Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Hippos, Antelopes, Warthogs

Founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park was renamed two years later to honour the visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Because it is set in the background of the jagged Rwenzori ranges, the park is naturally gifted with a wide range of terrain features including volcanic craters, acacia woodlands, savannah grasslands, tropical forests and swamps. Treat yourself to the breathtaking panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with bountiful river banks watering herds of buffalo, elephants, and kobs. Experience boat rides across the Kazinga Channel that links two lakes, Edward and George. 

While it houses over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, the park is most famous for its big tree-climbing lions and leopards. Because of its diverse ecosystems that comprise shady humid forests, crater lakes, fertile wetlands and sprawling savannah, it is also an ideal habitat for big game including elephants, buffalos, antelopes and warthogs (Pumba) as game drives reveal. The rich Ishasha plains house the tree-climbing lions and leopards, perched in fig trees and waiting to pounce on gullible herds of herbivores.

Its rich wildlife aside, the park has a rich and fascinating cultural history. The Basongora, Banyabindi and Bakonzo ethnic communities around the game park engage in storytelling, cultural dances, music and more with tourists that visit the park. Gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which has benefited the surrounding communities.

Suggested for you

8-Day Uganda Birding Highlight

With over 1000 bird species, this is a birder’s safari for new lifers on that bird life list.

7-Day Fishing & Big 5 Safari

Bond on this trip as you bait monster fish in the Nile, and seek out Uganda’s great wildlife

7-Day Family Adventure Safari

Escape into the wild side of Uganda and enjoy the outdoors, nature and the sun