Queen Elizabeth NP Packing List Packing for QENP requires versatility to cater to its range of activities and environments, from open savannah to forested gorge. Clothing: Light Layers for Savannah and Water Temperatures can be warm during the day but cool off significantly in the evenings and on the water. Neutral Colours: Khaki, olive green, brown, and beige are ideal for game drives. Avoid dark blue and black, as they are known to attract tsetse flies. Light Layers: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection. Warm Layer: A light fleece, sweater, or jacket is essential for the early morning game drive and the boat cruise. The breeze on the Kazinga Channel can be surprisingly chilly. Rain Jacket: A light, packable waterproof layer is always a wise precaution. Comfortable Clothing: T-shirts, shorts, and a swimsuit for relaxing at your lodge. Footwear: Prepared for Multiple Terrains Closed-toe Shoes/ Trainers: Perfect for game drives and general lodge wear. Hiking Boots: Essential if you are chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. The trails can be steep and muddy. Sandals: For relaxing at the lodge. Essential Accessories & Gear Sun Protection is Vital: High-SPF sunscreen A wide-brimmed safari hat Polarized sunglasses (to reduce glare on the water during the boat cruise) Binoculars: An absolute must for every traveler. Crucial for spotting birds, identifying animals in the distance, and watching lions in trees. Camera with a Good Zoom Lens: A 200-400mm lens is ideal for capturing wildlife on the plains and the action on the channel's banks. A Good Book/Journal: For downtime at the lodge between activities. Health & Practicalities Hydration: A reusable water bottle to carry on game drives. Insect Repellent: Effective repellent is important, especially for the evenings and in the forested areas. Cash (USD/UGX): For tipping your driver-guide, boat captain, and lodge staff. Also for purchasing souvenirs and drinks. Medication: Bring all personal medication. Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Final Operator Advice: Don't Miss the Boat Cruise: This is often the most memorable part of the trip. Schedule it for the afternoon when the light is beautiful and wildlife activity is high at the water's edge. Manage Expectations for Tree-Climbing Lions: While a famous spectacle, the lions in Ishasha are wild animals. Seeing them in the trees is a matter of luck and patience. The journey to Ishasha itself is a beautiful game drive. Combine Activities: A classic QENP day involves a morning game drive in Kasenyi, returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, followed by the afternoon boat cruise. Listen to Your Guide: Their expertise in knowing where to find prides of lions or a shoebill stork is invaluable. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the perfect park for those who want a bit of everything. It combines water and land-based safaris with primate encounters, all set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. It’s a versatile and consistently rewarding destination. We highly recommend it as a cornerstone of your Ugandan adventure.
Damasius Dominick from Dakado Tanzania Safari here. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and it was an unforgettable experience! The park's stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich ecosystems make it a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast. The highlight of my trip was the safari drive, where I was lucky enough to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and even a leopard! The knowledgeable guides provided insightful commentary about the animals and their habitats, enhancing the experience even further. The boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel was another fantastic part of the tour. We saw a variety of bird species, hippos, and crocodiles up close. The serene environment and breathtaking views along the water made for an incredibly relaxing and scenic adventure. The accommodations within the park were comfortable and offered spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of the stay was enjoyable. Overall, Queen Elizabeth National Park exceeded my expectations in every way. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a bird watcher, or simply looking to experience the beauty of Uganda, this park is an ideal destination. I highly recommend it to anyone considering a trip to this incredible part of the world.
It was an amazing experience and great feedback from my travelers who were impressed beyond their expectations. Little did they think of how amazing Uganda was until we took them to a memorable journey around the great parks in Uganda and Queen Elizabeth National Park was their number one among the other parks they visited. Well done team.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the medley of wonders with spectacular and beautiful sceneries. We spotted a number of animals including tree climbing lions in Ishasha , elephants, buffaloes, and a number of water birds while on our boat cruise. Queen Elizabeth is worth visiting.
At Queen Elizabeth National park we stayed at Buffalo Safari Lodge, the staff were welcoming, and food was good. we saw many animals but lions and a leopard lien in the thickets made our day. A boat safari on Kazinga Channel made as see several birds species and animals including buffaloes, elephants, hippos, crocs and many more.
A medley of wonders. For those who wish to view a number of eco systems and a variety of animal species, Queen Elizabeth is the place. From the vast savannah, the water bodies, forest (Kyambura gorge), the craters, peninsulas to animals, that live in savannahs, hoof stocks, primates, reptiles, the park has it all. It has four of the big five animals; the elephants, lions, Leopards and buffalos. Highly recommended.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a dream destination, the stunning beauty of the conservation area is overly amazing. My eyes would not get off the dotted crater lakes of the park, the southern corridor of the Ishasha sector was full of herds of the African elephants grazing in the vast savannah grassy lands. We identified many waterbucks, and bushbucks en route to the Mweya peninsular.
Whenever I go to Queen Elizabeth National Park there is a high chance to see wild animals in the park. Good roads and animals are amazing. My clients were excited to see lion on the trees of QENP.
I have been experiencing Queen Elizabeth National Park for a number of times both guiding my clients or doing my tours, biding and other activities. I have found it very nice and rewarding with a number of wildlife, boat cruise, birds and many other things. All my tours to QENP have been so rewarding for the best knowledge I have about it, I recommend this touristic destination for the most stunning, rewarding, and amazing wildlife experience.
Driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park
The easiest route to the park is from Kampala, through Mbarara, and is about a six to seven hour drive.
It's also possible to drive from Kigali, Rwanda, with the drive being slightly shorter than it is from Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth's proximity to Bwindi, Mgahinga and Kibale parks make it easy to see visit several parks in one Uganda safari.
Flying to Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are daily flights from Entebbe to Kasese, Uganda, which is located about an hour outside of the park. The flight is around two hours in duration.
The following airlines travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park
AeroLink Uganda Limited is a domestic airline offering both scheduled and charter flights into Uganda's national parks. From its base at Entebbe International Airport, AeroLink using its Cessna Grand Caravans, offers daily flights into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips), Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasese and Mweya airstrips), Murchison Falls (Bugungu, Pakuba and Chobe airstrips), Semuliki National Park (Semliki airstrip) and Kidepo Valley National Park (Apoka airstrip). Effective 1st June 2019, in partnership with its sister company Airkenya Express Limited, Aerolink commenced scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to the famous Maasai Mara in Kenya via Kisumu International Airport for Immigration. AeroLink Uganda is affiliated to Airkenya Express in Kenya and Regional Air Services in Tanzania. Visit website
Also flies to:
Regional services within Kenya. At Airkenya safety and security are of paramount importance. As one of Africas leading aviation companies Airkenya aspires to reach new heights of service delivery. At Airkenya our diverse operations are looked into with eagle eyes. Our aircraft are thoroughly inspected by highly trained engineers to ensure our passengers enjoy consistently smooth safe flights. Our excellent maintenance facilities have been approved by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with international airworthiness safety standards. This together with our dedicated ground team has secured Airkenya an impressive track record for safety. Visit website
Also flies to:
Based in Kampala, operates scheduled and charter services across eastern and central Africa. Eagle Air is a Private Ltd Company specialising in the provision of Charter and Schedule Air services both within Uganda and around the East & Central Africa Region. Eagle Air was incorporated as an air operator in June 1994. Visit website
Also flies to:
Queen Elizabeth map
Nearby parks and game reserves
Related articles
Latest photos
