Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most visited national park and one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Africa. Covering 1,978 km² in western Uganda, the park stretches from Lake Edward to Lake George, connected by the 32 km-long Kazinga Channel. The landscape is a stunning mosaic of savannah plains, forests, wetlands, and lakes against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, large herds of elephants and buffaloes, and over 600 bird species. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a huge variety of waterbirds.

By Plane

Chartered flights land at Mweya or Kasese airstrips. Scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kasese (1.5 hours) connect with road transfers.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to the park.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 5–6 hours via Mbarara (to the Ishasha sector) or via Fort Portal (to the northern sector). All major roads to the park gates are paved.

Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles operated by lodges or UWA. Self-driving is also possible on the park's road network.

• Kazinga Channel — A 32 km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, with the highest concentration of hippos in Africa

• Ishasha sector — The southern sector famous for tree-climbing lions

• Mweya Peninsula — The main visitor area with the UWA offices and stunning views

• Katwe Explosion Craters — Volcanic craters on the park's northern edge

• Kyambura Gorge — A lush forest gorge where chimpanzees and other primates live

• Kazinga Channel boat cruise (2 hours, excellent wildlife viewing)

• Game drives in the northern Kasenyi Plains and southern Ishasha sector

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge

• Lion tracking experience with the Uganda Carnivore Programme

• Birdwatching — the park offers exceptional birding with over 600 species

Meals are provided by lodges and camps. The Mweya Safari Lodge restaurant is the main dining option for day visitors.

Lodges and camps provide drinks. Bottled water is recommended. Local beers (Nile Special, Club) are served at lodge bars.

• Budget: UWA campsites (from US$20 per person) and Mweya Hostel (dorm from US$15)
• Mid-range: Mweya Safari Lodge (from US$80) and Enganzi Game Lodge (from US$70)
• Upscale: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (from US$250 per person) and Katara Lodge (from US$200)

Souvenirs and crafts are available at lodge gift shops and the UWA office. Stock up on supplies in Kasese or Fort Portal before entering the park.

• Kibale National Park (60 km north, 1.5 hrs) — Chimpanzee tracking
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (150 km south, 3 hrs) — Gorilla trekking
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park (80 km east, 2 hrs) — Mountain trekking
• Fort Portal (80 km north, 1.5 hrs) — Crater lake region
• Lake Mburo National Park (180 km east, 3 hrs)