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Uganda safari destination

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tree-climbing lions, a hippo-filled channel and volcanic crater lakes beneath the Rwenzori Mountains.

Uganda safaris
Plan your trip

Location

Western Uganda

Best time

June to September

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

Tree-climbing lions

Location

Western Uganda

Best time

June to September

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

Tree-climbing lions

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Don’t miss

The afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, when animals come down to drink.

Uganda’s classic safari park

Queen Elizabeth National Park spreads across western Uganda, from the shores of Lake Edward and Lake George to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The Kazinga Channel links the two lakes and draws elephants, buffalo and one of Africa’s largest hippo populations to its banks. In the remote Ishasha sector, lions are known for resting in fig trees, and the park’s mix of savanna, forest and crater lakes supports over 600 bird species.

Where your guide will take you

  • Kazinga Channel
  • Ishasha sector
  • Kasenyi plains
  • Mweya Peninsula
  • Kyambura Gorge
  • Katwe crater lakes

The animals you came to see

Savanna, water and forest all meet here, so the variety is remarkable.

Tree-climbing lion

In Ishasha, lions often rest in the branches of large fig trees.

Elephant

Herds come down to the Kazinga Channel to drink and bathe.

Hippo

The channel is home to one of the largest hippo populations in Africa.

Buffalo

Large herds graze the plains and wallow at the water’s edge.

Crocodile

Nile crocodiles bask on the banks of the Kazinga Channel.

Uganda kob

These graceful antelope graze in large herds on the Kasenyi plains.

More than game drives

Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your days in Queen Elizabeth.

Kazinga Channel boat trip

Hippos, elephants and birds.

Kazinga Channel boat trip

Cruise the channel in the afternoon, passing hippo pods, bathing elephants and crocodiles on the banks.
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Ishasha tree lions

Lions in the fig trees.

Ishasha tree lions

Search the fig trees of the remote southern sector for lions resting in the branches.
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Kasenyi game drives

Lions and kob at dawn.

Kasenyi game drives

Head out early on the open plains, where lions hunt the herds of Uganda kob.
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Kyambura Gorge walk

Chimpanzees in a sunken forest.

Kyambura Gorge walk

Descend into a forested gorge with a ranger to look for a small group of chimpanzees.
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Crater lakes drive

Volcanic scenery.

Crater lakes drive

Drive the rim of the Katwe explosion craters for wide views over lakes and the Rwenzori foothills.
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Birdwatching

Over 600 species recorded.

Birdwatching

Look for fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans and many waterbirds along the channel and lakes.
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When to visit Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth is good all year. The season you pick shapes the roads, the grass and the birdlife.

December to February

Short dry season

Good game viewing and easier roads, especially in Ishasha.

March to May

Long rains

Green scenery and fewer visitors, though some roads get muddy.

Best time

June to September

Peak dry season

Short grass and animals near water make for the best game viewing.

October to November

Short rains

Afternoon showers and migrant birds arriving.

Planning your trip

The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.

Getting there

Drive from Kampala or fly in.

  • By road: about six to seven hours from Kampala, or a few hours from Bwindi.
  • By air: scheduled flights from Entebbe land at airstrips near the park.
  • Combined routes: pairs naturally with Bwindi for gorillas and Kibale for chimpanzees.

Where to stay

Lodges across the park.

  • Mweya Peninsula: lodges above the Kazinga Channel with views over the water.
  • Ishasha: quiet tented camps in the remote southern sector.
  • Any budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.

Park entry and activity fees are charged by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.

Uganda safari tours

Ready-made trips that include Queen Elizabeth, usually combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

We don’t have a ready-made trip here yet, but we can tailor one around your dates. Tap the button below to start planning.
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Queen Elizabeth FAQs

Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.

Talk to Serval Tours and Travel

It is in western Uganda, between Lake Edward and Lake George, about six to seven hours’ drive from Kampala.

Two to three nights is ideal, giving you time for a boat trip, game drives and a visit to Ishasha.

No. Lions in Ishasha often rest in fig trees, but sightings depend on luck and the time of day.

You cruise along the channel linking two lakes, with close views of hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and birds.

A small group lives in Kyambura Gorge, but sightings are less reliable than in Kibale National Park.

June to September and December to February are the driest months, when game viewing is easiest.

Yes. Over 600 species have been recorded, from waterbirds on the channel to forest birds in the gorges.

Yes. Bwindi is a few hours’ drive south, so the two parks are often visited together.

Start planning your Uganda safari

Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with an itinerary built around Queen Elizabeth and the experiences you want most.

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