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Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda flag

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda Wildlife Destination

117 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$350PP

Overview

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Uganda. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, humid forests, fertile wetlands and sparkling lakes make it the ideal habitat for the classy big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds. The area also contains numerous explosion craters and is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. It is mainly known for its wildlife which includes African elephant, African buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog, Nile crocodile, leopard and lion. It is home to 95 mammal species and over 500 bird species. The area around Ishasha in Rukungiri District is famous for its tree-climbing lions, whose males sport black manes.

High Season
June to September
Best Time to Go
January to February and June to July

Pros & Cons

  • Famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Rukungiri District
  • Amazing birding experience with over 500 bird species
  • Chimpanzee trekking is available
  • Boat trips in Kazinga channel safari boat
  • The main road bisects the park and people live along the boundaries
  • The Mweya peninsula gets crowded in the High season

Map in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its wildlife, including African elephant, African buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog, Nile crocodile, leopard and lion. It is home to 95 mammal species and over 500 bird species.

Elephant

Elephant

Common
African Buffalo

African Buffalo

Common
Uganda Kob

Uganda Kob

Common
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Waterbuck

Waterbuck

Common
Giant forest hog

Giant forest hog

Common
Crocodile

Crocodile

Common
Lion

Lion

Common

Wildlife Highlights

Elephants and buffalo are very common in this park. Tree-climbing lions are a speciality of the Ishasha sector of the park, where they can often be found resting in huge fig trees. Chimpanzee trekking is also available in the tropical forest of Kyambura Gorge.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited around the year, but the best time to capture the wildlife viewing is in the Dry season (from June to August and January to February) when animals are concentrated near rivers and lakes. 

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Birds

Queen Elizabeth national park is an extraordinary destination for bird watching. It has over 600 bird species found in different habitats including savannah, forests, wetlands and bushes. The park hosts the largest number of birds more than any other park in east Africa and therefore a good destination for birders. one of the areas where lots of birds are spotted is along the Kazinga channel while cruising on the boat. Common bird sightings at this site include Pied kingfishers, African fish eagles, Water-thick knee, Spoon-billed stork, Hammerkop, African Jacana, Great egrets, Little egrets, Egyptian geese, Pink and White-backed pelicans, Malachite kingfisher and more.

African skimmer

African skimmer

Common
Pin-tailed whydah

Pin-tailed whydah

Common
Papyrus gonolek

Papyrus gonolek

Common
Croaking Cisticola

Croaking Cisticola

Common

Best Time for Birding

Bird watching can be done throughout the year in Queen Elizabeth National park, But the best time will be from May to September when there is less rain and plenty of food. June to July has the least amount of rain. During heavy rainfalls from April to May and September to November, it's difficult to bird watch. 

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Best Time to Visit – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited around the year, but the best time to capture the wildlife viewing is in the Dry season (from June to August and January to February) when animals are concentrated near rivers and lakes. 

High Season
June to September
Low Season
April, May, October and November
Best Weather
June to July and January to February
Worst Weather
April, May and September to October

January to February & June to July (Dry Season)

  • As vegetation is less and animals gather around river crossing and waterholes, Its easier to spot wildlife
  • Best time for Chimpanzee trekking
  • Clear blue skies and most of the days are sunny
  • The best time for birding
  • Scenaries aren't that good due to the hazy air

March to May & August to December (Wet Season)

  • You will see a decent amount of wildlife year-round
  • The Scenery is beautiful and green
  • Migratory birds can be easily spotted during this period
  • Roads are slippery due to heavy rains, difficult to drive.

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Cultural Visits

Cultural Visits

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Fishing

Fishing

Fishing safaris are especially famous in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. River, lake and deep ocean fishing are all possible in Africa.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Mountain Climbing

Mountain Climbing

Adventure enthusiasts have sufficient climbing options in Africa, from the Amazing Mt. Kilimanjaro down to the smallest hills.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.
Yoga

Yoga

Yoga, Pilates and mind/ body safaris are growing in popular. It is possible to begin the day with an hour or two of yoga prior to going on a game drive.

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