Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wildlife

The park supports around 95 mammal species. Elephant and buffalo are common, and the Kazinga Channel holds one of the largest concentrations of hippo in Africa, along with Nile crocodile. Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, bushbuck and warthog graze the savannah, and the elusive giant forest hog lives in the thicker areas.

Lion are found across the park, and in the Ishasha sector they are famous for resting in the branches of large fig and acacia trees. Leopard and spotted hyena are also present. There are no rhino in the park, so it is not a Big Five destination.

Chimpanzees live in Kyambura Gorge, a forested valley sunk into the savannah, and in the nearby Maramagambo Forest, which is also home to other primates. With more than 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth is one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Look for shoebill in the Lake George wetlands, as well as African skimmers, pelicans, fish eagles and many kingfishers along the channel.

Key wildlife

• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Hippo
• Lion
• Leopard
• Uganda kob
• Topi
• Giant forest hog
• Chimpanzee
• Nile crocodile
• Shoebill
• African skimmer

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Jun–Sep. Also good: Dec–Feb.

Peak Good Quieter

Queen Elizabeth can be visited year-round. The drier months, from about June to September and from December to February, are best for game viewing, as animals gather near water and roads are easier to drive.

The wetter seasons, from about March to May and from October to November, bring green landscapes and good birding, though some roads, especially in Ishasha, can be muddy. Because the park lies on the equator, temperatures are warm all year.

Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention before you travel.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) near Kampala. The drive from Kampala to the park takes about six to seven hours, often broken with a stop in Fort Portal or at the crater lakes. Scheduled and charter flights also serve airstrips close to the park, such as Kasese and Mweya, cutting the journey to around an hour.

From the south of the park, the road through Ishasha continues to Bwindi, making it easy to combine wildlife viewing with gorilla trekking.

Park entry and activities are booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, usually by your safari operator or lodge.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Park entrance is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and charged per person for 24 hours from entry. Foreign non-resident adults pay US$40 and children aged 5–15 US$20. Foreign residents pay US$30, visitors from the rest of Africa US$25, and East African citizens UGX 20,000. Children under 5 are free.

Activities are charged on top of entry; for example, the Kazinga Channel launch trip is US$30 per foreign non-resident. Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge needs a separate permit. Fees are usually arranged by your safari operator; confirm current rates, as UWA can change its tariff without notice.

Gate hours

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Health

Malaria risk: Moderate. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Kazinga Channel boat trips are the park’s signature experience, bringing you close to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and countless water birds.

Game drives in the Kasenyi plains and the Ishasha sector offer good chances of lion, elephant, buffalo and Uganda kob.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is a memorable walk into a forested gorge in search of a habituated chimpanzee community.

The Explosion Crater Drive winds between crater lakes and offers sweeping views of the Rift Valley and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Guided nature walks and birding are offered in Maramagambo Forest and around the crater lakes.

Explore other parks in the region, such as Murchison Falls and Bwindi, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.