Imagine a place where nature's marvels come together – that's Queen Elizabeth National Park. This vast park spans the equator line, with monuments marking the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00. Originally known as Kazinga National Park, it was founded in 1952 and later renamed to honor a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England two years later.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to over 95 mammal species and an impressive count of over 600 bird species. From the Katwe explosion craters, marking the highest point at 1,350m above sea level, to the lowest point at 910m at Lake Edward, the park showcases diverse ecosystems. These include sprawling savannas, shady humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands, creating an ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species (including chimpanzees), and over 600 bird species.

Against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park's vistas are nothing short of spectacular. Enormous craters carved into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel teeming with hippos, buffalo, and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, hiding lions in fig trees ready to pounce on unsuspecting Uganda kob – it's a visual feast.

Beyond its outstanding wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a captivating cultural history. Visitors have numerous opportunities to meet local communities, enjoy storytelling, dance, music, and more. The park's gazetting ensures the conservation of its ecosystems, benefiting the surrounding communities.

Wilderness and Tree-Climbing Lions

The remote Ishasha sector, in the extreme south of Queen Elizabeth NP, is often missed by tourists, but it holds a wilderness character unrivaled elsewhere in the park. Bordering Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo, Ishasha is home to a superb variety of animals. Hippos are common in the Ishasha River, and Buffalo, Topi, and Kob roam the plains. Tree-climbing lions, the sector’s most famous residents, can be easily spotted draped over the branches of large fig and acacia trees. Their motives for tree climbing remain unclear, but whether it’s for shade, watching for meals, or avoiding bugs, Ishasha lions appear incredibly comfortable on their high perches.

Exploring the Kazinga Channel: A Wildlife Spectacle

The Kazinga Channel, with its shores providing year-round water, is a hub for birds, reptiles, and mammals. A boat safari on this channel is the park’s most famous activity. The 2-hour round trip between the Mweya jetty and Lake Edward offers marvelous opportunities to view crocodiles, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and a variety of waterbirds up-close. Safari game tracks allow for game drives to explore the plains north of the Kazinga Channel. While large numbers of animals live here, the patchwork of grassland and scrubby thickets can make game viewing challenging, especially after long rains. The Channel track and the Leopard Loop are likely spots to find Leopard and Giant Forest Hog. The area is also known for distinctive candelabra trees (Euphorbia candelabrum) and the perching spots of African Fish Eagles.

Kyambura Gorge: Chimpanzee Tracking and Nature Hike.

At the foot of the Kichwamba escarpment, the Kyambura Gorge, through which the Kyambura River flows towards the Kazinga Channel, offers a unique experience. The Fig Tree Camp at the gorge’s edge provides a giddy view into the 100m-deep chasm. Travelers can track habituated chimpanzees in the gorge, with excursions departing twice daily, complementing savannah game drives. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the ravine offers a remarkable nature hike, adding another dimension to exploring the plains above.

Kasenyi Safari Camp

Rating: Mid-range
Price range: $390 pp single

Kasenyi Safari Camp is a nice place to stay if you’re exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s in the northern part of the park, making it easy to see lots of animals. You can see lions, hippos, leopards, and more. The camp has eight tents that overlook a pretty lake called Lake Bunyampaka. The tents have bathrooms and private decks. The main area is a cool place to hang out and eat.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Rating: Luxury
Price range: $580 – $1410

Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a fancy place to stay near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s on the edge of the park, so you can see the beautiful landscape and even go looking for chimpanzees. The lodge has eight cottages with nice views. Some overlook the savannah, and others overlook the gorge. There’s a new spa and pool too.

Elephant Plains Lodge

Rating: Luxury

Elephant Plains Lodge is a fancy lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s on top of a hill, so you can see the park and Lake George. You can easily visit places like Kasenyi Plains to see lots of animals. The lodge has a cool name because it’s near the equator line. You can get there by flying for an hour and then driving for two hours.

Katara Lodge

Rating: Intimately simple

Katara Lodge is a simple and cozy place to stay near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s on a farm overlooking the park. There are eight small houses where guests can sleep. The lodge is proud of being good to the environment. They use solar power and rainwater to help the Earth. The lodge is a bit far from the airport, but you can still get there by flying and driving.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Rating: Simple Luxury
Price: $270 

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a nice place to stay if you want peace and quiet in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s near a river where you can see hippos and elephants. The camp is simple but comfy. There’s a big space for eating and hanging out. Animals sometimes come near the camp, so it’s exciting.

For the optimal experience, plan your visit during the long dry season from June to August or the short dry season from mid-December to late February. These periods offer dry weather, sparse vegetation for easy wildlife spotting, and fewer bugs. Daytime temperatures peak at around 30ºC (86 F) during the dry season month of February, with nighttime lows averaging at 17ºC (62 F). It’s the perfect time for a safari holiday in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can witness the beauty of nature in all its glory.