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Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is the second largest National Park in Uganda spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers (764 square miles). Established in 1952, the park was originally named Kazinga Channel National Park but was later renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in honor of a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England.
The park features a variety of landscapes, including savannahs, wetlands, forests, and lakes. It is home to the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, providing a rich habitat for numerous species. The breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains to the north add to the park’s scenic charm.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to observe wildlife. It hosts a remarkable grouping of animals, including:
- Big Game: Visitors can spot elephants, buffalos, and various antelope species roaming the open savannahs.
- Predators: The park is home to lions, including the famous tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector, as well as leopards and hyenas.
- Birdlife: With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Highlights include the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and various waterbirds along the Kazinga Channel.
This park is a hidden gem of natural beauty, drawing nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world.
Activities Done Around the National Park, Uganda
Boat Safaris In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
One of the most popular activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the boat safari along the Kazinga Channel which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This serene cruise allows visitors to get up close to herds of elephants, buffalo, antelope, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and basking crocodiles among others. The shores are also home to numerous bird species, including migratory birds heading south for warmer weather. The calm waters offer excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Game Drives In the National Park, Uganda
Game drives through the park’s diverse habitats provide another thrilling way to explore. Guided by experienced rangers, visitors can track and observe various animals in their natural environment, gaining insights into their behaviors and the park’s ecology. Look out for buffalo, elephants, Uganda kobs, and the famous tree-climbing lions, often spotted lounging on fig trees in the park’s southern sector. You can enjoy game drives both in the morning and evening for the best chances to see these incredible animals.
Bush Breakfast Experience In the National Park, Uganda
After a morning game drive, treat yourself to a unique bush breakfast in a secluded spot within the park. A fine dining experience awaits, complete with various snacks and drinks, and a personal chef ready to prepare any hot meals you desire.
Sundowner Experience In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
End your evening game drive with a delightful sundowner experience. A mini buffet of hot and cold drinks and snacks is set up for you to enjoy while watching the sunset over the savannah. As the day fades, you’ll see animals returning to their homes and nocturnal creatures starting to emerge.
Lake Katwe Salt Mines Visit In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Visit Lake Katwe, a saltwater lake located in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you can interact with local salt miners who will guide you through the salt production process and show you how salt is evaporated and purified. This visit typically lasts about an hour.
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking In the National Park, Uganda
Join a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kyambura Gorge, a 100-meter deep and 1-kilometer long forested area. Most of the 80 habituated chimpanzees in the gorge are accustomed to human presence. Alongside the chimps, you may also encounter various wildlife, including birds like bee-eaters, hornbills, and kingfishers, as well as monkeys, elephants, and hippos. The trek begins at the park headquarters, where ranger guides will brief you on guidelines. Expect to learn about chimpanzee behavior, including their social structures and feeding habits, as you observe them in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee tracking is available twice daily, with a maximum of 16 people allowed each day.
Nature Walk In In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Explore the beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park on a nature walk in areas like Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Mweya Peninsula, and the Ishasha sector. These walks provide a closer look at nature, with the option to go in the morning or afternoon, depending on your fitness level.
Possible wildlife sightings include tree-climbing lions, crater lakes, and various animals such as elephants, buffalo, warthogs, monkeys, and baboons.
Crater Lake Visit In the National Park, Uganda
Enjoy hiking around the beautiful crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park, such as Nyamunuka and Munyanyage craters. These areas are home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos and warthogs.
Lion Tracking In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
The National Park is known for its sustainable cat family conservation, hosting over 250 large cats, including lions and leopards. It is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions in the southern sector. Lion tracking is a research activity conducted in the northern Mweya Peninsula, specifically in the Kasenyi plains. This tracking involves three sessions—morning, afternoon, and evening—lasting about 2 to 3 hours. With a researcher guiding you, you’ll learn about the lions’ behaviors and habitats. The number of participants is limited for this activity, so booking is recommended. Once you locate the lions, the researcher will turn off the vehicle engine to minimize disturbance, allowing you to observe their feeding, social interactions, and playful juveniles in peace.
Accommodations Around the National Park, Uganda
Here are some accommodation options around the fNational Park, Uganda, catering to different budgets and preferences:
Luxury Lodge: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Katara Lodge among others
Mid-range Lodges: Park View Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Elephant Hub, King Fisher Safari Lodge, Enjojo Safari Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, and Ishasha Jungle Lodge among others.
How To Get To the National Park, Uganda
Depending on your starting point, here’s a guide on how to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda:
From Kampala
- By Road:
The journey takes about 6-8 hours. Take the Mbarara road and continue through the towns of Mbarara and Bushenyi. Follow the signs to the park entrance.
- By Air:
Domestic Flights: You can book a flight from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip, which is located within the park. The flight takes about an hour, and you can arrange for a transfer to your accommodation from the airstrip.
From Entebbe
- By Road:
Follow the same route as from Kampala, heading towards Mbarara, then to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This route will take approximately 7-9 hours.
From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- By Road:
If you’re coming from Bwindi, the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park typically takes about 2-3 hours. You can take the road through Ishasha, known for its tree-climbing lions, making for a scenic route.
From Kigali, Rwanda
- By Road:
The drive from Kigali takes about 4-5 hours. Cross the border at Katuna or Cyanika and follow the signs to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a convenient route if you’re combining a visit to both countries.
Book your visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Nirvana Tours and Travel. Kindly contact us through:
