Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled in western Uganda across Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri districts, is a biodiversity hotspot spanning 1,978 square kilometers. Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed in 1954 after a royal visit, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve straddles the equator, marked by roadside monuments. Its savanna, wetlands, and forests make it Uganda’s most visited park, offering a medley of wonders.
Wildlife and Attractions
Home to 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, the park teems with life. The Ishasha sector’s tree-climbing lions are a rare spectacle, lounging in fig trees, while Kasenyi Plains host elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob. The Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway linking Lakes George and Edward, is a highlight boat cruises reveal hippos, crocodiles, and shorebirds like the African Fish Eagle. Kyambura Gorge, dubbed the “Valley of Apes,” shelters chimpanzees, accessible via guided treks, while crater lakes like Katwe dazzle with flamingos and salt mining heritage.
Activities
Game drives across Kasenyi and Ishasha offer sunrise-to-sunset wildlife views, with lions, leopards, and hyenas in the mix. The 2-hour Kazinga Channel boat trip, departing Mweya Peninsula, is a must for water-based sightings. Birdwatching thrives year-round, with over 50 reptiles and migratory species peaking November to April. Cultural encounters with Kikorongo and Katwe communities add depth, showcasing local crafts and salt extraction traditions.
Getting There
From Kampala, it’s a 5 to 7-hour drive (410 kilometers) via Mbarara to Mweya, the park’s heart. Fly from Entebbe to Kasese or Mweya airstrips for speed, followed by a short transfer. Kigali, Rwanda, offers a 4–6-hour drive option via the Katuna border.
Plan Your Visit
Dry seasons (June to August, December to February) ensure easier roads and prime game viewing, though the park shines year-round. Lodging ranges from luxury at Mweya Safari Lodge to budget camps like Ishasha Jungle Lodge. Book activities through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or tour operators. With its equatorial charm and abundant wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park promises an unforgettable Ugandan adventure start planning today!