Kazinga Channel hosts Africa’s densest
hippo population and giant crocodiles.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Birding

Ishasha Plains lions famously climb fig trees during cooler afternoons.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular safari destination, celebrated for its ecological diversity and wildlife abundance.

Stretching between Lakes Edward and George, the park blends savannah plains, volcanic craters, forests, and swamps, supporting over 95 mammal species.

Visitors can spot elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and predators like lions and leopards, especially on the Kasenyi and Ishasha plains.

The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in large fig trees in the south.

With over 600 bird species recorded—one of the highest counts in Africa—plus chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth offers a rich mix of land, water, and forest wildlife experiences year-round.

Map

Queen Elizabeth Highlights

From tree-climbing lions to crater lakes, these highlights reflect Queen Elizabeth’s abundant wildlife and its spectacular scenery in western Uganda.

  • Watch tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees on Ishasha’s open southern savannah.
  • Enjoy boat safaris on Kazinga Channel with hippos, crocs, buffalo, and waterbirds.
  • Explore the scenic crater lakes region dotted with volcanic cones and salt pans.
  • Track chimpanzees in the lush Kyambura Gorge, home to forest primates and birds.
  • Spot elephants, buffalo, and lions on game drives through Kasenyi’s golden grasslands.
  • Birdwatchers can find over 600 species, including African skimmers and shoebill storks.

Activities to Do in Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth offers a classic mix of game drives, river cruises, chimp trekking, crater walks, and birdwatching across varied terrain.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth

Plan travel January to February or June to July, when Dry season conditions offer excellent wildlife viewing and easier access across the park.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park Wet Season

Seasonal Wildlife Viewing

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons: January to February and June to July. These months offer better road access, less vegetation, and easier wildlife viewing near water sources like the Kazinga Channel.

Although rain can occur anytime, the wet seasons—from March to May and August to December—bring beautiful green landscapes and excellent birdwatching. April and November are the wettest months, when some roads and chimp trekking trails may become muddy or impassable.

Temperatures stay relatively constant throughout the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F) during the day and cooling to 18°C (64°F) at night. While the park remains accessible, visitors should bring waterproof gear during rainy months and book gorilla trekking extensions from Ishasha to nearby Bwindi for a complete experience.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Dry Season

Accommodations / Where to Stay

Queen Elizabeth offers riverside lodges, crater-view camps, and mid-range stays in Kasenyi, Mweya, and Ishasha, all with wildlife access, warm hospitality, and sweeping views of savannah or water.

Uganda

Angama Mara

Luxury Lodge

Uganda

Ol Donyo Lodge

Luxury Lodge

Uganda

Sirikoi Lodge

Luxury Lodge

wildlife To See

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife To See

    Lion

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife To See

    Elephant

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife To See

    Chimpanzee

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife To See

    Hippo

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife To See

    Hog

Get To
Queen Elizabeth

Most visitors arrive via Entebbe International Airport, 46 km from Kampala. From there, Queen Elizabeth National Park lies 7–8 hours away by road (375–425 km), passing through towns like Fort Portal or Mbarara. The park is often visited as part of a longer circuit including Bwindi, just 2 hours from Ishasha. Domestic flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Mweya or Kasese airstrips. Airport pickup and all ground transportation are usually arranged by our team.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Views

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