Queen Elizabeth National Park: Uganda’s Medley of Wonders
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and biodiverse safari destination, offering breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Straddling the equator, the park features monuments marking the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00, adding to its uniqueness.
Originally founded as Kazinga National Park in 1952, it was renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Today, it stands as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife havens, home to over 95 mammal species and an astonishing 600+ bird species—making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
A Landscape of Stunning Diversity
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, the park boasts an incredible variety of ecosystems, including:
Vast savannas teeming with classic big game
Lush, humid forests harboring primates like chimpanzees
Sparkling lakes and the Kazinga Channel, bustling with hippos, buffaloes, and elephants
Fertile wetlands, a sanctuary for migratory birds and other aquatic life
Geographical Highlights
Highest Point – The Katwe Explosion Craters at 1,350m above sea level
Lowest Point – The shores of Lake Edward at 910m
Wildlife Encounters Like No Other
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers some of the best game viewing in Uganda. The park is one of the few places in the world where lions climb trees, particularly in Ishasha, where they perch in fig trees, waiting to ambush unsuspecting Uganda kobs.
Notable Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth:
- Big Game: Elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks
- Predators: Lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and side-striped jackals
- Primates: Chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons
- Rare & Iconic Birds: Over 600 bird species, including the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, flamingos, and papyrus gonolek
The park also supports 20 species of carnivores, making it one of Uganda’s top destinations for predator sightings.
The Kazinga Channel: A Wildlife Spectacle
One of the park’s most iconic attractions, the Kazinga Channel, connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This 40km-long waterway is a magnet for wildlife, where visitors can witness:
Hundreds of hippos basking in the waters
Massive Nile crocodiles lurking on the shores
Herds of elephants and buffaloes quenching their thirst
Scores of water birds, including pink-backed pelicans and saddle-billed storks
The Ishasha Sector: Home of the Tree-Climbing Lions
While lions are usually found on the ground, the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions. These unique predators spend their days lounging on fig trees, scanning the vast savanna plains for prey. This behavior is rare globally, making Ishasha a must-visit for safari enthusiasts.
A Park with a Rich Cultural Heritage
Beyond its wildlife wonders, Queen Elizabeth National Park is deeply interwoven with the traditions of the local communities. Visitors can engage in:
Storytelling sessions that bring ancient legends to life
Traditional dances and music performances
Cultural tours in the nearby Bakonzo, Basongora, and Banyabindi communities
The conservation of Queen Elizabeth’s ecosystems has not only protected wildlife but also benefited the local people, who rely on ecotourism and sustainable resource use.
The Unique Savannah Landscape
Queen Elizabeth’s vast savanna ecosystem is primarily open grassland, though it transitions into moist and woody terrain towards the west. The park’s thorny acacia woodlands, along with dense candelabra shrubs, create a distinct habitat, particularly along the Kazinga Channel and the Kasenyi Plains.
Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
See Africa’s famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
Cruise along the Kazinga Channel for unmatched wildlife encounters
Spot over 600 bird species in Uganda’s most diverse birding destination
Experience the rich culture of the local communities
Explore one of Uganda’s oldest and most visited national parks
Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of Wonders!
Download Park brochure here QENP PARK BROCHURE