We're Open8am–6pm SAST
res [at] privatetourscapetown.com
WishlistPartner Portal
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Western Uganda, Albertine Rift, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Listen

Hear the Story of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

A two-minute journey, narrated. Press play and let Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda unfold.

0:000:00
Enquire Now with Beyond Africa Safaris

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.

Size1,978 km²
Wildlife95 mammal species
Best TimeJune – September
Big FiveNearby
Plan Your SafariExplore Experiences
Destination Overview

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Famous tree-climbing lions of IshashaKazinga Channel — over 4,000 hipposChimpanzees in the Kyambura GorgeOver 600 bird species

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.

The Beyond Africa Difference

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.

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.

Curated Itineraries

Luxury Safari Packages

Hand-crafted private journeys through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda — from our flagship ultra-luxury expedition to exceptional value escapes. Every package is fully tailor-made, privately guided and includes luxury lodges, expert rangers and smooth logistics.

View All Safari PackagesGet a Tailor-Made Quote
A pride of tree-climbing lions resting in a fig tree, Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Queen Elizabeth Signature

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
Plan This Experience
Safari Experiences

Unforgettable Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Experiences

Kazinga Channel boat safari with hippos in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Boat Safari

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

2 hours$35 per person

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.

FamiliesPhotographersBird watchers
Book This Experience
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Game Drive

Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lion Safari

Half-day game driveIncluded in safari packages

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.

Big cat enthusiastsPhotographersUnique wildlife
Book This Experience
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Primate Tracking

Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking

2–4 hours$100 permit

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.

Primate loversAdventure seekersWildlife photographers
Book This Experience
Game drive on Kasenyi plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Game Drive

Kasenyi Plains Game Drive

3 hours (morning/evening)Included in safari packages

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.

Big cat fansPhotographyClassic safari
Book This Experience
Crater lakes exploration in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Nature Walk

Crater Lakes Exploration

Half-day tourIncluded in lodge activities

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.

HikersPhotographersNature lovers
Book This Experience
Maramagambo Forest walk in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Forest Walk

Maramagambo Forest Walk

2–3 hours$30 per person

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.

Nature walksBirdingUnique wildlife
Book This Experience
Luxury Accommodation

Premier Lodges & Retreats

Handpicked luxury lodges ranging from award-winning ultra-luxury suites to exceptional value properties — every lodge delivers a world-class safari experience.

Mweya Safari Lodge image 1
1 / 4

Mweya Safari Lodge

    From $280/nightEnquire Now
    Ishasha Wilderness Camp image 1
    1 / 4

    Ishasha Wilderness Camp

      From $420/nightEnquire Now
      Katara Lodge image 1
      1 / 4

      Katara Lodge

        From $350/nightEnquire Now
        Kyambura Gorge Lodge image 1
        1 / 4

        Kyambura Gorge Lodge

          From $310/nightEnquire Now
          Elephant Hub Lodge image 1
          1 / 4

          Elephant Hub Lodge

            From $180/nightEnquire Now
            Enjojo Lodge image 1
            1 / 4

            Enjojo Lodge

              From $120/nightEnquire Now
              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.

              Cruising the Kazinga Channel at golden hour with hundreds of hippos around us was pure magic, and finding the lions in the fig trees the next morning left us speechless. An unforgettable honeymoon.
              Tom & RachelHoneymoon · 4 nights, Queen Elizabeth & Ishasha
              We tracked chimps in Kyambura Gorge in the morning and watched elephants from our lodge terrace by night. Queen Elizabeth packs so much into one magical park.
              Daniel & Sofia5 nights · Uganda Wildlife & Primates
              Plan Your Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Honeymoon
              Photo Gallery
              Wildlife Highlights

              Wildlife You'll Encounter

              Lion wildlife image

              Lion

              African Elephant wildlife image

              African Elephant

              Leopard wildlife image

              Leopard

              African Buffalo wildlife image

              African Buffalo

              Hippopotamus wildlife image

              Hippopotamus

              Uganda Kob wildlife image

              Uganda Kob

              Chimpanzee wildlife image

              Chimpanzee

              Nile Crocodile wildlife image

              Nile Crocodile

              Spotted Hyena wildlife image

              Spotted Hyena

              Waterbuck wildlife image

              Waterbuck

              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
              Planning Your Visit

              When to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

              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 concentrationsWeather: 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 viewingWeather: 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 sceneryWeather: 17–27°C, wetter

              Month-by-Month Guide

              Wildlife ViewingWeatherValue
              Jan
              Feb
              Mar
              Apr
              May
              Jun
              Jul
              Aug
              Sep
              Oct
              Nov
              Dec
              Good to Know

              Useful Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Travel Tips

              The practical details that make a real difference — gathered from years of sending travellers into this region.

              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, Uganda

              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.
              Extend Your Journey

              Destinations to Add to Your Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Safari

              A Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda safari pairs beautifully with the regions below. Our team stitches them into one unhurried journey — flights, transfers and timing handled end to end.

              Kibale Forest, UgandaUganda

              Kibale Forest

              1.5 hours away — chimpanzee trekking capital

              Explore Kibale Forest
              Frequently Asked Questions

              Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Safari FAQ

              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.

              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.

              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.

              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).

              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.

              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.

              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).

              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).

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

              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.

              Start Planning

              Plan Your Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Safari

              Join 200,000+ travellers who have trusted us with their African safari dreams since 2008. Our expert team will craft a tailor-made Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda itinerary perfectly suited to your style, budget and dates.

              🏆 18+ Years of Excellence⭐ 5-Star TripAdvisor🌍 200,000+ Travellers
              Get a Free QuoteWhatsApp Us
              Chat