Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Discover the Best Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Planning a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure! This stunning park in western Uganda is brimming with wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural encounters that will leave you in awe. At Excursia Adventures, we are excited to help you plan your perfect safari, offering tailored options for accommodation, transportation, and activities.

Located in the Kasese district, Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches across the western arm of the Great Rift Valley and is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, and Uganda kobs roam the park, while bird lovers will be delighted by the over 600 bird species that make this place their home. The park’s varied habitats, from savannahs to riverine areas, make it one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse parks in Uganda.

What to See and Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing

A trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park isn’t complete without experiencing its abundant wildlife. On a game drive, you can spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, warthogs, hippos, and numerous antelope species. The park offers morning and afternoon game drives in several key areas, including Kasenyi, Ishasha, and the northern Kazinga Plains. The Ishasha Sector is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions, often found lounging in the branches of fig trees, surveying their surroundings.

Our experienced guides will ensure you get the best wildlife sightings while driving through the park’s designated tracks. With clear views of the savannah and wilderness, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a photographer’s dream.

2. Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel offers one of the most relaxing and scenic experiences in the park. This waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward, and a boat cruise here gives you the chance to see large herds of elephants, buffalo, and hippos cooling off by the water. Crocodiles bask on the shores, while warthogs and antelopes can also be seen roaming nearby.

The channel is a bird-watching paradise, with migratory and resident species flocking to its shores. The boat cruise provides stunning views of the Mweya Peninsula and local fishing villages along the banks. For just USD 30 per person, you can join a public launch cruise or book a private boat for a more intimate experience.

3. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

For those seeking an up-close encounter with primates, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is a must-do. This thrilling activity gives you the chance to trek through a tropical forest and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Tracking is available both in the morning and afternoon, and a chimpanzee trekking permit costs only USD 50, making it an affordable yet unforgettable adventure.

4. Cultural and Community Encounters

A cultural visit to the local communities around Queen Elizabeth National Park adds a unique and enriching dimension to your safari. You can visit Lake Katwe Salt Mines to learn how the local people have traditionally harvested salt, a vital resource for the region. Experience the Kasoga Community Project, where the locals share their stories of living alongside wildlife. You’ll hear firsthand how they’ve found ways to coexist with the animals in the park and enjoy vibrant cultural performances, including traditional dances.

Don’t forget to stop by the craft villages where you can purchase beautiful souvenirs and support local artisans

5. Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering some of the best birding destinations in Uganda. Popular spots include Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Forest, Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi Plains, and the shores of the Kazinga Channel, where birds can be spotted during a boat cruise. With over 600 bird species, both endemic and migratory, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Some of the notable species you can spot include the African Jacana, Black-headed Batis, Long-tailed Cormorant, Yellow Warbler, African Emerald Cuckoo, and Pied Kingfisher, among others. Whether you’re an avid birder or just curious about the diversity of wildlife, a birding experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must-do activity during your visit.

6. Nature Walks and Forest Treks

Embark on a guided nature walk or forest trek to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park. These walks, led by knowledgeable ranger guides, offer both safety and an in-depth understanding of the park’s diverse ecosystem. The Mweya Peninsula is a great place to start, providing stunning views across the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, as well as opportunities to spot various bird species and animals like elephants, mongoose, and antelopes. You can also explore the Ishasha River on foot, getting up close to hippos, or venture into Maramagambo and Kyambura forests to see more bird species, primates, and even a bat cave. Kalinzu Forest is another popular spot for those looking to explore the park’s natural wonders.

7. Lion Tracking Experience

For many travelers, seeing lions in their natural habitat is a bucket-list experience. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can take part in a unique lion tracking activity, where you’ll follow individual lions or groups to learn about their behavior, feeding habits, and social dynamics. This experience costs $60 per person for international visitors or 100,000 Ugandan shillings for East African residents. Part of the fee supports the Uganda Carnivores Program, dedicated to lion conservation. Lion tracking sessions are available in the morning, afternoon, or even at night, each lasting two to three hours. You’ll have the chance to drive off-road for a closer encounter with these majestic animals, accompanied by a park guide or researcher to help locate and observe the lions.

8. Tree-Climbing Lions in the Ishasha Sector

One of the most unique attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the population of tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of the park. These lions can often be seen lounging in the branches of large fig trees, offering an extraordinary sight for visitors. Their favorite prey, the Uganda Kob, grazes in the open plains below, making this one of the best spots for wildlife viewing. Leopards can also sometimes be spotted resting in the trees, adding to the allure of this region.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. For luxury seekers, lodges like Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, and Mweya Safari Lodge provide top-tier amenities and services. If you’re looking for a mid-range or budget option, there are plenty of great choices such as Ishasha Jungle Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, and Twin Lakes Lodge. Prices for accommodations range from $80 to $700 per person per night on a full-board basis, with some lodges offering discounts for longer stays. Regardless of where you stay, you’ll receive excellent service and have a memorable experience.

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You can reach Queen Elizabeth National Park by air or road, both offering unique experiences. Daily flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Kasese or Kihihi airstrips take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing a quick and convenient way to access the park. From the airstrips, it’s a short drive into the park.

For those who prefer a road trip, the park is approximately a 5-hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. The journey is scenic, with plenty of opportunities for stops along the way to take in Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes. We recommend using a 4×4 vehicle for comfort and reliability, especially once you enter the park’s rough terrain.

Why Book Your Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on delivering unforgettable safari experiences across Uganda and the entire East African region. We offer tailored packages to suit your needs and budget, from wildlife safaris to cultural tours and more. Our team is a perfect blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise, ensuring that your trip is professionally organized and genuinely enjoyable. With high ratings and glowing reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, you can trust that you’re in good hands. Let us create the perfect safari adventure for you at Queen Elizabeth National Park!

Feel free to reach out to us today to plan your dream safari and take advantage of our special offers and personalized itineraries.