Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of Wonders! Located in Uganda’s Kasese District, this renowned safari destination showcases a variety of ecosystems—including sprawling savannas, moist forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands. As a result, the park supports an impressive diversity of wildlife, primates, and bird species.
Bordered by the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, the park offers panoramic views and scenic crater lakes carved into lush, green hills. When you visit, you’ll enjoy magical sights along the Kazinga Channel, whose shores bustle with elephants, hippos, and buffaloes. Additionally, the Ishasha plains in the southern sector are home to the rare tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in fig trees as they scan for herds of Ugandan Kob.
Moreover, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a vibrant cultural background. Tourists can engage with local communities through storytelling, music, and traditional dance performances. In addition, participating in community projects offers a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact.
Originally named Kazinga National Park, the park was renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. Since its establishment, it has played a critical role in preserving wildlife habitats and benefiting neighboring communities.
Popular Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
There’s no shortage of exciting things to do in this iconic park. For example, you can:
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Go on game drives in Kasenyi, Mweya, and Ishasha sectors
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Track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, or Maramagambo Forest
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Enjoy a hot air balloon safari
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Take boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel
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Experience bird watching, hiking, and guided nature walks
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Try unique activities like lion tracking, visiting crater lakes, and exploring Lake Katwe Salt Works
While the park is open year-round, the best experiences usually occur during the dry seasons—June to September and December to January. Furthermore, its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale National Park makes it easy to combine a visit to Queen Elizabeth NP with gorilla or chimpanzee trekking adventures.
Key Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
1. Tree-Climbing Lions (Ishasha Sector)
One of only two known populations in the world, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha are a rare and spectacular sight. These lions often lounge in fig trees, a behavior that fascinates visitors since big cats typically stay on the ground. Their presence makes the Ishasha sector a must-visit area within the park.
2. Kazinga Channel
This 32-kilometer-long channel links Lake Edward and Lake George, serving as a magnet for wildlife. Its shores teem with elephants, hippos, flamingos, and Nile crocodiles. Many tourists enjoy boat cruises here, which offer close-up views of the animals and beautiful natural scenery.
3. Mweya Peninsula
Jutting into Lake Edward, the Mweya Peninsula offers outstanding game viewing. It features thorny bushlands and expansive savanna, along with several tracking routes ideal for game drives. Moreover, the area includes part of the Kazinga Channel shoreline, adding to its ecological richness.
4. Lake Katwe Explosion Craters
Located north of Mweya, these craters offer some of the park’s highest viewpoints. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Rift Valley, the Kazinga Channel, Lake George, and even the Rwenzori Mountains. The scenic drive to the craters alone is worth the visit.
5. Lake Katwe Salt Works
Situated near the explosion craters, Lake Katwe is known for traditional salt mining. For centuries, locals have harvested salt from this sulfur-rich lake, which emits a distinct smell. Tourists can learn about this fascinating process and its economic role in the region.
6. Kyambura Gorge
Often called the “Valley of Apes,” this 100-meter-deep gorge lies in the eastern part of the park. It was carved by the turbulent waters of the Kyambura River and now provides a lush habitat for chimpanzees and other primates. The gorge offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Uganda.
7. Maramagambo Forest
Located between Lake Kyasanduka and Lake Nyamadindiri, this forest is famous for its bat caves and resident African rock pythons. Visitors are drawn to its rich vegetation and diverse wildlife, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.
8. Kasenyi Plains
Also known as the Kasenyi Sector, these plains are located in the northeastern part of the park. They are home to large herds of Uganda Kob and other antelopes, which attract predators such as lions and leopards. This makes the plains one of the best areas for game viewing.
9. Kyambura Wildlife Reserve
Situated northeast of the main park, this reserve features lush vegetation, abundant primates, and scenic views. It borders the Kyambura Gorge and links to the Kazinga Channel. In addition, the southern edge is lined with villages and farmland, making it a great location for cultural encounters.
10. Lake George
This small, shallow lake lies in the western Great Rift Valley and covers approximately 250 square kilometers. Despite its size, Lake George supports a vibrant wetland ecosystem and contributes to the biodiversity of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
11. Kalinzu Forest
Located southeast of the park, Kalinzu Forest is another hotspot for chimpanzee tracking. Many visitors prefer it for its high chimpanzee population and easier tracking conditions compared to Kyambura Gorge.