Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular area in Uganda for those seeking a traditional safari experience. Within the park boundaries there are 95 mammal species and some 600 bird species. With the majestic backdrop of the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, the landscape comprises open savannah, dense forest, lakes, craters, rolling hills and wetlands. A three or four-day stay on tailor-made safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park will allow enough time experience the amazing vistas over the Kazinga Channel, see the chimpanzee families of the Kyambura Gorge and search for tree-climbing lions on the Ishasha grasslands to the south.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park is abundant and diverse, including approximately 2,900 elephants, over 10,000 buffalo and more than 150 lions, with sightings of all being common. The lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park can also sometimes be seen climbing the trees – something rarely seen elsewhere in Africa.
A troop of around 25 chimpanzees have been habituated to people and can be spotted during treks in the Kyambura Gorge, a part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. A variety of rare antelope species can also be found within the park, including bushbuck, Ugandan kob and topi. There are no rhino, giraffe, zebra or wildebeest here, but leopards can occasionally be seen and there are over 600 hippos wallowing in the waters.
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park tend to be game drives, nature walks and boat trips, with specialist wildlife research experiences and chimpanzee trekking also available.
Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Recorded species of birds living in Queen Elizabeth National Park exceed 600. There are more bird species here than anywhere else in East Africa. Many of the species are classified as birding specials and so Queen Elizabeth National is among the best birding destinations in the world.
For many, the rare shoebill stork found in the swamps of the Ishasha is a highlight of a bespoke safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Some of the other birding specials in the park include the Ayre’s hawk-eagle, great blue turaco, Heuglin’s gull, red-chested sunbird, and the western banded snake eagle.
Best Places to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are several different safari camps and lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park to suit a variety of budgets.
Hand-picked Camps and Lodges
Talk with one of our experts today to discuss the best options for you.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are two typically drier periods in Queen Elizabeth National Park, between January and February, and then between June and July. During these months animals tend to congregate closer to permanent water sources making them easier to spot.
During the wet months from March to May and August to September the park is luscious and green and at its most beautiful. It is a wonderful time to visit the park but heavy rains during certain periods may affect activities.
Weather During the Year
