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Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda’s most popular and accessible park and with good reason.

Uganda’s most popular and accessible park and with good reason. Most famous for the tree-climbing lions, the park is also home to most of the big game found in the more famous East African parks, but without the crowds.

Kyambura Gorge is home to a small chimpanzee population and an afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel offers a different wildlife perspective. Herds of elephant come to drink at the water’s edge, whilst colourful water birds wade in the shallows alongside fishermen tending their nets in the setting sun.

Crater, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda — Queen Elizabeth National Park

A little more about Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley and encompasses Lake Edward and Lake George. The park is split into two areas, the northern sector in Mweya which has more game but more people, and the remote southern sector at Ishasha. The journey along the Kazinga Channel from Mweya is one of the most interesting for game viewing, as it is said to hold the world’s largest concentration of hippo.

Young male lion in tree, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda — Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Why visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Great game drives and a genuine East Africa safari experience without the crowds on our Highlights of Uganda holiday idea
Take a sunset cruise along the Kazinga Channel for birding, hippos and great photos
Head into the steep Kyambura Gorge to search for the seasonal troop of chimpanzees
Keep looking at those fig trees for lions lounging in the branches
Satisfy that sweet tooth with a local beehive tour and try some of the freshest honey around.

Experiences

A selection of activities and experiences you could consider including in your holiday to Uganda.

Chimpanzee In Tree, Kyambura Gorge, Uganda

Chimps of Kyambura

Head into the steep Kyambura Gorge to search for the seasonal troop of chimpanzees.

Suggested lodge

Wildlife Safari

Take game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a genuine East Africa safari experience without the crowds.

Suggested camp

Young lion in a tree, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Lion Tracking

Join lion researchers on a game drive through the park, tracking collared lions. Benefit from being in the only vehicle allowed to drive off-road.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hippos, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Cruise the Kazinga Channel

Spot hippos and crocodiles basking in the waters of the Kazinga Channel.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Flying Safari from Bwindi to Lake Victoria

Explore Uganda by light aircraft, flying from one forgotten wilderness to the next. Search for gorillas in the clouds, meet dancing Karamajong tribes and hunt for the elusive shoebill stork, before relaxing on the beaches of Lake Victoria.

12 days from £10,235pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Highlights of Uganda: Primates and Predators

Experience the diversity of Uganda, exploring three national parks on a journey that blends volcanic landscapes, endangered primates, big cats and colourful birdlife. Wild savannah, dense rainforests and volcanic craters make this a trip of spectacular landscapes, as well as diverse wildlife.

12 days from £11,845pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara

Trek in search of gorillas in the forests of Uganda. Encounter these iconic primates, whose very existence is under threat, then fly north to the open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, spends several days on safari, in search of the wide…

10 days from £6,925pp

Baby gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

View Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Uganda holiday ideas.

Our Uganda experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Uganda

Flying Safari from Bwindi to Lake Victoria

12 days from £10,235pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Highlights of Uganda: Primates and Predators

12 days from £11,845pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara

10 days from £6,925pp

View Holiday Idea

View all holiday ideas

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Uganda holiday ideas.

Our Uganda experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Uganda

Flying Safari from Bwindi to Lake Victoria

Explore Uganda by light aircraft, flying from one forgotten wilderness to the next. Search for gorillas…

12 days from £10,235pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Highlights of Uganda: Primates and Predators

Experience the diversity of Uganda, exploring three national parks on a journey that blends volcanic landscapes,…

12 days from £11,845pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara

Trek in search of gorillas in the forests of Uganda. Encounter these iconic primates, whose very…

10 days from £6,925pp

View Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge £££££

Uganda
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Converted from a coffee plantation, Kyambura Gorge Lodge has been restored into a stunning base from which to do some of the best chimpanzee trekking in Uganda due to its proximity to the Rwenzori Mountains and the Kyambura Gorge. All eight of the guest bandas are handbuilt and beautifully decorated with artifacts inspired by local African culture. For added luxury, the elegant bandas have a double vanity unit, indoor and outdoor shower, and private balcony with views across the gorge or the savanna. A personal butler service is included with all stays.

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Ishasha Wilderness Camp £££££

Uganda
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated inside the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River. The only upmarket accommodation in the area, it is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness. Each of the camp’s ten spacious Meru tents is situated in a wooded area beside the river. All are comfortably furnished and have private en suite facilities.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also a deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

Talk with our experts

01285 880 980

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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each bespoke itinerary I create.

Talk with our experts

01285 880 980

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