Lake Katwe Salt Works: within the alkaline Lake Katwe, salt mining works have been ongoing for several years since that is the main economic activity in the area. Consequently a large number of tourists visit here to learn and observe the traditional method of salt mining
The Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes: these lakes found in the northern part are found on the highest elevation of the park. from here tourists enjoy sweeping views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, the western rift valley escarpments and lakes George and Edward.
The Kyambura Gorge: this verdant forested 100 meter deep valley is home to a large number of primates and popular for Chimpanzee tracking tours.
Activities & Experiences
Safari Game Drives: Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park! Explore the park’s well-maintained tracks at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife encounters—spot elephants heading to the water, lions on the hunt, and herds of Uganda kob grazing on the open plains. Along the crater track, enjoy breathtaking views of volcanic craters and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Every moment promises an unforgettable Ugandan adventure.
Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel: Embark on a breathtaking boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel for an unforgettable wildlife encounter. The banks are crowded with immense hippopotami, while colossal crocodiles bask in the sun. You might even spot the elusive leopard making a rare appearance. Watch as vast herds of buffalo rest in the water and elephants drink and play along the shoreline. The scene is brought to life by a spectacular display of birds, both migrant and resident, circling above the hippo pods. This cruise places you directly in the heart of an African paradise.
Key Attractions
Tree Climbing Lions: with just two populations of these unique lions in the whole world, explore the southern Ishasha sector to track these lions commonly seen up in the fig and acacia trees.
Accommodation: Choose from a variety of options to suit your preferences and budget. Luxury tented camps offer a glamorous and comfortable experience, while budget-friendly lodges and campsites provide affordable accommodations for all types of travelers.
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking: Trek through the "Valley of Apes",see chimpanzees & other primates within the forest gorge
Cultural Experiences:Visit Kikorongo or Kasoga communities for traditional dance, crafts, storytelling, and salt mine tours at Lake Katwe
Maramagambo Forest: A lush tropical forest alive with numerous birds including the rare Forest Flycatcher, White Naped Pegion and the striking Rwenzori Turaco
Best Time to Visit
The Dry season that runs from January to February and from June to September is considered the best time to visit with the peak safari time in Uganda being from June to September, while Migratory species of birds arrive in August to December, and March to May offering the best birding time. All in all the park is open for tours all year round.
How to Get There
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located about 410km/255mi west of Kampala. The direct drive takes at least 7 to 8 hours, but your itinerary will most likely include some parks on the way. It is also possible to fly to any of the nearby airstrips of Kasese, Mweya or Kihihi (for Ishasha) by scheduled or chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala.
You will enter Uganda at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 46km/29mi from Kampala, the capital city. Generally, Gracious Tours and Travel will arrange for your pick-up from the airport, and organize any further transportation required as part of your safari package.
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Explore the beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park
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The Kazinga Channel: this natural water channel connects Lakes Albert and Gorge and is home to a large number of hippos, Nile Crocodiles, elephants and hippos which can easily be seen on the thrilling Kazinga Boat ride
Kasenyi Plains: these plains are popularly visited by tourists on a Uganda Wildlife Safari as they are home to a very large number of antelopes, the Uganda Kobs, lions and several large predators
Guided nature walks: Embark on a guided nature walk through the vast Maramagambo Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From brief explorations to full-day treks, these walks offer an intimate encounter with a hidden world. Witness the raw drama of nature at a renowned bat cave, where pythons lie in wait amidst the cavern floor. The area is also home to a stunning blue lake and a fascinating hunter's cave. Venture deeper along forest trails to the heart of volcanic craters, where the canopy teems with birds and the thrilling possibility of a chimpanzee sighting awaits.
Nature Walk in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve-A Primate and Birding Paradise: Located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is home to a variety of mammals found throughout the region. Its unique landscape features three saline crater lakes that attract vast flocks of flamingos, a sight unmatched elsewhere in Uganda, making it a premier birding destination. The reserve's centerpiece is the steep Kyambura Gorge, carved by the powerful Kyambura River. This lush riverine forest is a sanctuary for wildlife, including lions, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and many other primates, forest birds, and reptiles. A walk through this dramatic gorge offers a remarkable opportunity to observe chimpanzees thriving in their natural habitat.
Cultural tours in the nearby Bakonzo, Basongora, and Banyabindi communities
Birding paradise: While famed for its tree-climbing lions and mighty elephants, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers another world-class safari experience: exceptional bird watching. With over 600 species recorded, the park is a vibrant tapestry of feathers and song, making it a premier destination for ornithologists and casual nature lovers alike. The park's diverse ecosystems are the key to its avian riches. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is an unforgettable floating safari, where the water's edge is lined with iconic African species. Here, you'll see elegant African fish eagles with their piercing calls, bustling flocks of spectacular yellow-billed storks, and the comical, prehistoric-looking shoebill stork standing motionless in the papyrus. Venture into the dense Maramagambo Forest to discover a different chorus. The canopy echoes with the calls of turacos and hornbills, while the forest floor shelters rare finds like the forest flycatcher. Meanwhile, the park's dramatic crater lakes transform into a vision of pink, hosting vast flocks of flamingos, while other saline lakes attract large numbers of other waders.
WILDLIFE: Queen Elizabeth National Park’s various habitats support a wealth of wildlife with more mammal species (95) than any other Ugandan park and over 600 bird species - a phenomenal number for such a small area. Expect to see safari favourites such as elephants, buffaloes and hippos. The chances of finding lions on the plains of Kasenyi and Ishasha are good, especially with a ranger guide, while leopard sightings are frequent, though unpredictable, around Mweya and the nearby Channel Track.
Discover a compact wilderness of five lakes, rich wildlife, and stunning landscapes just 3.5 hours from Kampala. Uganda's perfect short safari destination.
