Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tree-climbing lions, channel wildlife and crater-country views.

Distance

Western Uganda, between Kibale and Bwindi

Best Months

Year-round; conditions vary

Best For

Game drives, boat trips, crater landscapes

Region

Western Uganda

About this Destination

Queen Elizabeth National Park brings together savannah, wetlands, the Kazinga Channel and a landscape of crater lakes in western Uganda. A boat outing can offer a different view of the banks and waterbirds from a game drive; routes and sightings vary.

In the park's southern Ishasha sector, lions are known to rest in trees. Seeing one is a matter of wildlife movement and luck, not a scheduled stop. Elsewhere, the channel and surrounding grasslands offer opportunities to look for elephants, hippos, buffalo and other wildlife with a guide.

The park can fit between Kibale and Bwindi on a western Uganda journey. Decide how much time to allow based on the sectors you want to visit, your travel route and the activities currently available.

Aerial view of a crater lake surrounded by green hills

Key Wildlife

LionLeopardElephantHippoBuffaloChimpanzeeUganda Kob

In photographs

A closer look at Queen.

From the Ishasha trees to the water and crater hills, a closer look at the park's different landscapes.

Hippos in the water with waterbirds gathered along the bank — Along the water's edge

Two elephants wading among reeds beside the water — Elephants at the water

Passenger boat moving across a broad stretch of water — Out on the channel

Lioness resting along a tree branch above open grassland — In the Ishasha trees

Leopard wearing a tracking collar among tree branches — A leopard in the branches

Aerial view of a lake framed by green hills and grassland — Crater-country landscape

Evening light over rolling hills with a track along the ridge — Light over the hills

Aerial view of a road curving across green hills with vehicles along it — The route is part of the experience Bwindi House Field Journal

The route matters too.

This stop can be part of a wider journey through western Uganda. We plan the order and pace around your chosen experiences and current road conditions, rather than assuming every transfer will take the same amount of time.

Explore journeys

What to Do

Experiences in Queen Elizabeth

Ishasha Game Drive

Explore the southern Ishasha sector with a guide and look for lions and other savannah wildlife. Lions sometimes rest in trees here, but a sighting cannot be guaranteed.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

A guided boat trip offers views along the water and its banks, where hippos, elephants and birds may be seen. Confirm the current operator, route, departure time and safety arrangements for your dates.

Kyambura Gorge Chimp Tracking

Ask about park-guided chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Permits, trail conditions and schedules need confirming in advance, and chimpanzee encounters are not guaranteed.

Crater Lakes Drive

Take in the hills and crater lakes from accessible routes in the wider park area. Check road conditions and permitted stops with your guide rather than assuming every viewpoint is open.

Birdwatching

The channel, wetlands and grassland support varied birdlife. Ask a local birding guide which habitats and routes are suitable for your dates; no particular species is promised.

Before You Go

Practical information

Queen Elizabeth can be visited as part of a route through western Uganda. Ishasha, the channel and the crater area are separate stops, so allow for travel between them. Confirm current park fees, boat schedules, chimp tracking permits, road conditions and accommodation for your dates.

Plan This Journey

Let us arrange every detail of your Queen Elizabeth National visit.

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