Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most popular park with diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes
About Queen Elizabeth NP
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular savanna reserve, covering 1,978 square kilometers at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. The park boasts an extraordinary diversity of habitats including savanna, wetlands, forests and lakes.
The park is famous for its wildlife including tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, and over 600 bird species. The Kazinga Channel between Lake George and Lake Edward offers one of Africa's best boat safaris.
Park Highlights
Tree-Climbing Lions
The famous Ishasha lions that climb fig trees to escape heat and insects.
Kazinga Channel
32km waterway connecting Lakes George and Edward, teeming with wildlife.
Bird Diversity
Over 600 bird species including 54 raptors - a birder's paradise.
Top Activities
Game Drives
Morning and evening drives through Kasenyi plains and Ishasha sector.
Boat Safaris
Relaxing trips along Kazinga Channel with excellent wildlife viewing.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Track chimps in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth
Mammals
The park is home to 95 mammal species including:
Lions
Including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha sector.
Elephants
Large herds can be seen throughout the park.
Hippos
Dense populations along the Kazinga Channel shores.
Birds
With over 600 species, Queen Elizabeth is a premier birding destination:
Shoebill Stork
Can sometimes be spotted in the Ishasha wetlands.
African Skimmer
Seen along the Kazinga Channel during boat cruises.
Martial Eagle
Africa's largest eagle, frequently seen in the park.
Featured Queen Elizabeth Tours
3-Day Wildlife Safari
Short but comprehensive safari with game drives and boat cruise.
7-Day Gorilla & Safari
Combine Queen Elizabeth with Bwindi gorilla trekking.
5-Day Birding Safari
Specialized tour focusing on Queen Elizabeth's incredible birdlife.
Where to Stay
Mweya Safari Lodge
Premier lodge with stunning views of the Kazinga Channel and Rwenzoris.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Beautiful eco-lodge overlooking Kyambura Gorge and chimpanzee habitat.
Buffalo Safari Lodge
Comfortable lodge with great views and proximity to park activities.
Getting to Queen Elizabeth
By Road
The journey from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth takes approximately 5-7 hours:
- Kampala to Mbarara: ~270km (4 hours)
- Mbarara to Park: ~120km (2-3 hours)
- Total distance: ~390km (6-7 hours)
The road is paved all the way to Mbarara, with the final section to the park being a good tarmac road.
By Air
Charter flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kasese or Mweya airstrips:
- Flight duration: ~1 hour
- Kasese Airstrip: For Ishasha sector lodges
- Mweya Airstrip: For Mweya Peninsula lodges
Pro Tip:
Flying saves time but requires booking well in advance during peak seasons (June-August, December-February).
Frequently Asked Questions
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