A Medley of Wonders. Uganda’s most popular savanna park with diverse ecosystems, tree-climbing lions, and the famous Kazinga Channel

Overview

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited national park, spanning 1,978 square kilometers in the western part of the country. Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, it was renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

The park boasts an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems, including sprawling savanna, shady forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands. It’s home to over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse parks in Africa.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, the dramatic Kyambura Gorge with its chimpanzees, and the 32km-long Kazinga Channel that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. The park’s varied habitats support elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and ten primate species.

A Wildlife Wonderland

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers visitors an unparalleled safari experience with its remarkable variety of wildlife and landscapes. The park’s location at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains creates a stunning backdrop for game viewing and photography.

The park is divided into several distinct sectors, each offering unique experiences. The Mweya Peninsula is the most visited area, known for its spectacular views and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. The Ishasha sector in the south is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, while the Kyambura Gorge offers exceptional chimpanzee tracking.

Key Wildlife Experiences

The park’s main attraction is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, where visitors can see hundreds of hippos, buffalo, elephants, and crocodiles along the shores. Game drives in the Kasenyi plains offer excellent opportunities to spot lions, leopards, and Uganda kobs (a type of antelope).

Birdwatchers flock to Queen Elizabeth for its incredible avian diversity, including the shoebill stork, martial eagle, and 54 species of raptors. The park has been designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Park Highlights

• Famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise with abundant wildlife
• Over 600 bird species including 54 raptors
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Best Time to Visit

• June to August & December to February (Dry seasons)
• Best wildlife viewing when animals gather at water sources
• March to May & September to November (Low season with lush vegetation)
• Wildlife viewing possible year-round

Main Park Sectors

Queen Elizabeth National Park is divided into several distinct sectors, each offering unique wildlife experiences:

Mweya Peninsula

Park headquarters with stunning views and Kazinga Channel boat cruises

Ishasha Sector

Famous for tree-climbing lions and remote wilderness feel

Kyambura Gorge

Dramatic forested gorge with chimpanzee tracking

Kasenyi Plains

Open savanna with excellent game viewing and lion sightings

Quick Facts

Distance from Entebbe International Airport

410 kilometres (255 miles)

Size

1,978 sq km (764 sq mi)

Elevation

910 to 1,350 meters (2,986 to 4,429 ft)

Year Established

1952 (as Kazinga National Park)

UNESCO Status

Part of the Rwenzori Mountains/Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve

Wildlife Population

95+ mammal species
600+ bird species
10 primate species

Other Activities

Kazinga Channel Cruise

2-hour boat trip with incredible wildlife viewing along the shores

Chimpanzee Tracking

Explore Kyambura Gorge to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat

Bird Watching

Spot some of the 600+ bird species including the rare shoebill stork

Community Visits

Experience local culture at fishing villages and craft centers

What to Expect on Your Safari

1

Game Drives

Early morning and late afternoon drives when animals are most active. Expert guides help spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and more across the savanna plains.

2

Boat Cruise

The Kazinga Channel cruise offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Elephants and buffalo often come to drink at the water’s edge.

3

Tree-Climbing Lions

In Ishasha sector, witness the rare spectacle of lions resting in fig trees – a behavior unique to this population and only seen in a few places in Africa.