Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda’s most visited and biodiverse reserve, spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers (764 sq mi). It was originally established as Kazinga National Park in 1952 and was renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. The park is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its remarkable mosaic of savannah, forest, wetland, and volcanic ecosystems.

• Location: Situated in western Uganda, in the Kasese district, lying between the Rwenzori Mountains and the floor of the Great Rift Valley.
• Altitude: Ranges from 910 meters to 1,390 meters above sea level, leading to surprisingly cool evenings despite its equatorial location.
• Unique Geography: The park is famously bisected by the Equator. It is anchored by two large lakes (George and Edward) connected by the natural Kazinga Channel.

2. Wildlife & Biodiversity

The park is home to 95+ mammal species and over 600 bird species, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa.

The Big Four

While you won’t find rhinos here, the park offers excellent chances to see the other four of the “Big Five”:

• Elephants: Large herds of African elephants roam the savannah plains.
• Lions: Found in both the northern plains and the southern Ishasha sector.
• Leopards: Frequently spotted on game drives, though they require a keen eye.
• Buffaloes: Massive herds of Cape buffalo are common sights.

Star Attractions

• Tree-Climbing Lions (Ishasha Sector): This is the park’s crown jewel. Unique prides of lions have adapted to lounging in the branches of fig and acacia trees, a behavior rarely seen elsewhere in Africa.
• Kazinga Channel Hippos: The channel boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world.
• Primates: The Kyambura Gorge (known as the “Valley of Apes”) and Maramagambo Forest are home to habituated chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys.

Species Checklist

3. Park Sectors & Activities

The park is generally divided into distinct sectors, each offering a different experience.

1. Kasenyi Plains (Northern Sector)

• The Vibe: Classic open savannah; the “Kobs Mating Grounds”.
• Activity: Game Drives(Morning & Evening).
• Why Go: This is the best area for predator action. Hundreds of Uganda kob attract lions, hyenas, and leopards. It is also excellent for elephants and buffaloes.

1. Ishasha Sector (Southern Sector)

• The Vibe: Remote, wild, and less crowded.
• Activity: Game drives specifically searching for Tree-Climbing Lions.
• Why Go: Rolling plains dotted with massive fig trees. Even if the lions are elusive (look for tails dangling from branches), the scenery and herds of topi and elephants are stunning.

1. Kazinga Channel (Waterway)

• The Vibe: High-energy water safari.
• Activity: Boat Safari(usually 2 hours).
• Why Go: The “must-do” activity. You will pass within meters of hundreds of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants and buffaloes drinking on the shore. Unbeatable for bird photography.
• Kyambura Gorge (Forest)
• The Vibe: The “Valley of Apes.”
• Activity: Chimpanzee Trekking.
• Why Go: Descend 100 meters into a sunken rainforest to track chimps. Note: This is a smaller, habituated group, so sightings can vary, but the hike itself is spectacular.

1. Maramagambo Forest

• Activity: Nature walks and the “Bat Cave” experience (viewing pythons and fruit bats).
• Explosion Craters
• Activity: Scenic drive through ancient volcanic craters.
• Why Go: Stunning geological formations, including Lake Katwe, where salt has been mined traditionally for centuries.

4. Accommodation (Lodges & Camps)

There are options for every budget, from luxury eco-lodges to basic camps.

 5. Getting There & Getting Around

• By Road (Most Common): The drive from Kampala to the park gates takes approximately 6-7 hours (approx. 400-410 km).
  • Route 1 (Via Mbarara): Tarmac road, passes through the Equator line for photos.
  • Route 2 (Via Fort Portal): More scenic, passing through tea plantations and the Rwenzori mountains.
  • Vehicle: A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially during the rainy season (March-May & Oct-Nov).
• By Air (Fastest): Scheduled or chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield land at Mweya Airstrip or Kasese Airstrip. Flight time is about 1.5 hours.
• Guides vs. Self-Drive: While self-driving is permitted, hiring a local guide or joining a tour operator is highly recommended for spotting wildlife (especially tree-climbing lions) and navigating the remote Ishasha sector.

6. Best Time to Visit

The park is open year-round, but wildlife viewing varies with the seasons.

• Temperature: Due to the altitude, it is generally mild. Daytime highs average 26°C (78°F) and nighttime lows average 16°C (48°F). Insider Tip: Pack a warm jacket for early morning game drives, as the wind chill in an open vehicle can be significant.

7. Practical Information & Itinerary

Estimated Costs (Budgeting)

• Park Entrance Fees: Rates vary for International Non-Residents, Residents, and East African Citizens. Expect to pay ~$40-50 USD per person per 24 hours (Check current UWA rates).
• Activities:
  • Boat Safari (Kazinga Channel): ~$30 USD per person.
  • Chimpanzee Trekking (Kyambura): ~$50-200 USD depending on residency status.
• Sample Tour Cost: A budget group tour (8+ people) for 3 days can start around $360 per person(excluding flights, including transport, park fees, boat, and basic meals).

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Drive from Kampala to the park (6-7 hrs). Evening relaxation at the lodge.
• Day 2 (Full Day):
  • 6:00 AM: Early morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains(predators are active).
  • 2:00 PM: Afternoon Boat Safarion the Kazinga Channel.
  • Evening: Scenic drive through the Explosion Craters.
• Day 3 (Departure):
  • Option A: Morning game drive en-route out of the park.
  • Option B: Morning Chimpanzee trekkingin Kyambura Gorge before leaving.

Safety & Packing

• Health: Malaria is present; use insect repellent. The park is a tsetse fly zone (wear neutral colors; blue and black attract them).
• Safety: The park is well-patrolled. Follow your guide’s instructions and never exit the vehicle except at designated safe zones.
• Essentials: Binoculars (non-negotiable), camera with zoom lens, sunscreen, hat, and neutral-colored clothing (browns, greens, khakis).

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Overnight: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Lodge (1 Night)

1:30 PM – Arrive at Entebbe International Airport

• Meet & greet by your driver-guide
• Briefing about the safari

Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Approx. 3–4 hrs.)

Evening:

• Check-in at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Lodge
• Relax and enjoy the peaceful bush setting

Dinner & Overnight at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Lodge

DAY 2: Ziwa Rhino Tracking → Murchison Falls National Park

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge (2 Nights)

Early Morning:

• Guided Rhino Tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at 7:00am

After breakfast:

• Drive to Murchison Falls National Park (Approx. 2.5–3 hrs.)
• Visit the Top of the Falls – witness the Nile exploding through a narrow gorge

Afternoon:

• Check-in at Pakuba Safari Lodge and enjoy your lunch
• Relax / enjoy lodge views

Dinner & Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge

DAY 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari – Murchison Falls

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Early Morning: Game Drive in the northern sector Possible sightings:

• • Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Antelopes and more

Afternoon: Boat Safari on the Nile River at 2pm

• • Hippos, Crocodiles, Water birds, Views of the falls from below etc.

Evening:  Evening Game drive and Return to lodge

Dinner & Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge

DAY 4: Murchison Falls → Queen Elizabeth National Park

Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge (1 Night)

Early breakfast: start a long scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Approx. 6–7 hrs.)

En-route: Scenic countryside views, Tea plantations, Crater lakes region

Evening: Check-in at Elephant Hab Lodge after relax overlooking the park as you enjoy your dinner

DAY 5: Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Overnight: Bakiga Lodge (1 Night)

Morning: after breakfast, Game drive in Ishasha sector (famous for tree-climbing lions)

Drive to: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Approx. 2–3 hrs)

Evening: Check-in at Bakiga Lodge and relax as you prepare for gorilla trekking tomorrow.

Dinner & Early Night

DAY 6: Gorilla Trekking → Lake Bunyonyi

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (2 Nights)

Early Morning: Gorilla trekking briefing at 8am

• Trek into forest (2–6 hrs. depending on location)
• Spend 1 magical hour with mountain gorillas

After trek: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi (Approx. 2 hrs.)

Evening: Check-in at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort and relax by the lake as you enjoy your dinner.

DAY 7: Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Leisure day activities:

• Boat cruise between islands, Nature walks, Community visits, Bird watching

Relax and enjoy the cool highland climate at the lodge. Dinner & Overnight

DAY 8: Lake Bunyonyi → Entebbe

Overnight: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe (1 Night)

Morning: Breakfast and departure

Drive back to Entebbe (Approx. 7–8 hrs.)

En-route stop: Equator crossing at Kayabwe for photos and hot lunch

Evening: Check-in at Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe. Relax / optional visit to Lake Victoria. Dinner & Overnight

DAY 9: Departure

Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure

Inclusions:

• Car hire 4*4 Land cruiser Open Roof
• Fuel
• Accommodation on full board as per itinerary
• Park Entrances
• Rhino tracking permits
• Lunch Box
• Boat cruise
• Community visit
• Bunyonyi Boat and nature walk experience
• Drinking water

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