Discover Queen Elizabeth's Wonders
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular savanna reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Spanning 1,978 square kilometers across the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, this diverse ecosystem supports one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world.
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, massive herds of elephants and buffalo along the Kazinga Channel, and over 600 bird species — more than any other park in Africa. The volcanic features including crater lakes and explosion craters add to the park's dramatic scenery.
From game drives along the Kasenyi plains to boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel where hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun, Queen Elizabeth offers classic African safari experiences combined with unique attractions found nowhere else on the continent.
Safari Experiences
Unforgettable wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth
Tree-Climbing Lions
Ishasha sector is famous for lions lounging in fig trees — a rare behavior found only here and in Lake Manyara, Tanzania. Best sightings occur during dry seasons.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
A 2-hour boat safari offering incredible views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and spectacular birdlife along the channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.
Game Drives
Morning and evening game drives on Kasenyi Plains and North Kazinga offer excellent chances to see lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, leopards, and Uganda kobs.
Park Sectors & Attractions
Ishasha Sector
Famous for the tree-climbing lions that rest on fig and acacia trees. This southern sector offers a more remote safari experience with fewer vehicles.
Kasenyi Plains
The prime game viewing area with open savanna grasslands. Excellent for tracking lions during their hunting activities and witnessing large herds of Uganda kobs.
Kazinga Channel
A 32-kilometer natural channel with the world's largest concentration of hippos (over 2,500). The banks are lined with elephants, buffalo, and countless bird species.
Maramagambo Forest
Track chimpanzees, visit the bat cave (without entering), and spot forest elephants, monkeys, and over 300 butterfly species in this lush rainforest.
Katwe Salt Lake
Visit the traditional salt mining community where locals have extracted salt for over 500 years using ancient methods.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
One of Africa's most diverse ecosystems
Mammals
95 species including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and giant forest hogs
Bird Species
Over 600 species — the highest of any African park. Includes flamingos, shoebill storks, African fish eagles, and martial eagles
Primates
Chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons
Volcanic Features
Over 10 crater lakes, explosion craters, and the scenic Katwe explosion crater field
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth is a year-round destination, but the best wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons: June to August and December to February. Animals gather around water sources, vegetation is thinner, and roads are more accessible.
The wet seasons (March-May and September-November) offer lush green landscapes, beautiful migratory birds, fewer crowds, and lower lodge rates. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise remains excellent year-round.
For lion sightings in Ishasha, the best time is during the dry seasons when lions are more visible in the fig trees rather than hiding in thick bush.
Month-by-Month Guide
Queen Elizabeth Safari Packages
Tailored itineraries featuring the best of Queen Elizabeth
7 Days Primates and Wildlife Safari
Experience the very best of western Uganda on this 7 day journey that combines chimpanzee trekking, ...
View Details10 Days Best of Uganda Safari
This is the ultimate Ugandan safari – 10 days covering every major highlight from rhinos to gorill...
View Details12 Day Birding Safari
This 12 day Uganda Birding Safari is designed for serious birders seeking maximum diversity across t...
View DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Plan your unforgettable safari to Queen Elizabeth
Where can I see tree-climbing lions?
The Ishasha sector in southern Queen Elizabeth is famous for tree-climbing lions. Best sightings occur during dry seasons (June-August, December-February) when lions climb fig trees to escape heat and insects.
Is Queen Elizabeth good for chimpanzee trekking?
Yes! Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo Forest offer chimpanzee trekking experiences. While not as guaranteed as Kibale Forest, sightings are common with experienced guides.
What's the best way to see hippos?
The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is unbeatable for hippo viewing — over 2,500 hippos inhabit the channel. The 2-hour cruise offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants on the banks.
How many days do I need in Queen Elizabeth?
Minimum 2 nights (3 days) for a good experience. For the full experience including Ishasha lions, Kazinga boat cruise, and chimpanzee trekking, stay 3-4 nights.
How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park?
By road: 5-6 hours from Kampala/Entebbe via Mbarara. By air: 1-hour domestic flight from Entebbe to Mweya Airstrip inside the park.
Can I combine Queen Elizabeth with other parks?
Absolutely! Popular combinations include Kibale Forest (chimpanzees), Bwindi (gorilla trekking), and Murchison Falls. Many safari itineraries include 2-3 parks for diverse experiences.
Ready for Your Queen Elizabeth Safari Adventure?
Book your Queen Elizabeth safari experience with Enshama Safaris today
