Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the western region of Uganda, stands as one of the country’s premier safari destinations. Spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers across the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri, the park boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, including savannah plains, tropical forests, wetlands, and crater lakes. Officially gazetted in 1954 following a royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II—after whom the park is named—it was formerly known as Kazinga National Park. Today, Queen Elizabeth is not only the most visited national park in Uganda but also a flagship for conservation, thanks to its thriving ecosystems that support the highest biodiversity of any protected area in the country.
One of the park's major highlights is its impressive wildlife population. It is home to four of Africa’s “Big Five,” including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes, as well as an array of antelopes, warthogs, and primates. A unique feature that sets this park apart is the tree-climbing lions found in the southern Ishasha sector—an experience that cannot be found in most African parks. The lions here often lounge in fig trees, escaping the ground heat and tsetse flies. Another iconic attraction is the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that links Lake Edward and Lake George. The Kazinga boat cruise offers visitors a chance to witness a spectacular concentration of wildlife—hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a stunning variety of birds—flocking to the water's edge.
Queen Elizabeth is also a birder’s paradise, with over 600 recorded bird species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in Africa. Whether you're scanning the skies for African fish eagles or exploring the wetland edges for flamingos and pelicans, the park caters to seasoned ornithologists and casual bird lovers alike. Beyond the wildlife, the park harbors some fascinating geological features, such as the Katwe salt lake—an ancient volcanic crater used by locals for traditional salt mining. Here, visitors can engage in cultural tours and learn about the long-standing practices and livelihoods shaped by the region's volcanic history.
For those seeking immersive experiences, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of activities. Game drives through Kasenyi plains provide up-close encounters with big game, while chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge delivers an unforgettable journey into a lush rainforest valley dubbed the "Valley of Apes." Other standout activities include lion tracking with conservation researchers, hot air balloon safaris at dawn, and community walks in nearby fishing villages like Busonga. The park’s crater drive is another must-see, offering sweeping views of dramatic landscapes dotted with explosion craters and flamingo-lined lakes. Whether you're on a solo adventure or a family safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a dynamic blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty—earning its title as the true “Medley of Wonders” in the heart of Uganda.
