Queen Elizabeth National Park, named after Queen Elizabeth II of England after her visit in 1952, is one of the top Uganda safaris destinations. It is located in southwestern Uganda and lies astride the Equator with monuments on both sides of the road making latitude 00. It is in the Albertine region along with Kyambura and Kigezi wildlife reserve, which brings together the most diverse ecosystem in Africa.
The rich biodiversity of crater lakes, forest, savannah, woodland and acacia — plus numerous animal, plant, and bird species — lies on an area of 1,978 km². This is the most visited park in Uganda, thanks to both accessibility and incredible experiences.
Enjoy stopovers at Nyamununka crater lake (“hospital for animals”), visit the salt mining craters of Lake Katwe and Lake Bunyampaka, and watch sunset over Lake Edward with the Rwenzoris in the backdrop. Ishasha sector is home to the famous tree-climbing lions.
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- The park is home to over 95 mammal species. It has four of the “Big Five”: Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Buffalo. Thousands of hippos populate the shores of the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake George to Lake Edward.
- Expect encounters with Uganda kobs, topi, hyenas, buffalo herds, banded mongoose, warthogs, bushbucks and waterbucks.
- Chimpanzees and other primates are found in the adjacent Kyambura Gorge (“underground forest”). Look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and olive baboons.
Birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth is a birdwatchers’ haven with over 600 bird species and is an Important Birding Area (IBA). It has the highest number of birds found in any protected area in East Africa.
Birding hotspots include Kasenyi, Mweya Peninsula, Maramagambo Forest and the Kazinga Channel. Look for African mourning dove, swamp flycatcher, grey-headed kingfisher, pin-tailed whydah, slender-tailed nightjar, collared pratincole and flamingos at Lake Katwe and Bunyampaka.
Safaris & Activities
Game drives
Early mornings and evenings are best for game viewing — cooler weather and prime hunting times for big cats. Game drives mainly happen in Kasenyi, famous for Uganda kob mating grounds and predator action.
Boat safaris on Kazinga Channel
- Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and offers fantastic wildlife and bird viewing. Spot elephants at the water’s edge and large hippo schools guarding territories.
- Trips run twice daily (morning and afternoon), lasting 2–3 hours. Private boats can be arranged for your party.
- You may see crocodiles, monitor lizards, waterbucks, buffalo, elephants and excellent birdlife. Morning cruises are best for birding.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is an “underground” forest ~100m below the Kichwamba escarpment. It hosts 10 primate species including chimpanzees. Tracking must be booked in advance. Even when chimps are elusive, the forest walk is beautiful with birds and other primates.
Bird watching
Lake Munyanyange is a bird sanctuary and migratory location for lesser flamingos (Aug–Nov). Other birding areas include Kasenyi plains, Kazinga Channel, Kyambura Gorge, Mweya peninsula, Maramagambo forest and Katunguru bridge.
Nature & forest walks
Guided walks are available at Mweya peninsula, Ishasha River and Maramagambo forest (famous bat cave). Walks are done with ranger guides for safety.
Community walks & cultural experiences
Visit fishing villages and engage with local communities through stories, music and dance — or participate in daily life like cooking, harvesting and crafts. Kikorongo Women’s Community Project and Nyanzi’ibiri Cave Community are popular options.
Agro-tour walk
In the Kichwamba escarpment, locals run an agro-tourism project where you can visit farms, learn methods, see medicinal plants, and understand how communities manage human-wildlife conflict.
Accessing Queen Elizabeth National Park
You can access the park via scheduled/charter flights landing at Mweya Airstrip, or by road from Kampala via Mbarara or via Fort Portal.