Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is one of Uganda’s most famous and diverse safari destinations, offering a combination of scenic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique experiences that attract travelers from around the world. Located in southwestern Uganda, the park stretches from the lush savannah plains to the crater-laden rift valley, encompassing rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Known for its incredible biodiversity, tree-climbing lions, and the Kazinga Channel boat cruises, Queen Elizabeth National Park provides classic African safari adventures in one compact and easily accessible location.

Location and General Overview

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, straddling the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, and Kamwenge. Covering approximately 1,978 square kilometers, it is Uganda’s most visited national park. The park lies about 5–6 hours’ drive from Kampala or can be reached via domestic flights to Kasese Airport.

The park is named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, following her visit to Uganda in 1954, and has since become a cornerstone of Uganda’s tourism industry. Its location along the western rift valley gives it diverse landscapes and ecosystems, from savannahs and forests to lakes and wetlands.

Landscapes and Ecosystems

Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by a mosaic of landscapes, including:

• Savannah plains – open areas supporting large herds of ungulates and predators

• Kikyo and Ishasha woodlands – habitats for tree-climbing lions and leopards

• Crater lakes and wetlands – home to hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds

• Kasese hills and Rwenzori foothills – providing panoramic views and scenic hiking opportunities

The park is bisected by the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward to Lake George, which supports rich wetland ecosystems.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including both plains and forest species. The park is home to:

• African elephants

• Lions, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha

• Leopards and spotted hyenas

• Buffaloes and hippos

• Uganda kob, waterbuck, topi, and warthogs

The variety of habitats allows visitors to experience both large savannah herds and forest-dwelling wildlife in a single park.

Birdlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 bird species recorded, making it one of the richest birding areas in Uganda.

Highlights include:

• African fish eagle

• Shoebill stork (rare, but occasionally seen nearby)

• Great blue turaco

• Malachite kingfisher

• Goliath heron

The Kazinga Channel is particularly excellent for spotting waterbirds, especially during boat cruises.

Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

One of the park’s most unique attractions is the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. These lions rest in fig and acacia trees during the heat of the day, a rare behavior not commonly observed elsewhere in Africa. Guided game drives through Ishasha provide thrilling opportunities to see these iconic predators in their unusual habitat.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruises

The Kazinga Channel is the park’s signature feature, offering a 2–3 hour boat cruise through a wetland paradise. Visitors can spot:

• Large numbers of hippos and crocodiles

• Elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge

• Numerous waterbirds in their natural habitat

The cruise is ideal for wildlife photography and a relaxing way to experience the park’s rich biodiversity.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a complete African safari experience in one destination. From tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants to scenic boat cruises and diverse birdlife, the park combines wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

Whether on a short safari from Kampala, part of a Uganda wildlife circuit, or a stopover on a Rwanda–Uganda tour, Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers memorable encounters, stunning scenery, and unparalleled wildlife diversity, making it one of East Africa’s top safari destinations.