Mama hippo and baby, Queen Elizabeth National Park Mama hippo and baby, Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Queen Elizabeth National Park

27 reviews

Safari suitability: 8/10

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The park does contain four of the five (no rhino) and is exquisite in scenery and other wildlife sightings.

Found in: Uganda
Companies: 1141
Tour packages: 787
Wildlife: 15 animals listed
Total area: 1,987 km² (764 mi²)
Year established: 1952
Anti-malarial: Not required

What YAS members think

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Most-visited month:
January
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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.

"Uganda's crown jewel"

Safari enthusiast
Top contributor
Safari guru
United States United States
627 kudus
Reviews (17)
Visited: Nov. 2015 Reviewed: Jan. 24, 2017

Uganda is called the pearl of Africa and, in my opinion, QENP is Uganda's crown jewel. We were not in the park more than a few minutes when we saw a bird of prey feasting on a feathered kill. Moments later we spotted a tree-climbing lion. Aside from the Kazinga Channel, which is riddled with tourists and wasn't to my liking, the park feels relatively open and not too crowded. I enjoyed watching a lovely lioness for several hours one afternoon. Only one other vehicle joined us. The lodging options here are also very good. I recommend QENP.

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Safari guru
United States United States
Visited: Nov. 2015
Reviewed: Jan. 24, 2017

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"Queen Elizabeth National Park exceeded my expectations in every way"

Top contributor
Safari guru
African traveller
Tanzania Tanzania
629 kudus
Reviews (17)
Visited: Dec. 2023 Reviewed: Jul. 05, 2024 Submitted in:

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.

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Safari guru
Tanzania Tanzania
Visited: Dec. 2023
Reviewed: Jul. 05, 2024

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"Memorable park in Uganda"

Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
0 kudus
Reviews (1)
Visited: Jun. 2023 Reviewed: Jul. 10, 2023 Submitted in:

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.

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By: Verdoro
Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
Visited: Jun. 2023
Reviewed: Jul. 10, 2023

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"Amazing experience! Queen Elizabeth is worth visiting."

Uganda Uganda
5 kudus
Reviews (2)
Visited: May. 2023 Reviewed: Jun. 27, 2023 Submitted in:

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.

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Safari tour operator
Uganda Uganda
Visited: May. 2023
Reviewed: Jun. 27, 2023

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"Kazinga Channel is amazing"

Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
0 kudus
Reviews (2)
Visited: May. 2022 Reviewed: Dec. 29, 2022 Submitted in:

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.

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By: Jwejuli
Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
Visited: May. 2022
Reviewed: Dec. 29, 2022

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"A medley of wonders"

African traveller
Uganda Uganda
5 kudus
Reviews (1)
Visited: Oct. 2021 Reviewed: Oct. 14, 2022 Submitted in:

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.

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Travel agency
Uganda Uganda
Visited: Oct. 2021
Reviewed: Oct. 14, 2022

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"Dream destination"

Uganda Uganda
12 kudus
Reviews (4)
Visited: Jan. 2022 Reviewed: Apr. 03, 2022 Submitted in:

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.

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Safari tour operator
Uganda Uganda
Visited: Jan. 2022
Reviewed: Apr. 03, 2022

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"Amazing animals and nature in the park"

Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
0 kudus
Reviews (1)
Visited: Jan. 2022 Reviewed: Mar. 15, 2022 Submitted in:

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.

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Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
Visited: Jan. 2022
Reviewed: Mar. 15, 2022

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"Uganda's most visited destination and its rewarding in wildlife."

Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
64 kudus
Reviews (3)
Visited: Aug. 2018 Reviewed: Sep. 04, 2019

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.

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Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
Visited: Aug. 2018
Reviewed: Sep. 04, 2019

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"Oasis during the dry season"

Visited: Jul. 2019 Reviewed: Sep. 03, 2019

Queen Elizabeth National Park has a treasure: Kyambura Gorge, which is home to chimpanzee and an oasis to most animals during the dry season. It's beautiful and green.

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Safari tour operator
Uganda Uganda
Visited: Jul. 2019
Reviewed: Sep. 03, 2019

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"Indeed a medley of wonders!"

Safari enthusiast
Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
32 kudus
Reviews (2)
Visited: Jan. 2018 Reviewed: Feb. 27, 2018

Every corner surprises you with its own attraction leaving your clients surprised about the beauty and the excitement this destination brings to their holiday stay. Queen Elizabeth doesn't disappoint your choice of making it your destination. Whatever you included in the itinerary, will be on plate on arrival.

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Safari guru
Uganda Uganda
Visited: Jan. 2018
Reviewed: Feb. 27, 2018

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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


company logo

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:


company logo

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:


company logo

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