Be Here. Be Enchanted.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Charming Experiences

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as a testament to the country’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity. Established in 1952 under the name Kazinga National Park, it was later rechristened in honor of Queen Elizabeth II following her visit in the early 1950s. Spanning an impressive 764 square miles across the districts of Kamwenge, Rukingiri, Rubirizi, and Kasese, this iconic park is a haven for both wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The park’s diverse landscape encompasses a myriad of ecosystems, ranging from lush forests and expansive woodlands to vast plains and tranquil lakes. Surrounded by the majestic Rwenzori mountain ranges, Queen Elizabeth National Park enjoys a unique microclimate that ensures verdant greenery year-round, distinguishing it from other renowned safari destinations like the Maasai Mara or Serengeti.

Direction

How To Get To Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors can get to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Entebbe/Kampala through either Mbarara to Katunguru and then onto Mweya or through Fort Portal to Kasese and then onto Mweya. Both ways the drive is 6-7 hours. From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the drive is 2-4 hours. Visitors can also fly into Queen Elizabeth National Park from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese.

Uforgettable Experience

Things to do and see in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game Drives

On a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can explore either the channel drive track along the Kazinga Channel or the Kasenyi plains track near Lake George. The channel drive offers sightings of large mammals like elephants, hippos, lions, and the elusive leopards, along with the rare giant forest hog.

Boat launch along Kazinga channel

The 3-hour launch trip along Kazinga channel – a 32-kilometre long natural channel that connects lakes Edward and George is one of the major highlights on a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura/ Kalinzu

Kyambura Gorge – sometimes referred to as the valley of the apes/hanging forest is situated on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The gorge emerges from between savannah grassland and has a riverine virgin forest that transits to papyrus swamps towards the Kazinga channel.

Visit Katwe Crater Lakes

Katwe’s crater lakes number ten in total – formed from extinct volcanoes. The lakes are situated north of Mweya Safari Lodge and can be explored when visitors make the winding 27 kilometre Crater Drive. The lakes offer stunning scenery and breathtaking views across Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Nature walks/hikes in Maramagambo Forest

Not many people visit Maramagambo Forest – making it an off the beaten track destination for tourists. The few that make the journey to Maramagambo will find themselves alone – one with nature without the crowds elsewhere.

Wildlife Conservation and Research Tours

For wildlife enthusiasts, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers the opportunity to participate in conservation efforts and gain insights into ongoing research initiatives. Join the Uganda Carnivore Program on a lion tracking expedition, where visitors can observe researchers as they monitor the movements of these magnificent predators using radio collars.