Queen Elizabeth National Park

A Wild and Wonderful Welcome

This park rolls out the red carpet for some of Africa’s most famous residents: four of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo—are waiting to make your acquaintance. Giraffes tower over acacia trees, while zebras, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks make their way to the nearest watering hole. Down at the Kazinga Channel, hippos laze about while crocs lounge on the banks.

Predators like hyenas and leopards play it cool, but with a little luck, you might witness a jaw-dropping chase worthy of a wildlife documentary. And if you’re a birder, bring your binoculars—over 600 bird species make this park a feathered paradise. From the elegant grey crowned crane to the elusive shoebill, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Fascinating Facts About Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Size: Spans 1,978 square kilometers (764 square miles).
• History: Established in 1952 and named after Queen Elizabeth II.
• Landscape: Offers a uniquely diverse environment, from savannahs to wetlands and volcanic features.
• Kazinga Channel: A 32-kilometer waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward, home to hippos, crocodiles, and the ancient shoebill.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: Found in the southern Ishasha sector, these lions are one of the park’s most unique attractions.
• Hippos: Holds the largest population of hippos in East Africa.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. The Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
   Down south in the Ishasha sector, lions take lounging to new heights—literally. Watching these majestic cats draped across tree branches is a rare and unforgettable sight.
2. Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel
   The Kazinga Channel is the park’s lifeline, teeming with life both in and out of the water. A boat safari offers a front-row seat to hippos, crocodiles, elephants cooling off, and an array of colorful birds.
3. Game Drives
   Explore the savannah plains and wetlands in search of wildlife. Early morning and evening drives are especially magical, with active animals and golden-hour light perfect for photography.
4. Chimpanzee Tracking
   In Kyambura Gorge, a lush forest valley within the park, you can track chimpanzees. It’s a thrilling opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.
5. Cultural Experiences
   Visit nearby villages to meet locals, learn about their customs, and try your hand at traditional activities like basket weaving or dancing.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• By Air: Fly into Kasese Airport or Mweya Airstrip, serviced by domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport.
• By Road: From Kampala, it’s a scenic five- to six-hour drive along the Mbarara-Kasese route. Expect stunning views of rolling hills and tea plantations.
• Public Transport: Public buses connect Kampala to nearby towns like Kasese, though additional transport is needed to reach the park.

When to Visit

• Best Time: The dry seasons (December to March and June to September) are perfect for spotting wildlife as animals gather around water sources.
• Rainy Season Perks: From April to November, the rains bring lush greenery and fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful experience.