Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
Uganda’s Wildlife Epicenter – Game Drives, Kazinga Channel & Tree-Climbing Lions
Stretching across western Uganda between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) spans nearly 2,000 square kilometers of diverse ecosystems. From sweeping savannahs to lush wetlands and volcanic crater lakes, it is home to more than 95 mammal species including elephant, buffalo, leopard, and Uganda kob, as well as an astonishing 600+ bird species.
The park’s fame rests on its unique experiences: cruising the wildlife‑packed Kazinga Channel, tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and seeking out the rare tree‑climbing lions of Ishasha. Its vast landscapes are intertwined with local communities, making it a living example of conservation and coexistence.
With its rich wildlife density and varied habitats, Queen Elizabeth NP offers a classic African safari blended with Uganda’s unique character.
Planning a safari to Queen Elizabeth?
Our team can help you combine game drives, boat cruises, and cultural experiences into a seamless itinerary.
Safari Highlights – Why Visit Queen Elizabeth NP
Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha:
Witness one of Africa’s rarest sights as lions rest in fig trees, an unforgettable photo opportunity unique to this park.Kazinga Channel Boat Cruises:
Glide along the waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George, surrounded by hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an astonishing variety of birds.Classic Game Drives:
Explore vast savannahs in search of elephants, buffalo, leopard, and Uganda kob in the Kasenyi and Mweya sectors.Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking:
Descend into the “Valley of the Apes” for a dramatic forest trek to encounter wild chimpanzees.Rich Birdlife:
Over 600 species including African skimmers, shoebills, and migratory flocks make this a birder’s paradise.Crater Lake Landscapes:
Photograph shimmering volcanic craters surrounded by acacia and savannah, a unique feature of the park’s topography.
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Discover itineraries that feature Queen Elizabeth NP and combine these highlights into a tailored safari experience.
Activities & Experiences
Kazinga Channel Cruises
Take a leisurely boat ride through the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. Hear hippos grunt from the shallows, smell the earthy scent of wet savannah as elephants drink at the banks, and capture the shimmering reflections of kingfishers and fish eagles in the golden light.
Game Drives Across Diverse Habitats
Morning and evening drives reveal the park’s classic savannah wildlife, from towering elephants to stealthy leopards. The Kasenyi Plains offer dramatic encounters with predators following herds of Uganda kob, dust rising in the early sunlight.
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lion Safaris
Head south to the Ishasha sector to find the famous fig tree-dwelling lions. The sight of a pride lounging high above the savannah with vultures circling in the distance is an unmistakable Queen Elizabeth moment.
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking
Descend into a steep, forested gorge to follow the echoes of wild chimpanzees. The sudden shift from open savannah to shadowy forest, alive with bird calls and the scent of damp earth, creates a dramatic contrast.
Cultural Encounters & Community Tours
Engage with local communities living around the park, learning about conservation efforts, traditional fishing, and crafts that tie human stories to the landscape.
Guided Nature & Crater Walks
Explore Queen Elizabeth’s volcanic crater lakes and surrounding savannah on foot with an expert guide. Hear the crunch of dry grass, feel the breeze sweeping across the caldera, and witness wildlife tracks up close for a slower, more intimate perspective on the park.
Want to combine wildlife, waterways, and culture?
Our safari planners can create an itinerary that balances Queen Elizabeth’s diverse experiences.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Safari: Queen Elizabeth National Park offers wildlife experiences throughout the year, but each season shapes your adventure differently.
Dry Seasons (June–September & December–February):
- Game viewing is at its best as wildlife congregates around water sources.
- Roads and tracks are drier, making access easier.
- Clear skies and golden light create excellent photography conditions.
Rainy Seasons (March–May & October–November):
- The park transforms into a lush green landscape with fewer visitors.
- Birding peaks with migratory species present.
- Some tracks can be muddy, adding an adventurous edge to game drives.
- The smell of rain on dry earth and dramatic storm light create unique photo opportunities.
Whether you prefer the vibrant green of the rains or the crisp visibility of the dry months, Queen Elizabeth offers rich experiences in every season.
Need advice on timing your safari for the best wildlife encounters? Our experts can help align your trip with the season that matches your goals.
Getting There:
- International arrivals land at Entebbe International Airport.
- By Road: 6–7 hour scenic drive from Kampala via Fort Portal or Mbarara, passing through rural Uganda and dramatic landscapes.
- By Air: Scheduled or charter flights to Kasese Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip shorten travel to under 2 hours from Entebbe.
Park Fees & Permits:
- Park Entrance: ~USD 40 per adult/day for foreign non-residents.
- Activity Fees: Boat cruises ~USD 30, chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge ~USD 50, night drives ~USD 30.
Where to Stay:
- Luxury Lodges: Exclusive safari camps in Mweya and Ishasha sectors with premium wildlife viewing.
- Mid-Range Options: Comfortable lodges and tented camps close to key sectors.
- Community Lodges: Immersive stays supporting local conservation and culture.
Want seamless transfers, activity bookings, and the best lodge recommendations?
Our safari team can craft a stress-free Queen Elizabeth itinerary for you.
Sample Safaris Featuring Queen Elizabeth NP
10-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari
Combines classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth with chimp trekking in Kibale and gorilla encounters in Bwindi. Ideal for first-time Uganda visitors seeking a balanced itinerary.
$4,500–$7,000 pp.
7-Day Queen Elizabeth & Ishasha Safari
Focuses on game drives, Kazinga Channel cruises, and time in the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions. Perfect for travelers with limited time wanting concentrated wildlife experiences.
$3,500–$5,500 pp.
14-Day Uganda Grand Safari
Links Queen Elizabeth with Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi for a comprehensive circuit of Uganda’s iconic parks.
$6,500–$9,500 pp.
Conservation & Community Impact
Interested in meaningful travel? Our Queen Elizabeth safaris are designed to leave a positive impact on both nature and community.
Queen Elizabeth NP is at the forefront of conservation and community partnership in Uganda. Entrance and activity fees fund anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and conflict mitigation programs for elephants and critically low lion populations.
Community lodges, fishing cooperatives, and cultural tours provide sustainable income for surrounding villages, ensuring local people are partners in protecting wildlife. Tourism here directly supports education, healthcare, and conservation projects.
By visiting Queen Elizabeth, you become part of a model of coexistence where people and wildlife share and protect a rich, diverse landscape.
Need a detailed packing list or custom preparation guide?
Our safari team can create personalized tips for your Queen Elizabeth adventure.
Typical Inclusions
- Professional driver-guide and 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Park entry fees and ranger services.
- Accommodation in lodges or tented camps.
- Meals as specified in itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water during travel.
- Scheduled game drives and boat cruises.
Common Exclusions:
- International flights and visas.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses and tips.
- Optional activities such as chimp trekking unless specified.
Travel Tips:
- Packing: Neutral-colored clothing, light layers for warm days and cool mornings, a good camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography.
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination required; malaria prophylaxis recommended.
- Permits: Book chimpanzee tracking and boat cruise permits in advance, especially in high season.
- Timing: Early morning and late afternoon game drives maximize wildlife sightings and photography light.