Queen Elizabeth National Park: Where Uganda’s Wilderness Comes Alive
Nestled in the southwest of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of East Africa’s most diverse, dynamic, and accessible wildlife havens. Spanning nearly 2,000 square kilometers, the park stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to the remote Ishasha sector on the Congo border. It’s Uganda’s most visited national park for good reason: here, wildlife thrives alongside rich human culture, epic landscapes, and some of the best safari experiences in the region.
Originally established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, it was renamed two years later to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s visit. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s conservation story and a magnet for adventure travelers, wildlife lovers, and cultural explorers alike.
What to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
1. Classic Game Drives
From the Kasenyi Plains to the Mweya Peninsula, Queen Elizabeth offers exhilarating game drives with incredible diversity. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, hyenas, and—with a bit of luck—lions and leopards. Early morning and late afternoon drives are prime time, when the animals are most active and the golden light makes everything feel cinematic.
2. Lion and Leopard Tracking (with UWA Researchers)
Want a deeper safari experience? Join Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers for an unforgettable lion and leopard tracking activity using radio collars. These exclusive excursions in the Kasenyi and Mweya areas offer a close-up view of Uganda’s big cats and insight into vital research and conservation work.
3. Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
A two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is an absolute highlight. Connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, this 32-km waterway is home to some of the highest concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in the world. Elephants gather at the water’s edge, birdlife flourishes, and the gentle pace allows for incredible photography and interpretation by expert guides. You might even witness a dramatic moment as a predator stalks prey or animals jostle for watering space.
4. Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
In the remote southern reaches of the park lies Ishasha—a hidden gem known for its iconic tree-climbing lions. This rare behavior is seen in only a few places in Africa. Spotting these majestic cats lounging in fig trees is a surreal and unforgettable sight.
5. The Mongoose Project
In the Mweya Peninsula, a lesser-known gem awaits: the Mongoose Research Project. Guests can join researchers to monitor banded mongooses—curious, highly social creatures living in colonies. This unique experience allows visitors to participate in scientific observation and learn about the complex relationships within these small mammal communities.
6. Bird Watching (Over 600 Species!)
Queen Elizabeth is a birder’s paradise, with over 600 recorded species. From the striking saddle-billed stork and African skimmer to the rare shoebill stork and 11 species of kingfishers, bird enthusiasts will be in awe. Birding is excellent throughout the year but especially rewarding during the migratory months of November to April.
7. Crater Lake Exploration
The park features over 10 ancient volcanic craters that have formed dramatic lakes and ridges. These offer panoramic views and surreal landscapes. A crater drive near Katwe or Bunyaruguru is perfect for nature photography, hiking, or simply soaking in Uganda’s dramatic terrain.
8. Cultural Encounters & Community Visits
A trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park isn’t complete without connecting with the communities who call the region home. Visit the salt pans of Lake Katwe to witness traditional salt harvesting, or join community tourism groups offering dance performances, handicraft demonstrations, storytelling, and homestead visits. Back to the Source Tours proudly supports ethical tourism that gives back—ensuring your visit makes a positive impact.
9. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Nicknamed “The Valley of the Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a hidden world within the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This lush, sunken rainforest canyon—over 100 meters deep—offers a surreal change of scenery from the open plains, making it one of Uganda’s most dramatic and photogenic landscapes. As you descend into the gorge, thick vegetation, towering fig trees, and echoing birdcalls surround you, transporting you into an entirely different ecosystem.
The main attraction? A small but resilient population of chimpanzees that have adapted to life in this isolated corridor. Trekking through the gorge offers a rare and intimate experience with these intelligent primates, guided by expert trackers who help you interpret vocalizations, nests, and behavior. Along the way, you may also encounter red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, olive baboons, giant forest hogs, and a wide range of forest birds.
Why it matters:
Kyambura is one of the less-traveled and most underrated sections of Queen Elizabeth National Park—offering fewer crowds and more personalized trekking. It’s ideal for those looking to go beyond the typical safari and dive deeper into Uganda’s rich primate heritage. Conservationists have long focused on Kyambura as a vital ecological corridor, and your visit directly supports the protection of this fragile habitat and the wildlife that depends on it.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious nature lover, Kyambura Gorge offers a rare mix of mystery, beauty, and purpose—making it a perfect addition to your Queen Elizabeth itinerary.
10. Night Drives and Bush Sundowners
For those craving more, Back to the Source Tours can arrange night game drives or private sundowners in the bush. Listen to the chorus of nocturnal life, stargaze under clear skies, and raise a glass as the savannah slips into silhouette.
