Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and scenic savannah park, famed for its rich diversity of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and varied ecosystems. Situated in western Uganda, this iconic park offers visitors the chance to experience classic African safaris, birdwatching, crater lakes, boat cruises, and cultural interactions—all in one destination.

Brief History of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park was officially established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, but it was renamed two years later to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. The park spans an area of approximately 1,978 square kilometers, making it Uganda’s second-largest national park after Murchison Falls.

Over the years, the park has faced challenges such as poaching and habitat degradation, but conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and local communities continue to restore and protect its natural heritage. Today, Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as a symbol of Uganda’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.

Location and Landscape

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the Albertine Rift Valley, spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri in western Uganda. It lies between Lake Edward and Lake George, connected by the Kazinga Channel, which is a major attraction for boat safaris.

The park’s landscape is incredibly diverse and includes:

Savannah grasslands

Tropical forests

Papyrus swamps

Volcanic craters and crater lakes

Wetlands and rivers

This range of habitats supports over 95 mammal species and 600+ bird species, making Queen Elizabeth one of the most biodiverse parks in East Africa.

What to Do at Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Game Drives
Explore the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha sector on morning or evening game drives to see animals like:

Lions (including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha)

Elephants

Uganda kobs

Buffaloes

Warthogs

Hyenas and more

Guided game drives with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers enhance the chances of spotting big game.

2. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
This is one of the park’s top highlights. The Kazinga Channel is home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos, as well as Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife. The cruise lasts about 2 hours and offers close-up wildlife encounters and excellent photography opportunities.

3. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Also known as the “Valley of Apes”, Kyambura Gorge offers an exciting primate tracking experience. Visitors can track habituated chimpanzees while also spotting monkeys, baboons, and forest birds in this lush, sunken rainforest.

4. Bird Watching
With over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth is a birding paradise. Notable species include:

African fish eagle

Shoebill stork (rarely spotted in the swamps)

Pink-backed pelicans

African skimmer

Martial eagle

Many Albertine Rift endemics

The Maramagambo Forest, Lake Munyanyange, and Katwe Salt Lake are particularly good for birding.

5. Cultural Encounters
Visit nearby communities such as the Katwe Salt Lake village, where locals extract salt using traditional methods. Cultural visits include traditional music, dance, crafts, and storytelling, offering insights into local life and history.

6. Crater Lakes Exploration
The Katwe Explosion Craters offer a scenic drive with panoramic views of volcanic craters, lakes, and the rift valley escarpments. It’s one of the most photogenic routes in the park.

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

By Road:
From Kampala: The journey takes 6–7 hours (approximately 420 km) via Mbarara and Bushenyi.

From Fort Portal: Roughly 2–3 hours drive (135 km).

From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ishasha to Buhoma): About 2–3 hours, making Queen Elizabeth a perfect stop on a southern Uganda safari circuit.

By Air:
Charter and scheduled flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya Airstrip or Kasese Airstrip, taking around 1–1.5 hours.

Several tour operators offer fly-in safari packages for convenience and comfort.

Accommodations at Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are plenty of options for every budget, located in various areas like Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi, Kyambura, and Ishasha.

Luxury:
Mweya Safari Lodge – Upscale lodge with lake views and a swimming pool.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Stylish eco-lodge with views of the gorge.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Luxury tented camp near tree-climbing lions.

Mid-range:
Enganzi Game Lodge

Buffalo Safari Lodge

Marafiki Safari Lodge

Budget:
Pumba Safari Cottages

Tembo Safari Lodge

The Bush Lodge – Affordable and eco-friendly, near the Kazinga Channel.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a microcosm of Uganda’s natural wonders—offering rich wildlife experiences, spectacular landscapes, and immersive cultural interactions. Whether you’re cruising the Kazinga Channel, tracking chimps in the forest, or marveling at lions lounging in fig trees, this park promises unforgettable moments in the heart of the African wilderness.