Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Medley of Wonders

If there is one destination that features on almost every Uganda safari itinerary, it is Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known as the “Medley of Wonders,” this 1,978-square-kilometer protected area is Uganda’s second-largest national park and an unmissable safari gem.

Location & Size

Spanning 197,800 hectares, Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, covering multiple districts, including Kasese, Rukungiri, Rubirizi, and Kamwenge. Its vast landscape comprises open savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakes, making it a diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife and bird species.

History of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Originally gazetted as Kazinga National Park in 1952, the park was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1954 to honor the visit of Queen Elizabeth II. It is located 2-4 hours’ drive from Kibale National Park and boasts remarkable attractions such as the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, Mweya Peninsula, Kyambura Gorge, and the stunning Kasenyi sector.

What to See in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wildlife

The park has the second-highest number of mammal species in Uganda, with 95 recorded species, second only to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Some of the must-see animals include:

Common mammals: Cape buffaloes, elephants, Uganda Kobs, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, mongoose, bushbucks, and warthogs.
Rare predators: Lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, jackals, serval cats, and the giant forest hog.
Unique species: The famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, which are rarely found elsewhere in Africa.

Birds

Queen Elizabeth National Park holds the record for the highest number of bird species in Uganda, with over 620 species recorded. Some of the most sought-after birds include:

Aquatic and wetland birds: African jacanas, pelicans, African fish eagles, pied and giant kingfishers, open-billed storks.
Rare species: Hooded vultures, lesser and greater flamingos, scarlet-chested sunbirds, Chapin’s flycatchers, slender-billed storks, and papyrus gonoleks.
Savannah and forest birds: Verreaux’s eagle owl, black bee-eaters, bateleurs, knob-billed ducks, and brown snake eagles.

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game Drives

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer a 95% chance of spotting elephants, lions, cape buffaloes, leopards, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, and more. The Ishasha sector is the best place to witness the tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon seen in very few places in the world.

Boat Cruises

The Kazinga Channel, a 40-kilometer-long natural waterway, is one of the best places to view hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an incredible array of bird species. The 2-3 hour boat safari offers spectacular photography opportunities and a close-up view of wildlife along the shores.

Birding Tours

As one of Uganda’s top five birding hotspots, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an incredible opportunity to spot resident and migratory birds across different ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and open savannahs.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Located on the park’s eastern boundary, Kyambura Gorge is home to a community of habituated chimpanzees. The gorge is 100 meters deep and 16 kilometers long, offering a breathtaking setting for tracking chimpanzees and spotting olive baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys.

Guided Bush & Forest Walks

Explore off-the-beaten-path areas through guided bush and forest walks in Maramagambo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and the park’s bushlands. These walks provide a chance to see banded mongoose, unique vegetation, and diverse birdlife.

Experiential Tours

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the only protected area in Uganda offering experiential tours, such as:

Lion tracking: Follow lions with researchers to learn about their behavior.
Mongoose tracking: Observe and study the unique behavior of these small carnivores.
Hippo Census & Bird Counts: Participate in conservation efforts and data collection with expert guides.

Cultural & Village Tours

Visitors can engage with local communities through cultural experiences such as:

Kasoga Cultural Experience
Nyanz’ibiri Cave Community
Kikorongo Equator Cultural Group
Leopard Village & Katwe Village Walk

These tours provide insight into the daily lives, traditions, and crafts of the local people.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit depends on your interests:

June to September & December to February: The dry seasons offer excellent game viewing as animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is shorter, making wildlife easier to spot. These are also the busiest months.
March to May & October to November: The rainy seasons bring lush landscapes and the best birdwatching opportunities due to migratory species arriving. However, game viewing can be more challenging due to taller grass and dispersed wildlife.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park offers a range of accommodation options, from budget lodges to luxury safari camps:

Budget Lodges

Pumba Safari Cottages
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge & Campsite
Topi Lodge
Simba Safari Camp
Bush Lodge

Mid-Range Lodges

Enganzi Game Lodge
Kazinga Channel View Resort
Buffalo Safari Lodge
Queen Elizabeth Safari Camp

Luxury Lodges

Mweya Safari Lodge
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Elephant Plains Lodge
Katara Safari Lodge
Ishasha Wilderness Camp

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

By Air

You can take a 1-hour domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese or Kihihi airstrips, followed by a short drive to the park.

By Road

Via Mbarara Route (Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi-Kasese): This is the most commonly used route, approximately 6-7 hours’ drive from Kampala.
Via Fort Portal Route (Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal-Kasese): A slightly shorter and more scenic route through tea plantations and crater lakes.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must-visit destination in Uganda, offering diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in safari game drives, boat cruises, birding, chimpanzee tracking, or unique experiential tours, this park promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa.

Popular Destinations

UGANDA SAFARIS

RWANDA SAFARIS

Mbazi Safaris

Email: mbazisafariltd@gmail.com

TikTok Us: Mbazi Safari Limited

WhatsApp Us: +256704919049

Tel: +256-704-919049/ +256-788-560233