Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most captivating safari destinations and one of Africa’s most naturally diverse protected areas. Located in western Uganda, the park covers approximately 1,978 square kilometres and offers a striking blend of open savannah, lush forests, sparkling crater lakes, wetlands, and winding waterways. It is best known for its tree climbing lions, abundant wildlife, scenic boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and rich cultural encounters that bring the landscape to life.
Whether you are visiting Uganda for the first time or returning for another adventure, Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers a safari experience filled with drama, beauty, and unforgettable wildlife moments.
Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park Located?
Queen Elizabeth National Park lies within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley and stretches across the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, and Kanungu. It is approximately 400 kilometres from Kampala and takes around six to seven hours by road. The park sits between Lake George and Lake Edward, which are linked by the famous Kazinga Channel. To the north rise the Rwenzori Mountains, while the southern Ishasha sector borders Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it ideal for combining wildlife safaris with gorilla trekking.
The Legendary Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
One of the most extraordinary features of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the rare population of tree climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector. Unlike most lions across Africa, these lions regularly climb fig and acacia trees, where they can be seen resting along the branches during the heat of the day.
The reason behind this unusual behaviour is believed to be a combination of escaping ground insects, enjoying cooler breezes, and gaining a vantage point over the surrounding plains. Watching these powerful predators draped effortlessly across tree limbs is a truly mesmerising sight and one of the most photographed wildlife experiences in Uganda. The Ishasha tree climbing lions have become a symbol of the park and a major highlight for safari travellers.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway stretching over thirty kilometres and connecting Lake George to Lake Edward. A boat cruise along this channel is considered one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in East Africa.
The banks are lined with large herds of elephants and buffaloes, while hippos crowd the water in astonishing numbers. Nile crocodiles bask along the shores, and the skies are alive with birdlife including African fish eagles, saddle billed storks, pelicans, and kingfishers. The slow pace of the boat allows for close encounters and excellent photography in a relaxed setting.
Game Drives in the Kasenyi Plains
The Kasenyi Plains in the northern sector of the park offer classic savannah scenery and outstanding game viewing. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best chance of spotting lions hunting Ugandan kobs, along with elephants, hyenas, buffaloes, warthogs, and waterbucks. The wide open plains make wildlife easy to observe and create perfect conditions for photography.
Kyambura Gorge, The Valley of Apes
Kyambura Gorge cuts dramatically through the savannah landscape, revealing a lush tropical forest hidden below the plains. Often referred to as the Valley of Apes, this gorge is home to a small population of chimpanzees as well as black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, and an impressive variety of forest birds.
Chimpanzee tracking here is a rewarding experience, offering a striking contrast between the dry savannah above and the green forest below.
A Bird Watching Paradise
With more than 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the finest birding destinations in Africa. From flamingos around the crater lakes to shoebill sightings in the wetlands and colourful forest species in Maramagambo Forest, bird lovers are spoiled for choice throughout the year.
Wildlife Diversity
The park supports an extraordinary range of wildlife including African elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, hyenas, topis, Ugandan kobs, waterbucks, and bushbucks. This diversity makes Queen Elizabeth National Park a top destination for classic big game safaris in Uganda.
Top Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, scenic boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, nature walks in Maramagambo Forest, and the explosion crater drive which offers sweeping views of crater lakes, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Accommodation Options
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers accommodation to suit every style of traveller.
Luxury lodges include Mweya Safari Lodge with views over the Kazinga Channel, Kyambura Gorge Lodge overlooking the savannah, and Ishasha Wilderness Camp located near the tree climbing lions.
Midrange options include Enganzi Game Lodge, Marafiki Safari Lodge, and Buffalo Safari Lodge.
Budget travellers can stay at Pumba Safari Cottages, Simba Safari Camp, or The Bush Lodge.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open all year round. The dry seasons from June to August and December to February offer the best conditions for wildlife viewing and boat cruises. The wetter months from March to May and September to November bring lush scenery and excellent birding opportunities.
Getting There
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be reached by road from Kampala via Mbarara or by domestic flights from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese airstrips. Its location also makes it easy to combine with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla and wildlife safari.
Conservation and Community
The park plays a vital role in Uganda’s conservation efforts and supports surrounding communities through tourism revenue. Cultural experiences, craft projects, and community performances allow visitors to connect with local traditions while contributing to education, healthcare, and conservation initiatives.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a true jewel of Uganda’s safari circuit. From the unforgettable sight of tree climbing lions in Ishasha to tranquil boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the park offers an experience that is both thrilling and deeply rewarding.
Every game drive, cruise, and nature walk reveals something new, making Queen Elizabeth National Park a destination that stays with you long after your safari ends