Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, covering an area of 1,978 square kilometers. The park is home to about 96 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it Uganda’s most visited national park. Its ecosystems include savannah plains, lakes, wetlands, forests, and hills.
This guide highlights recommended tour operators, park entrance fees, history, location, best time to visit, accommodation, wildlife, the Kazinga Channel, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Maramagambo Forest.
Queen Elizabeth Tour Operators
Looking for reliable Queen Elizabeth National Park tour operators? In this article, we feature trusted safari companies and travel agencies
See list of recommended tour companies here.
Park Entry Fees
- Adult foreign non-residents: USD 40
- Adult foreign residents: USD 30
- Adult East African citizens: UGX 20,000
- Foreign children: USD 20
- Resident children: USD 10
- East African children: UGX 5,000
- Ugandan pupils: UGX 3,000
- Tertiary and university students: UGX 5,000
Annual passes:
- Foreign residents: USD 340
- East African citizens: UGX 150,000
- Foreign resident couples: USD 500
- East African couples: UGX 200,000
- Families (max 4): USD 700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 for East Africans
- Corporates: USD 1,500 for foreign residents, UGX 250,000 for East Africans
Other charges include vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and aircraft at different rates. Children below 5 years do not pay entry fees.
History of Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park was first established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park. The name was changed in 1954 to honor the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park was once a grazing area for Basongora pastoralists.
In 1906, the area north of Lake George was declared a game reserve. Later, in 1912, areas around the Ishasha sector were added to form Lake George Game Reserve. In 1952, it became a national park after efforts by Bruce Kinloch, the chief warden, and the governor of the time.
Park Location
Queen Elizabeth National Park is about 415 kilometers from Kampala and takes 6–7 hours by road. You can reach it through:
- Kampala–Masaka–Mbarara highway
- Kampala–Mityana–Fort Portal–Kasese route
- Domestic flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to airstrips near the park
Best Time to Visit
The park is open all year, but the best months are the dry seasons of June to September and December to February. During this time, vegetation is thin, wildlife gathers at water points, and roads are easier to use.
In the rainy season, animals remain near their habitats as water is readily available, and roads can become muddy. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.
Accommodation
As Uganda’s most visited park, Queen Elizabeth has many options ranging from budget to luxury. Where you stay depends on your budget and preference. Some lodges in and around the park include:
- Enganzi Game Lodge
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Enjojo Lodge
- Ishasha Jungle Lodge
- Jacana Safari Lodge
- Park View Safari Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Kasenyi Safari Lodge
Animals of Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to 95 species of mammals. On game drives, you can see Ugandan kob, African buffalo, warthogs, hippopotamus, giant forest hogs, elephants, leopards, Nile crocodiles, topi, duikers, and the famous tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector of the park. Chimpanzees can also be tracked in Kyambura Gorge, Maramagambo Forest, and Kalinzu Forest.
The Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of only two places in the world where you can see tree-climbing lions. The other is Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. These lions cannot be found anywhere else.
The Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel is one of the longest natural channels in the world. It connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel attracts many animals in the park, especially in the afternoons when they come to drink water. It also has a large number of hippos and crocodiles. Taking a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is one of the best activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a good option for visitors who want to combine game drives with chimpanzee trekking. The forest is home to about 200 chimpanzees and other primates such as blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and olive baboons.
Kalinzu Forest also has 379 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watchers. In addition, it is home to 262 species of butterflies, 414 species of trees and shrubs, and animals like bush pigs, forest elephants, and buffaloes. There are several trails in the forest for guided nature walks.
See recommended birding companies here.
Kyambura Gorge (The Valley of Apes)
Kyambura Gorge, also known as “the lost valley,” is located within Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is the longest chasm in East Africa and part of the western rift valley. The underground forest in the gorge is surrounded by savannah plains and is home to chimpanzees, birds, and other primates.
Maramagambo Forest
The name Maramagambo means “end of words” in a local language. It was given after a group of young people got lost in the forest for several days. When they returned, they were too exhausted to speak much, which led to the name.
The forest is located on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is ideal for hiking, birding, and guided nature walks that can last from one and a half hours to half a day. The forest is home to olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and other primates.
Common birds in Maramagambo include pigeons and the Rwenzori turaco. One of the main attractions in the forest is the Bat Cave, which is home to many bats and pythons that feed on them.
Choosing a Tour Operator
The tour operator you choose is very important for your safari. A good operator will plan your trip well and make it enjoyable. I have listed several trusted tour companies that I have traveled with, and I highly recommend booking with them for your safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
See list of recommended tour companies here.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
