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Uganda · The Pearl's Wildlife Jewel

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tree-Climbing Lions & The Kazinga Channel

Uganda's most biodiverse park, where the Albertine Rift meets the savannah. Tree-climbing lions lounge in Ishasha's fig trees, the Kazinga Channel hosts 4,000 hippos, and 95 mammal species roam crater lakes, papyrus swamps and open plains.

Best timeJune – SeptemberWildlife95 mammal speciesThe park1,978 km²Safaris from$780 pp
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Our Luxury Safaris

Multi-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Journeys

Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — from a three-day explorer to the five-day ultimate safari. Kazinga Channel boat cruises, game drives across the Kasenyi plains, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and every detail crafted entirely around you.

Ultra-Luxury
5 Days · 4 Nights

Queen Elizabeth Ultimate Safari — 5 Days

Tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel & chimp tracking

From$1,890ppView Details
High-End Luxury
4 Days · 3 Nights

Queen Elizabeth Classic Safari — 4 Days

Kazinga Channel & Kasenyi big cats

From$1,320ppView Details
Luxury
3 Days · 2 Nights

Queen Elizabeth Explorer — 3 Days

Budget Kazinga Channel & game drives

From$780ppView Details
The Beyond Africa Difference

Where the Albertine Rift meets the savannah, Queen Elizabeth reveals Uganda at its *wildest and most beautiful*.

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.

Tree-Climbing Lions of IshashaThe Kazinga ChannelChimpanzees of Kyambura600+ Bird Species
Destination overview

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spread across the floor of the Albertine Rift between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward, Queen Elizabeth is Uganda's most visited and most biodiverse park. Its famous tree-climbing lions lounge in the fig trees of Ishasha, the Kazinga Channel offers one of Africa's finest boat safaris, and the Kyambura Gorge hides a troop of habituated chimpanzees. With over 600 bird species and crater-lake scenery, it packs astonishing variety into one park. Here is what makes it Uganda's wildlife jewel.

  • 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
The wildlife

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Lion

African Elephant

Leopard

African Buffalo

Hippopotamus

Uganda Kob

Chimpanzee

Nile Crocodile

Spotted Hyena

Waterbuck

The Signature Collection

The Experiences That Define Queen Elizabeth

Where the Queen Elizabeth story unfolds. Cruise the Kazinga Channel past hundreds of hippo, search the Ishasha fig trees for lounging lions, descend into Kyambura Gorge to track chimpanzees, and drive the Kasenyi plains at dawn — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.

2 hours

Kazinga Channel 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.

  • Boat cruise
  • Park ranger
  • Life jackets
  • Wildlife viewing
Enquire with a Concierge
Half-day game drive

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lion Safari

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.

  • Open-vehicle game drive
  • Professional guide
  • Park fees
Enquire with a Concierge
2–4 hours

Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee 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.

  • Chimp tracking permit
  • Armed ranger
  • Expert tracker
Enquire with a Concierge
3 hours (morning/evening)

Kasenyi Plains 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.

  • Game drive
  • Professional guide
  • Sundowner stop
Enquire with a Concierge
The Pearl of Africa Circuit

Explore the Wider Uganda

Queen Elizabeth sits at the centre of Uganda's savannah country. Add the thundering power of Murchison Falls, the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest, or the remote frontier wilderness of Kidepo — each of these curated journeys leads to a full itinerary our concierge will tailor to you.

Murchison Falls Ultimate — 6 Days

6 daysFrom$2,340pp
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Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking — 3 Days

3 daysFrom$1,190pp
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Kidepo Wilderness Safari — 4 Days

4 daysFrom$1,990pp
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Add the Mountain Gorillas

Pair with Bwindi's Gorillas

No Uganda journey is complete without the mountain gorillas. Combine the tree-climbing lions and Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth with a trek into the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — the ultimate Pearl of Africa adventure.

Ultimate Gorilla & Wildlife

8 daysFrom$6,000pp
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Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth

6 daysFrom$4,000pp
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Murchison Falls Classic — 5 Days

5 daysFrom$1,790pp
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Instant-Book Adventure Experiences

Explore Our Complete Adventure Catalog

Looking for more southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.

Browse Gray Line South Africa
The Kazinga Channel · Africa's Great Waterway

Where the Rift Meets the Water

Established in 1952 and named for the Queen's coronation visit, Queen Elizabeth protects nearly 2,000 km² between Lake Edward and Lake George. The Kazinga Channel linking the two draws one of the highest concentrations of hippo and Nile crocodile in Africa, while its shores throng with elephant, buffalo and waterbirds. From the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector to the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge and the volcanic crater lakes of the north, it is a park of extraordinary contrasts — the wildlife jewel of the Pearl of Africa.

Kazinga ChannelTree-Climbing LionsChimpanzeesCrater Lakes600+ BirdsKasenyi Plains
Plan a Queen Elizabeth Journey
A Wild Honeymoon

Lions, Channels & Equatorial Romance

For couples seeking adventure and intimacy in equal measure, Queen Elizabeth offers game drives at dawn, languid afternoon cruises and secluded lodges gazing over the savannah and crater lakes.

Share the search

Track tree-climbing lions together across the golden Ishasha plains.

Drift the channel

Sunset cruises along the Kazinga Channel, glass in hand, hippos all around.

Crater-lake seclusion

Intimate lodges perched above volcanic crater lakes, far from the crowds.

Effortless variety

Big game, boat safaris and chimpanzees in one unforgettable equatorial escape.

Plan a Honeymoon Safari
Photo gallery

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Pictures

Tree-climbing lions resting in the shade of a fig tree — Queen Elizabeth's unique signature wildlife moment
Tree-climbing lions resting in the shade of a fig tree — Queen Elizabeth's unique signature wildlife moment
Buffalo herd grazing along the Kazinga Channel, with the Rwenzori Mountains rising in the distance
Buffalo herd grazing along the Kazinga Channel, with the Rwenzori Mountains rising in the distance
A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel — hippos, elephants and crocodiles line the banks in one of Africa's greatest wildlife concentrations
A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel — hippos, elephants and crocodiles line the banks in one of Africa's greatest wildlife concentrations
The vast savannas of the Ishasha sector, where the famous tree-climbing lions are found
The vast savannas of the Ishasha sector, where the famous tree-climbing lions are found
Elephants crossing the grasslands with the dramatic backdrop of the western Rift Valley escarpment
Elephants crossing the grasslands with the dramatic backdrop of the western Rift Valley escarpment
Sunset over the Kazinga Channel — the golden hour when hippos emerge and the Rwenzori peaks glow
Sunset over the Kazinga Channel — the golden hour when hippos emerge and the Rwenzori peaks glow
The perfect two-centre journey

Pair Queen Elizabeth with an Adventure

Queen Elizabeth is the perfect centre of a great Uganda journey. Pair it with a gorilla trek into the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest just two hours south, or track chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest nearby — we'll weave it all into one seamless Pearl-of-Africa itinerary.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest · Uganda

2 hours away — gorilla trekking

Kibale Forest · Uganda

1.5 hours away — chimpanzee trekking capital

Queen Elizabeth vs Other Parks

Why Choose Queen Elizabeth for Your Uganda Safari

Queen Elizabeth blends classic big game with boat safaris and chimpanzees — here's how it compares to Uganda's other parks.

FeatureQueen ElizabethOther Parks
Tree-climbing lionsYes — the famous Ishasha pridesRare or absent
Boat safariKazinga Channel — Africa's densest hippo & birdlifeLimited
Chimpanzee trackingYes — in the Kyambura GorgeKibale only
Wildlife varietyBig game, primates, wetlands & crater lakesOften single-habitat
Birdlife600+ species — Uganda's richestFewer
OverallUganda's most varied parkMore specialised
Plan your timing

When to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

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.

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.

17–27°C, wetter

Month-by-Month Guide

Good to know

Useful Queen Elizabeth National Park Travel Tips

The practical details that make a Queen Elizabeth journey effortless — gathered from years of crafting private safaris across the Pearl of Africa.

Book chimp permits

Kyambura Gorge chimp permits are limited daily — book yours in advance.

Layer up at dawn

Early morning game drives are cool at dawn, so bring warm layers.

Cruise the Kazinga

The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is the park's signature experience — don't miss it.

Find the climbing lions

Ishasha's famous tree-climbing lions are best spotted mid-morning and late afternoon.

Location & Access

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

0.2000° S, 30.0000° E

Getting There

  • By AirFly to Entebbe International Airport (Uganda's main gateway), then charter flights to Mweya or Ishasha airstrips (1–1.5 hours). Scheduled and charter flights available.
  • By Road5-hour drive from Kampala (420km) via Fort Portal or Mbarara. 2-hour drive from Bwindi (gorilla trekking). Good tarmac roads with final stretch on gravel.
  • TransfersPrivate safari vehicles, shared shuttles, or fly-in packages. Most lodges arrange airport/park transfers.
Where to stay

Our Hand-Picked Queen Elizabeth Camps

From celebrated lodges perched above the Kazinga Channel to intimate camps in the remote Ishasha sector, the most coveted addresses in Queen Elizabeth, each held for you by our concierge.

★★★★

Mweya Safari Lodge

Historic lodge on a peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel. 54 rooms, infinity pool, and prime game-viewing terrace. The park's flagship property with panoramic views and full-service dining.

FromR 5,124per person, per night

★★★★★

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Tented camp in the remote Ishasha sector, heart of tree-climbing lion country. 10 safari tents on the Ntungwe River. Walking safaris, night drives, and authentic bush dining under the stars.

FromR 7,686per person, per night

★★★★★

Katara Lodge

Luxury hilltop lodge with panoramic views over the park and the Rwenzori Mountains. 8 cottages, infinity pool, private crater lake walks, and farm-to-table dining.

FromR 6,405per person, per night

★★★★

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Eco-lodge on the rim of Kyambura Gorge (the 'Valley of Apes'). 8 luxury bandas, organic farm, and community tourism model. Chimp tracking at your doorstep.

FromR 5,673per person, per night

★★★★

Elephant Hub Lodge

Mid-range lodge with sweeping views over the park. 12 rooms, rooftop terrace, and affordable access to Kazinga boat cruises and game drives.

FromR 3,294per person, per night

★★★

Enjojo Lodge

Budget-friendly option near the Katunguru gate. 10 rooms, garden setting, and good base for budget travellers doing Kazinga cruises and game drives.

FromR 2,196per person, per night

Worth the premium

Why It Justifies the Price

Queen Elizabeth is Uganda's most popular and biodiverse park — a mosaic of savannah, wetland, forest and crater lakes that rewards every kind of traveller.

Tree-climbing lions

The remote Ishasha sector is one of only a handful of places on Earth where whole prides of lions drape themselves across the branches of ancient fig trees.

The Kazinga Channel

A boat safari along this natural channel delivers the greatest concentration of hippos in Africa and one of the densest waterbird populations on the continent.

Chimpanzees in a hidden gorge

Descend into the lush Kyambura Gorge — the 'Valley of Apes' — to track habituated chimpanzees along the forested banks of a sunken river.

Extraordinary diversity

Nearly 100 mammal species and more than 600 birds thrive here, from elephant and buffalo to the elusive shoebill — the richest bird list of any Ugandan park.

Compact and rewarding

Straddling the equator beneath the Rwenzori Mountains, the park packs remarkable variety into easy reach of Uganda's gorilla and chimpanzee parks.

Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.

Good to know

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Answered

What makes Queen Elizabeth National Park special?

It's Uganda's most biodiverse park (95 mammals, 600+ birds) and the only place in East Africa where lions climb trees. The Kazinga Channel boat safari offers the highest hippo concentration in Africa.

When is the best time to visit?

June–September and December–February (dry seasons). Wildlife is easier to spot, and the Kazinga Channel is at its best. Tree-climbing lions are visible year-round in Ishasha.

How do I see the tree-climbing lions?

Book a safari that includes the Ishasha sector (southern part of the park). Most lodges offer dedicated Ishasha game drives. Sightings are common mid-morning and late afternoon when lions rest in the fig trees.

Can I track chimpanzees here?

Yes, in Kyambura Gorge. Permits cost around $100 and must be booked in advance. Success rate is ~70%. For guaranteed chimp encounters, combine with Kibale Forest (1.5 hours away).

What is the Kazinga Channel?

A 32km natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. It's famous for its boat safaris—expect to see hundreds of hippos, elephants drinking, crocodiles, and incredible birdlife including African fish eagles and kingfishers.

Is Queen Elizabeth a Big Five park?

Almost. It has lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Rhinos were poached out in the 1980s and have not been reintroduced. However, it's one of the best wildlife parks in Uganda.

How long should I spend here?

3–4 days is ideal: one day for Kazinga boat safari & Kasenyi game drives, one day for Ishasha lions, and one day for Kyambura chimp tracking or crater lakes. Combine with Bwindi (gorillas) or Kibale (chimps).

Where should I stay?

Mweya Safari Lodge (flagship, Kazinga views), Ishasha Wilderness Camp (remote luxury, tree-climbing lions), Katara Lodge (hilltop luxury, Rwenzori views), or Kyambura Gorge Lodge (eco-luxury, chimp gorge access).

Can I do night drives?

Yes, at private lodges like Ishasha Wilderness Camp and Katara Lodge. Night drives offer leopard, hyena, civet, and nocturnal birds.

What should I pack?

Lightweight clothing (layers for early mornings), sun hat, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes for forest walks. Bring a waterproof if visiting in wet season.

Your safari, your way

Ready to start planning your Queen Elizabeth National Park journey?

Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private Queen Elizabeth journey around you — every flight, every transfer, every cruise on the Kazinga Channel and every detail taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.

  • 18+ Years of Excellence
  • 4.9/5 Guest Rated
  • 200,000+ Guests Since 2008
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