Featured Destination Moderate

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kasese, Kamwenge, Rukungiri, and Rubirizi Districts Western Uganda

Uganda's most popular national park, famous for tree-climbing lions, diverse ecosystems, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

★ 4.7

Rating

Days Recommended

Moderate

Difficulty Level

December-February, June-September

Best Season

About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most visited national park and a true wildlife paradise. Spanning nearly 2,000 square kilometers, it encompasses savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakes in a stunning landscape at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, a behavior seen in only two places worldwide. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George, offers some of East Africa's best boat safari experiences with massive hippo concentrations and abundant waterbirds.

With over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth provides exceptional game viewing year-round.

Highlights

Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

Kazinga Channel boat safari

Diverse ecosystems

Over 600 bird species

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Crater lake landscapes

Activities

Game drives Boat safari on Kazinga Channel Chimpanzee tracking Bird watching Nature walks Cultural visits Crater lake tours

Wildlife You May Encounter

Tree-climbing lions Elephants Buffaloes Hippos Leopards Chimpanzees Uganda kob Waterbuck Warthogs

Accommodation

Luxury options include Mweya Safari Lodge and Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Mid-range choices like Buffalo Safari Lodge offer good value. Budget accommodations available at park campsites.

Getting There

Road access from Kampala via Fort Portal (5-6 hours) or via Mbarara (5 hours). Airstrips at Mweya and Kasese allow charter flights. Internal roads are generally good.

What to Pack

Light cotton clothing, warm layer for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket.