Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda flag

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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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

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

No FAQs available for this park yet.

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