Queen Elizabeth National Park: Uganda’s Crown Jewel of Biodiversity

Nestled in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is one of the most biodiverse and most visited protected areas in East Africa. Covering about 1,978 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its incredible variety of wildlife and scenic landscapes that stretch from crater lakes to savannahs, wetlands, and forests. Established in 1952 and renamed in 1954 to honor Queen Elizabeth II, the park is a beacon for conservation and sustainable tourism in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park- Biodiversity and Wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to:

• 95+ mammal species including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hippos, and the famed tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
• Over 600 bird species, making it one of the best birding spots in East Africa. Look for the rare shoebill stork, flamingos, and African fish eagle.
• Primates such as chimpanzees, baboons, and black-and-white colobus monkeys in the Kyambura Gorge.

Learn more about Uganda’s wildlife

Top Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Kazinga Channel – The Lifeline of the Park
Stretching 40 kilometers, the Kazinga Channel links Lake George to Lake Edward and is a vital water source for wildlife. The channel is a top highlight for visitors due to its abundance of animals that congregate along its banks, particularly during the dry season.

A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel is a truly unforgettable experience. Guests can expect to see:

• Hundreds of hippos wallowing and grunting in the shallow waters.
• Massive Nile crocodiles basking in the sun on the muddy shores.
• Herds of elephants and buffaloes coming to drink or cool off.
• A dazzling array of birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, yellow-billed storks, great cormorants, saddle-billed storks, pink-backed pelicans, and even African skimmers.

It’s a photographer’s paradise and a perfect opportunity to observe wildlife in a relaxed, non-intrusive way.

2. Ishasha Sector – Land of the Tree-Climbing Lions
In the southern part of the park lies the legendary Ishasha Sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions—a rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa. These lions often lounge in the branches of large fig and acacia trees, especially during the heat of the day.

Apart from lions, Ishasha is also home to:

• Large herds of Uganda kobs, the primary prey of the lions.
• Topis, buffaloes, and elephants roaming the savannah plains.
• Migratory birds and raptors that make the area a hidden gem for birdwatchers.

The wide open spaces, fewer tourists, and raw beauty make Ishasha a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts seeking something off the beaten path.

3. Kyambura Gorge – The Valley of Apes
Nicknamed the “Valley of Apes”, the Kyambura Gorge is a lush, 100-meter-deep ravine carved by the Kyambura River. The contrast between the dry savannah above and the green, tropical rainforest below is striking.

This is one of the few places in Uganda where you can track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. A guided chimpanzee trek with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offers:

• A chance to observe chimpanzees in their social groups—grooming, feeding, or calling from the treetops.
• Encounters with other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
• A vibrant forest ecosystem with tropical vegetation, butterflies, and birds such as the green pigeon and African grey parrot.

It’s a thrilling and immersive rainforest experience right in the heart of a savannah park.

4. Crater Lakes and Explosion Craters – Volcanic Beauty
Queen Elizabeth National Park is dotted with a series of explosion craters, remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions. These crater lakes and depressions offer dramatic landscapes and unique geological insights.

Notable sites include:

• Lake Katwe, a salty crater lake where traditional salt mining still occurs—visitors can tour the salt pans and interact with local miners.
• The Katwe Explosion Craters, offering panoramic views of the Western Rift Valley and Lakes Edward and George. These are perfect for scenic drives and photography.
• Bunyampaka and Munyanyange Crater Lakes, seasonal birdwatching hotspots with flamingos and pelicans.

The crater drive, often referred to as the “Crater Explosion Trail”, is a scenic highlight, offering views of wild plains, volcanic rims, and serene waterscapes.

5. Mweya Peninsula – The Heart of Visitor Activity
The Mweya Peninsula juts into the Kazinga Channel and is the park’s main hub for tourism. It offers a blend of accessibility, breathtaking scenery, and essential visitor facilities.

What to find here:

• Mweya Safari Lodge, offering luxury accommodations with sweeping views of the channel and nearby wildlife.
• A visitor information center, where guests can learn about the park’s ecology, wildlife, and history.
• Easy access to boat cruises, game drives, and ranger-guided walks.
• Regular sightings of warthogs, banded mongooses, elephants, and even leopards.

From Mweya, guests can easily launch their adventures across various regions of the park, making it a strategic base for any Queen Elizabeth itinerary.

How to Get There

By Road:

• From Kampala (Uganda’s capital), it takes approximately 7-8 hours (410 km). The scenic route passes through Mbarara and Bushenyi.
• From Kigali, Rwanda, it’s about 5-6 hours via the Gatuna border and Kabale.

By Air:

• Domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese, Mweya, or Kihihi airstrips via AeroLink Uganda or Bar Aviation.
• Charter flights are ideal for high-end travelers or those short on time.
• Aerolink Uganda Flights

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Seasons (June–September, December–February): Ideal for game viewing.
• Wet Seasons (March–May, October–November): Best for birdwatching, though some areas may be harder to access.

Entrance Fees and Permits

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 40 per person/day
• Foreign Residents: USD 30
• East African Citizens: UGX 20,000
• Additional charges apply for chimpanzee tracking, vehicle entry, and boat rides.

Uganda Wildlife Authority Fees

Community and Cultural Experiences

The park borders several communities, including the Bakonzo, Basongora, and Banyabindi. Visitors can enjoy:

• Traditional music and dance performances
• Village walks and storytelling
• Artisan crafts and local food tastings

These experiences support local livelihoods and promote cultural exchange. Some tourism revenue is shared with communities through UWA’s Revenue Sharing Program.

Conservation and Sustainability

Queen Elizabeth National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) with a strong emphasis on community-inclusive conservation. Measures include:

• Anti-poaching patrols and monitoring programs
• Tourism revenue-sharing with local communities
• Education and awareness campaigns
• Sustainable tourism initiatives, including eco-lodges and low-impact safaris
• Support Conservation at Queen Elizabeth

What to Pack

• Light clothing for daytime and a jacket for cool mornings
• Sturdy walking shoes or boots
• Binoculars and a camera
• Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle

Fun Facts

• The park lies within the Albertine Rift, a global biodiversity hotspot.
• It contains over 10 volcanic craters, some of which are filled with lakes.
• QENP is part of a larger conservation area that includes Virunga National Park in DR Congo.

Where to Stay

From budget-friendly hostels to luxury eco-lodges, Queen Elizabeth offers something for everyone:

• Mweya Safari Lodge – located on the Mweya Peninsula
• Ishasha Wilderness Camp – remote, luxury tented camp
• Enganzi Game Lodge – mid-range option with stunning views

Plan Your Visit with Amatsiko Tours

At Amatsiko Tours, we specialize in immersive, responsible travel. Our Western Uganda Safari includes:

• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Volunteering at Amatsiko Preparatory School
• Gorilla tracking in Bwindi
• Cultural tours, Lake Bunyonyi excursions, and more

📆 Schedule a planning session with our team today!

Final Thoughts

Queen Elizabeth National Park is more than a wildlife destination—it’s a landscape of stories, conservation, and culture. Whether you’re drawn by its lions, lakes, or local communities, this park leaves a lasting impression.

Ready to experience the wild heart of Uganda? Let Amatsiko Tours be your guide.