Size1,978Km2
Queen Elizabeth national park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, and renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by the then Queen of England; Queen Elizabeth II. This popular destination spans the equator line and monuments on either side of the road mark the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00.
The Park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species in two sectors of Ishasha in the south and kasenyi plains in the north. The Katwe explosion craters mark the park's highest point at 1,350m above sea level, while the lowest point is at 910m, at Lake Edward.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda's most popular tourist destination. The park's diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid woodland forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees, mankeys, baboons and over 600 species of birds.
Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park's magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kobs.
As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music and more. The gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities. Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of Wonders!
Understanding Queen Elizabeth National park
There are four sectors in Queen Elizabeth National Park, all of which inhabit abundant wildlife that tourists can encounter while on wildlife safari. Below are the four sectors in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Ishasha Sector
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is found in the south western part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This sector is famous for tree climbing lions, which can be spotted hanging on fig trees on sunny days or just resting after a big days hunt.
You can also spot these tree climbing lions up in the acacia or fig tree branches. Apart from the tree climbing lions , the Ishasha sector also has a variety of bird species and a host of game animals. Activities in the Ishasha sector include game drives, bird watching and camping at the Ishasha River, picnic lunches and bush breakfasts.
Kasenyi sector/Kasenyi plains
The Kasenyi sector is located in the north eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and is largely made up of open savannah. The Kasenyi plains is a breeding area of the Uganda kobs, thus command a good number of lions and leopards, as well as vultures.
The plains offer and ideal game drive experience because they are flat and and have more well pronounced and market tracks. Activities in the Kasenyi sector include game viewing in the Kasenyi plains lion tracking, which brings tourists up close with the cats; the activity is called Experiential and is done with a team of trackers.
Kyambura Gorge
The Kyambura Gorge, famously known as the valley of apes, is located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and is known to inhabit one family of chimpanzees that was disconnected from test of the jungle by human activity.
Tourist activities in Kyambura Gorge include bird watching, Chimpanzee tracking, Guided nature, Wildlife in the gorge include; red tailed monkeys, giant forest hogs, black and white colobus monkeys, and many bird species.
The Mweya Peninsular
The Mweya Peninsular is located on the northern bank of the Kazinga channel, which joins Lake Edward to Lake George. Activities done in the Mweya Peninsular include boat trips on the Kazinga channel, night game drives and Camping, there is a visitor information center, an open restaurant, and dormitory budget accommodation run by Uganda wildlife authority.
Best time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited all year round, for as long as the travellers has time to spare to take up a Uganda wildlife safari. The dry Months of June to September and December to January offer the best experiences, these months also represent the peak tourism season.
Dry months make game viewing much easier since the grass is shorter and the scarcity of water, force wildlife to gather on the available few points, giving travellers a cheap opportunity to spot them. Wet seasons however present the best time for bird watching, budget travel and les congestion.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is an amazing for game viewing safaris, boat safaris, bird watching, chimpanzee tracking, and lion tracking.
Top safaris
12 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari and Rwanda with Lake Kivu
From
5880Per person
7 Days Gorilla Back Packing safari
From
2464Per person
3 Days Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
From
1013Per person
7 Days Wildlife and Gorilla Tracking Uganda Safari
From
3228Per person
7 Days Gorilla tracking, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National park
From
2988Per person
7 Days Africa Honey Moon Safari
From
2673Per person
7 Days Africa family safari
From
2404Per person
8 Days Africa Family Safari Package
From
3593Per person
8 Days All Inclusive Custom Vacation Tour of Uganda
From
3240Per person
10 Days Uganda Primates, Apes and Safari, Mid Range Tour
From
4576Per person
10 Days Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari in Uganda
From
4750Per person
16 Days Uganda Primates, Apes and Safari Mid Range Tour
From
6880Per person
21 Days Uganda and Rwanda, wildlife and primate safari
From
12604Per person
6 Days Uganda Wildlife And Gorilla Tracking Budget Tour
From
2160Per person
Other toursit destinations in Uganda
Kampala city
Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is a dynamic and rapidly growing urban center that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, adventure, and modernity. With its rolling hills, lush vegetation, and friendly people, Kampala welcomes visitors to experience the heart and soul of Uganda.
Explore parkKabale town
Kabale town is a charming destination that has earned the nickname "The Switzerland of Africa." This picturesque town, surrounded by lush green hills and cool, misty weather, offers travelers a perfect escape into nature, culture, and adventure.
Explore parkKidepo valley national park
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda's borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700kilometers from Kampala.
Explore parkMurchison falls national park
Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds.
Explore parkMount Elgon National Park
At 4,000km² Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda - Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80 kilometers in diameter, rises more than 3,000 meters above the surrounding plains.
Explore parkRwenzori mountains national park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km long and 65km wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world's rarest vegetation.
Explore parkSemliki National Park
Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa's most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.
Explore parkZziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a protected area located in Nakasongola district, Uganda. It was established in 2005 with the primary objective of reintroducing and conserving the endangered southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in Uganda.
Explore parkPian Upe Game Reserve
Pian Upe Game Reserve is a highly desired tourist destination located in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda. This expansive reserve covers an area of approximately 2,788 square kilometers, making it the second-largest protected area in the country.
Explore parkBwindi impenetrable forest national park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.
Explore parkKibale forest national park
Kibale Forest National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau.
Explore parkLake Mburo national park
20% of the park's entrance fee is used to fund local community projects such as building clinics and schools. Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda.
Explore parkMgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a protected area located in southwestern Uganda, on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the two national parks in Uganda that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Explore parkThe source of the Nile
The source of the Nile, alluded to hazily in the ancient writings of Ptolemy, stood as one of the great geographical mysteries of the Victorian Age. Closer to home, the Nile downriver from Jinja, Uganda, offers some superb white water rafting and game fishing.
Explore parkSempaya Hot springs
Sempaya Hot Springs, also known as Semuliki Hot Springs, is a natural wonder located in the Semuliki National Park in western Uganda. These hot springs are renowned for their unique geological features and therapeutic properties, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
Explore parkSipi falls
Sipi Falls is a stunning waterfall located in eastern Uganda, near the town of Kapchorwa. It is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country and draws tourists from all over the world. The falls are part of the Sipi River, which originates from Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano that straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya.
Explore parkEntebbe international airport
Entebbe International Airport is the main international airport serving Uganda. The airport is an important gateway to Uganda and the surrounding region.
Explore parkLake Mutanda
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the wonders of Lake Mutanda, what makes it a must-visit destination, and how Musana Tours and Travel can help you curate an unforgettable adventure.
Explore parkKisoro town
Kisoro town should be on your must-visit list. At Musana Tours and Travel, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for travelers, and Kisoro promises just that—an unforgettable adventure filled with nature, wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences.
Explore parkLake Bunyonyi
Known as the “Place of many little birds,” Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda near the border of Rwanda. Its tranquil waters, stunning landscapes, and unique islands make it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Explore parkJinja city
Jinja City, perched on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in eastern Uganda, is a true gem for travelers looking for adventure, nature, and a taste of Uganda’s rich culture
Explore parkEntebbe City
Entebbe, a vibrant city located along the shores of Lake Victoria, is one of Uganda’s most captivating destinations. Its scenic beauty, historical significance, and proximity to Uganda’s only international airport make it a key gateway to the rest of the country.
Explore parkMabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp stands out as a remarkable wetland, teeming with birdlife and other wildlife. Located along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, this swamp is one of Uganda’s most important bird-watching sites.
Explore parkLake Victoria
Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Spanning three countries, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, this vast body of water offers unparalleled beauty, cultural richness, and abundant wildlife.
Explore parkRiver Nile
The River Nile, the longest river in the world, holds a mystique that captivates explorers, travelers, and historians alike. Spanning over 6,600 kilometers, the Nile flows through 11 countries in northeastern Africa before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore parkFort portal
Fort Portal, the tourism capital of Uganda, is a beautiful, serene city located in the western part of the country, lying at the base of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains.
Explore parkKaruma Falls
Karuma Falls is a stunning natural marvel renowned for its roaring rapids and awe-inspiring beauty. Located within the Karuma Wildlife Reserve, this site offers an immersive blend of scenic landscapes, adventure, and wildlife.
Explore parkKazinga channel
The Kazinga channel, connecting Lake Edward to Lake George, forms a vital artery for wildlife in the region. Its serene waters and lush banks teem with life, making it a dream destination for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and safari adventurers.
Explore parkBigodi wetland sanctuary
Uganda’s allure as the "Pearl of Africa" lies in its rich ecosystems and stunning landscapes, and the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a shining example. Located near Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda, this sanctuary offers a captivating mix of wildlife, community tourism, and conservation.
Explore parkNews and updates
A unique canoeing experience in East Africa
Canoeing in East Africa offers travelers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the region's spectacular landscapes while immersing themselves in the local cultures. Imagine gliding across serene waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and engaging with vibrant communities that have lived along these waterways for generations.
Mon Dec 02 2024
Accommodation options in Lake Mburo National Park
From luxury lodges that redefine indulgence to budget-friendly campsites where adventure takes center stage, Lake Mburo National Park offers a range of stays that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here’s a detailed look at the accommodation options that promise to make your visit unforgettable.
Sun Dec 01 2024
Rwanda’s most scenic destinations
Compact and easy to navigate, Rwanda offers seamless travel experiences, allowing you to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage without the hassle of long journeys. Let’s embark on a virtual tour of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations and uncover why this East African gem is worth your visit.
Sun Dec 01 2024