Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda, Africa

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes and incredible biodiversity. Home to over 600 species of birds and diverse wildlife including hippos, elephants, and rare tree-climbing lions, it's the ultimate wildlife wonderland. Visitors can explore the park via game drives, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, and guided nature walks, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Gisenyi

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Go on a Wildlife Safari

Experience diverse wildlife including elephants and lions.

Booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Enjoy breathtaking views and wildlife from the water.

Booking required
3

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Encounter wild chimps in their natural habitat.

Booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Crater Lakes

Explore stunning volcanic crater lakes and scenery.

No booking required
5

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Bird Watching

Spot over 600 bird species in the park.

No booking required
6

Est. 3.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions

See unique tree-climbing lions in their habitat.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Cultural Encounters with Local Communities

Engage with locals and learn about their traditions.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Night Game Drives

Experience the park's nocturnal wildlife on a drive.

Booking required
9

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Katwe Salt Lake

Discover traditional salt mining in Uganda.

No booking required
10

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hiking in Maramagambo Forest

Trek through lush forest and spot wildlife.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Low

LGBTQ+ safety score

-18 (#207 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Uganda Shilling

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Ganda

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Matoke or Matooke

VE

Steamed green bananas dish. (National dish)

Luwombo

Meat stew with groundnut sauce.

Posho

VE

Maize porridge, staple food.

Rolex

V

Rolled chapati with eggs and vegetables.

Groundnut Sauce

VE

Peanut sauce, often served with dishes.

Phrases to learn

English

Ganda

Hello

Gyebale ko

(Jeh-bah-leh koh)

Yes/No

Yee / Nedda

(Yay / Ned-dah)

Thank you

Weebale

(Weh-bah-leh)

Excuse me

Nsonyiwa

(N-soh-nee-wah)

How much?

Meka?

(Meh-kah)