Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited national park in Uganda. Often described as a magnificent mix of wonders, it is one of the finest safari locations in the country. Covering an area of 1,978 square kilometers, it ranks as Uganda’s second-largest park and primarily consists of a protected savanna grassland region. It is home to a variety of wildlife species found within its expansive savanna, lush forests, and rich wetlands.
Often referred to as “Uganda’s Great Rift Valley,” Queen Elizabeth National Park is bordered to the west by Lake Edward and to the north by the Rwenzori Mountains, and it is divided into two distinct sectors: northern and southern. This fertile equatorial zone features stunning landscapes filled with tropical rainforests and two lakes that are connected by a channel, which is overlooked by a high peninsula. The scenery is breathtaking, showcasing sprawling cacti, savannahs, forests, rivers, and lakes.
This park hosts four of the big five game animals and ten species of primates, including chimpanzees, while over 620 species of birds also flourish here, many of which are easily visible during a safari. Established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as one of the few historic parks.
Recognized as one of the most well-known protected areas, if you seek an exceptionally untouched wilderness, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the perfect destination. It is situated in western Uganda and bordered by the districts of Kasese, Bushenyi, and Bundibugyo.
Things to do
Game Drives
The most sought-after safari experience available in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the game drives. The park provides opportunities for game drives in areas such as Kasenyi, the northern Kazinga plains, and the Ishasha sector. These drives offer spectacular views of the diverse species of wildlife in the savanna, including African elephants, buffalo, lions—complete with the unique tree-climbing lions—leopards, Uganda Kobs, and a variety of bird species. Game drives through the park allow you to traverse impressive wildlife tracks like Kasenyi, featuring expansive grasslands, and Ishasha, known for offering the best sights of tree-climbing lions lounging on the branches.
Boat Cruise
A boat cruise or launch cruise is undoubtedly one of the most exciting water activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This experience takes place along the Kazinga Channel and lasts approximately two hours, offering fantastic views of a large number of hippos, crocodiles, waterfowl, as well as buffalo, elephants, and various types of antelopes, among others.
Birding
With more than 620 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a paradise for birdwatchers. A birding tour in this park offers fantastic views of a variety of birds, including black bee-eaters, martial eagles, African skimmers, white-winged warblers, papyrus gonoleks, papyrus canaries, and corncrakes, as well as flocks of flamingos, pink-backed pelicans, African broadbills, and shoebill storks.
Nature Walk/Hiking
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Exploring the park through nature walks allows you to uncover its best-kept secrets. You can enjoy this exciting adventure in Maramagambo forest, Kyambura Gorge, the Mweya peninsula, and hike along the Ishasha River.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking safaris take place in the Kyambura Gorge, commonly referred to as the lost valley. This region serves as a habitat for primates that can be found in the Gash savannah. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to more than 10 primate species, and during your hike in the gorge, you will encounter a range of wildlife and birds while relishing exciting moments in your life.
Balloon Safaris
A hot air balloon trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a fresh safari adventure. It provides stunning views of diverse wildlife, the Rwenzori Mountains, the great western rift valley, an array of craters, as well as lakes like Lake George and Lake Edward, along with elephants, buffalo, and various species of antelopes. During your visit, you will find two balloons available, and experienced pilots are on hand to assist you with your journey. This ballooning experience is officially certified by the Uganda Civil Authority (UCA).
Climate
The region experiences a tropical climate marked by two rainy seasons occurring from March to May and September to November. In Queen Elizabeth, mornings and evenings tend to be cool, with an average temperature. The coldest months in Queen Elizabeth National Park are June and July, while the wet seasons are from March to May and September to November, with total annual rainfall reaching as high as 2390mm. The elevation ranges from 910m at Lake Edward to 1,390m in the crater region. The average maximum temperature is 28°C, while the minimum is 18°C.
How to Get There
The park is conveniently accessible. To reach it, you will drive approximately 389 kilometers, which takes around 5-6 hours from Kampala. The main road, the tarmac Mbarara – Kasese Fort Portal highway, runs through its center and is located just 22 kilometers from the primary tourism area at Mweya. Travelers from Kampala can approach the park from the south via Mbarara (420 kilometers) or from the north through Fort Portal (410 kilometers). These routes can be combined to form an appealing circuit with brief diversions to explore Lake Mburo, Semuliki, and Kibale national parks. Additionally, the park can be accessed from the south via Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Charter flights can be organized to various airstrips at Kasese, Mweya, and Ishasha.
This safari destination is offered by Mainson Safaris.