Tree-climbing lions, vast savannas, volcanic crater lakes, and one of Africa's most extraordinary boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel — all in one iconic park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most visited and biodiverse safari destination. Originally gazetted as Kazinga National Park in 1952, it was renamed to honour a visit by Queen Elizabeth II and today stands as one of Africa's greatest wildlife havens.
Straddling the equator in western Uganda, the park features an extraordinary mosaic of ecosystems — sprawling savannas, humid tropical forests, sparkling crater lakes, fertile wetlands, and the iconic Kazinga Channel connecting Lake Edward to Lake George.
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From dawn game drives across the Kasenyi Plains to sunset boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel — every hour here is unforgettable.
Most Popular
Patrol the golden Kasenyi Plains in 4WD vehicles at dawn or dusk, tracking lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and herds of Uganda Kob across open savanna.
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Iconic
Cruise the 40 km waterway linking Lakes Edward and George, home to 2,000 hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants at the shore and over 100 water bird species.
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Primate
Descend into the spectacular Valley of the Apes — a 100-metre-deep forested gorge — to track wild chimpanzees through dense jungle and crater swamps.
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Unique
Witness one of Africa's rarest spectacles — lions that climb and lounge in the branches of giant fig trees in the remote, untouched Ishasha sector.
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Predator
Join Uganda Carnivore Program rangers using radio-collar telemetry to locate and observe lion prides in real time — an intimate, behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter.
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Birding
Ranked the 6th most bird-diverse location on Earth, QENP hosts the African Skimmer, Shoebill Stork, African Fish Eagle, and hundreds of migratory and resident species.
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Forest
Explore the dense rainforest on foot with a guide, discovering bat caves, crater lakes, primates, rare forest birds, and the extraordinary biodiversity of this hidden ecosystem.
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Cultural
Visit the ancient alkaline Lake Katwe where local communities have harvested rock salt for centuries using traditional methods — a fascinating cultural and geological landmark.
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Geological
Drive the crater circuit to see dozens of dramatically carved volcanic craters, many filled with strikingly coloured lakes — some blood-red, some emerald green — set into rolling green hills.
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Night Safari
After dark the park transforms — spot leopards, civets, bush babies, porcupines and nocturnal predators with spotlights as the savanna comes alive with after-hours drama.
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Rare
A hidden gem of QENP — join researchers to track habituated banded mongoose groups, observing their complex social behaviour and foraging routines up close on the Mweya Peninsula.
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Community
Meet the Basongora, Bakiga and Bafumbira communities bordering the park — share in traditional dance, crafts, cooking and storytelling for an authentic insight into life alongside wildlife.
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Home to four of Africa's Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes — Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife spectacle unlike any other. Its varied habitats support an extraordinary breadth of species.
Whether you have three days or two weeks, our safari packages are crafted to give you the most authentic and immersive experience of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the wider Uganda circuit.
Game drives on Kasenyi Plains, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and Mweya Peninsula — the essential Queen Elizabeth experience.
EnquireCombines chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge with game drives, a Kazinga cruise, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
EnquireThe ultimate Uganda adventure — gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, plus the full Queen Elizabeth experience.
EnquireA comprehensive journey across Uganda's finest parks — Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, and Bwindi — with luxury lodge stays.
EnquireCombine Uganda's friendliest savanna park — perfect for horse safaris and night game drives — with the grandeur of QENP.
EnquireHave something specific in mind? Our safari specialists will craft a completely personalised itinerary around your dates, interests, and budget.
Get in touch| Season | Months | Wildlife Viewing | Birding | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Dry Season | June – September | Excellent | Good | Clear skies, tracks firm, best game viewing |
| Short Dry Season | December – February | Excellent | Excellent | Migratory birds arrive, great visibility |
| Long Rains | March – May | Good | Excellent | Lush greenery, fewer visitors, lower prices |
| Short Rains | October – November | Good | Excellent | Migratory species arrive, green landscapes |
Join thousands of travellers who have experienced the magic of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our team is ready to craft your perfect safari from the moment you land in Uganda.
Everything you need to know before visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The best time is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February, when roads are passable, vegetation is thinner, and wildlife concentrates around water sources. These months offer excellent game drives and boat cruises. Birding peaks in the wet seasons (March–May, October–November) when over 600 migratory species are present.
The park is approximately 400 km from Kampala — about 6–7 hours by road. The main route goes via Masaka and Mbarara to the park's Katunguru gate. An alternative scenic route runs via Fort Portal. Charter flights from Kajjansi (Entebbe) land at Mweya or Kasese airstrips, reducing travel to under 2 hours. Most safari operators include transfers.
The park hosts 95+ mammal species including African elephants, Cape buffalo, hippos, leopards, Uganda kob, and the world-famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Kazinga Channel supports one of Africa's densest hippo concentrations. Over 610 bird species have been recorded — making it Uganda's top birding destination. Chimpanzees inhabit Kyambura Gorge.
Activities include: game drives on the Queen's Mile and North Bank, Kazinga Channel boat cruise (most popular — 2 hours past thousands of hippos and buffalo), chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, guided crater lake walks, birding excursions, night drives, cultural visits to Kikorongo and Katwe villages, and salt lake tours. Lion-tracking is offered with the Ishasha Pride researchers.
Park entry is $40 USD per day for foreign non-residents, $30 USD for foreign residents, and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens. Children aged 5–15 in registered school groups pay reduced rates; under-5s are free. Annual passes are available at $350 for foreign residents. Fees are payable at park gates and are subject to revision by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge (iconic peninsula location overlooking Kazinga Channel), Kyambura Gorge Lodge (eco-luxury, solar-powered), and Ishasha Wilderness Camp (beside the river in tree-climbing lion territory). Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge, Pumba Safari Cottages, Elephant Plains Lodge. Budget: UWA bandas and hostels at Mweya. Book well ahead for peak-season dates.
A minimum of 3–4 days lets you cover the highlights: a game drive, a Kazinga Channel cruise, and at least one additional activity. To explore Ishasha's tree-climbing lions and Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees in addition to the Mweya sector, allow 5–7 days. Queen Elizabeth pairs well with Bwindi (gorilla trekking) or Kibale (chimp trekking) on a longer Uganda circuit.
Yes — Kyambura Gorge is home to a habituated chimpanzee community. The trek involves descending into an underground forest gorge carved by the Kyambura River. It is physically demanding due to steep terrain and dense vegetation. Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed. Permits should be booked in advance through your tour operator or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority.
