Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s flagship safari destinations, known for its stunning variety of landscapes and wildlife. Located in the western part of the country, the park stretches from Lake Edward to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Its ecosystems include savannah grasslands, crater lakes, wetlands, and tropical forest. The park is home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it a top destination for both big game and birding. Highlights include game drives in the Kasenyi Plains, the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, where elephants, hippos, and buffaloes gather at the water’s edge.

• Home to Uganda’s famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
• Contains over 600 bird species, one of the highest totals in Africa
• Includes volcanic crater lakes, such as Lake Katwe, known for salt mining
• Kazinga Channel has one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos
• Named after Queen Elizabeth II following her 1954 visit

• Game Drives: Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more in the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha
• Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel: See hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds up close from the water
• Bird Watching: Spot flamingos, kingfishers, pelicans, and shoebills
• Crater Drive: Explore scenic volcanic crater lakes and salt pans
• Community and Cultural Visits: Engage with local communities around the park

• Location: Western Uganda, between Lake George and Lake Edward
• Travel: About 6–7 hours by road from Kampala or via domestic flight to Mweya or Kasese
• Nearest towns: Kasese and Bushenyi

• Tree-climbing lions (Ishasha)
• Elephants and African buffaloes
• Hippos and crocodiles in the Kazinga Channel
• Leopards and spotted hyenas
• Over 600 bird species, including African fish eagle and pink-backed pelican