Queen Elizabeth National Park
As one of the outstanding treasures of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park has recently been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO. It is the most popular and easily accessible game reserve in Uganda. The park covers 1978 sq. km and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps.
A total of 95 mammal species has been recorded here, the highest for any Ugandan national park. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope species, as well as elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons and chimpanzee.
A total of 547 confirmed and 15 unconfirmed bird species have been recorded in Queen Elizabeth. This is one of the highest totals in the world and is truly remarkable for such a relatively small reserve. Species recorded include the Shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors, including several falcons and eagles. In the crater lakes, spectacular flocks of flamingos gather, creating the image of a moving pink carpet.
The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward is a memorable way to view the abundant game in Queen Elizabeth and to see an astounding number of bird species.
In the eastern section of the park is Kyambura Gorge where visitors can climb through a tropical forest in hopes of catching a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzees.
In the more isolated Ishasha sector of the park, visitors can move through the woodlands in search of tree-climbing lions perched on the boughs of ancient fig trees. To the southeast, travellers can explore newly opened trails in the Maramagambo forest.
| Languages spoken | English, Germany, French, Swahilli, Spanish, Chinese |
|---|---|
| Currency used | UGX / USD / GBP / EURO |
| Area (km2) | 1978 sq. km |
| Country name | Uganda |
Things To Do
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular savannah reserve and has the widest variety of wildlife of any Ugandan park. The variety of habitats includes grassland savannah, forests, wetlands and lakes. This provides the setting for an extensive range of large mammals and primates. Four of the Big Five are present (rhino are absent) and chimp tracking is available.
This is the most reliable park in Uganda for lion, which is particularly common on the grassy Kasenyi Plains, but is more famous for its tree-climbing antics in the Ishasha sector. Huge herds of buffalo and elephant are found in the savannah areas of the park, and an amazing number of hippo inhabit the Kazinga Channel on which daily boat trips are conducted.
The park is set against a backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Additional scenic points are Kazinga Channel between Lake Edward and Lake George and at least 10 crater lakes. The most accessible part of the park is open savannah, but large forest areas are open to the public. These include the forested Kyambura Gorge and the extensive Maramagambo forest in the southeast.
The 36km Kazinga Channel connects two Rift Valley lakes: Edward and George. These are named after Queen Victoria’s son and heir, Edward VII and his own successor, George V.
Early explorers in Africa often had to cope with inhospitable terrain and travel by boat was especially difficult. Now you can experience the sights and sounds that greeted these early pioneers in luxury and comfort. Cruise the Kazinga Channel and view the immense concentration of hippos at close range, spot over 100 species of water birds, marvel at the majestic elephants in their natural habitat and the notorious Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the channel bank.
Game Safaris
The floor of the Rift Valley teems with wildlife making it one of the treasures of the continent. Game drives are available both morning and evening.
You should request a wake up at 5.30-6.00a.m for the early morning game drive which is usually the most rewarding. Wildlife on the North Kazinga plains closest to the includes elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, waterbuck, bushbuck and warthog. Another common-but unexpected-sighting in this area is the Giant Forest Hog, Africa’s largest pig, which is usually associated with dense forests rather than semi-open thickets.
The Kasenyi sector on the east side of the Kasese road is best known for the lions which prey on large population of Uganda Kob that live in this area.
Elephant and buffalo are very common, and lion are surprisingly easy to spot. There are many interesting antelope species, such as Uganda kob, topi and bushbuck. Hippo and crocodile are common in Kazinga Channel. A troop of chimpanzee has been habituated for tracking and nine other primate species are found, including the black-and-white colobus monkey. Giraffe and zebra are absent.
Tree-climbing lions are a specialty of the Ishasha sector of the park, where they can often be found resting in huge fig trees. Giant forest hog is unusually easy to see, both on drives and boat trips. Buffalo are particularly attractive as they are often reddish brown due to interbreeding with forest buffalo from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Chimp trekking is available in the steamy, tropical forest of Kyambura Gorge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the best times for wildlife viewing are the Dry seasons (from June to July and January to February) when animals are concentrated near rivers and lakes. Some of the roads can become impassable after heavy rain.
Chimp Tracking
Visitors can track chimpanzees in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge on the eastern side of the park, 35kms from the Mweya Penninsula.
It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the only primates in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The area is an important water source for many animals and is surrounded by savanna, but is generally noted for its high concentration of primate life located in the gorge.
You can also find red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys. The gorge is also known for its variety of bird species including various falcons, the blue-headed bee-eater and the African Finfoot.
Birding
Queen Elizabeth National Park has the largest checklist of any protected area in East Africa with more than 600 bird species recorded. This is mostly due to the wide variety of habitats: from savannah to forest to wetland. Many of the birds in the park are regarded as specials within East Africa, which make it a prime birding destination. The swamps in the Ishasha sector are a good place to look for the elusive shoebill stork. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
- African finfoot
- African hobby
- African skimmer
- Ayres’s hawk eagle
- Black bee-eater
- Black-rumped buttonquail
- Broad-billed roller
- Caspian plover
- Collared pratincole
- Common sand martin
- Crab-plover
- Great blue turaco
- Great white pelican
- Grey-winged robin-chat
- Heuglin's gull
- Palm-nut vulture
- Papyrus gonolek
- Pel’s fishing-owl
- Pink-backed pelican
- Red-chested sunbird
- Rufous-bellied heron
- Shoebill
- Spotted redshank
- Western banded snake eagle
- White-backed night heron
- White-winged tern
- Yellow-bellied wattle-eye
- Yellow-throated cuckoo
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Queen Elizabeth NP is good year-round, but at its best from late May to September, when the rain is less and food is abundant. June to July has the least rain, while April to May and September to November have the most rain. The heavy rains might result in delays due to impassable roads and slippery hiking trails. These may limit your bird-watching time. From November to April, migratory birds can be found in the park.
Best Time to Visit
Queen Elizabeth National Park is open all year long, but wildlife viewing is at its best from January to February and June to July (the Dry seasons). However, this scenic park is at its most beautiful in the Wet seasons from March to May and August to December. April, May, October and November are very wet months and during that time, the rain might interfere with your safari.
The climate in Queen Elizabeth National Park is warm. Temperatures remain uniform through the year. Daytime temperatures rise to around 29°C/84°F and slowly fall to around 17°C/63°F at night. Queen Elizabeth NP doesn’t have a real Dry season, so there is always potential for rain. Rain happens less from mid-December through February, with June and July having the least rain.
Dry Seasons–January to February & June to July
- January & February – Rain should still be expected even though this time of year enjoys dry weather, in general. Rains can even happen for days at a time.
- June & July – There is a slight potential for rain during these months, the driest months. Daytime temperatures average 29°C/84°F, and nighttime temperatures average 16°C/61°F.
Wet Seasons–March to May & August to December
- March, April & May – Rain peaks in April during this time of increased rainfall. Temperatures are pleasant (around 29°C/84°F) in the later afternoon and cooler (17°C/63°F) in the morning. Roads can become impassable and trails used for chimp tracking get slippery.
- August, September, October, November & December – This time of year is similar to March through May, with rain peaking in November.
| Season | Months | Description |
| Best Time | January to February and June to July | Dry Seasons, easier to spot animals |
| High Season | June to September | The peak time for gorilla trekking, more people visit Uganda and Queen Elizabeth NP |
| Low Season | April, May, October and November | There are fewer people in the park |
| Best Weather | June to July, Jan and Feb | Least rain and lower temperatures |
| Worst Weather | April, May and September to Novermber | Higher rainfall, but seldom enough to interfere with your safari |
January to February & June to July –Dry Seasons
- Wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation thins and animals gather around water sources
- Drier trails make chimp trekking easier
- Sunny days are plentiful
- The best time for birding is late May to September
- Views aren't as good due to the hazy air
March to May & August to December –Wet Seasons
- You will see a decent amount of wildlife year-round
- The landscape is beautiful and green
- Migratory birds can be spotted from November to April
- Roads may become inaccessible after heavy rains and forest trails get slippery
- Afternoon thunderstorms should be expected, and it might drizzle for days at a time
Ardvark Safari Lodge
Experience the essence of African luxury as you enjoy modern amenities seamlessly integrated with the charm of traditional Ugandan culture.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Buffalo Safari Lodge
Located at Katunguru Bridge in Queen Elizabeth Park, and sits on 33 acres of wilderness overlooking the famous Kazinga ChannelUt enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Elephant Plains Safari Lodge
Elephant Plains is a brand new luxury lodge located on the most spectacular view point in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Kasenyi Safari Lodge
Strategically located on the rim of lake Bunyampaka in the Kasenyi savannah of Queen Elizabeth National ParkUt enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Kikorongo Safari Lodge
lodge sits directly on the Equator and it’s strategically located on one of the steep hills in Kasese beautifully overlooking both Lake George and Lake Edward, surrounded by Rwenzori Mountains, Rwenzori National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and the famous Kazinga channel.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Mweya Safari Lodge
Situated on the Mweya Peninsular at the junction of the Kazinga channel and Lake Edward the views over the lakes and waters to the far Rwenzori ranges.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Parkview Safari Lodge
located at the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth national park, overlooking panoramic views of the “medley of wonders” and capturing the views of The Rwenzori RangesUt enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
4 Days Big Game and Chimps Safari
Queen Elizabeth National ParkVisit Uganda's most popular safari destination on this thrilling 4 days safari
