Discover an Exclusive Wildlife Haven in the Heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda between Lake Edward and Lake George, is the country’s most famous and frequently visited protected area. Established in 1952, it covers nearly 1,978 km² of diverse habitats, including sweeping savannah plains, lush forests, wetlands, and volcanic crater lakes, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. The park is world-renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, hosting over 95 mammal species such as elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, hippos, and the iconic tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, along with chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. Birdlife is equally outstanding, with more than 600 species recorded, making it one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Key attractions include the Kazinga Channel, where boat cruises provide close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless waterbirds; the Kyambura Gorge, offering thrilling chimp tracking and forest walks; and the Mweya Peninsula with its rich wildlife and panoramic crater lake views. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, birdwatching, and cultural encounters with local communities surrounding the park. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February), when wildlife is easiest to spot and roads are more accessible. Blending breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant culture, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers one of East Africa’s most authentic and unforgettable safari experiences.
Key Features
Diverse Ecosystems: The park boasts savannah grasslands, tropical rainforests, wetlands, and lakeshores, supporting a vast range of species.
Wildlife Abundance: QENP is home to over 95 mammal species, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and various primates, and over 600 bird species.
Tree-Climbing Lions: The Ishasha sector in the south of the park is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions.
Kazinga Channel: A natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, it’s a prominent feature for boat safaris and offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mweya Peninsula: A popular area for activities and a great base for exploring the park.
Volcanic Features: The landscape includes volcanic cones and crater lakes, some of which are used for salt extraction.
Main Activities
- Game Viewing: Explore the Kasenyi Plains, known for large herds of herbivores like Ugandan kobs, as well as predators like lions and leopards.
- Boat Cruises: Take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a rich variety of water birds.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Venture into the Kyambura Gorge to find habituated chimpanzee families.
- Guided Nature Walks: Enjoy guided walks in the various ecosystems of the park for a closer look at the flora and fauna.
- Bird Watching: With over 600 bird species, the park is a premier destination for birding, attracting bird enthusiasts from around the world.
Highlights.
- Encounter tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
- Experience thrilling boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, packed with hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
- Discover over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species.
- Explore the scenic crater lakes and panoramic Mweya Peninsula.
- Get to see chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in Kyambura Gorge.
- Enjoy game drives, nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural visits with local communities
