Queen Elizabeth National Park In-Depth Guide

Situated in southwestern Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches across the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. Covering about 1,978 square kilometers, the park lies within the Albertine Rift Valley and boasts diverse landscapes including open savannahs, lush wetlands, crater lakes, tropical forests, and the Rwenzori mountain backdrop. Its unique scenery is shaped by volcanic activity, evident in the dramatic crater explosion depressions and the rift valley escarpments overlooking Lake Edward and Lake George. The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting the two lakes, is the park’s lifeline and a wildlife hotspot.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a biodiversity marvel, hosting over 95 mammal species and more than 600 species of birds, making it one of the most biodiverse parks in East Africa. Wildlife includes elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, and various antelope species. The park also shelters chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge and a variety of primates in the Maramagambo Forest. Its wide range of ecosystems supports rich flora and fauna, appealing to both wildlife enthusiasts and birders.

One of the park’s most unique attractions is the tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector, in the southern part of the park. These lions are famous for lounging in the branches of fig trees—a rare behavior that attracts visitors from around the world. Ishasha also features scenic open plains and large herds of Uganda kob, the lions’ primary prey.

QENP offers rich cultural interactions with communities surrounding the park. Visitors can participate in traditional music and dance, craft making, village walks, and storytelling sessions. Local tribes such as the Banyaruguru, Batooro, and Bakonzo share their customs and ways of life. Community tourism initiatives also promote conservation awareness and provide alternative livelihoods for residents.

• Mweya Peninsula: The park’s central hub, offering boat cruises, game drives, and spectacular views of the Kazinga Channel.

• Ishasha Sector: Located in the south, famous for tree-climbing lions and open savannah game drives.

• Kyambura Gorge: A forested gorge that’s home to habituated chimpanzees and stunning hiking trails.Maramagambo Forest: Offers guided forest walks, birdwatching, and bat cave visits.

• Kasenyi Plains: Excellent for game drives and predator sightings, especially lions and hyenas.

The park can be visited throughout the year, but the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the best wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around water sources, and roads are more accessible.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 18°C and 29°C (64°F to 84°F). The area experiences two rainy seasons: March to May and September to November, and two dry seasons. Rain showers can be sudden, so waterproof gear is recommended, especially if exploring forested areas.

QENP is a hub for conservation and scientific research, particularly for large mammals and bird species. Research on lion behavior, elephant movement, wetland ecology, and human-wildlife coexistence is ongoing. Entrance fees and activity permits directly fund anti-poaching patrols, habitat management, and community projects, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of this rich ecosystem.

Conservation success in QENP is strongly supported by community-based tourism. Local people benefit from tourism through employment, homestays, handicrafts, and cultural performances. Projects like the Kikorongo Women’s Community, Agro-tourism farms, and school partnerships demonstrate how tourism fosters conservation, education, and economic growth.

🚙 Game Drives

Explore the Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha, and Mweya Peninsula for sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Sunrise and sunset drives offer dramatic light and prime wildlife activity.🛥

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and diverse birdlife including fish eagles, herons, and pelicans.

🐵 Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Descend into the lush, forested Kyambura Gorge for a guided trek to track habituated chimpanzees, a rare forest experience within a savannah-dominated park.

🦅 Bird Watching

With over 600 bird species, QENP is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Must-see species include the martial eagle, pink-backed pelican, African skimmer, shoebill stork, and verreaux’s eagle-owl.

🌋 Crater Lakes Exploration

Tour the Katwe Explosion Craters, ancient volcanic features that offer panoramic views, hiking trails, and photo opportunities. Visit Lake Katwe for insights into traditional salt mining.

🌍 Cultural Encounters

Participate in village visits, dance performances, and craft-making experiences with local communities around the park, especially in Kikorongo and Kasenyi.