Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Uganda’s Premier Safari Destination

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular park in Uganda, captivating visitors with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. From savannah grasslands and acacia woodlands to lush wetlands and crater lakes, the park’s varied landforms offer breathtaking scenery and provide a perfect habitat for an impressive array of animals.

Why Queen Elizabeth National Park Stands Out

This park’s unique volcanic terrain features volcanic cones and deep craters carved into the rolling green hills, some of which have formed into scenic crater lakes. But it’s not just the scenery that draws people here—Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an astounding range of wildlife, with 96 mammal species, including 4 of Africa’s “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo). Venture south to the Ishasha sector, where you’ll encounter the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, often found resting on fig tree branches.

With over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park also boasts some of the most diverse birdlife in the world. Watch for vibrant species like the African skimmer, pink-backed pelican, shoebill stork, martial eagle, and flamingo.

Situated near Virunga National Park, Queen Elizabeth and its neighboring reserve form a Lion Conservation Unit—a sanctuary dedicated to the protection of lions in Central Africa. The park’s varied wildlife and landscapes are framed by the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains and the bustling Kazinga Channel, known for hosting one of the world’s largest gatherings of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in local culture by engaging with nearby communities to experience storytelling, dance, music, and learn about the traditional Ugandan lifestyle.

About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Location: The park spans 1,978 sq. km (764 sq. mi) in southwestern Uganda, crossing the equator.

Climate: With a warm equatorial climate, temperatures range from 28°C (82°F) during the day to 15°C (59°F) at night. The park experiences two wet seasons from March to May and August to December, which can affect road accessibility.

Best Time to Visit: The park is open year-round. The wet season offers lush landscapes and migratory birds, while the dry season provides better conditions for chimpanzee trekking.

Getting There: Join a Natural Safaris tour from Kampala for a scenic 6–8 hour drive.

Highlights & Activities

Game Viewing: Explore the Kasenyi Plains for a chance to spot lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, buffalo, Ugandan kobs, and numerous bird species.

Tree-Climbing Lions: The Ishasha sector is one of the few places in Africa where you can observe lions resting in the limbs of fig trees—a rare and unforgettable sight.

Chimpanzee Trekking: Venture into the sunken forests of Kyambura Gorge, home to chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons, and flamingoes in a stunning natural setting.

Kazinga Channel Cruise: Drift along the channel for a close view of the largest concentration of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, antelope, and diverse birdlife.

Maramagambo Forest Walk: Walk through this vast forest known for its bat caves, and spot chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and pygmy antelopes.

Experience Queen Elizabeth National Park with Natural World Kenya Safaris

Whether you come for the wildlife, the breathtaking landscapes, or a blend of both, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a highlight of any African safari. Join Ak Africa Tour & Safaris for a journey through this remarkable park, and let us guide you on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Uganda. Safaris depart from Kigali, Rwanda, and Entebbe, making this the ideal start to your Ugandan safari journey.