QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth National Park, spanning 1,978 square kilometers, is among Uganda’s oldest protected areas. Originally designated as the Lake George and Lake Edward game reserves in 1925, it was upgraded to a national park in 1952. Straddling the equator, the park features concrete hoops marking the exact 0° latitude along the Kasese road. Its remarkable biodiversity includes over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species.
The park’s highest elevation, 1,350 meters above sea level, is at the Katwe Explosion Craters, while the lowest point, at 910 meters, lies along Lake Edward’s shores. Its varied landscapes—open savannah, dense forests, lakes, and wetlands—provide ideal habitats for a wide array of wildlife. Visitors can easily spot elephants, buffaloes, and hippos. The Kasenyi and Ishasha plains are prime locations for lion sightings, often guided by rangers, while leopards are commonly seen near Mweya and along the Channel Track, though less predictably.
With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park remains Uganda’s most popular destination for safari enthusiasts.
Attractions & Activities in Queen Elizabeth Park
Mweya Peninsula and the Kazinga Channel
Mweya Peninsula serves as the main tourism center of Queen Elizabeth National Park, situated 22 km west of the Kasese-Mbarara Road. Perched on a plateau overlooking the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, the area features a luxury lodge, budget accommodations managed by UWA, a marina for boat excursions, and a Visitor Information Centre. Visitors can arrange activities and learn about the park’s ecology here. A launch trip along the Kazinga Channel offers a leisurely way to observe wildlife. During the two-hour boat ride, travelers can see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and elephants along the riverbanks, providing excellent opportunities for photography and game viewing.
Game Drives
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park provide outstanding wildlife encounters. The Kasenyi Plains, just 30 minutes from Mweya, are perfect for spotting Uganda kobs and the lions that prey on them. Ranger guides track these predators, and visitors seeking guaranteed sightings can join the Uganda Predator Project, which monitors lions, leopards, and hyenas. The Ishasha sector, located along the road to Bwindi, showcases classic safari landscapes with buffaloes, elephants, topis, and hippos. Ishasha is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions, often seen resting in fig trees. With its varied scenery and abundant wildlife, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are an unforgettable experience.
Forest Walks
Kyambura Gorge is a lush, forested chasm extending from the Kichwamba Escarpment to the Kazinga Channel. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views before descending into the 100-meter-deep gorge to track chimpanzees with experienced UWA guides. At the base of the escarpment lies Maramagambo Forest, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding savannah. Guided walks here allow sightings of primates and rare birds, including the vibrant Rwenzori turaco. The forest is home to Lake Nyamusingire, formed by three crater lakes, and the enigmatic Blue Lake. Another intriguing site is the Bat Cave, where pythons hunt roosting bats. These forested areas offer a refreshing change from the open grasslands of the park.
Volcanic Explosion Craters
The northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park features striking volcanic explosion craters. The 27 km Crater Drive, stretching from Kabatoro to Crater gates, winds past extinct craters that now contain lakes, forests, or grasslands, offering a glimpse into the Albertine Rift’s geological history. At the Crater Gate, the Queen’s Pavilion, which has welcomed British royalty, includes an information centre and a coffee shop. Close by, equator markers along the Kasese highway provide popular photo spots. The combination of dramatic craters and scenic vistas makes this drive a must-see for travelers fascinated by geology and natural landscapes.