Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited national park and a top destination for travelers. It covers an area of 1,978sq.km and it’s the second largest protected area in Uganda. Its diverse ecosystems, including stunning lakes, vast savannas, lush forests, and fertile swamps, make it the ultimate haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to a rich variety of species, including four of the Big Five (elephants, lions, buffalos, and leopards), ten primate species (including chimpanzees), and over 600 bird species.

Nestled near the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, the park features breathtaking landscapes such as crater lakes winding through rolling hills. The Kazinga Channel offers up-close views of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and numerous bird species gathered along the shores. Further south in the Ishasha sector, the iconic tree-climbing lions can be seen lounging in trees, awaiting their prey, such as Uganda Kobs, in a truly remarkable sight.

In addition to its incredible wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park also has a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions, experiencing vibrant music and dance performances from the communities around the park. With its wide array of attractions, a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park leaves tourists eager to return for more.

What to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel

Boat safaris offer one of the most exciting ways to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward to Lake George, is teeming with wildlife, making it a unique ecosystem to discover.

As you cruise along, you’ll witness herds of hippos, buffaloes, and elephants, quenching their thirst and cooling off during the hot hours of the day. The breathtaking views of the Kazinga Channel, coupled with expert guiding and informative commentary, ensure that boat safaris are an exhilarating and unforgettable experience in the park.

Safari Game Drives

Safari game drives, conducted in comfortable, open-roof vehicles with clear windows and knowledgeable park guides, offer an exciting opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitats. The drives let you tour the park while capturing memorable photographs and learning about the park’s ecosystems from the guides.

As you approach wildlife, the guide will make stops to provide insights on the species you encounter. A highlight of these drives is traversing the vast Kasenyi Plains, known for its open savanna and a chance to spot wildlife, including the Uganda kobs, duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs, and many others.

Touring the Mweya Peninsula provides a stunning view of the Kazinga Channel, adding to the appeal of these drives. Safari game drives are a top attraction because the guides tailor the experience to individual wildlife interests, creating a personalized and memorable adventure.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee trekking is a must-do activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with morning and afternoon sessions available for small groups of up to eight tourists. Led by expert guides from the Uganda wildlife Authority, trekkers journey through the lush forest habitats in search of these intelligent primates, with an 85% chance of sighting them.

The social behavior of chimpanzees, including their vocalizations and interactions, adds to the fascination of the trek. Park rangers will brief tourists before the trek, and upon locating the chimpanzees, the guides lead a careful observation of the primates. It’s essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of both visitors and the chimpanzees.

Lion Tracking

Lion tracking is one of the most thrilling activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a rare and exciting adventure. Led by licensed tour operators and skilled researchers from Uganda Wildlife Authority, the tracking takes place in the early mornings or late afternoons. Using radio collars, the trackers locate lions in the Ishasha sector, where the famous tree-climbing lions reside.

Lions live in groups, and a small group of tourists participates in tracking to avoid disturbing them. Lion tracking offers a deep dive into lion behavior and the challenges they face in the wild, fostering a connection with these majestic creatures while supporting conservation efforts.

The funds generated from lion tracking help maintain the park, combat poaching, and support community-based conservation initiatives.

Nature Walks and Guided Bush Walks

Guided nature walks through the Mweya Peninsula, Ishasha Plains, Maramagambo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge offer a chance to see wildlife in an intimate and thrilling way. With expert guides providing insights into the flora and fauna, these walks are perfect for wildlife lovers.

You’ll have the chance to spot chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, crocodiles, hippos, and rare bird species along the Kazinga Channel. The bush walks, which involve more intense encounters with the wilderness, are a more immersive adventure, offering a deeper connection to nature.

Guides ensure safety on these walks, pointing out risks and guiding tourists through the park’s landscapes. To stay safe, it’s important to stay with the group and follow designated paths by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Visiting Katwe Salt Mines

A visit to the Katwe Salt Mines offers a glimpse into the traditional and labor-intensive process of salt extraction from the shallow crater lakes. This practice has been passed down through generations, and it plays an important role in the local community’s livelihood.

The cultural significance of salt mining is immense, as it has supported local economies and traditions for centuries. Visitors can learn about this process while gaining an understanding of the economic and cultural importance of salt mining in the region.

How to Access Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda and is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are the main ways to reach the park:

By Road:

From Kampala (the capital city): Queen Elizabeth National Park is approximately 375 kilometers (about 6-7 hours) southwest of Kampala. The most common route is to take the Kampala-Mbarara road, which leads to the park. From Mbarara, you can continue to the park’s main gates such as the Nyundo Gate (to the south) or the Kasenyi Gate (to the north).
From Entebbe: The park is around 420 kilometers (about 7-8 hours) from Entebbe, and the route follows the same Kampala-Mbarara road.
Private or Rental Car: You can drive a private vehicle or rent a car to the park. There are various rental services available in Kampala and Entebbe, including 4×4 vehicles which are suitable for the park’s sometimes rough terrain. When you book with us, we organize for your transport throughout the tour.
Public Transport: Buses and shared taxis (minivans) regularly travel from Kampala to Mbarara or Kasese. From there, you can hire a taxi or local transport to the park. Public transport options are generally less comfortable than private vehicles but are affordable.

By Air:

Scheduled Flights: There are scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airport (which is located near the park). This is a quicker and more comfortable option for those who want to save time on the road. The flight takes approximately 1 hour.
Charter Flights: You can also charter private flights from Entebbe to various airstrips near the park, including Mweya Airstrip within the park itself. This is a more expensive but faster and scenic option.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During this time, wildlife gathers around water sources, making animals easier to spot during safari drives, nature walks, and other activities.

The wet season, from March to May and October to November, is less favorable for wildlife sightings but offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. It’s also the time when many birds breed and fly around the park in vivid displays.

Book Your Safari Today

We invite you to join us in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where conservation and adventure come together. As an UWA and AUTO registered tour operator, we help our visitors to achieve their safari dreams. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, or cultural immersion, this park offers an enriching experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Book your safari now and embark on an unforgettable journey!