Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most famous safari destinations, located in western Uganda. The park is known for its beautiful savannah landscapes, diverse wildlife, stunning crater lakes, and spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is an excellent destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African wildlife safari.
Covering approximately 1,978 square kilometres, the park offers opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can also enjoy boat cruises, game drives, chimpanzee tracking, and breathtaking scenery.
Best Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
1. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.
The Kazinga Channel is one of the park’s most popular attractions. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and attracts large numbers of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
A boat cruise offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
2. Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha.
The Ishasha sector is famous for its remarkable tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lions, these predators can often be spotted resting on the branches of large fig trees.
Visitors can explore the area during a guided game drive and enjoy the beautiful surrounding savannah.
3. Kasenyi Plains Game Drives.
The Kasenyi Plains provide an exciting setting for traditional African wildlife safaris. Visitors may encounter lions, Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and warthogs.
Early-morning and late-afternoon game drives offer wonderful opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
4. Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking.
Kyambura Gorge, sometimes called the Valley of Apes, offers an exciting opportunity to track chimpanzees in a forested gorge surrounded by savannah landscapes.
Chimpanzee tracking is a memorable experience for visitors interested in primates and nature.
5. Katwe Explosion Craters.
The Katwe crater area features impressive volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and scenic viewpoints. It is an excellent destination for sightseeing, photography, and appreciating the geological history of western Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Prices.
The cost of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park depends on your nationality, length of stay, vehicle, and activities.
Indicative adult entrance fees for 2026 are:
Foreign non-residents: US$40 per person per 24 hours.
Foreign residents: US$30 per person per 24 hours.
Rest of Africa: US$25 per person per 24 hours.
East African citizens: UGX 20,000 per person per 24 hours.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise: Approximately US$30 for foreign non-residents.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge: Approximately US$100 for foreign non-residents, excluding park entrance fees. Vehicle entry fees and other activities are charged separately. Accommodation, transport, meals, and professional guide services may also increase your total safari budget.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited throughout the year. However, the drier periods, generally from June to September and December to February, are often preferred for wildlife viewing because roads are usually easier to navigate and vegetation may be less dense.
The wetter months offer greener scenery and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, although some roads can become muddy.
Plan Your Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari.
From the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers remarkable experiences for nature lovers, photographers, couples, and families.
Whether you want a guided game drive, a relaxing boat cruise, or an exciting chimpanzee-tracking adventure, this Ugandan destination deserves a place on your African safari itinerary.
Contact Gorilla Safaris-Rwanda to enquire about planning your East African wildlife adventure and combining Uganda’s national parks with Rwanda’s unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experiences.
