Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most popular savanna park with diverse ecosystems, tree-climbing lions, and the famous Kazinga Channel
Uganda's most popular savanna park with diverse ecosystems, tree-climbing lions, and the famous Kazinga Channel
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most visited national park, spanning 1,978 square kilometers in the western part of the country. Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, it was renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
The park boasts an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems, including sprawling savanna, shady forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands. It's home to over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse parks in Africa.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, the dramatic Kyambura Gorge with its chimpanzees, and the 32km-long Kazinga Channel that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. The park's varied habitats support elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and ten primate species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers visitors an unparalleled safari experience with its remarkable variety of wildlife and landscapes. The park's location at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains creates a stunning backdrop for game viewing and photography.
The park is divided into several distinct sectors, each offering unique experiences. The Mweya Peninsula is the most visited area, known for its spectacular views and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. The Ishasha sector in the south is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, while the Kyambura Gorge offers exceptional chimpanzee tracking.
The park's main attraction is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, where visitors can see hundreds of hippos, buffalo, elephants, and crocodiles along the shores. Game drives in the Kasenyi plains offer excellent opportunities to spot lions, leopards, and Uganda kobs (a type of antelope).
Birdwatchers flock to Queen Elizabeth for its incredible avian diversity, including the shoebill stork, martial eagle, and 54 species of raptors. The park has been designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is divided into several distinct sectors, each offering unique wildlife experiences:
Park headquarters with stunning views and Kazinga Channel boat cruises
Famous for tree-climbing lions and remote wilderness feel
Dramatic forested gorge with chimpanzee tracking
Open savanna with excellent game viewing and lion sightings
410 kilometres (255 miles)
1,978 sq km (764 sq mi)
910 to 1,350 meters (2,986 to 4,429 ft)
1952 (as Kazinga National Park)
Part of the Rwenzori Mountains/Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve
95+ mammal species
600+ bird species
10 primate species
2-hour boat trip with incredible wildlife viewing along the shores
Explore Kyambura Gorge to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat
Spot some of the 600+ bird species including the rare shoebill stork
Experience local culture at fishing villages and craft centers
Early morning and late afternoon drives when animals are most active. Expert guides help spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and more across the savanna plains.
The Kazinga Channel cruise offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Elephants and buffalo often come to drink at the water's edge.
In Ishasha sector, witness the rare spectacle of lions resting in fig trees - a behavior unique to this population and only seen in a few places in Africa.