Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Name: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Address: Uganda

Uganda

Experience Queen Elizabeth National Park

Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed two years later to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, this 1,978-square-kilometer park is a volcanic wonderland. It is set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains and features dozens of enormous craters carved into dramatic rolling hills. The park is bisected by the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, and is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos. Its diverse habitats, ranging from the open plains of Kasenyi to the dense Maramagambo Forest and the remote Ishasha River woods, make it a premier destination for both classic big game viewing and primate tracking.

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Popular Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park

7 Days

7-Day Gorillas, Chimps, Ziwa, Murchison & Queen Elizabeth Safari (Uganda)

From

$3,511.00

3 Days

3-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari (Uganda)

From

$1,208.00

3 Days

3-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari (Uganda)

From

$1,070.00

Things to Do

Kazinga Channel Boat Ride (Queen Elizabeth NP)

2 Hours$40.00

Details

Where to Stay

Lodge

Enshama Game Lodge & Campsite

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Lodge

Buffalo Safari Lodge

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Lodge

The Bush Lodge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

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Iconic Highlights

Tree-Climbing Lions: Found in the southern Ishasha sector, these lions are world-famous for spending their days draped across the branches of giant fig trees

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: An essential experience for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and massive herds of elephants and buffaloes coming to drink.

Chimpanzee Trekking: Located in the deep, tropical Kyambura Gorge, also known as the "Valley of Apes," which carves through the savanna floor.

Explosion Crater Drive: A scenic 27km route through the park's highest points, offering views of turquoise crater lakes and the Great Rift Valley.

Kasenyi Plains: The park's primary breeding ground for Uganda Kob, making it the best spot for lion and leopard sightings.

Wildlife & Nature

Lion

Elephant

Leopard

Buffalo

Cheetah

Giraffe

Zebra

Chimpanzee

Hippo

Photo Gallery

Climate & When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

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Monthly Averages

Month	Temp High	Temp Low	Rainfall
Apr	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Aug	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Dec	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Feb	29°C	--°C	-- mm
Jan	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Jul	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Jun	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Mar	29°C	--°C	-- mm
May	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Nov	27°C	--°C	-- mm
Oct	28°C	--°C	-- mm
Sep	28°C	--°C	-- mm

Travel Requirements

Visa: Uganda Tourist Visa or East Africa Tourist Visa.

Permits: Chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge requires a permit, which is best booked in advance.

Health: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised.

Entry: Park fees are paid at the gates (Kabatoro, Katunguru, or Ishasha) via credit card or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) cashless system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly can I see the tree-climbing lions?

They are located in the Ishasha sector, which is the southernmost part of the park. It is about a 2–3 hour drive from the central Mweya Peninsula.

Is it safe to do a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel?

Yes. The boats are operated by experienced rangers and guides who maintain a safe distance from the hippos and crocodiles. It is one of the safest and most relaxing ways to see large game.

Can I see rhinos in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

No, rhinos are extinct in the wild in Uganda's national parks. To see them, you must visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to Murchison Falls.

How does the chimp trekking here compare to Kibale?

Kyambura Gorge offers a more dramatic setting as you descend into a "lost world" forest below the savanna. However, sightings are more "hit or miss" compared to the nearly guaranteed sightings in Kibale Forest.

What is the best way to get to the park?

Most visitors drive from Kampala (approx. 6–7 hours). Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight (1 hour) to the Kasese or Mweya airstrips.

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Dest Type

National Parks

Status

Entry Permits Required

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