Queen Elizabeth National Park is an unmissable safari destination for any nature and wildlife enthusiast looking for unforgettable Uganda safari experiences. Known for its rich wildlife and birdlife, as well as unbeaten biodiversity, this 197800-hectare Protected Area provides unmatched game viewing opportunities. This Park has one of the highest concentrations of Hippos in the whole World, and most of these can be sighted during boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel.

Therefore, your comprehensive guide explores why Queen Elizabeth shouldn’t be missed on your Uganda safari itinerary, highlights its main game viewing areas, the best months to visit, how to get there, and what to see and do, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a memorable experience.

History, Size, and Location of Queen Elizabeth Game Park in Uganda

Set in the western side of the country and covering approximately 197800 hectares, Queen Elizabeth Game Park offers a variety of landscapes, from expansive savannahs, dense woodlands, forests, verdant wetlands, Lakes, to deep Valleys. The Park is surrounded by a number of districts that include Rukungiri, Kasese, and Rubirizi.

Recognized as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, this stunning Protected Area has existed since 1952 and derived its name from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is also characterized by expansive savannah plains, Lakes and wetlands, natural rainforests (namely Maramagambo Forest & in Kyambura Gorge), and the Albertine Rift Valleys.

Exploring the main areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is known as a mosaic of distinct nature-rich areas, each providing its own exceptional experiences. These areas include the Kasenyi sector (known for game drives and lion tracking), the Mweya Peninsula, the Ishasha sector (popular for the tree-climbing lions), the Kyambura Gorge, Maramagambo Forest, and the Katwe-Kikorongo area. These areas feature a mix of savannahs, wetlands, woodland, Lakes, and others, supporting a variety of wildlife and ecosystems.

Kasenyi Plains

The Kasenyi Plains are the vibrant hub of activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park and are renowned for their sprawling savannah plains become a vital watering spot, attracting large groups of wildlife, including herds of African elephants, Cape buffaloes, spotted hyenas, leopards, Uganda Kobs, lions, and warthogs, and many others.

Ishasha sector

Ishasha sector, in the southern side of the Protected Area, is known for its iconic tree-climbing lion population.

Kazinga Channel

This 32-kilometer natural channel connects Lakes Edward and George and is a natural spectacle that draws wildlife and bird enthusiasts from around the World. Birders will find the Kazinga channel particularly rewarding, with species such as African skimmer, pelicans, and African fish eagles. For a more rewarding experience, consider a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Mweya Peninsula.

Also known for its dramatic wildlife interactions, the Mweya Peninsula, which features the Kazinga channel track, also boasts a unique vegetation characterized by savanna. Here, cactus trees are the most dominant vegetation, and the commonest wildlife species are African elephants, buffaloes, and birds.

Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura Gorge is home to the Park’s chimpanzee population living in a 100-meter deep Valley. Besides chimps, other primates such as the Black and white colobus monkeys, plus forest birds, are found here.

Other areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park are Maramagambo Forest, the Lake Katwe salt works, and Katwe Explosion Craters.

Things to see during your Queen Elizabeth safari

Wildlife

With over 95 mammal species residing in various natural habitats, it is no wonder that Queen Elizabeth National Park is a medley of wonders. Expect sights and sounds of African bush elephants, leopards, Cape buffaloes, lions (including the iconic tree-climbing lions), Uganda Kobs, Olive baboons, Hippos, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, Defassa waterbucks, the red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, and black and white colobus monkeys, among others.

Birdlife

With over 625 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park represents more than 60% of Uganda’s total bird species, hence making it an unmissable birding spot in the country. Different species can be spotted during game drives, boat cruises, nature walks, and other activities. Expect to see these (but not limited to) African mourning doves, Nubian woodpeckers, black-bellied bustards, brown snake eagle, double-toothed barbets, yellow-throated cuckoos, little bee-eaters,  black-bellied bustards, blue-headed bee-eaters, blue-napped mouse bird, the elusive shoebill storks, red-capped lark, papyrus canary, pygmy kingfishers, swamp flycatchers, red-capped lark, pink-backed pelicans, handsome francolins, grey-kestrel, slender-tailed nightjar, helmeted guineafowl, pygmy kingfishers, and many others.

Types of Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are a variety of safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park that suit different preferences and interests. These include;

Game drive safaris

These safaris are a quintessential part of any Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. Experiences both in the morning and late afternoon, game drives provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to witness the Park’s wildlife at varying times of the day. Conducted in open-roof 4X4 Safari vehicles, these safaris provide close-up views of wildlife, making for a phenomenal experience. Some of the species to expect during these safaris include African bush elephants, spotted hyenas, Lions, cape buffaloes, leopards, and antelopes, especially Uganda Kobs, and the best areas are the Kasenyi and Ishasha areas.

Lion tracking safaris

Are you interested in the carnivore experience, allowing off-track watching of the “King of the Jungle”? Then book for the Lion tracking safari, done in the Kasenyi plains and involving following lions with collars on their necks.

Boat safaris

Boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park provide a unique vantage point for game viewing. You can choose morning, afternoon, or sunset cruises to capture up close photographs of Hippos, Nile crocodiles, and water-dependent wildlife species such as elephants and Cape buffaloes.

Chimpanzee safaris

Conducted in the Kyambura Gorge and lasting between 2 and 4 hours, Chimpanzee safaris provide up close and personal encounters with mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom. As you search for the endangered chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, expect to come across other primates, including the black and white colobus monkeys.

Birding safaris

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular birding destination with over 625 bird species to look out for. The notable birds to expect include the elusive shoebill storks, African fish eagles, African skimmers, Kori bustards, African mourning doves, and kingfishers, with the top birding spots being the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kasenyi sector.

Walking safaris

Are you looking for a more immersive experience? Then book one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s walking safaris that allow visitors to engage deeply with the natural environment, noticing the intricate details of Mother Nature often overlooked from the 4X4 Safari vehicle. Lasting between 2 and 3 hours, these safaris also provide access to areas unreachable by safari vehicles, enhancing the experience with silence and stealth.

Best time to visit

Timing your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari can make a huge difference in your overall experience. The best time for exploring the Protected Area is from June to September, and December to February, which is the dry season.

During these months, the exceptional water-dependent animals such as Cape buffaloes, antelopes, and African bush elephants are easier to spot as they gather around the Kazinga Channel and other water sources. This is also the peak safari season, when the weather is perfect for game viewing.

The rainy season, which peaks in March and April, transforms Queen Elizabeth National Park into a verdant, green landscape. While game viewing can be more challenging during these months, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and the Park is less crowded.

For this reason, the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park depends on your specific interests, whether it is game viewing, birding, wildlife photography, or simply enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of the Protected Area.

Accommodation options in and around Queen Elizabeth Park

This Park, christened the “Medley of Wonders,” offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxurious lodges to mid-range accommodations, and budget-friendly Guesthouses and Campsites, there is something for everyone.

They include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Simba Safari Camp, Elephant Hub Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Engiri Game Lodge, Bulbul Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Mweya Hostel, and Topi Lodge.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

To get to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the easiest option is to fly directly to Kasese or Mweya airstrips from Entebbe.

Alternatively, you can drive there is a 4X4 Safari vehicle or opt for public means (Buses) to the nearby Towns, then proceed to your Lodge inside or around the Protected Area. There are two routes- Kampala/Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi-Kasese, which is about a 7-8 hours’ drive. There is also the Kampala-Mityana-Fort Portal-Kasese-Queen Elizabeth Park route, which is a 7-hour drive.