Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular savanna safari destination, a remarkably diverse park where open plains meet crater lakes, volcanic cones, dense forest, and the Kazinga Channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, a rare behavior shared only with Tanzania's Lake Manyara. A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel offers some of Africa's best close-up views of hippos, elephants, and buffalo coming to drink, with hundreds of bird species lining the banks. At 1,978 square kilometers, Queen Elizabeth packs extraordinary biodiversity into a compact space: 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, making it one of the most bird-rich parks on the continent.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Good
leopard
Rare
elephant
Excellent
buffalo
Excellent
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Tree-climbing Lion
The Ishasha sector's lions regularly climb fig trees, a rare behavior. They drape themselves across branches, sometimes several lions in one tree.
Hippopotamus
Huge numbers in the Kazinga Channel. The boat safari offers incredibly close views of pods of hippos.
Chimpanzee
Habituated chimps in the Kyambura Gorge (Gorge of the Apes). A dramatic chimp trekking experience in a steep-sided gorge.
Giant Forest Hog
The world's largest pig species, occasionally seen on the Ishasha sector and Mweya Peninsula.
612+ bird species including Shoebill (Ishasha and Kazinga), Martial eagle, African fish eagle, Black-rumped buttonquail, African skimmer.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June to August, December to February) offer the best wildlife viewing on the plains and clearer skies for boat safaris. The wet season brings lush scenery, migratory birds, and fewer crowds.
peak Season
June, July, AugustDry, cool. Clear skies and excellent visibility.
Moderate to high
High
Excellent: animals concentrate near water sources
high Season
December, January, FebruaryDry, warm days.
Moderate to high
High
Very good. Tree-climbing lions active in Ishasha.
shoulder Season
September, MarchTransition months. Some rain possible.
Moderate
Moderate
Good. Migratory birds beginning to arrive or depart.
low Season
October, November, April, MayWet, lush green landscapes. Afternoon showers.
Low
Lowest
Dispersed game, but outstanding birding with migratory species
Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
Katunguru Gate (North)
Main gate on the Kazinga Channel. Access to Mweya Peninsula.
Ishasha Gate (South)
Southern entry for the famous tree-climbing lions sector.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $40/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $20/day |
- • Park fees are per person per 24-hour period
- • Boat safari on Kazinga Channel costs extra (~$30 per person)
- • Chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge costs $50 per person
- • Launch trip is the most popular activity and worth every dollar
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Included Activities
Game drives
Drive through the Kasenyi plains, Ishasha sector, and around crater lakes spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, and abundant birdlife.
Optional Extras
Kazinga Channel boat safari
$30-$30A 2-hour boat cruise along the channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and birds line the banks. One of Uganda's best wildlife experiences.
Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking
$50-$50Trek into a steep forested gorge to find a habituated chimpanzee community. A dramatic and unique experience.
Ishasha tree-climbing lion tracking
$30-$50Guided game drive in the southern Ishasha sector to find lions resting in fig trees.
Crater lakes drive
$20-$30Scenic drive past the explosion crater lakes on the park's northern boundary. Beautiful volcanic scenery.
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges on the Mweya Peninsula (with Kazinga Channel views) to budget bandas and campsites. The Ishasha sector has fewer options but growing luxury offerings.
luxury
$400-$1200/person/nightIncludes: All meals, guided activities, boat safaris
Examples: mweya-safari-lodge, kyambura-gorge-lodge, ishasha-wilderness-camp
mid range
$100-$400/person/nightIncludes: Meals and some activities
Examples: bush-lodge, park-view-safari-lodge
budget
$20-$80/person/nightIncludes: Basic rooms, meals available
Examples: UWA bandas at Mweya, Simba Safari Camp
camping
$10-$20/person/nightIncludes: Campsite with basic facilities
Examples: Mweya campsite, Ishasha campsite
Practical Tips
- 1Don't miss the Kazinga Channel boat safari; it's the park's highlight alongside game drives
- 2Spend at least one night in the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions
- 3Bring binoculars for the boat safari and bird watching
- 4Early morning game drives (6:30 am) offer the best predator sightings
- 5The Mweya Peninsula has phone signal but most of the park does not
- 6Combine with Kibale Forest (chimps) and Bwindi (gorillas) for the ultimate Uganda circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really see lions climbing trees?
Yes. The lions of the Ishasha sector regularly rest in large fig trees, draping across the branches. This is a well-documented behavior unique to a few lion populations worldwide. Sightings are not guaranteed on any single drive, but spending a full day in Ishasha gives you a good chance.
How many days do you need in Queen Elizabeth?
Two to three days is ideal. One day for the Kazinga Channel boat safari and Kasenyi plains game drives, and one day for the Ishasha tree-climbing lions sector. Add a day for chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge or crater lakes exploration.
Is the Kazinga Channel boat safari worth it?
Absolutely. It's one of Uganda's best wildlife experiences. You'll see hippos at arm's length, elephants drinking on the banks, buffalo, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species, all from a comfortable boat. The afternoon departure (2-4 pm) is the most popular.
Can you combine Queen Elizabeth with Bwindi?
Yes, and most itineraries do. It's about 4-5 hours from Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha sector) to Bwindi. A common route goes Kampala, Queen Elizabeth (Mweya then Ishasha), Bwindi for gorilla trekking, then back via Lake Bunyonyi.
Official Resources
Sources
- Park size 1,978 sq km, established 1952, 95 mammal species, 612 bird species: Uganda Wildlife Authority