Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park, a jewel in Uganda's diverse landscape, is a destination that enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife. Top attractions include the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Ishasha Sector tree-climbing lions, Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife game drives in Kasenyi and Mweya tracks.
Overview
Queen Elizabeth National Park, a jewel in Uganda's diverse landscape, is a destination that enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife. Spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers, the park was established in 1952 and named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II following her visit to Uganda in 1954. Nestled between the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and the shores of Lake Edward, it encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including savannahs, forests, wetlands, and volcanic craters.
The park's unique geography features expansive savannah plains and rolling hills dotted with crater lakes, such as Lake Katwe, known for its salt extraction. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is a focal point of the park. It is renowned for its large population of hippos—reportedly the highest concentration in East Africa. Here, visitors can enjoy boat cruises that offer close encounters with wildlife along the water's edge, including elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife. It boasts over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. Among its notable inhabitants are the famous tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector, which have adapted to resting in fig trees—a rare sight that draws many tourists. Other wildlife includes elephants, leopards, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and various primates such as chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Wildlife
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a treasured wildlife sanctuary in Uganda, renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is home to over 95 mammal species, 10 primate species, and more than 600 bird species, making it one of the most diverse national parks in Africa.
The park features a variety of mammals, including several notable species:
- The Big Four: Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants. Lions are particularly famous for their unique behavior of climbing trees, especially in the Ishasha sector, where they can often be seen lounging on branches. Leopards, known for their elusive nature, are primarily nocturnal but can be spotted resting in the low-hanging branches of trees during the day.
- Antelopes: The park's savannahs are ideal habitats for various antelope species, including the Uganda kob, waterbuck, topi, and defassa waterbuck. These herbivores play a crucial role in the ecosystem by supporting predator populations.
- Hippos: These massive mammals spend most of their day lounging in the Kazinga Channel. Their populations are estimated at over 5,000 individuals.
- Other Mammals: Other notable mammals include spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, and various species of monkeys, such as the black-and-white colobus and olive baboons.
Primates
One of the best places to see chimpanzees in the wild is Kyambura Gorge in
Queen Elizabeth National Park. It boasts of ten different species:
- Chimpanzees: The Kyambura Gorge is particularly famous for its chimpanzee population. Chimpanzee trekking in this area offers visitors a chance to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.
- Other primates include the red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, and various species of mangabeys and baboons. You can see these primates on guided nature walks through forested areas like Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
Birds & Reptiles
With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the top birding spots in Uganda:
Notable birds include the African fish eagle, yellow-billed stork, and various kingfishers. The park's diverse habitats support a wide range of avian life, making it one of the best birding destinations in Uganda.
The Kazinga Channel is particularly rich in birdlife, attracting numerous aquatic birds such as pelicans and cormorants. Birdwatching opportunities abound along the shores where herons and other wading birds can be spotted124.
Crocodiles are commonly found along the banks of the Kazinga Channel, while the Maramagambo Forest is home to African rock pythons that prey on bats within the cave systems
Activities and Adventures
Game Drives
From heart-stopping lion encounters to gentle giants parading by, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park serve up the kind of wildlife experiences that make unforgettable safari stories. Whether watching a herd of elephants amble past your vehicle or spotting a curious bushpig trotting through the grass, each game drive brings you face-to-face with Africa's most captivating creatures. With an expert safari guide leading the way, popular routes like Mweya and Kasenyi transform into wildlife highways, promising the kind of up-close encounters that make Uganda wildlife safaris truly special.
Here's what you can expect to find along the park's main game tracks:
Kasenyi Game Drive Circuit: Situated in the northeastern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kasenyi plains lie adjacent to the western shores of Lake George, near the confluence with the Kazinga Channel. This area is renowned for its abundant wildlife, making it a prime location for safari game drives. Large herds of Uganda Kobs, the nation's emblematic antelope, graze the plains, often attracting predators like lions, frequently observed hunting or resting during daylight hours. Buffaloes are commonly seen grazing, while warthogs and bushbucks forage throughout the grasslands. Morning and evening game drives are particularly rewarding, coinciding with peak animal activity.
Ishasha Game Drive Circuit: Located in the southern part of the park, the Ishasha sector is famed for its unique tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in fig trees—a behavior rare among lions. This area also hosts populations of Uganda Kobs and topis, serving as prey for the resident predators. Elephants and buffaloes are frequently spotted, especially near water sources. The Ishasha sector features two primary circuits—the Northern and Southern loops—each approximately 20 kilometers long, offering extensive opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Channel Drive Circuit: This circuit runs alongside the Kazinga Channel, a 40-kilometer waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is renowned for its large hippo population, often seen basking in the water, and crocodiles sunning themselves along the banks. Elephants and waterbucks are frequently seen drinking at the water's edge. The area is also a haven for birdlife, with common sightings of species like pelicans and storks. The lush vegetation and scenic water views enhance the overall wildlife experience.
Crater Drive Circuit: The Crater Drive circuit traverses the park's volcanic craters, with some of the most stunning vistas and unique geological features. This area is home to elusive giant forest hogs, bushbucks, and waterbucks that inhabit the lush vegetation surrounding the craters. These habitats support a large collection of bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching in Uganda. Due to the rough and rocky terrain, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for this drive.
Tailor-made Wildlife Safaris
8-Day Classic Primates & Wildlife Safari.
From US $3,865 per person
- Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking
- Game drive & boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Stay in mid-range luxury lodges.
12-Day Explore The Best of Uganda Safari.
From US $5,518 per person
- Primates - gorillas & chimp treks.
- Game drives and boat safaris in Queen and Murchison Falls.
- Both rainforest & savannah adventures.
5-Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure (Fly-in).
From US $3,053 per person
- Quick getaway to Bwindi with 1 gorilla trekking experience.
- Stay in a luxury forest lodge.
- Perfect for time-sensitive travelers.
Best Time For Game Drives
- Morning Game Drives (6:30 AM - 10:30 AM): Animals are most active during this time, providing opportunities to witness predators hunting and herbivores grazing.
- Evening Game Drives (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Wildlife activity remains high as animals prepare for the night, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
- Night Game Drives (6:00 PM onwards): These drives, mainly conducted in the Mweya Peninsula, allow visitors to spot nocturnal animals such as leopards, serval cats, bush babies, and hyenas using spotlight torches.
Boat Safaris on Kazinga Channel
Boat safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park are one of Uganda's most immersive wildlife experiences, taking visitors on a leisurely 2-3 hour cruise along a 32-kilometer natural waterway—the Kazinga Channel—connecting Lakes Edward and George. From the comfort of a covered boat departing from Mweya Peninsula, visitors can observe one of Africa's largest concentrations of hippos wallowing in the water. Nile crocodiles bask on the banks, elephants and buffalo herds come to drink, and hundreds of species of water birds - including pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles - soar overhead or wade along the shoreline.
The boat safari brings you closer to wildlife than most land-based game drives, providing incredible photo opportunities and an immersive experience. Knowledgeable guides accompany every boat safari, providing insightful commentary about the wildlife, bird species, and the park's ecology. They enhance your experience with fascinating facts and are skilled at spotting even the most elusive animals. The peaceful rhythm of the boat ride also allows for more focused observation.
The boat cruises are typically conducted in two main sessions: one in the morning (around 9 AM) and another in the afternoon (around 2 PM).
Though this signature safari experience is available year-round, the best viewing conditions typically occur during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September. Afternoon trips offer particularly dramatic wildlife photography opportunities in the golden light.
Most boat safaris are on shared boats, but Nkuringo Safaris experts can arrange for private boat trips for a more personalized experience. Group trips are great for meeting other travelers, while private ones offer a quieter, more intimate encounter with nature.
Guided Nature Walks
Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer an intimate, up-close experience with the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife, providing an enriching complement to game drives and boat safaris. Guided by experienced rangers, these walks allow visitors to truly immerse themselves in Uganda's wilderness, offering unique insights into the park's flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Some of the famous walking trails include:
- Mweya Peninsula Walks: The Mweya Peninsula offers a popular walking trail, providing panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. Walking, you can observe various animal species along the shoreline and enjoy the scenic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
- Maramagambo Forest Walks: Guided nature walks through Maramagambo Forest bring you face-to-face with rich biodiversity, including various primates, tree species, and numerous birds. The forest is also home to the Bat Cave, where you can observe fruit bats and occasionally spot their predator, the rock python.
- Kyambura Gorge Trekking: As one of the park's highlights, Kyambura Gorge offers guided nature walks through a lush, steep ravine carved out by the Kyambura River. This "Valley of Apes" is known for its resident chimpanzee population, and while sightings are not guaranteed, trekking here provides a thrilling and immersive experience in a unique ecosystem.
- Crater Lakes Walks: The park's crater lakes, formed by ancient volcanic activity, offer scenic and often less-traveled walking paths. These walks present breathtaking views, interesting geological formations, and opportunities to learn about the region's history and ecology from knowledgeable guides.
Lion Tracking
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of Africa's most iconic predators. This immersive experience allows visitors to gain insight into lion behavior and contribute to vital conservation efforts, preserving these magnificent animals for future generations.
The lion tracking adventure typically occurs in the Kasenyi Plains, a prime area within the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is conducted by trained researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program, who use radio collars fitted on specific lions to monitor their movements. This enhances the chances of spotting lions and contributes to important conservation efforts.
Lion tracking sessions are usually held in the early morning, around 8 AM, or late afternoon, around 4 PM. These times are chosen to maximize the likelihood of observing lions when they are most active. It can last about 1 to 3 hours, during which participants can learn about lion behavior, social structures, and feeding habits.
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is limited to a few participants to minimize stress on the animals and enhance the quality of the experience. This ensures an intimate and educational encounter.
Participants are equipped with radio receivers that help locate lions fitted with collars. The dominant pride lioness is usually selected for collaring, as she tends to stay with the group. This allows researchers to monitor the entire pride effectively.
Permit Costs: A lion tracking permit costs USD $100 for foreign non-residents, $80 for foreign residents, and 100,000 UGX for East African citizens. These rates include a $10 community fee.
Wildlife Safaris
A typical wildlife safari in Uganda often includes a boat trip and a couple of game drives through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Say, for two nights minimum. Your safari can seamlessly extend to Kibale Forest for an up-close encounter with chimpanzees or begin with the chimpanzee adventure in Kibale before heading to Queen Elizabeth. Spend at least two nights in Kibale to get the best out of the chimp forest. From Queen, the trip can extend to the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. We recommend spending at least two nights at our multi-award-winning Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, located just 10 minutes from the trekking center.
With Nkuringo Safaris, seasoned experts will meticulously craft your itinerary, handling every detail of logistics and groundwork. So you can focus solely on creating cherished memories and shaping your unique safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Take a look at these packages or ask for a quote right away.
9-Day Gorillas in Bwindi & Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth.
From US $,$$$
- Trek gorillas in Bwindi, take a boat safari and game drives in Queen Elizabeth.
- staying in deluxe forest cottages
- Hike across Bwindi from Nkuringo to Buhoma with local guides.
10-Day Honeymoon Safari with Gorillas and The Nile.
From US $7,200 per person
- Explore the Nile, Safari in Queen, trek chimpanzees in Kibale and gorillas.
- Stay is top-rated luxury lodges
- All inclusive package recommended for all couples
16-Day The Best of Uganda Safari Plus Gorilla Trekking
From US $14,800
- Visit Uganda's so much-talked-about national parks, especially primate parks.
- Domestic flights & permits included.
- Stay in a good selection of luxury lodges.
8-Day Classic Primates & Wildlife Safari.
From US $3,865 per person
- Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking
- Game drive & boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Stay in mid-range luxury lodges.
12-Day Explore The Best of Uganda Safari.
From US $5,518 per person
- Primates - gorillas & chimp treks.
- Game drives and boat safaris in Queen and Murchison Falls.
- Both rainforest & savannah adventures.
5-Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure (Fly-in).
From US $3,053 per person
- Quick getaway to Bwindi with 1 gorilla trekking experience.
- Stay in a luxury forest lodge.
- Perfect for time-sensitive travelers.