Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Famous for tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel with massive hippo populations, and over 600 bird species.

Best Time
December-February and
Entrance Fee
$40
Activities
9+
Wildlife
12

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular and biodiverse savanna park, spanning 1,978 square kilometers. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions - a unique behavior where lions lounging in fig trees can be observed in the Ishasha sector.

The park's diverse habitats include savannah, woodland, wetlands, and crater lakes, supporting an incredible array of wildlife. The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, hosting one of Africa's largest hippo populations (over 2,000) and countless crocodiles, buffalo, and elephants.

The Maramagambo Forest within the park offers primate tracking experiences, including chimpanzees and several monkey species. The Kyambura Gorge, an underground forest, provides excellent chimp trekking opportunities.

Bird watching is exceptional with over 600 species recorded - more than any other African protected area. Special sightings include the black bee-eater, shoebill, and various kingfishers.

The park is also home to the Queen's Pavilion, a stunning viewpoint over the Kazinga Channel, and offers breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days.

Photo Gallery

Queen Elizabeth National Park 1
Queen Elizabeth National Park 2
Queen Elizabeth National Park 3

Activities & Experiences

Morning and Evening Game Drives
Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel
Tree-Climbing Lion Tracking in Ishasha
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Nature Walks in Maramagambo Forest
Bird Watching (600+ species)
Visit to the Equator
Crater Lake Drives

What to Bring

Camera with zoom lens (300mm+)
Binoculars
Lightweight neutral-colored clothing
Sun hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent
Comfortable closed shoes
Warm jacket for morning game drives
Rain jacket during wet season

Wildlife You May See

Tree-Climbing LionsElephantsHipposBuffaloesLeopardsSpotted HyenasChimpanzeesUganda KobWaterbucksShoebillAfrican Fish EaglePink-backed Pelicans

Opening Hours

Park open 24/7. Game drives best at 6:30 AM and 4:00 PM

Getting There

5-6 hour drive from Kampala (400km) via Mbarara. Flights from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese airstrips (1.5 hours)

Best Time

December-February and June-September for wildlife. Best lion sightings in Ishasha during dry season

Weather

Average 25-28°C during day. Two rainy seasons: March-May and October-November