A group of female kob antelopes, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

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, Uganda

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
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimps of Kyambura

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

Suggested lodge

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

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
Queen Elizabeth National Park

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
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Cruise the Kazinga Channel

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

Suggested 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.

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.

View Property

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.

View Property

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.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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