- 45 New Eskaton Road, Austria
- Sun to Friday: 8.00 am - 7.00 pm
- 45 New Eskaton Road, Austria
- Sun to Friday: 8.00 am - 7.00 pm
Welcome to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a protected area in Uganda that spans over 1,978 square kilometers. The park is named after Queen Elizabeth II of England who visited Uganda in 1954. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and chimpanzees. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as game drives, boat cruises, bird watching, and nature walks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uganda due to its rich biodiversity and stunning scenery. The park is located in southwestern Uganda and covers parts of the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi and Rukungiri.
The history of Queen Elizabeth National Park dates back to 1952 when it was originally established as Kazinga National Park. It was later renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II who visited the park two years later. In 1979, the park was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
One of the main attractions at Queen Elizabeth National Park is its wildlife. The park boasts over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species. Visitors can spot elephants grazing on the plains or take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see hippos wallowing in the water.
Another highlight of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park is taking part in a game drive. This allows visitors to explore different areas of the park while spotting animals such as lions lazing under trees or leopards hiding in bushes.
For those interested in primates, chimpanzee trekking is also available at Kyambura Gorge within the park. This provides an opportunity for visitors to observe these intelligent creatures up close while they go about their daily lives.
In addition to its wildlife offerings, Queen Elizabeth National Park also has breathtaking landscapes that are worth exploring. Visitors can take a nature walk through Maramagambo Forest to see stunning waterfalls, or hike up the Kyambura Gorge to see panoramic views of the surrounding area.
QENP is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park boasts over 95 mammal species, including the famous African elephants, lions, and hippos. Visitors can also spot other animals such as buffalos, leopards, hyenas, and chimpanzees. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide a unique opportunity to witness the circle of life in action.
The Ishasha sector of QENP is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions. These big cats are known to climb trees to escape from the heat and avoid insect bites on the ground. Watching these majestic creatures lounging on branches provides an unforgettable experience for visitors.
QENP is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 600 bird species recorded within its borders. The park’s varied habitats, including savannah grasslands, forests, wetlands, and lakeshores provide a perfect environment for birds to thrive. Some of the notable bird species found in QENP include the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, pink-backed pelican, and martial eagle.
One of the most popular activities in QENP is taking a boat safari on Kazinga Channel or Lake Edward. Boat safaris offer visitors a unique opportunity to see animals from a different perspective while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
During boat safaris on Kazinga Channel or Lake Edward visitors can spot hippos wallowing in water or basking along shorelines while crocodiles sunbathe nearby. Elephants and buffalos often visit the banks of Kazinga channel to quench their thirsts during hot afternoons.
QENP is home to several chimpanzee communities, and visitors can track these primates with the help of experienced guides. The Kyambura Gorge is particularly famous for its chimpanzees, but visitors can also find them in other areas of the park.
Chimpanzee tracking is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitats. Visitors can watch them swing from tree to tree, play with each other, or groom themselves while learning about their behavior and social structure.
QENP offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose from luxury lodges, mid-range campsites, or budget campsites depending on their needs.
Luxury lodges such as Mweya Safari Lodge offer unparalleled comfort with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Mid-range campsites such as Simba Safari Camp provide comfortable tents with modern amenities at affordable prices. Budget campsites such as Ishasha Jungle Lodge offer basic facilities for visitors who want to experience nature without breaking the bank.
Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will find themselves in awe of the breathtaking beauty that Queen Elizabeth National Park has to offer. From big cats such as lions and tree-climbing lions, elephants, and chimpanzees, this Ugandan national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The park’s most popular attractions are its big cats and chimpanzees. Lions are a common sight in the park, but visitors can also spot tree-climbing lions lounging on branches. Chimpanzee trekking is another must-do activity for those visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visitors can observe these intelligent primates up close as they swing through trees in their natural habitat.
Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts several protected areas that are worth exploring. Kyambura Game Reserve is known for its primate population and bird species, making it an ideal destination for avid bird watchers. On the other hand, Murchison Falls National Park offers stunning landscapes and the opportunity to see animals such as giraffes and hippos.
One of the top attractions at Queen Elizabeth National Park is gorilla trekking. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows visitors to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while supporting conservation efforts aimed at protecting them from extinction.
Tour operators within the area offer a variety of tours and activities suitable for all types of travelers. Game drives allow visitors to explore different parts of the park while spotting wildlife along the way. Boat safaris provide an opportunity to view aquatic life such as crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species from a unique perspective. Climbing lion safaris give visitors an exclusive chance to see these unique predators in action.
As the sun rises over Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors gear up for an exciting adventure. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. A typical day in the park starts with an early morning game drive on the savannah plains where visitors can spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The cool breeze and fresh air make it an enjoyable experience as you traverse through the vast grasslands.
The experienced guides lead visitors through different trails and tracks that offer scenic views of the park’s landscape. The open-roofed safari vehicles provide an unobstructed view of wildlife sightings and allow visitors to capture stunning photographs. Visitors can also learn about various animal behaviors and how they interact with each other from knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts about each species.
After a few hours of game drives, visitors can take a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and offers a unique opportunity to observe aquatic life up close. As you glide down the river, you will be amazed by how close you get to these magnificent creatures without disturbing them.
The boat ride is relaxing yet thrilling at the same time as visitors witness large pods of hippos basking in the sun or swimming in groups while making loud grunting sounds. Crocodiles are also spotted along the banks of the river basking in sunlight with their mouths wide open waiting for prey.
For a more adventurous safari experience, visitors can opt for a chimpanzee trekking activity in Kyambura Gorge. This gorge is located within Queen Elizabeth National Park’s boundaries and is home to several primate species, including chimpanzees. The trek involves hiking through the forest and observing these primates in their natural habitat swinging from tree to tree.
The chimpanzee trekking activity offers a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent creatures up close while learning about their social behavior and communication methods. Visitors can also spot other primate species such as black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, and red-tailed monkeys during the trek.
Another highlight of the safari adventure is the day gorilla trekking activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in southwestern Uganda and is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, which are an endangered species. Visitors can spend an hour with these gentle giants after a strenuous hike through the dense forest.
The day gorilla trekking activity offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience as visitors witness these majestic creatures interacting with each other while going about their daily routine. The guides provide interesting facts about each gorilla family’s hierarchy, social structure, and habits.
Visitors can also enjoy multiple game drives throughout the day to increase their chances of sighting rare wildlife species such as leopards and hyenas. The park’s diverse landscape provides various habitats for different animal species that visitors can explore during game drives.
One of the most exciting activities visitors can enjoy at Queen Elizabeth National Park is game drives. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos. Game drives offer an opportunity to see these animals up close and personal in their natural habitat.
During a game drive, visitors will ride in a safari vehicle with an experienced guide who will help identify different species and provide interesting facts about them. The best time for game drives is early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active. However, it’s important to note that sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals are wild and free-roaming.
Another popular activity at QENP is taking a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometer channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and offers breathtaking views of the park’s diverse ecosystem. Visitors can spot hippos wallowing in the water or basking on the riverbanks while crocodiles sunbathe on the shores.
The birdlife along the channel is also impressive, with over 60 species recorded including African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets among others. Boat cruises usually last between two to three hours and are available both in the morning and afternoon.
QENP is home to over 500 chimpanzees making it one of Uganda’s prime destinations for chimpanzee tracking tours. Chimpanzee tracking involves trekking through dense forests with experienced guides until you find these primates in their natural habitat.
Visitors need to have good physical fitness as this activity can be physically demanding due to hiking through rugged terrain with steep inclines/declines under the hot sun. However, the reward is priceless as visitors get to see these intelligent primates up close and personal.
For those who prefer a more relaxed activity, guided nature walks are available in QENP. These walks offer an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem and learn about different plant and animal species found within it.
During the walk, visitors can spot various bird species including African pied wagtails, black-headed gonoleks, speckled mousebirds among others. Visitors can also learn about medicinal plants used by local communities for centuries to cure various ailments.
Entry Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Before planning your visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, you should know that there is an entry fee for visitors. The price varies depending on the time of year you plan to visit. During peak season (December to February and June to September), the fee is $40 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents, and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens. During low season (March to May and October to November), the fee is reduced by half.
It’s important to note that these fees only cover entry into the park. If you plan on going on a safari or participating in other activities within the park, there may be additional fees.
Best Time to Go: When Should You Plan Your Visit?
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. Peak season (December-February and June-September) offers dry weather conditions which makes it easier for game drives as animals tend to gather around water sources. However, this also means that the park can be crowded with tourists during this time.
If you prefer fewer crowds but don’t mind some rain, then visiting during low season (March-May and October-November) could be ideal since rates are lower than in peak seasons and most lodges offer discounts.
When planning your itinerary for Queen Elizabeth National Park, consider how long you will be staying in Uganda. A minimum of two days is recommended if you want a chance at seeing all of the park’s wildlife species.
It’s also important to know what activities are available within the park so that you can plan accordingly. Some of these activities include game drives, boat cruises along Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest Reserve among others.
When visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, it’s important to pack appropriately. Bring comfortable and sturdy shoes for walking and hiking. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, binoculars and a camera.
There are several accommodation options available within the park including lodges, campsites and guesthouses. It is also recommended that you book your accommodation in advance especially during peak season to avoid any inconveniences.
Lodges and tented camps are the most popular accommodations for visitors who want to stay near Queen Elizabeth National Park. However, camping is also an option for those who prefer a more rugged experience.
Mweya Safari Lodge is one of the most popular places to stay in the area. Located within the park’s boundaries, it offers stunning views of Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge has 62 rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the Kazinga Channel or Lake Edward. The rooms are decorated in a modern African style and come equipped with all necessary amenities such as air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Mweya Safari Lodge also has an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a bar where guests can enjoy drinks while watching wildlife.
If you’re looking for something more luxurious, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is another reserve that offers luxury tented accommodations. The camp is located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions. Each tent has a comfortable bed, en-suite bathroom with hot water shower, and a private veranda overlooking the savannah grasslands where elephants often roam. The camp also has an open-air dining area serving delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
For those who prefer camping over lodges or tented camps, there are several campsites available near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kasenyi Campsite is located just outside the park’s gates and offers basic facilities such as showers and toilets. It’s an ideal place for budget travelers who want to experience nature up close.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes and many species of birds making it an ideal place to stay for nature lovers. Staying in one of the lodges, tented camps or campsites near the park is a great way to experience the beauty of this national park up close.
Private safari vehicles are the most popular mode of transportation. These vehicles offer visitors a comfortable and convenient way to travel through the park while enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife. Private safari vehicles can be rented from tour operators or lodges located within or outside the park.
One of the main advantages of using a private safari vehicle is that visitors have complete control over their itinerary. They can choose which areas of the park they want to visit and how long they want to stay there. Private safari vehicles come with experienced drivers who are knowledgeable about the park’s geography, wildlife, and history.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, guided walking safaris and boat cruises are excellent alternative transportation options in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Guided walking safaris allow visitors to explore the park on foot while accompanied by an experienced guide who will provide insights into the flora and fauna found in this ecosystem.
Boat cruises along Kazinga Channel are another great way to see wildlife up close while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Edward. Visitors can expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species during these boat rides.
Car rentals are available in nearby towns such as Kasese and Fort Portal for those who prefer self-driving. However, self-driving is not recommended due to the rugged terrain of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The roads within the park are unpaved and can be challenging even for experienced drivers.
Visitors should also be cautious when driving through the park as wildlife often crosses these roads. It is advisable to drive at low speeds and keep a safe distance from animals that may wander onto or near roads.
For those traveling to or from Queen Elizabeth National Park, domestic flights and public buses are available. Domestic flights are offered by various airlines such as Aerolink Uganda, Eagle Air, and Fly Uganda. These flights depart from Entebbe International Airport and land at Kasese Airstrip.
Public buses are another affordable way to travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Buses depart from Kampala’s central bus station and make stops in towns such as Kasese, Fort Portal, and Mbarara before reaching the park.
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is a vast area of over 1,900 square kilometers with an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. Navigating such a large park can be overwhelming, but luckily there is a detailed map that serves as the perfect guide for exploring the park like a pro.
One of the unique experiences visitors can have in Queen Elizabeth National Park is tree climbing. The park boasts an impressive number of big fig trees scattered throughout its expanse, and the detailed map highlights the best spots for this activity. These trees are not only great for climbing but also provide shade and serve as habitats to various bird species. With the help of the map, visitors can easily find these trees and enjoy their beauty up close.
Lake Edward is one of the main attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and it’s no surprise why. The lake offers breathtaking views and serves as a habitat for numerous aquatic animals such as hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles. The detailed map shows Lake Edward’s location within the park, making it easier for visitors to plan their itinerary around this must-see destination. In addition to highlighting Lake Edward itself, the map also showcases surrounding areas that offer stunning views worth exploring.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has an impressive range of trees that add to its natural beauty. The towering mahogany trees are particularly noteworthy due to their size and unique appearance. With so many trees in the park, searching for specific types can be challenging without proper guidance. Fortunately, the detailed map helps visitors search for specific tree types by providing information on where they can be found within the park.
One of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s biggest draws is its diverse range of wildlife that includes elephants, lions, buffalos, and more. The detailed map highlights areas within the park where visitors are most likely to spot these animals. This information is particularly useful for those who are short on time or hoping to maximize their chances of seeing certain species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most diverse national parks in Uganda. It is home to over 95 mammal species, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and leopards. However, the park is most famous for its tree-climbing lions that are only found in this region of the world. These lions have adapted to their environment by climbing trees to escape from insects and other predators on the ground.
The park offers a unique safari experience where visitors can spot these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The best time to see them is during the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. Visitors can also take guided walks with rangers who will provide insights into the wildlife and their behavior.
One of the highlights of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park is taking a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos. It is also an excellent spot for bird watching as over 600 bird species have been recorded in the park.
During a boat cruise, visitors can spot elephants drinking water from the channel’s banks while crocodiles bask in the sun on nearby rocks. The boat ride provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy nature while taking in some breathtaking views.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has become a popular destination for bird lovers due to its diverse range of habitats that provide shelter for different bird species. From savannah grasslands to tropical forests, there are plenty of opportunities to spot birds such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, storks, herons among others.
Visitors can take guided bird-watching walks with experienced rangers who will help them identify the different species and share interesting facts about their behavior.
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse landscape is one of its most unique features. The park has savannah grasslands, tropical forests, and crater lakes that provide a habitat for different animals and plant species. Visitors can explore the different areas of the park on guided walks or game drives.
The Ishasha sector in the south of the park is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions while the Mweya peninsula offers stunning views of Lake Edward and Lake George. The Kyambura Gorge is also worth visiting as it is home to chimpanzees and other primates.
Visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park can immerse themselves in local culture by visiting nearby communities. The communities offer cultural experiences such as traditional dances, storytelling sessions, and visits to local schools where visitors can interact with children.
The park has also partnered with local communities on conservation efforts such as protecting endangered species like the Uganda Kob. These partnerships have helped reduce poaching activities in the area while providing alternative sources of income for community members.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The park boasts an incredible array of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and exciting activities that will leave you in awe.
From the moment you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling lakes. As you explore the park further, you’ll encounter some of Africa’s most iconic animals, including elephants, lions, hippos, and giraffes.
But QENP isn’t just about spotting wildlife – it’s also about immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Uganda. Take a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel to see crocodiles basking in the sun or go for a hike along one of the park’s many trails to discover hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas.
If adventure is what you’re after, QENP won’t disappoint. Go on a game drive at dawn to witness predators stalking their prey or take part in a thrilling chimpanzee trek through dense forests.
There are plenty of options available near the park that cater to all budgets and preferences. Whether you prefer luxury lodges with top-notch amenities or rustic campsites under starry skies, QENP has something for everyone.
Getting around QENP is easy thanks to its well-maintained roads and numerous transportation options. You can rent a car or hire a driver-guide to take you around the park or join an organized safari tour for hassle-free travel.
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