Queen Elizabeth
National Park
Experience a medley of wonders — from tree-climbing lions in Ishasha to leopards in the crater highlands and unforgettable boat cruises on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel.
Plan This JourneyA Volcanic Wonderland of Crater Lakes & Lions
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular safari destination — and for excellent reason. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park sprawls across a landscape of enormous crater lakes, sprawling savannah, and lush forests. It is the only park in Uganda where you can track tree-climbing lions in the morning, cruise past hundreds of hippos on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon, and trek chimpanzees in a sunken rainforest gorge the next day.
The park is also one of Africa's most biodiverse protected areas, with over 600 bird species recorded — more than any other East African park. As Nairobi-based safari specialists, Kudu Untamed Safaris knows Queen Elizabeth intimately — from the best sectors for lion sightings to the finest lodges perched above the channel. Let us craft your perfect Uganda safari.
Six Reasons This is Uganda's Finest Park
From rare tree-climbing lions to world-class birding and channel cruises, Queen Elizabeth delivers diversity unlike any other African park.
Tree-Climbing Lions
Witness the rare phenomenon of lions resting high in the branches of fig trees in the Ishasha sector — a behaviour seen in only two places in all of Africa, making it one of the continent's most sought-after wildlife sightings.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Cruise the 32-kilometre channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, home to one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos — pods of hundreds line the banks — alongside buffalo, elephants and an extraordinary profusion of water birds.
Kyambura Gorge Chimps
Trek chimpanzees in the "Valley of the Apes" — a dramatic sunken forest river gorge that plunges into the savannah floor. The sight of these great apes swinging through the ancient trees in such a unique setting is unforgettable.
Katwe Crater Lakes
Explore the stunning explosion craters of the Katwe-Kikorongo volcanic field, where salt mining has been a local tradition for centuries. The views from the crater rims across the park and Rwenzori Mountains are breathtaking.
600+ Bird Species
Queen Elizabeth is a birder's paradise with more recorded bird species than any other East African park — from the magnificent African fish eagle and shoebill to colourful bee-eaters, rollers and sunbirds in astonishing abundance.
Maramagambo Forest
Step into the cool shade of this ancient forest bordering the park, home to bat caves, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and exceptional birdlife. Guided forest walks reveal a different side of Queen Elizabeth's incredible biodiversity.
Queen Elizabeth Month-by-Month Guide
Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth is rewarding year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Use our guide to find the perfect time for your Uganda safari.
Iconic Wildlife of Queen Elizabeth
From elusive tree-climbing lions to the thousands of hippos lining the channel — Queen Elizabeth's wildlife diversity is extraordinary.
Tree-Climbing Lion
The iconic Ishasha lions — seen resting in fig tree branches
Leopard
Spotted in the crater highlands and along the Kazinga Channel
African Elephant
Large herds frequent the channel banks and Kasenyi Plains
Hippopotamus
Over 8,000 hippos — among the densest populations in Africa
Chimpanzee
Habituated treks in the spectacular Kyambura Gorge
Cape Buffalo
Massive herds roam the savannah and channel shoreline
Nile Crocodile
Large crocodiles bask on the channel banks year-round
600+ Bird Species
More bird species than any other park in East Africa
How to Experience Queen Elizabeth
From channel cruises to chimp treks and tree-lion tracking — Queen Elizabeth offers a safari experience unlike any other African park.
Year-RoundExperience 01Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
The Kazinga Channel is the lifeblood of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a boat cruise along its 32-kilometre length is the park's quintessential experience. As your boat glides silently past banks teeming with wildlife, you will encounter pods of hundreds of hippos, elephants drinking at the water's edge, buffalo grazing along the shoreline and crocodiles basking in the sun. Above, African fish eagles call from treetops while kingfishers, bee-eaters and herons line the banks. It is one of the most concentrated wildlife spectacles on water anywhere in Africa.
- 2-hour boat safari — morning and afternoon departures
- Highest hippo concentration in Africa — 8,000+ individuals
- Exceptional birding with over 250 aquatic species
- Guided by expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers
Year-RoundExperience 02Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
In only two places in Africa do lions regularly climb trees — and the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth is one of them. Here, prides of lionesses and their cubs drape themselves over the broad branches of towering fig trees, escaping the heat and flies of the savannah floor below. The sight of a golden-maned lion relaxing six metres above the ground is one of Africa's most surreal wildlife encounters. Game drives through Ishasha's remote southern wilderness are dedicated to finding these unique big cats in their arboreal havens.
- Best viewed during the cooler hours of early morning
- Ishasha is a 2-hour scenic drive from Mweya Peninsula
- Combine with game drives for buffalo, topi and antelope
- Remote sector with far fewer vehicles than the central park
Year-RoundExperience 03Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trekking
Kyambura Gorge is one of the most dramatic settings for primate trekking in Africa. This "sunken" forest river gorge plunges 100 metres below the flat savannah floor, creating a lush, misty microclimate that shelters a community of habituated chimpanzees. Descending into the gorge on foot, surrounded by the calls of chimps and the lush green of ancient trees, is an experience that lingers long after your safari ends. The trek also reveals red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus and an abundance of bird species in this unique forest ecosystem.
- Guided chimp trekking with Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Limited permits — advance booking essential
- Trek duration: approximately 2–4 hours
- Moderate fitness recommended — steep gorge descent
Year-RoundExperience 04Salt Lake & Crater Tours
The Katwe-Kikorongo volcanic field is one of Queen Elizabeth's most captivating landscapes. Dozens of enormous explosion craters dot the savannah, many filled with salt lakes that have been mined by local communities for centuries. A guided tour of Lake Katwe's salt mining operation offers a fascinating glimpse into a traditional industry that has sustained families for generations. The crater rim viewpoints offer panoramic vistas across the park — with the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains forming a breathtaking backdrop that has earned the park its reputation as one of Africa's most scenic wildlife destinations.
- Guided salt mine tours with local community guides
- Spectacular crater rim viewpoints for photography
- Combine with a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains
- Learn about traditional salt harvesting techniques
Essential Queen Elizabeth Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before you go — from getting there to what to pack for your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.
Getting There
- Bush flights from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya or Kasese airstrips (90 min).
- Road transfer from Kampala approximately 6–7 hours via Mbarara.
- Fly-in is recommended for convenience — scenic views of the Rwenzoris.
- Self-drive and private charters also possible with advance arrangement.
Visas & Entry
- Uganda eVisa available online for most nationalities — apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required upon arrival.
- Valid passport required (minimum 6 months validity beyond travel dates).
- Kudu Untamed Safaris provides full pre-departure documentation assistance.
What to Pack
- Neutral earth tones (khaki, olive, beige) — avoid bright colours on game drives.
- Lightweight layers — mornings cool, midday warm, evenings fresh.
- Rain jacket essential during wet seasons (Mar–May, Oct–Nov).
- Good binoculars, camera with telephoto lens and sturdy walking shoes.
Health & Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended — consult your travel clinic.
- Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.
- Bottled water provided by all lodges and camps.
Costs & Fees
- Park entry fees: USD 40–60 per person per day (varies by nationality).
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel: approximately USD 30–50 per person.
- Chimp trekking permits: approximately USD 150–200 per person.
- Kudu Untamed Safaris provides full transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Trip Duration
- Minimum 2 nights recommended to experience the park's main zones.
- 3–4 nights allows time for Ishasha, Kyambura and the Kazinga Channel.
- Combine with Bwindi (3 nights) and Kibale (2 nights) for the ultimate Uganda itinerary.
- Our team can design 5–21 day tailor-made itineraries for all travel styles.
Queen Elizabeth National Park — FAQs
Our team answers the questions we hear most often from guests planning their Queen Elizabeth safari.
The best time is during the dry months of January–February and June–July, when wildlife concentrates around water sources and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise offers exceptional game viewing. The wet seasons (March–May and October–December) bring lush scenery and excellent bird watching but rain can make some access roads challenging.
Tree-climbing lions are found in the Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of the park. These famous lions rest in the branches of fig trees during the heat of the day — a rare behaviour seen in only two places in Africa. Game drives in Ishasha are specifically designed to locate these unique prides.
The park is located in western Uganda, approximately 6–7 hours' drive from Kampala via Mbarara. Scheduled bush flights from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya or Kasese airstrips take about 90 minutes and offer spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Kudu Untamed Safaris arranges all ground and air transport as part of your tailor-made itinerary.
Absolutely. Queen Elizabeth is centrally located on Uganda's western safari circuit and pairs perfectly with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (mountain gorilla trekking), Kibale National Park (chimpanzee tracking) and Murchison Falls National Park. A 7–10 day itinerary combining two or three of these parks with Queen Elizabeth is the classic Uganda safari.
The park offers a wide range of accommodation from luxury safari lodges like Mweya Safari Lodge and Kyambura Gorge Lodge to mid-range options and authentic bush camps in the Ishasha sector. Most lodges offer stunning views over the Kazinga Channel or the crater-dotted savannah. We recommend a minimum of 2–3 nights to fully experience the park's diverse zones.
The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is one of Uganda's most iconic safari experiences. The 2-hour cruise between Lake Edward and Lake George offers close-up encounters with one of the world's highest concentrations of hippopotamus, as well as elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and an extraordinary diversity of water birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers and pelicans. We consider it an absolute must-do.
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Ask Us AnythingReady to Explore Queen
Elizabeth?
Let our Uganda experts craft your perfect savannah and primate expedition — from Kazinga Channel cruises to tree-lion tracking and chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge.