Queen Elizabeth National Park: Boat Cruises, Game Drives & Tree-Climbing Lions
Uganda's most popular wildlife park, with savannah, lakes, crater lakes and the famous Kazinga Channel.
Queen Elizabeth National Park in south-western Uganda mixes open savannah, crater lakes, wetlands and forest, and it is the most visited wildlife park in the country. Its signature experiences are the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, game drives on the Kasenyi plains and the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
It sits between Kibale and Bwindi, so it is a natural stop on most western loops. See the 3-day Queen Elizabeth safari for a short option, or read about our wider wildlife safari packages.
At a glance
- Location: South-western Uganda, near Kasese
- Main attractions: Kazinga Channel cruise, game drives, tree-climbing lions
- Also see: Kyambura Gorge, crater lakes, Katwe salt lake, birding
- Typical stay: Two to three nights
- Combines with: Kibale, Bwindi and Lake Mburo
What to Do in Queen Elizabeth
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Watch hippos, buffalo, elephants and waterbirds from the water.
- Game drives. Morning and afternoon drives search for lions, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob and more.
- Ishasha sector. The southern area where lions are often found resting in fig trees; see tree-climbing lions.
- Kyambura Gorge. A sunken forest with a chance of chimpanzees and other primates.
- Crater lakes and Katwe. Scenic drives and a working salt lake.
Getting There
Queen Elizabeth is around six to seven hours by road from Kampala, and about halfway between Kibale and Bwindi. See driving distances between the parks.
Best Time to Visit
Game viewing is good all year. Dry periods concentrate animals near water; wetter periods are green and quieter, with excellent birding. See the best time to visit Uganda.
Where to Stay
Options include lodges on the Mweya Peninsula with views over the channel, camps near the Ishasha sector and places around the crater lakes. We pick the base that suits your route and budget. See also wellness safaris for spa lodges.
Main Experiences
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise: a relaxed boat trip along the channel connecting Lake George and Lake Edward, with hippos, buffalo, elephants and abundant birds on the banks.
- Game drives: across the Kasenyi plains and the crater areas for antelope, buffalo, elephants and lions.
- Ishasha sector: famous for tree-climbing lions. Read more on tree-climbing lions.
- Kyambura Gorge: a chimpanzee tracking opportunity in a forested gorge within the savannah.
- Crater lakes and Katwe salt lake: scenic viewpoints and cultural stops.
Combining Queen Elizabeth With Other Parks
Queen Elizabeth is a natural hub for western Uganda. Many travellers combine it with Kibale for chimpanzees and with Bwindi for gorillas, passing through the Ishasha sector on the way. See our 3-day Queen Elizabeth safari and 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari.
Queen Elizabeth Fees at a Glance
| Activity | FNR | FR | EAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entrance (adult) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Guided day game drive (per guide) | $25 | $20 | UGX 25,000 |
| Launch cruise, Kazinga Channel | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Mongoose tracking | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Hippo census | $100 | $80 | UGX 100,000 |
| Lion (predator) tracking | $200 | $150 | UGX 200,000 |
| Chimp tracking, Kyambura | $100 | $80 | UGX 50,000 |
| Birding and nature walks | $25 | $20 | UGX 20,000 |
| Cycling | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
See mongoose tracking, hippo census and lion tracking.
About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.
Safaris That Include Queen Elizabeth National Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
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