Queen Elizabeth National Park, in western Uganda, offers savannah, forests, lakes and crater landscapes in one place. It is ideal for first time safari travellers.
Highlights
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise: a natural channel linking Lake George and Lake Edward, with huge numbers of hippos, buffalo, elephants and birds.
- Ishasha sector: famous for lions that climb fig trees.
- Kasenyi plains: morning game drives with Uganda kob, lions and buffalo.
- Kyambura Gorge: a sunken forest with chimpanzees.
- Katwe explosion craters and salt lake: traditional salt mining.
- The Equator crossing on the Kasese road.
Best time to visit
Dry seasons are best for game drives, but the park is open year round.
Combine your trip
Queen Elizabeth fits well with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimp trekking in Kibale and the crater lakes of Fort Portal.
Getting there
The drive from Kampala takes about six to seven hours via Mbarara or Fort Portal. Domestic flights to Mweya and Kasese airstrips save time.
Tips
Book cruises and permits early in peak season, stay in different sectors to see more and always follow ranger guidance.
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