Uganda · National park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel
Size
About 1,978 km²
Location
Western Uganda
Best time
Jun–Sep and Dec–Feb
Known for
Kazinga Channel · Ishasha lions
About the park
Uganda's classic savanna safari
Queen Elizabeth stretches across the Rift Valley floor between Lake Edward and Lake George, with the Rwenzori Mountains on the horizon. Savanna, crater lakes, forest gorges and wetlands make it one of the most varied parks in Africa.
The Kazinga Channel links the two lakes and is lined with one of the continent's highest densities of hippo. In the remote southern Ishasha sector, lions are famous for resting in the branches of fig trees, a habit seen in only a few places.
Highlights
Why visit Queen Elizabeth
Kazinga Channel cruise
A boat trip past hippos, buffalo, elephants and crowded bird colonies.
Tree-climbing lions
Look for lions lounging in fig trees in the Ishasha sector.
Kyambura Gorge
Track chimpanzees in a sunken forest gorge.
600+ bird species
One of Africa's top birding parks.
When to visit
Good all year. June to September and December to February are drier, with easier roads and animals near water. The wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and excellent birding.
Wildlife you may see
Hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, Uganda kob, topi, warthog, chimpanzee (in Kyambura Gorge), crocodile and more than 600 bird species.
Getting there
About 6–7 hours by road from Kampala, or a scheduled flight from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese. It lies on the road between Kibale and Bwindi, so most Uganda safaris pass through.
Visit with Asili
Safaris to Queen Elizabeth
6 days
Uganda Gorillas & Chimps
4 days
Uganda Gorilla & Chimp Express
Tailor-made
Design your own Uganda trip
Plan your Queen Elizabeth safari
Combine game drives and the Kazinga Channel with chimps in Kibale and gorillas in Bwindi.
Enquire now