Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and enchanting tourist destination, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity. The park’s diverse ecosystems—including expansive golden savannas, dense shady forests, sparkling crater lakes, and fertile wetlands—provide perfect habitats for classic African wildlife, ten primate species including chimpanzees, and over 600 species of vibrant birds.

Framed by the jagged, snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the park offers dramatic and unforgettable scenery: enormous craters carved into rolling hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel lined with hippos, buffalo, and elephants, and the vast Ishasha plains, where majestic lions often rest in fig trees, ready to ambush herds of graceful Uganda kob.

Beyond its remarkable wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can engage with local communities through storytelling, traditional dance, music, and other authentic cultural experiences. The park’s conservation efforts have successfully protected these precious ecosystems while supporting and benefiting surrounding communities.

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ake George — Explore the papyrus swamps of this Ramsar wetland, home to the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope. Birdwatchers can spot the elusive shoebill and a variety of other native birds.

Explosion Craters — Discover 72 enormous round craters scattered along the equator, remnants of the Albertine Rift’s volcanic activity. The 27 km drive from Kabatoro Gate to Queen’s Pavilion offers stunning views of crater lakes, the Rift Valley escarpment, the Kazinga Channel, and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.

Katwe — Visit the historic Katwe Salt Lake, where salt mining has been practiced since the 16th century. Nearby Lake Munyanyange is a bird sanctuary and hosts migratory lesser flamingos from August to November.

Kasenyi Plains — This vast savanna offers quintessential African safari experiences. Large herds of Uganda kob attract lions, while warthogs, guinea fowl, and elephants roam freely, providing unforgettable photo opportunities.

Mweya Peninsula — The hub of the park, Mweya features the Visitors Centre, luxury lodges, campsites, and launch points for Kazinga Channel boat trips. Its elevated position provides stunning views of the surrounding savanna, Kasenyi Plains, and North Kazinga plains, making it perfect for morning or evening game drives.

Kazinga Channel — Relax on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, buffalo, and countless bird species abound. You may also spot monitor lizards, marabou storks, weaver birds, and elegant fish eagles, all while enjoying the peaceful waterside scenery.

Kyambura Gorge — Flowing through a dense “underground forest” beneath the Kichwamba escarpment, Kyambura Gorge is famous for its resident chimpanzees. Guided walks offer a chance to observe these primates, along with other monkeys and bird species, in their natural habitat.

Kyambura Wildlife Reserve — Explore crater lakes to the east of Kyambura Gorge, a haven for water birds such as greater and lesser flamingos and great egrets.

Maramagambo Forest — This dense forest teems with primates, including chimpanzees and baboons, and rare bird species like the Forest Flycatcher, White-naped Pigeon, and Rwenzori Turaco. Highlights include the “cormorant house,” where thousands of birds roost, and a mysterious Bat Cave with a viewing area.

Ishasha Sector — Less visited than the northern regions, Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Visitors can also see buffalo, elephants, and the rare shoebill. Ishasha is conveniently located for travelers heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.