Guide to visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park in 2025: Queen Elizabeth National Park is a protected area located in the southern part of Uganda covering districts such as Kasese, kamwenge, Rubirizi and Rukungiri and neighboring other national parks is Kibale Forest National and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. the park covers an area of about 1,978 square kilometers, making it the second largest conservation area in Uganda after Murchison Falls National Park, as well it is also one of the best savannah national parks and the best destination to see lions including the Tree Climbing lions making it the perfect destination for a Uganda Wildlife Safari.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to amazing tourist attractions such as wildlife species like four of the Big Five African animals (lion, buffalo, leopard, and elephants, amazingly the national park where you can spot the tree-climbing lions. The park is known for its other abundant wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, and various primates such as chimpanzees, and black and white colobus monkeys, and over 600 bird species. The park’s unique geography features expansive savannah plains and rolling hills dotted with crater lakes, such as Lake Katwe, known for its salt extraction. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is a focal point of the park.
Best Activities to Enjoy in Queen Elizabeth National Park in 2025
Night Game Drives
Night Game Drive is a unique and exciting activity where the visitors will be able to explore in the wilderness at night so as to view the nocturnal animals that are always active at night and those that were missed during the day game drive. Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be booked at Mweya tourist information center. Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth start after dinner at 8 pm and take about two hours, the night drive is rewarding in that the visitors will be able to explore the beautiful landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park and view different animals like like bush babies, owls, and hyenas. Other wildlife species that can be spotted here during the night include Elephants, Uganda Kobs, Leopards, Waterbucks, hippos grazing, Antelopes, Buffaloes, and lions among others which gives them a great experience. This activity makes for an unforgettable way to experience the park’s wildlife.
Wildlife Safaris/ game drives
One of the top things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park is to go on a wildlife safari. The park is home to an impressive number of wildlife species such as lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, hippos, crocodiles, Uganda Kobs, common warthogs, and genal and serval cats among others. During your wildlife safaris, you will have the chance to spot these creatures in their natural habitat. The park is one of the best fantastic spots for photography and spotting wildlife. Games drives in the park start in the early morning at 3-4 hours to any of the three sectors such as the Kasenyi plains (near Kazinga Channel), Ishasha sector (tree climbing lions), or the Katwe crater fields. Early morning drives are particularly rewarding, as animals are more active at that time.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, located within Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a thrilling adventure for nature lovers. Chimpanzee trekking in this area offers visitors a chance to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. While on a Uganda chimpanzee tracking safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will have the chance to be guided through the lush forest, where you’ll listen to the sounds of chimps and learn about their behavior and social structures. Once found, you will witness the chimps in their natural habitat, observing their social behavior and playfulness. Visiting the gorge is not all about primates but also an opportunity to see birds, snakes, butterflies and other water bodies. It is also an opportunity to learn about vegetation/species found nowhere else on earth. The trek itself can be a bit challenging and involves walking on uneven terrain, which makes it even more exciting. This close encounter with our close relatives in the wild is an opportunity not to be missed, bringing a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Boat Cruises on the Kazinga Channel
Taking a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is another must-do activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kazinga Channel which is one of the best places to view wildlife in Africa. This stunning waterway connects Lake George to Lake Edward and is the single point where most of the park’s animals gather to drink, hunt and bathe. During your boat cruise safaris, you might spot hippos lounging in the sun or crocodiles basking on the banks. The boat ride also offers incredible views of the surrounding landscapes, and birdwatchers will delight in seeing numerous species, including the African Fish Eagle, the African skimmer, and the yellow-billed stork. During the cruise, you will also have the chance to spot other mammal species such as an impressive number of Hippos, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, elephants, and buffaloes. Other notable mammals include spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, and various species of monkeys, such as the black-and-white colobus and olive baboons. It’s a relaxing way to soak in the natural beauty of the park.

Viewing the tree-climbing lions.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to the unique tree-climbing lions found mainly in the Ishasha area. They are not a sub-species or any different from the lions found in the Kasenyi sector or other national parks in Uganda. While researchers are still figuring out exactly why they do this, one idea is that it helps them avoid ground insects like Tsetse flies. Visitors can take guided tours in the Ishasha area to look for these majestic creatures perched in the trees. Besides lions, this part of the park is also home to various animals like warthogs, buffaloes and elephants. The Ishasha sector is located near the highway leading to Bwindi and hence a perfect stopover for those intending to see the lions and gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Cultural Experiences with Local Communities
Engaging with local communities near Queen Elizabeth National Park is an enriching experience that brings you closer to the culture of the region. While on a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, an arrangement can be made to visit the Kikorongo Equator Cultural group. While with the Kikorongo Equator Cultural group, visitors can be taught how to make local art and craft – like weaving baskets using natural fibers. Many of these artifacts are available for sale at reasonable prices. During your cultural experiences with the local communities, you will also have the opportunity to participate in community activities, like cooking classes or crafts workshops, traditional dances, drama, and fire-making can give you a personal glimpse into their way of life. Additionally, many communities offer performances showcasing traditional music and dance. This cultural immersion helps support local economies while providing you with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of Ugandan heritage.
Birdwatching
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a top birding destination on Uganda. Birders on a tour of Queen Elizabeth National Park will be greatly impressed with numerous species inhabiting the forests like Budongo, the Kazinga Channel, the plains, craters and gorges like Kyambura. The park is home to 600 bird species including migratory birds come to escape the harsh winters in Europe, making it one of the best birding destinations in Africa. During your birdwatching tours, you’ll have the chance to spot variety of bird species such as African fish eagle, yellow-billed stork, Black-headed gonolek, Great white pelican, Grey crowned crane, Long-crested eagle, Yellow-throated longclaw, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Western Crested Guineafowl, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Black-bellied Bustard, Bare-flow-throated Cuckoo and Pennant-winged Nightjar among others. Guided birding walks can enhance your experience by helping you identify and learn more about the birds you encounter. Bring a pair of binoculars and your camera to capture the stunning sights, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Visit the Maramagambo Forest
Exploring the Maramagambo Forest within Queen Elizabeth National Park is an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts. This lush tropical rainforest is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species. Maramagambo Forest is home to African rock pythons that prey on bats within the cave systems. Guided hikes through the forest reveal opportunities to see unique birds, monkeys, and butterflies. More so, the forest is known for its stunning blue and green lakes, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. The cool, shaded environment provides a refreshing break from the heat of the open savanna. Don’t miss the chance to discover the secrets of this unique ecosystem during your visit to the park.
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
The ideal time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park in 2025 is from December to February and then June to September. During these months, the weather is generally dry, making it easier too spot wildlife and enjoy various outdoor activities. The temperature is also comfortable for exploring the park’s stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Additionally, these seasons tend to have fewer rain disruptions, allowing tourists for better wildlife visibility. It’s a great time for photography and first-hand experience with nature. Planning your trip during these periods will enhance your visit to this beautiful national park. However, this scenic park is at its most beautiful in the Wet seasons (March to May and August to December). From April to May and September to November it tends to be very wet and rain might interfere with your safari.
Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Within Queen Elizabeth National Park you will surely find a place for everyone to stay. The available accommodations here range from luxury facilities, mid-range facilities and also budget accommodation facilities such as Buffalo Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Parkview Safari Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, Marafiki Safari Lodge, Ishaha Jungle Lodge and Enganzi Game Lodge among others.
How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park
To get to Queen Elizabeth National Park in 2025-2026, you’ll start your journey in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The park is located about 375 to 425 kilometers (233 to 264 miles) to the west of the city, and driving there usually takes around 7 to 8 hours. Keep in mind that you’ll probably want to make some stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and break up the trip.
If you’re planning to visit the Ishasha Plains, a quieter part of the park, it’s about a two-hour drive from Buhoma, the main spot for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Your adventure will kick off when you arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located 46 kilometers (29 miles) from Kampala. We at Focus East Africa Tours have the most professional tour guides, who will meet you at the airport and handle all your transportation needs as part of your safari experience.