Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular safari park. Spot lions, elephants, hippos, and enjoy unforgettable Kazinga Channel boat cruises.
🐘 Introduction: Welcome to Uganda’s Most Diverse National Park
In the heart of western Uganda lies one of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known for its sweeping savannah plains, crater lakes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, the park offers a safari experience that’s as rich in landscapes as it is in animal encounters.
Whether you're searching for tree-climbing lions, hippo-filled rivers, or unforgettable boat safaris, Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers everything you expect from an African safari—and more.
🌿 What Makes Queen Elizabeth National Park Unique?
Covering nearly 2,000 square kilometers, the park stretches from the Rwenzori Mountains in the north to Lake Edward in the south. It contains multiple ecosystems, including savannah grasslands, tropical forests, wetlands, and volcanic craters.
Home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth is one of the most biodiverse protected areas in all of Africa.
🦁 Top Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
🚙 1. Game Drives in Kasenyi Plains
The Kasenyi sector is a safari highlight. Open savannahs provide excellent opportunities to spot:
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Uganda kobs
- Warthogs
- Hyenas
- Lions—often seen stalking prey or lounging under acacia trees
Morning and evening drives with experienced guides or rangers give the best chances to see predators in action.
🛥 2. Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
One of the most unique wildlife experiences in Uganda is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise—a relaxing ride along the 32km natural channel that links Lake Edward and Lake George.
Expect to see:
- Massive pods of hippos (hundreds at a time!)
- Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the banks
- Herds of elephants and buffaloes coming to drink
- A dazzling variety of birds, including African fish eagles, pelicans, storks, and kingfishers
This boat safari is ideal for photography, birding, and families.
🌳 3. Explore the Kyambura Gorge
Known as the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a lush forested canyon home to a small population of chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee tracking here is more adventurous due to the terrain, but the chance to hike deep into the jungle and encounter primates in the wild is incredibly rewarding.
🌳 4. Visit the Ishasha Sector – Home of Tree-Climbing Lions
One of Queen Elizabeth’s most famous and rare attractions is the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, found in the remote southern part of the park.
These lions often lounge in the branches of fig and acacia trees—a behavior seen only here and in Lake Manyara, Tanzania.
It’s a bucket-list photo opportunity and worth the detour south.
🦜 Birding Paradise
Queen Elizabeth NP is a birding haven, with species found in diverse habitats ranging from forests to wetlands. Some highlights include:
- Grey crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird)
- Shoebill stork (in the marshy Katunguru area)
- African skimmers
- Martial eagles
- Papyrus gonoleks
Bring your binoculars—birding is good all year, especially during migratory seasons.
🛏 Where to Stay
There’s a wide range of accommodation in and around the park, from budget-friendly camps to luxury safari lodges.
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Mid-range: Enshama Game Lodge, Marafiki Safari Lodge
Budget: The Bush Lodge, Pumba Safari Cottages
Many lodges offer Kazinga Channel views, crater lake scenery, or bush surroundings, allowing guests to stay close to the action.
🚗 Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park
By Road: 6–7 hours drive from Kampala via Mbarara
By Air: Daily domestic flights to Mweya Airstrip from Entebbe or Kajjansi airfields
From Bwindi: A 3–5 hour scenic drive, ideal for combining gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari
Gagan Tours and Travel Uganda offers door-to-door transport, safaris, and custom itineraries.
📆 Best Time to Visit
Queen Elizabeth NP is open year-round, but the dry seasons of June–August and December–February are ideal for game drives and boat cruises.
The wet seasons bring dramatic scenery and are great for birdwatching, though some roads may become difficult to navigate.
📸 Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
🦁 See tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
🐘 Enjoy classic Big Game safaris
🛶 Cruise among hippos on the Kazinga Channel
🐦 Spot over 600 bird species
🏞 Explore stunning crater lakes and forests
Whether you're a first-time visitor to Uganda or a seasoned safari-goer, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers everything you need for a complete safari experience—with stunning scenery, amazing animals, and cultural depth.
📩 Book Your Safari Today with Gagan Tours and Travel Uganda
Let Gagan Tours and Travel Uganda help you create the perfect itinerary to explore Queen Elizabeth NP. From private game drives to luxury lodge stays, we’ll take care of all the details—so you can focus on the adventure.
👉 Contact us today or visit www.gagantoursuganda.com