Queen Elizabeth National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Nestled in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) spans approximately 1,978 km², making it one of the country’s largest and most accessible safari destinations. The park stretches between the shores of Lake George and Lake Edward, and includes the famed Kazinga Channel—a wildlife hotspot where hippos, elephants and crocodiles gather.

QENP boasts an exceptional diversity of habitats: open savanna, acacia woodlands, moist forest, wetlands and crater‑lakes. This variety underpins a rich fauna: more than 95 large mammal species and over 600 bird species inhabit the park. One of the most compelling reasons to visit is the tree‑climbing lions of the Ishasha sector—lions that often rest in fig trees, a rare behaviour globally. Chimpanzee trekking in the park’s forested regions adds a primate‑focus option that complements the big‑game sightings.

• Tree‑climbing lions in Ishasha sector
• Chimpanzee trekking in forested areas
• Over 600 bird species across different habitats
• Hippos and Nile crocodiles along Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel deserves special mention: this 32‑km waterway links Lake George and Lake Edward and serves as a magnet for wildlife, with large congregations of hippos, Nile crocodiles and dozens of water‑birds. For photographers, bird‑watchers or safari‑goers seeking variety, QENP delivers.

For best results, allocate at least two full days within QENP. Key activity zones include the Ishasha sector (for tree‑climbing lions), the Kasenyi Plains (classic savanna game drive), the Kazinga Channel (boat cruise) and forested areas for chimp tracking. Access from Kampala takes around 7–8 hours by road or via charter flights into nearby airstrips. The dry season—from January to February and June to September—tends to offer clearer roads and better game visibility. Choose accommodation according to your budget: luxury lodges along the channel, mid‑range in prime sectors and budget campsites still within reach of the main wildlife zones.

• Ishasha sector – tree‑climbing lions
• Kasenyi Plains – classic savanna game drives
• Kazinga Channel – boat safari for hippos and birds
• Maramagambo Forest – chimpanzee trekking
• Accommodation options: luxury lodges, mid‑range, budget campsites

When preparing your itinerary, consider pairing QENP with nearby attractions such as chimp tracking in the Kyambura Gorge or forest walks in the Maramagambo Forest.