Queen Elizabeth National Park

Scenic Beauty

The landscape in Queen Elizabeth National Park is nothing short of breathtaking. Picture volcanic crater lakes carved into green hills, panoramic savanna stretching to the horizon, and the iconic Kazinga Channel—a natural waterway that links Lake Edward to Lake George. The channel is a hotspot for wildlife, where visitors often witness herds of elephants, buffalo, and hundreds of hippos wallowing along the banks.

Then there’s Ishasha, in the southern sector of the park. This vast open plain is famous for its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in giant fig trees—an unusual and unforgettable sight.

Climate

The park experiences a tropical climate with two wet seasons: March to May and September to November. While it’s generally warm during the day, mornings and nights can be quite cool. June and July tend to be the chilliest months. Annual rainfall averages up to 2,390mm, with altitudes ranging from 910 meters near Lake Edward to 1,390 meters in the crater region. Temperatures typically hover between 18°C and 28°C.

Getting There

Queen Elizabeth National Park is easily accessible by road or air. By car, it’s about a 5–6-hour drive (approximately 389 km) from Kampala. You can approach the park from the south via Mbarara (420 km) or from the north through Fort Portal (410 km). These routes can be combined into a scenic circuit that includes stops at Lake Mburo, Kibale Forest, and Semuliki National Parks.

If you’re coming from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Ishasha sector offers a direct and adventurous route into Queen Elizabeth. For those preferring to fly, chartered flights can be arranged to airstrips in Kasese, Mweya, or Ishasha.

Most Popular Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Big Game & Wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a top destination for wildlife lovers. It’s home to over 95 mammal species, including four of Africa’s “Big Five”: elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes (rhinos are found at nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary). Other animals include Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and cape buffaloes.

The park is also rich in plant life, with over 57 types of vegetation. These range from open savanna grasslands and acacia woodlands to swamps and forested areas, providing diverse habitats for the wildlife.

Birdlife

If you’re a birding enthusiast, you’re in the right place. With over 620 recorded species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Africa’s top birding destinations. You’ll find a rich mix of savanna, woodland, wetland, and forest birds—some common, some rare, but all fascinating to watch.

Mweya Peninsula

Located at the heart of the park, the Mweya Peninsula is a hub of activity and sightseeing. It overlooks Katwe Bay on Lake Edward and offers stunning views, comfortable lodges, and a small souvenir shop for gifts and keepsakes.

Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel stretches about 40 kilometers, connecting Lake George to Lake Edward. This waterway is one of the best places in Uganda to see wildlife up close. Its banks attract large numbers of animals year-round—including hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and a variety of bird species. A boat cruise along the channel is one of the most popular activities in the park.

You’ll also find excellent game viewing in the North Kazinga plains and the Kasenyi area. These open landscapes are ideal for spotting lions, especially where they prey on the large herds of Uganda kobs. Morning and late afternoon are the best times for game drives.

The Equator and the Queen’s Pavilion

The Uganda Equator runs through the park and offers a great photo opportunity. Nearby is the Queen’s Pavilion, located at the northern entrance to the Crater Drive. Originally set up as a shelter for Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1954, it was later upgraded with a permanent structure. The site was renovated again in 2007 during a visit by the Duke of Edinburgh and now includes a small coffee shop and internet access.

Ishasha Plains

About 100 kilometers south of Mweya, the Ishasha sector is best known for its famous tree-climbing lions. The area features savanna woodland, the Ishasha River, and part of Lake Edward, and supports a wide range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for rare birds like the shoebill stork.

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game Drives

Game drives are the best way to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. The main routes include the Kasenyi plains, the North Kazinga area, and the Ishasha sector. You’re likely to spot elephants, buffaloes, lions (including the tree-climbers), leopards, kobs, warthogs, and plenty of birds.

Boat Safaris

A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is one of the most memorable experiences in the park. The two-hour ride offers up-close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a huge variety of water birds. It’s an ideal way to see wildlife without the need for binoculars.

Birdwatching

Birders will be in heaven here. Among the notable species are the black bee-eater, African skimmer, papyrus gonolek, martial eagle, shoebill stork, and flocks of flamingos at the crater lakes. With over 600 bird species to look for, there’s never a dull moment.

Nature Walks and Hikes

Guided walks are available in several areas including Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and the Mweya Peninsula. These nature walks allow you to explore the park’s quieter corners and discover wildlife at a slower pace. The trails often reveal birds, primates, butterflies, and interesting plant life.

Chimpanzee Tracking

For primate lovers, Kyambura Gorge—also known as the “Valley of Apes”—is the place to be. This dramatic ravine is home to a small population of wild chimpanzees. Trekking here gives you the chance to observe them in their natural habitat, along with other primates and forest-dwelling animals.

Explosion Crater Drive

The Explosion Crater Drive is a scenic loop through volcanic crater lakes and rolling green hills. The most famous is Katwe Salt Lake, where you can learn about traditional salt mining. This 27-kilometer route offers some of the park’s most dramatic landscapes.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Hot air balloon rides are a unique way to see the park from above. As you rise with the sun, you’ll get panoramic views of the savanna, the Rwenzori Mountains, the crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel. It’s also a great opportunity to spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelope from the air. The balloon flights are operated by trained pilots and approved by Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Where to Stay

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every travel style and budget. Whether you’re looking for luxury lodges, mid-range camps, or budget-friendly hostels, you’ll find something that works for you.

Popular choices include:

• Mweya Safari Lodge – classic and luxurious with views over the Kazinga Channel

• Kyambura Gorge Lodge – upscale and stylish, close to chimp trekking sites

• Jacana Safari Lodge – nestled in the forest near a crater lake

• Ihamba Safari Lodge and Enganzi Lodge – excellent mid-range options

• Samba Safari Camp and Mweya Hostel – great for budget travelers