Mweya Safari Lodge – perched on a peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward

About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II following her visit in 1954, the park is home to approximately 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species—the highest bird count of any protected area on the African continent. Its most famous residents, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, have become legendary in the safari world. These remarkable animals lounge in the branches of giant fig trees, a behavior recorded in very few lion populations globally.

The park forms part of the larger Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, which also includes the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve and the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve. Together, these protected areas form a vital wildlife corridor that connects to the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating one of the most important transboundary conservation areas in Africa.

For travelers combining their safari with gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideally positioned between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park, making it a natural addition to any western Uganda itinerary. Try our popular 5-day Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth safari for the perfect combination.

Safari Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is among the finest wildlife experiences in all of Africa. This 32-kilometer natural channel connects Lakes Edward and George, and its banks teem with one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos, along with enormous Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles, goliath herons, and herds of buffalo coming to drink.

The boat cruise typically lasts around two hours and offers unrivaled opportunities for wildlife photography. The channel's waters are shallow, allowing hippos to be seen both above and below the surface. Birdlife is spectacular, with species such as the malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, African skimmer, and saddle-billed stork regularly sighted along the banks.

Game Drives & Wildlife Viewing

Dawn and afternoon game drives through the Kasenyi and Mweya sectors reliably produce lion, leopard, elephant, giant forest hog, and Uganda kob. The Kasenyi Plains are particularly famous for their predator activity, with lions frequently seen hunting Uganda kob in the early morning light.

Wildlife you are likely to encounter includes:

• Lions – Both on the plains and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
• Leopards – Often spotted in the branches of large acacia trees
• African elephants – Large herds roam the park's savannah
• Buffaloes – Common throughout the park
• Giant forest hogs – More regularly seen here than almost anywhere else in Africa
• Uganda kob – The national antelope, seen in large numbers
• Hippos – Enormous pods in the Kazinga Channel
• Nile crocodiles – Among the largest in Africa
• Warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, and topi

The Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

The Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is famous worldwide for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. These magnificent predators have developed the unusual habit of resting in the branches of large fig and acacia trees during the heat of the day.

Researchers believe this behavior helps the lions escape biting tsetse flies, regulate their body temperature, and gain a better vantage point for spotting prey. Whatever the reason, seeing a pride of lions draped lazily over the branches of a giant fig tree while Uganda kob graze below is one of Africa's most iconic safari moments.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee tracking is available in the Kyambura Gorge—a dramatic forested canyon carved into the savannah floor where habituated chimp families have been studied for decades. Often called the "Valley of Apes," this sunken forest is home to a small but well-habituated community of chimpanzees that visitors can track with experienced guides.

Beyond chimpanzees, the gorge is a haven for other primates including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons. For a more comprehensive chimpanzee experience, consider adding Kibale National Park to your itinerary. Learn more on our chimpanzee tracking Uganda page.

Safari Lodges & Camps in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury safari lodges with panoramic views to intimate tented camps immersed in the wilderness. Browse our full selection of Queen Elizabeth safari lodges to find the perfect place to stay.

Mweya Safari Lodge

Mweya Safari Lodge occupies one of the most dramatic positions of any lodge in Uganda—a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, with water on three sides. Its 56 rooms, tented cottages, and bandas span the peninsula, and hippos and buffalo wander freely through the grounds at night.

The lodge offers a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and a viewing deck that provides spectacular sunset views over the water. Waking up to the sounds of hippos and watching elephants drink from the channel while you enjoy breakfast is an experience unique to Mweya.

Kyambura Game Lodge – sweeping views across the Rift Valley floor to the Rwenzori Mountains

Kyambura Game Lodge

Kyambura Game Lodge overlooks the Kyambura Gorge from its elevated ridge position, with sweeping views across the Rift Valley floor to the Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge is ideally placed for chimpanzee tracking and Kazinga Channel excursions and is known for its excellent cuisine and knowledgeable guides.

Each cottage is spacious and beautifully appointed, featuring private verandas where you can relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. The lodge places a strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is positioned in the remote Ishasha sector of the park—the home of the tree-climbing lions. Six tented suites on the bank of the Ntungwe River offer an atmosphere of genuine wilderness, and the camp's guides have an extraordinary success rate in locating the famous fig-tree lions.

The Ishasha sector – home of the legendary tree-climbing lions

The camp is designed to have minimal environmental impact while providing exceptional comfort. Each tent features en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and a private veranda overlooking the river. The dining area and lounge are open-sided, allowing you to remain connected to the sights and sounds of the African bush throughout your stay.

Pumzika Wild Camp

Pumzika Wild Camp is a small, intimate camp at the edge of the savannah that prides itself on personalized guiding and a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience within the Queen Elizabeth ecosystem. With only a handful of tents, the camp offers an exclusive and tranquil safari experience away from the busier areas of the park.

Enganzi Game Lodge

Enganzi Game Lodge sits outside the park boundary on a private conservancy with panoramic Rift Valley views. It combines comfort with authenticity and is particularly celebrated for its community-focused approach and night game drives.

Because the lodge is located on private land, it can offer activities not permitted inside the national park, including night drives that provide the opportunity to spot nocturnal species such as leopards, civets, genets, and bush babies.

Plan Your Visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park combines perfectly with other destinations in western Uganda. Popular combinations include starting with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, spending two or three days exploring Queen Elizabeth, and then continuing south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking.

Recommended itineraries including Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• 5-Day Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Safari – Gorillas, game drives, and the Kazinga Channel
• 8-Day Classic Uganda Safari – The ultimate primate and wildlife adventure
• 10-Day Uganda Rwanda Safari – Explore two countries in one extraordinary trip

Browse our Queen Elizabeth safari lodges to find your ideal accommodation, or explore all Uganda safaris for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for?

The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, the spectacular Kazinga Channel boat cruise, its exceptional bird diversity (over 600 species), and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge.

How many days should I spend in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

We recommend at least two to three days to experience the main highlights, including game drives in the Kasenyi Plains, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, and a visit to the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions.

Can I combine Queen Elizabeth with gorilla trekking?

Absolutely. Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideally located between Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it a perfect addition to a western Uganda safari itinerary. Try our 5-day Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth safari.

Are the tree-climbing lions guaranteed?

Sightings are never guaranteed with wild animals, but the Ishasha sector has a high success rate for seeing tree-climbing lions, especially during the dry seasons when they spend more time in the branches.

Where should I stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Popular options include Mweya Safari Lodge for its spectacular location on the Kazinga Channel, Ishasha Wilderness Camp for accessing the tree-climbing lions, and Kyambura Game Lodge for its proximity to chimpanzee tracking. Browse our Queen Elizabeth safari lodges.