Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda wildlife safari
UGANDA WILDLIFE SAFARI

Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Discover wildlife safaris, Kazinga Channel boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in western Uganda.

LOCATION Western Uganda
PARK SIZE 1,978 km²
MAIN ATTRACTION Wildlife & Kazinga Channel
FAMOUS FOR Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda is one of the country's famous wildlife destinations. It is located in western Uganda and offers a mix of savannah, forests, wetlands and lakes.

As a result, the park supports a wide range of wildlife and bird species. During a safari, you can look for elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos and Uganda kobs.

In addition, visitors can enjoy boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking and bird watching. Therefore, the park works well for both short and extended Uganda safaris.

Explore Uganda Safari Packages →

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The park combines wildlife, waterways, forests and beautiful landscapes in one destination.

01

Diverse Wildlife

Explore the savannah in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs and other wildlife.

02

Kazinga Channel

Enjoy a boat cruise where you can see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and water birds.

03

Tree-Climbing Lions

Visit Ishasha and search for lions resting in the branches of large fig trees.

04

Primates & Birds

Discover chimpanzees, other primates and many bird species across different habitats.

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Add these experiences to your Uganda safari itinerary for a varied wildlife adventure.

Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda 01

Wildlife Game Drives

Explore the park's savannah plains with an experienced guide. You may see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions and other wildlife.

Kazinga Channel boat cruise Queen Elizabeth National Park 02

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Cruise along the Kazinga Channel and watch hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and birds near the shoreline.

Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda 03

Chimpanzee Trekking

Explore forest habitats and search for chimpanzees and other primates with trained local guides.

Ishasha tree climbing lions Uganda safari 04

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions

Travel to the southern Ishasha sector and look for lions resting in the branches of large trees.

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda 05

Bird Watching

Explore wetlands, forests and grasslands while looking for a variety of African bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda scenic landscape 06

Scenic Exploration

Enjoy beautiful views of western Uganda, including savannah landscapes, lakes and surrounding hills.

Discover the Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. It is one of the main attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

During a boat cruise, visitors can watch hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and many water birds along the channel.

Moreover, the cruise offers a different view of the park. It is also an excellent addition to a wildlife game drive.

Plan This Experience

Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

The Ishasha sector is located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

It is especially known for lions that sometimes rest in the branches of large fig trees above the savannah.

Therefore, Ishasha can add a unique experience to a longer western Uganda safari.

Add Ishasha to Your Safari →
Tree climbing lions Ishasha Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park has different habitats that support many mammals, primates and bird species.

Elephants Large mammals found across the park
Buffaloes Often seen on open savannah
Hippos Common around waterways
Lions Famous in the Ishasha sector
Leopards Occasionally seen during game drives
Chimpanzees Found in forest habitats
Uganda Kobs Common savannah antelope
Birds A wide variety of bird species
Uganda wildlife safari landscape Queen Elizabeth National Park

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited throughout the year. However, your preferred travel period may depend on the activities you want to enjoy.

Dry Seasons

Drier periods are often preferred for game drives. Roads can be easier to navigate, and wildlife may be easier to find around water sources.

Wet Seasons

Wet months can create green landscapes and beautiful scenery. In addition, these periods can be attractive for bird watching and photography.

Therefore, choose your travel dates based on your interests, itinerary and preferred safari activities.

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda. It can be included in several popular safari routes.

01

From Kampala or Entebbe

Many road safaris travel from Kampala or Entebbe towards western Uganda before reaching the park.

02

Combine With Kibale

You can combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking.

03

Combine With Bwindi

You can also continue towards Bwindi for an exciting mountain gorilla trekking experience.

Queen Elizabeth National Park and Gorilla Trekking

Queen Elizabeth National Park is an excellent addition to a western Uganda gorilla trekking itinerary.

First, enjoy wildlife viewing and the Kazinga Channel. Then, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking.

View Gorilla & Wildlife Safari →

Queen Elizabeth National Park FAQ

Find answers to common questions about visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

What is Queen Elizabeth National Park known for?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for wildlife safaris, the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee experiences, bird watching and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park located?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda. It is part of the popular western Uganda safari circuit.

What animals can I see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Visitors may see elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, Uganda kobs, leopards, chimpanzees and many bird species.

Can I see tree-climbing lions in Uganda?

Yes. The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is particularly known for lions that sometimes rest in trees.

Can I take a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Yes. A Kazinga Channel boat cruise provides opportunities to see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and water birds.

Can I combine Queen Elizabeth with gorilla trekking?

Yes. Queen Elizabeth National Park can be combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Can I combine Queen Elizabeth with chimpanzee trekking?

Yes. You can combine the park with chimpanzee experiences in areas such as Kyambura Gorge or Kibale Forest, depending on your itinerary.

How many days do I need in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The number of days depends on your interests. A short trip can include game drives and the Kazinga Channel, while a longer safari can include Ishasha and chimpanzee trekking.

EXPERIENCE WESTERN UGANDA

Ready to Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Plan your Uganda wildlife safari with game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Ishasha and primate experiences.

Safari Photo Highlights​

Get Free Quote