Queen Elizabeth National Park
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel in western Uganda.
Why visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches between Lake George and Lake Edward in western Uganda. Open savannah, crater lakes, forest and wetlands sit side by side, which is why it supports such a wide range of wildlife in one park.
It is one of the best places in Uganda for classic game viewing, and it combines easily with gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
Highlights
Kazinga Channel
The channel linking the two lakes draws hippos, buffalo, elephants and many water birds to its banks — best seen from a boat cruise.
Tree-climbing lions
The Ishasha sector in the south is known for lions that rest in the branches of fig trees.
Kyambura Gorge
A forested gorge where you can track chimpanzees on foot.
Things to do
- Game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- Birding
- Crater lake viewpoints
Learn more
Best time to visit
The dry seasons — June to August and December to February — are best for game viewing, as animals gather near water. The park is rewarding all year, and the rains make the landscape green and the birding excellent.
How to get there
Roughly 5 to 7 hours by road from Kampala, depending on the route and traffic. It lies on the natural route between Kibale and Bwindi.
Questions travellers ask
Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park?
In western Uganda, between Lake George and Lake Edward, close to the Rwenzori Mountains.
What animals can you see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, leopards, many antelope species and over 600 bird species have been recorded. The Ishasha sector is known for tree-climbing lions.
What is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise?
A relaxed boat trip along the channel between the two lakes, with close views of hippos, buffalo, elephants and water birds from the water.
When is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
June to August and December to February for the best game viewing, though the park is worth visiting all year.
Safaris that include Queen Elizabeth
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