Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches across the floor of the Albertine Rift, where crater lakes shimmer beneath volcanic hills and the Kazinga Channel threads between Lake Edward and Lake George. This is Uganda's most visited park, celebrated for its sheer diversity: ninety-five mammal species, over six hundred birds, and the only population of tree-climbing lions in East Africa. In the southern Ishasha sector, these cats lounge in the branches of ancient fig trees, scanning the plains for buffalo. Along the Kazinga, hippo pods number in the hundreds, elephant herds come down to drink at sunset, and the birdlife rivals any waterway on the continent. The landscape shifts constantly—open savannah, papyrus swamps, dense forest, and the distant peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains looming on the horizon. Private safari lodges line the channel and overlook the plains, offering game drives, boat cruises, chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge, and walking safaris through the crater country. Queen Elizabeth is the complete East African safari: lions in trees, predators on the plains, and waterways alive with wildlife.
Where the Albertine Rift meets the savannah, Queen Elizabeth reveals Uganda at its wildest and most beautiful. From tree-climbing lions to the teeming Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth offers a safari of rare diversity and authentic African moments.
At a glance, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda spans 1,978 km², 95 mammal species, protected since Park 1952 — and the best time to be here is typically June – September.
Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
In the remote southern Ishasha sector, an unusual pride has made the sprawling branches of giant fig and acacia trees their favourite resting place. Guided by expert trackers, you ease through the open savannah until you spot them — whole prides draped over the limbs, tails swinging, watching the plains below. It is one of Africa's rarest and most photographed wildlife spectacles, and among the wildest sights in all of Uganda.
- Search for lions lounging in ancient fig trees in the remote Ishasha sector
- One of only a few places on Earth where lions habitually climb
- Expert guides who know the resident prides and their favourite trees
- Combine with a Kazinga Channel boat safari for hippo and birdlife
Why Go
- Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha lounging in ancient fig trees — a sight found nowhere else in East Africa
- Kazinga Channel boat safari — 4,000+ hippos, elephants, crocodiles and the highest waterbird density in Africa
- Ninety-five mammal species including elephant, buffalo, leopard, Uganda kob and spotted hyena
- Volcanic crater lakes and the dramatic landscapes of the Albertine Rift Valley
- Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking through the 'Valley of Apes'
- Private lodges with Kazinga Channel views, infinity pools and world-class guiding
What Roams Here
Here is what the guiding team looks for on a typical few days in the bush.
Lion.
African Elephant.
Leopard.
African Buffalo.
Hippopotamus.
Uganda Kob.
Chimpanzee.
Nile Crocodile.
The Experiences Worth Planning Around
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
2 hours · Boat Safari
Cruise the 32km natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George — home to the highest concentration of hippos in Africa. Expect hundreds of hippos, elephant herds drinking at the banks, Nile crocodiles basking, and a birdlife spectacle: African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, pied kingfishers, and the rare shoebill. This is the park's headline experience.
Best for: Families, Photographers, Bird watchers.
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lion Safari
Half-day game drive · Game Drive
Venture into the remote Ishasha sector to find the famous tree-climbing lions. These cats lounge in the branches of ancient fig trees, scanning for buffalo herds below. Nowhere else in East Africa offers this extraordinary sight. Best sightings are mid-morning and late afternoon when the lions seek shade.
Best for: Big cat enthusiasts, Photographers, Unique wildlife.
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking
2–4 hours · Primate Tracking
Descend into the 'Valley of Apes' — a sunken riverine forest where habituated chimps swing through the canopy. Guided trek with ~70% success rate. Also home to black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and rare forest birds. A thrilling primate encounter.
Best for: Primate lovers, Adventure seekers, Wildlife photographers.
Kasenyi Plains Game Drive
3 hours (morning/evening) · Game Drive
Morning or evening game drive across the open Kasenyi plains — the park's best Big Cat territory. Lion, leopard, spotted hyena, Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthog, and buffalo roam these grasslands. Prime predator-prey interactions at dawn and dusk.
Best for: Big cat fans, Photography, Classic safari.
Crater Lakes Exploration
Half-day tour · Nature Walk
Drive or walk among the volcanic crater lakes west of Mweya. Stunning viewpoints, flamingo sightings, and quiet forest walks through this dramatic Rift Valley landscape. Optional guided hikes from lodges like Katara.
Best for: Hikers, Photographers, Nature lovers.
Maramagambo Forest Walk
2–3 hours · Forest Walk
Guided forest walk through one of Uganda's largest surviving lowland forests. Visit the Python Cave (with resident pythons feeding on bats), spot blue monkeys, forest elephants, and rare forest birds like the white-naped pigeon. A hidden gem.
Best for: Nature walks, Birding, Unique wildlife.
Our Favourite Places to Stay
We hand-pick every camp and lodge we use in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. These are the addresses we return to, chosen for their guiding, their location and the way they make the wilderness feel like your own.
Mweya Safari Lodge ★★★★
From $280 per person per night.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp ★★★★★
From $420 per person per night.
Katara Lodge ★★★★★
From $350 per person per night.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge ★★★★
From $310 per person per night.
Elephant Hub Lodge ★★★★
From $180 per person per night.
Enjojo Lodge ★★★
From $120 per person per night.
Timing Your Safari
Long Dry Season (Jun – Sep). Prime game viewing as wildlife concentrates along the Kazinga Channel. Boat cruises teem with elephant, buffalo and hippo, and tracks through Ishasha stay firm for spotting tree-climbing lions. Wildlife: peak concentrations; weather 18–28°C, drier.
Short Dry Season (Dec – Feb). A second window of excellent game viewing with clear skies and easy road access. Big cats and elephant herds gather near permanent water, and birding around the crater lakes is superb. Wildlife: excellent big-game viewing; weather 19–29°C, sunny.
Rainy Seasons (Mar – May & Oct – Nov). Lush, green landscapes and dramatic skies bring the crater region to life. Migratory birds arrive in force and rates soften, though afternoon showers can make some tracks slippery. Wildlife: superb birding, lush scenery; weather 17–27°C, wetter.
Build the Bigger Journey
The finest journeys rarely stop at one destination. Here is how our specialists most often pair Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — 2 hours away — gorilla trekking
- Kibale Forest National Park — 1.5 hours away — chimpanzee trekking capital
Plan Your Journey
Every trip we craft to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda is private and built around you — your dates, your pace and the wildlife you most want to see. Our specialists have travelled this ground themselves and design each itinerary by hand. Contact our team to begin planning, or explore our Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda destination guide for more detail.
