Queen Elizabeth National Park

Experience Queen Elizabeth National Park

Discover Uganda’s Tapestry of Natural Wonders

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in Western Uganda, is one of the country’s most popular and diverse national parks, covering over 1,978 sq kms. The unique biodiversity of this national park has earned it the nickname “Medley of Wonders”. Originally established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park was renamed to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit.

This Uganda Safari destination is renowned for its rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and ecological variety, ranging from savannah and wetlands to dense forests. You can get panoramic views of the volcanic craters, lakes and grasslands as this park is situated on the edge of the Western Rift Valley. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a remarkable range of species, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, and it is a vital sanctuary for numerous species, including elephants, buffalo, hippos, and over 600 bird species. It is intersected by the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, attracting many water-dwelling animals, including the famous hippopotamuses. Currently, this famous tourist spot is the most popular biodiversity and safari destination in the country.

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Key Highlights

Explore Uganda’s Medley of Natural Wonders surrounded by diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife

Experiences

Unforgettable adventure across the lakes, savannah grasslands, forests, and wetlands, fostering biodiversity.

  • Birdwatching Experiences
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Eco-Tourism Activities
  • Photography Tours
  • Aquatic Biodiversity spotting
  • Nature Trails Exploration

Wildlife

Indulge in wildlife encounters and explore the diversity of flora and endemic species found in this national park.

  • Tree-Climbing Lions
  • Large Mammals
  • Small Mammals
  • Other Predators
  • Aquatic Animals
  • Over 600 Birds

Activities

Real experiences that live up to Insta-worthy aesthetics, defining the aura of abundant wildlife and flora.

  • Boat Safaris
  • Game Drives
  • Chimpanzee Tracking
  • Wildlife Research Tours
  • Bird Watching
  • Salt Mines Tourism
Your Next Vacation Starts Here

Unleash the untamed wilderness with a guided and tailor-made Uganda Safari tour

What is the Best Time to Visit?

Ideal seasons ensure better travel and wildlife experiences

The Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the Dry Season, from December to February and June to September. These months offer ideal conditions for game viewing, as animals are easier to spot around water sources and roads are more accessible for safaris. 

March to May and October to November are the wet seasons, usually characterised by lush green vegetation, making them great times for birdwatching.

Rich Biodiversity and Wildlife

Home to diverse species, thriving ecosystems, and unique wildlife habitats

Queen Elizabeth National Park has varied habitats, including rivers, lakes, acacia woodlands, tropical rainforests, and wetlands. The park supports an impressive 95 species of mammals and is larger than the neighbouring Virunga National Park in Congo. 

Tree-Climbing lions are mostly located in the Southern Ishasha Sector and are often found lounging in the fig trees. An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 African Elephants are indigenous to the national park. The Kazinga Channel fosters the world’s largest concentration of hippos, whose habitats can be best viewed by boat cruise. 

Leopards, warthogs, waterbucks and antelopes mostly inhabit the savannah grasslands. While the Kyambura Gorge, famously known as the forested “underground forest”, is famous for Chimpanzee tracking. 

The highest count of birds (over 600 species) is recorded in Queen National Park. African skimmer, yellow-billed stork, grey-crowned crane and African jacana are widely found. Diverse avian species are found indigenous to wetlands, savannah grasslands, forests and gorges of this Uganda Safari destination. 

Gallery

Experience the wild beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park through stunning safari moments

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Highlights and iconic activities of Queen Elizabeth National Park include the following

Iconic Activities

Famous Spots

Safari Tourism

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13 Days Uganda Gorillas Trekking & Wildlife Via Rwanda 2026

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FAQ

Browse through our frequently asked questions for more information

Yes, it is generally safe to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park as of early 2026, thanks to enhanced security measures, including drone surveillance, military patrols, and armed rangers, following past incidents.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, approximately 375–425 km from Kampala. It is accessible by road (7–8 hours) or air. You can also choose to drive from Kampala via Mbarara, or take scheduled/chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese or Mweya airstrips. It is a 2-hour drive from Kibale National Park.

Strict adherence to rules and safety guidelines is required. A distance of about 7-10 metres should be maintained from the chimps. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed during the chimpanzee trekking. No littering, touching animals, direct interaction, or flash photography is allowed during the trek. Participants must be at least 12 years old and free of contagious diseases.

Yes, there are numerous accommodation options near and within Queen Elizabeth National Park, catering to luxury, mid-range, and budget travellers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is unique because it boasts a rare combination of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, the hippo-packed Kazinga Channel, and dramatic volcanic crater lakes. Over 95 mammal species and 600+ bird species are found here, spanning ecosystems from savannah to dense forests in the African safari destination. 

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    February 24, 2025

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    February 25, 2025

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