Queen Elizabeth National Park: Uganda’s Medley of Wonders

Experience Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Uganda’s Medley of Wonders

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and biodiverse safari destination, offering breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Straddling the equator, the park features monuments marking the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00, adding to its uniqueness.

Originally founded as Kazinga National Park in 1952, it was renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Today, it stands as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife havens, home to over 95 mammal species and an astonishing 600+ bird species—making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

A Landscape of Stunning Diversity 

Set against the majestic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, the park boasts an incredible variety of ecosystems, including:
 Vast savannas teeming with classic big game
 Lush, humid forests harboring primates like chimpanzees
 Sparkling lakes and the Kazinga Channel, bustling with hippos, buffaloes, and elephants
 Fertile wetlands, a sanctuary for migratory birds and other aquatic life

Geographical Highlights

 Highest Point – The Katwe Explosion Craters at 1,350m above sea level
 Lowest Point – The shores of Lake Edward at 910m

Wildlife Encounters Like No Other 

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers some of the best game viewing in Uganda. The park is one of the few places in the world where lions climb trees, particularly in Ishasha, where they perch in fig trees, waiting to ambush unsuspecting Uganda kobs.

Notable Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth:

• Big Game: Elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks
• Predators: Lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and side-striped jackals
• Primates: Chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons
• Rare & Iconic Birds: Over 600 bird species, including the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, flamingos, and papyrus gonolek

The park also supports 20 species of carnivores, making it one of Uganda’s top destinations for predator sightings.

The Kazinga Channel: A Wildlife Spectacle

One of the park’s most iconic attractions, the Kazinga Channel, connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This 40km-long waterway is a magnet for wildlife, where visitors can witness: Hundreds of hippos basking in the waters
 Massive Nile crocodiles lurking on the shores
 Herds of elephants and buffaloes quenching their thirs Scores of water birds, including pink-backed pelicans and saddle-billed storks

The Ishasha Sector: Home of the Tree-Climbing Lions 

While lions are usually found on the ground, the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions. These unique predators spend their days lounging on fig trees, scanning the vast savanna plains for prey. This behavior is rare globally, making Ishasha a must-visit for safari enthusiasts.

A Park with a Rich Cultural Heritage 

Beyond its wildlife wonders, Queen Elizabeth National Park is deeply interwoven with the traditions of the local communities. Visitors can engage in:
 Storytelling sessions that bring ancient legends to life
 Traditional dances and music performances
 Cultural tours in the nearby Bakonzo, Basongora, and Banyabindi communities

The conservation of Queen Elizabeth’s ecosystems has not only protected wildlife but also benefited the local people, who rely on ecotourism and sustainable resource use.

The Unique Savannah Landscape

Queen Elizabeth’s vast savanna ecosystem is primarily open grassland, though it transitions into moist and woody terrain towards the west. The park’s thorny acacia woodlands, along with dense candelabra shrubs, create a distinct habitat, particularly along the Kazinga Channel and the Kasenyi Plains.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park See Africa’s famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
 Cruise along the Kazinga Channel for unmatched wildlife encounters Spot over 600 bird species in Uganda’s most diverse birding destination
 Experience the rich culture of the local communities
 Explore one of Uganda’s oldest and most visited national parks

Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of Wonders! 

Download Park brochure here QENP PARK BROCHURE

GREEN PARKS

Uganda’s national parks and reserves exemplify environmental stewardship and climate-friendly practices, with all areas adhering to sustainable management principles that preserve biodiversity and natural habitats. We ensure that the natural landscapes remain pristine and resilient against climate change.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located about 410km/255mi west of Kampala. The direct drive takes at least 7 to 8 hours, but your itinerary will most likely include some parks on the way. It is also possible to fly to any of the nearby airstrips of Kasese, Mweya or Kihihi (for Ishasha) by scheduled or chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala.

You will enter Uganda at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 46km/29mi from Kampala, the capital city. Generally, your tour operator will arrange for your pick-up from the airport, and organize any further transportation required as part of your safari package.