Uganda's most biodiverse park, famed for its tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and a stunning variety of ecosystems from savannah to crater lakes.
Overview
Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is a medley of wonders. Its landscapes include vast open savannah, shady rainforest, dense papyrus swamps, and the mystical crater lakes dotted with flamingos. The park is bisected by the equator and anchored by Lake Edward and Lake George, connected by the 40km-long Kazinga Channel. This diversity supports an incredible array of wildlife, including 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species.
Photo Gallery
Attractions
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: A highlight, offering up-close views of hippos, buffalo, elephants, and prolific birdlife.
Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha: Famous lions that lounge in the fig trees (in the southern Ishasha sector).
Kyambura Gorge "Underground Forest": Home to habituated chimpanzees.
Crater Lakes Drive: Scenic drive past beautiful alkaline crater lakes, some with flamingos.
Kasenyi Plains: Prime area for game drives to see lions, Uganda kob, and elephants.
Activities
Game Drives (Mweya and Ishasha sectors)
Kazinga Channel Launch Trip
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest
Bird Watching (A premier birding destination)
Nature Walks (e.g., Mweya Peninsula)
Lion Tracking Experience (Research-focused activity)
Best Time to Visit
Dry Seasons (June-August & December-February): Optimal for game viewing as animals congregate around water sources. Roads are in better condition.
Wet Seasons (March-May & September-November): Lush scenery, excellent for birding, and fewer tourists. Some roads may become challenging.
How to Get There
By Air: Charter flights from Entebbe/Kajjansi to airstrips at Mweya or Kasese.
By Road: ~6 hours drive from Kampala via Mbarara.
Accommodation
Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Parkview Safari Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge (tented), public campsites at Mweya and Ishasha.
Local Culture
Visit nearby communities for cultural experiences, including the Kikorongo Women's Group for dance and craft-making or the Leopard Village for traditional performances and folklore.
Weather Information
The park is generally warm and temperate.
Temperature: Average daytime temps of 25-28Ā°C (77-82Ā°F). Evenings are pleasant.
Rainfall: Two wet seasons, but rain is often in short, afternoon showers.
Safety Tips
Always stay in your vehicle during game drives.
On the boat cruise, remain seated and keep arms inside the boat near hippos.
Malaria is prevalent; use prophylaxis and repellent.
Travel Tips
The Ishasha sector (for tree-climbing lions) is a 2-3 hour drive from the main Mweya area; plan accordingly.
The boat cruise is best in the late afternoon when wildlife activity is high.
Combine with Bwindi for a perfect "Primates & Wildlife" circuit.
Location Map
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Quick Information
Uganda
Western Uganda
-0.196200, 30.128300
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