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Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of the country's most famous wildlife reserves, covering an area of 1,978 square kilometres. Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, it was renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, which range from sprawling savannas and shady, humid forests to fertile wetlands and sparkling lakes. One of its most unique attractions is the tree-climbing lions found in the southern Ishasha sector. The 32-kilometre-long Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward and Lake George, features one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos and attracts an abundance of water birds. The park is home to almost 100 mammal species, including elephants, leopards, and chimpanzees, and over 600 bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers.
- Location: Uganda
- Nearby: Katwe (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 64 | 67 | 123 | 123 | 108 | 64 | 62 | 100 | 122 | 140 | 139 | 88 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best season for wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the dry season from June to September and December to February. During these months, animals gather around waterholes and the vegetation is less dense, improving visibility.
Best time of day
Early morning hours between 6:30 and 9:00 am are optimal when predators are still active and herbivores move onto open plains. Late afternoon from 4:00 pm also sees a surge in activity before sunset.
Etiquette
Always remain inside your vehicle during game drives and only get out at designated spots. Do not feed any animals or litter, as this disrupts the natural order and can harm wildlife.
What to bring
A binocular with at least 8x magnification is recommended for viewing lions and elephants from a safe distance. Bring a camera with a telephoto lens, along with plenty of water and snacks for long game drives.
Getting there
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda and is accessible by road from Kampala or the town of Kasese. Most visitors travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle or book a guided safari with a local operator.
What to expect
Large predators are often hard to find; be prepared to spend hours searching for lions resting in tall grass. Enjoy the smaller animals and the remarkable landscape as well - patience is often rewarded with spectacular sightings.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park.
- It covers an area of 1,978 square kilometres.
- Famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
- It is home to over 600 species of birds.
- The Kazinga Channel links Lake Edward and Lake George.
- Named after Queen Elizabeth II following her visit in 1954.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The dry season from January to February and June to September provides the best sightings.
What is the difficulty level of hikes?
Most wildlife viewing tours are easy and doable by car or boat.
Are there sanitary facilities?
Yes, there are basic sanitary facilities in the lodges and campsites.
What is the biggest weather risk?
Heavy rains can make unpaved roads impassable.
What do I need to know about entry fees?
Tickets are paid at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and depend on people and vehicles.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: where is it located?
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of the country's most famous wildlife reserves, covering an area of 1,978 square kilometres.
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Nearby cities
Katwe
A historic salt-mining village on a crater lake within Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its traditional salt extraction.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's most popular national park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, hippos, and rich birdlife on the Kazinga Channel.
Bushenyi
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Kasese
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History & landmarks
Nature
Lake Edward
A large lake in the western part of the East African Rift.
Lake George
A smaller lake connected to Lake Edward via the Kazinga Channel.
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Isasha River
A river forming the border between Uganda and Congo.
Mpanga River
A river in western Uganda that flows through the Kibale region.
Kibale River
A small river flowing through Kibale National Park.
More places
Tooro Tea Plantations
Beautiful, green tea plantations in the Tooro region.
Tororo Rock
A prominent rock popular with families.
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Ishango Archaeological Site
At Ishango on Lake Edward, the famous Ishango bone was found, an over 20,000-year-old mathematical artifact with incised markings.
Kilembe Copper Mines
A historic mining site that was once Uganda's largest copper producer, located at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Hima Cement Factory
A major cement plant in western Uganda, supplying the national and regional construction markets.
Rwenzori Mountains
An equatorial mountain range also known as the 'Mountains of the Moon'.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Known as the 'Mountains of the Moon' with unique flora.
Rwenzori Foothills
The lower regions transitioning into the main Rwenzori ridge.