Nestled in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the country’s most visited safari destinations. It is world-famous for its incredible biodiversity, picturesque landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters. Though slightly smaller than Murchison Falls National Park, it remains one of East Africa’s richest ecosystems.
The park is home to over 95 species of mammals and more than 600 bird species, including members of the African Big Five. Major highlights of the park include agritourism, tree-climbing lions, and the Kazinga Channel, where wildlife gathers along the shores to drink, hunt, and cool off.
Let’s take a closer look at the magnificent animals and attractions that make this park a must-visit on any Uganda safari.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
One of the top activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park is chimpanzee tracking in the lush Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes.” This forested ravine is home to a thriving population of chimpanzees, along with red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Tracking chimpanzees offers a thrilling and educational experience. Visitors have about a 50% chance of spotting these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Because chimpanzees are an endangered species, conservation efforts in the park are vital to their survival. For primate lovers, a visit to Kyambura Gorge is simply unforgettable.
Big Game Viewing and Safari Drives
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park promise incredible encounters with large mammals. Visitors can see African elephants, buffaloes, and hippopotamuses, among many others.
The park hosts over 1,000 buffaloes and more than 5,000 hippos, particularly concentrated around Lake George, Lake Edward, and the Kazinga Channel. During a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, you can witness herds of elephants bathing, hippos lounging in the water, and buffaloes grazing along the riverbanks — a photographer’s dream.
This combination of boat safaris and wildlife drives makes Queen Elizabeth National Park one of the best destinations for game viewing in Uganda.
Other Wildlife in Q. Elizabeth National Park
Beyond the iconic large mammals, the park also harbors several smaller but equally fascinating species. Expect to see forest hogs, mongoose, and Ugandan kobs, particularly in the Mweya Peninsula. Other herbivores such as waterbucks, sitatungas, and impalas roam freely across the savannah plains.
With its diverse ecosystems of grasslands, forests, wetlands, and lakes, Queen Elizabeth National Park supports an astonishing variety of wildlife, making it a biodiversity hotspot in East Africa.
Tree-Climbing Lions of the Ishasha Sector
No visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is complete without seeing the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. This rare behavior, observed in only a few places worldwide, makes the park truly unique.
The lions climb fig and acacia trees to escape ground heat and biting insects while getting a clear view of potential prey. Watching these majestic creatures resting lazily on tree branches is one of the park’s most iconic safari moments.
Because of this remarkable phenomenon, Ishasha has become one of the top attractions for wildlife photography and Uganda lion safaris.
Night Game Drives and Nocturnal Wildlife
When the sun sets, the park reveals another side of its wilderness. Night game drives offer a chance to spot leopards, genets, civets, and serval cats as they hunt under the moonlight. These nocturnal safaris provide a thrilling, close-up look at the park’s elusive predators and smaller mammals.
The nocturnal beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park adds a sense of mystery and excitement to every safari experience.
Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
Q. Elizabeth National Park is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a vital conservation area that showcases Uganda’s natural heritage. From chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge to boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and spotting the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, every activity in this park offers an authentic African adventure.
Whether you’re a nature photographer, a birdwatcher, or a first-time traveler to Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park guarantees memories that will last a lifetime.
