Queen Elizabeth National Park

A diverse wildlife sanctuary in Uganda known for its tree-climbing lions.

Overview

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park covers an area of 1,978 square kilometers and is named after Queen Elizabeth II. It was established in 1952 and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, and over 600 species of birds. The park is situated in the western arm of the East African Rift Valley, with the Rwenzori Mountains providing a magnificent backdrop. The climate in the park is generally tropical, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from March to May and from September to November. The park boasts of diverse plant species, including the acacia, candelabra tree, and the Uganda kob.

Things to Do

Game drives: Take a game drive through the park and experience the thrill of seeing wildlife up close. You can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo, and many other species.

Boat cruise: Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel and enjoy the stunning views of the park’s wildlife and scenery. You will see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.

Chimpanzee tracking: Trek through the tropical forest in search of chimpanzees, one of the park’s main attractions. You will be guided by expert rangers and will have the opportunity to observe these amazing primates in their natural habitat.

Nature walks: Discover the park’s diverse flora and fauna on a guided nature walk. You will learn about the different plant and animal species and their importance to the ecosystem.

Cultural encounters: Visit the local communities surrounding the park and learn about their traditional ways of life. You can participate in cultural dances, visit local markets, and interact with the local people.

What to See

Tree-climbing lions: Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see lions climbing trees. The park’s Ishasha sector is home to these unique predators, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an experience like no other.

Kazinga Channel: This 40-kilometer long channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is a hub for wildlife activity. Take a boat cruise along the channel and see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.

Kyambura Gorge: This 16-kilometer long gorge is home to a thriving population of chimpanzees. Trek through the forest and observe these amazing primates in their natural habitat.

Kasenyi Plains: These vast plains are the perfect place for game drives and offer visitors the opportunity to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes grazing in the open savannah.

Mweya Peninsula: This peninsula offers stunning views of Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains. Take a nature walk and discover the park’s diverse flora and fauna or enjoy a sundowner while watching the sunset over the lake.

Bird watching: Queen Elizabeth National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 600 species of birds recorded in the park. The park is home to the African fish eagle, the martial eagle, and the shoebill stork, among many other species.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and from June to September. During this time, the park’s vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. The temperatures are also cooler, making it more comfortable for visitors to engage in outdoor activities.

Getting there

By Road: There are several options for getting to the park. From Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, it’s approximately a 6-hour drive. The journey takes you through scenic countryside and gives you the opportunity to see rural life in Uganda. You can also take a taxi or hire a private car to get to the park. If you’re coming from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, it’s about a 4-hour drive to the park. This route takes you through the rolling hills of Rwanda and the lush countryside of southwestern Uganda.

By air: There are several options for getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park has its own airstrip, which is located in the Mweya Peninsula. Aerolink Uganda operates daily flights to the park from Entebbe International Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers from Kampala. The flight takes about an hour and gives you the opportunity to see the park from the air. You can also charter a flight to the park if you prefer.

Where to Stay

Mid-Range Accommodation:

Bush Lodge, Mweya

Bush Lodge offers mid-range accommodation within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge features comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a bar overlooking the park. Guests can enjoy guided safaris and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel.

Enganzi Lodge

Enganzi Lodge provides mid-range accommodation near the park. The lodge offers spacious rooms with private balconies, a restaurant serving delicious meals, and a swimming pool. Guests can relax in a serene environment and explore the park’s wildlife.

Luxury Accommodation:

Mweya Safari Lodge

Mweya Safari Lodge offers luxurious accommodation in a stunning location overlooking the Kazinga Channel. The lodge features elegant rooms and suites, a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, and a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy guided safaris, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp provides exclusive luxury accommodation in the southern part of the park. The camp features luxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms, a dining tent serving delicious meals, and a campfire area. Guests can experience the wilderness of Ishasha and spot tree-climbing lions.