Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda’s most popular game park featuring diverse ecosystems and famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
Park at a Glance
Queen Elizabeth National Park spans approximately 1,978km² in western Uganda. The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
The park is famous for its wildlife diversity with over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. It encompasses savanna, bushland, wetlands and lush forests, creating one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.
The park is famous for its wildlife diversity with over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. It encompasses savanna, bushland, wetlands and lush forests, creating one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.
1,978km²
Total Area
95+
Mammal Species
600+
Bird Species
1952
Established
Wildlife & Birdlife
Home to 95+ mammal species and 600+ bird species across diverse ecosystems from savanna to wetlands
Tree-Climbing Lions
Famous lions in Ishasha sector that climb fig trees, a rare behavior found in few places worldwide.
African Elephants
Large herds of elephants roam the park, often seen along Kazinga Channel and in Kasenyi plains.
Hippos
Kazinga Channel hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos.
Chimpanzees
Habituated chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge’s underground forest offer unique tracking experiences.
African Buffaloes
Large herds of buffalo graze throughout the park’s grasslands and savanna areas.
Flamingos
Pink flamingos gather on the park’s crater lakes, creating spectacular birding opportunities.
Tree-Climbing Lions
Famous lions in Ishasha sector that climb fig trees, a rare behavior found in few places worldwide.
African Elephants
Large herds of elephants roam the park, often seen along Kazinga Channel and in Kasenyi plains.
Hippos
Kazinga Channel hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos.
Chimpanzees
Habituated chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge’s underground forest offer unique tracking experiences.
African Buffalo
Large herds of buffalo graze throughout the park’s grasslands and savanna areas.
Flamingos
Pink flamingos gather on the park’s crater lakes, creating spectacular birding opportunities.
Activities & Attractions
Experience diverse wildlife and landscapes across multiple park sectors
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Cruise the 32km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Excellent for viewing hippos, elephants, buffalo, and waterbirds.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Highlights: Hippos, elephants, 600+ bird species
Game Drives
Explore Kasenyi plains for lions, leopards, and antelopes. Visit Ishasha sector for the famous tree-climbing lions in fig trees.
- Best Areas: Kasenyi, Ishasha, Mweya
- Best Time: Early morning and late afternoon
Chimpanzee Tracking
Track habituated chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge’s underground forest. This unique ecosystem offers a different forest experience.
- Location: Kyambura Gorge
- Duration: 2-4 hours
Crater Lake Tours
Explore the numerous crater lakes formed by volcanic activity. Some lakes host flamingos and offer scenic hiking opportunities.
- Highlight: Flamingo viewing, scenic drives
- Duration: Half to full day
Bird Watching
With over 600 bird species, the park is a birder’s paradise. Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel are prime birding areas.
- Species: 600+ including flamingos, pelicans
- Best Areas: Mweya, Kazinga Channel
Cultural Encounters
Visit local fishing villages along Kazinga Channel and learn about traditional fishing methods and community conservation efforts.
- Activities: Village visits, cultural performances
- Duration: Half day
Access
Roads
From Kampala: 470km via Mbarara to Mweya (7-8 hours). Alternative route via Fort Portal to northern sectors.
Ishasha Sector: 480km from Kampala via Mbarara and Kihihi (6-7 hours drive).
Ishasha Sector: 480km from Kampala via Mbarara and Kihihi (6-7 hours drive).
Southern Gates
Multiple entry gates: Kabatoro Gate (main entrance), Ishasha Gate (southern sector), Katunguru Gate (northern entrance from Kibale).
By Air
Charter flights to Mweya airstrip (15 minutes from park headquarters) or Kasese airstrip (2 hours drive). Scheduled flights available from Entebbe.
Climate & When to Visit
Temperature
Tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C. The park sits at 910m above sea level with pleasant year-round weather.
When to Visit
Best time is during dry seasons (December-February and June-September) for optimal game viewing and road conditions.
Wet seasons offer excellent bird watching with migratory species and lush green landscapes.
Wet seasons offer excellent bird watching with migratory species and lush green landscapes.
Accommodation
Wide range of accommodation options from luxury lodges to budget-friendly facilities
High-End Lodges
- • Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Experience Queen Elizabeth in unparalleled style and sophistication
Luxury Lodges
- • Katara Lodge
- • Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- • Elephant Plains Lodge
Premium facilities with spectacular views of Kazinga Channel and crater lakes.
Mid-Range
- • Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
- • Mweya Safari Lodge
- • Enganzi Game Lodge
- • Elephant Hab Lodge
- • Kasenyi Safari Camp
Comfortable accommodations with good access to park activities and wildlife areas.
Budget Options
- • UWA Mweya Bandas
- • Simba Safari Camp
- • Ishasha Jungle Lodge
- • Community Bandas
Affordable options including camping facilities and community-run accommodations.
Ready to Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Discover tree-climbing lions, cruise Kazinga Channel, and experience Uganda's most diverse wildlife park