Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a gem of Uganda, showcasing classic East African landscapes: savanna, swamps, lakes, and volcanic craters. It boasts fantastic wildlife viewing with over 95 mammal species, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking, and even search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Overview
It's easy to overlook the classic savannah experiences available on a Uganda safari amidst the focus on gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in southwest Uganda, offers visitors a diverse range of safari activities. It is renowned for its wildlife diversity and bird list, which boasts over 610 species - more than the entire British Isles.
Famous for its tree-climbing lions, the park also provides sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and various antelope species. However, the park's natural allure lies in the variety of activities it offers.
A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a must-do, with excellent game viewing and bird watching opportunities en route.
Visitors can also explore Kyambura Gorge, a green forest home to chimpanzees and other primates, and participate in on-foot chimp tracking twice a day, providing a contrasting experience to the savannah game viewing.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular and easily accessible destination on many Uganda safari itineraries. It combines well with gorilla trekking in nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. Accommodation varies from family-friendly lodges to secluded tented camps, and activities range from game drives and boat cruises to professionally guided nature walks, chimp treks, and sensational bird watching.
Wildlife Safaris
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most easily accessible savannah park, often included in itineraries that feature other top experiences like Bwindi Forest's gorilla trekking or Kibale's chimp tracking. However, even as a standalone destination, it is an ideal place for bird watching. There's a wide range of accommodation options, including family-friendly lodges and intimate tented camps, each offering various safari activities.
Safari Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National
AvailableALL YEAR
Duration4 DAYS
From$937
Uganda Primates Safari Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration8 DAYS
- From$2,748
Best of Uganda's Top Attractions
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$3,350
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation - Where to stay
Looking for the perfect accommodation for your Uganda safari adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park? Look no further! From high-end luxurious lodges to budget-friendly camps, we have got you covered.
1. Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Located on the Ntungwe River, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a remote and exclusive tented camp in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Explore the unspoiled and isolated corners.
2. Kyambura Lodge
Nestled on the edge of the Kyambura Gorge, this lodge offers stunning views of the park. The lodge has eight spacious and luxurious bandas, each with its own private balcony overlooking the park.
3. Mweya Safari Lodge
Located on a peninsula within the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views of the Kazinga Channel. The lodge features 32 standard rooms, 12 deluxe rooms, and two suites.
4. Mweya Hostels & Cottages
Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the Mweya Hostels & Cottages offers affordable and basic accommodation options in the park. The hostels have dormitory-style rooms.
5. Jacana Safari Lodge
Situated on the shores of Lake Nyamusingire, Jacana Safari Lodge offers a unique and tranquil experience in the park. The lodge has six en-suite cottages, each with a private deck overlooking the lake.
6. Kambura Game Lodge
Located in the northern sector of the park, Kambura Game Lodge offers comfortable and elegant accommodation in the wilderness. The lodge has ten spacious and tastefully furnished en-suite rooms.
7. Hippo Safari Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Kazinga Channel, Hippo Safari Lodge offers stunning views of the park. The lodge features 13 spacious and comfortable rooms, each with its own private balcony.
8. Elephant Plains Lodge
Located in a remote and secluded corner of the park, Elephant Plains Lodge offers an authentic and exclusive safari experience. The lodge has six luxurious tents, each with its own private veranda.
9. Engiri Safari Lodge
Located just outside the park, Engiri Safari Lodge offers affordable and comfortable accommodation for budget-conscious travelers. The lodge has ten en-suite cottages.
10. King Fisher
Situated on the shores of Lake George, King Fisher offers stunning views of the park. The lodge has ten en-suite cottages, each with its own private balcony.
11. Pumba Safari Camp
Located in the northern sector of the park, Pumba Safari Camp offers comfortable and affordable accommodation in the wilderness. The camp has ten en-suite tents.
12. Kazinga Channel Resort
Located on the shores of Lake Edward, Kazinga Channel Resort offers affordable and comfortable accommodation for travelers. The resort has ten en-suite cottages.
13. Mweya Hostel
Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the Mweya Hostel offers affordable and basic accommodation options in the park. The hostel has dormitory-style rooms.
14. Ihamba Safari Lodge
Located just outside the park, Ihamba Safari Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodation options for travelers. The lodge has ten en-suite cottages.
15. Simba Safari Camp
Situated on the banks of the Kazinga Channel, Samba Safari Camp offers stunning views of the park. The camp has ten en-suite tents.
