Queen Elizabeth Safaris
Queen Elizabeth Safaris offer an extraordinary mix of classic African game viewing, river cruises along the famous Kazinga Channel, and rare wildlife experiences like tracking tree-climbing lions. Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the country’s most popular and accessible safari destinations, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and sprawling rift valley lakes.
At Boots in the Jungle Safaris, we craft custom Queen Elizabeth safari itineraries designed around your schedule, budget, and travel interests. Whether you are looking for a 3-day weekend wildlife getaway, a luxury safari, or a full Uganda circuit combining gorilla tracking with savannah game drives, our local expert guides ensure an unforgettable adventure.
Why Choose Queen Elizabeth Safaris?
Queen Elizabeth National Park spans approximately 1,978 square kilometres of diverse habitats, including open savannah, acacia woodland, wetlands, craters, and dense tropical rainforests. It was gazetted in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
A safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out for its variety:
- The Kazinga Channel: Home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos and a haven for Nile crocodiles and waterbirds.
- Tree-Climbing Lions: Found in the remote Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park.
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Experience primate trekking in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge or nearby Kalinzu Forest.
- Crater Drive: Breathtaking scenic views across explosion crater lakes formed millions of years ago.
- Diverse Birdlife: Over 600 recorded bird species, making it a top-tier destination for birding safaris in East Africa.
Key Highlights & Activities on a Queen Elizabeth Safari
1. Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
The 32-kilometre-long Kazinga Channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward. A 2-hour launch cruise along the channel is widely considered the highlight of any Queen Elizabeth safari.
- Wildlife Encounters: Get remarkably close to vast pods of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles, bathing elephant herds, and water buffaloes cooling off in the afternoon sun.
- Birding Vantage: Offers unobstructed viewing of African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, African skimmers, white pelicans, and cormorants along the banks.
- Operating Times: Scheduled boat cruises depart twice daily (morning around 11:00 AM and afternoon around 2:00 PM), with private boat charters available on request.
2. Game Drives on the Kasenyi Plains
Located in the northeastern section of the park, the open savannah of the Kasenyi Plains is the primary ground for game drives.
- Predator-Prey Action: The area serves as the main breeding ground for thousands of Uganda kobs, which naturally attracts resident lion prides, hyenas, and elusive leopards.
- Game Drive Timing: Early morning drives (6:30 AM – 9:30 AM) offer the best opportunity to observe lions returning from hunts, while late afternoon drives capture sunset landscapes and nocturnal species waking up.
- Key Wildlife Spotting: Look out for giant forest hogs, defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, side-striped jackals, and large herds of Cape buffaloes.
3. Tracking Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha
In the remote Ishasha sector (southern Queen Elizabeth National Park), lions have adapted to spend their afternoons perched high in big fig and acacia trees.
- Unique Animal Behavior: They climb up to escape the heat near the ground, catch cool breezes, and avoid tsetse flies and biting insects.
- Best Viewing Locations: The iconic “Southern Circuit” and “Jinja Circuit” in Ishasha pass through dense networks of large sycamore fig trees where prides regularly rest.
- Strategic Travel Link: Ishasha lies directly on the transit road connecting Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it an ideal stopover when travelling between savannah drives and gorilla trekking.
4. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Known as the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a 100-metre-deep tropical rainforest rift cutting through the open dry savannah.
- The Experience: Descend down the steep gorge slopes into a lush tropical canopy with an underground river system.
- Primate Encounters: Search for habituated wild chimpanzees along with black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and blue monkeys.
- Kalinzu Forest Alternative: If permits for Kyambura are full, the adjacent Kalinzu Forest Reserve offers excellent chimpanzee tracking with high sighting rates.
5. Katwe Salt Lake & Explosion Crater Drive
- Crater Drive: A scenic 27-kilometre loop passing extinct volcanic explosion craters, offering panoramic viewpoints over the Western Rift Valley, Lake George, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
- Katwe Salt Lake Tour: Experience traditional salt extraction methods that have been practiced manually by the local community since the 16th century. Watch workers extract rock salt and process evaporated salt pans.
Recommended Itinerary Options
2-Day Queen Elizabeth Quick Express
- Best For: Travelers on tight schedules or weekend break trips.
- Day 1: Pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe (early morning), drive through Masaka–Mbarara, cross the Equator, arrive in Mweya for an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise, evening short game drive, overnight stay at lodge.
- Day 2: Morning Kasenyi Plains game drive searching for lions, elephants, and kobs, followed by a late morning departure back to Kampala or Entebbe.
3-Day Queen Elizabeth Classic Safari
- Best For: Standard first-time visitors seeking the complete wildlife experience.
- Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe via Fort Portal or Mbarara to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Scenic crater lakes drive upon arrival and lodge check-in.
- Day 2: Early morning Kasenyi game drive, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and evening game viewing near the channel.
- Day 3: Morning Kyambura Gorge / Kalinzu chimpanzee tracking or Katwe salt lake tour before returning to Kampala/Entebbe.
4-Day Queen Elizabeth & Ishasha Safari
- Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts who want to see both northern and southern park sectors.
- Day 1: Arrival in Queen Elizabeth NP, lodge check-in, and relaxation.
- Day 2: Kasenyi morning game drive + afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Day 3: Transfer south to the Ishasha Sector, full-day game drive searching for tree-climbing lions and topis, overnight in Ishasha.
- Day 4: Morning final game drive in Ishasha and transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe or onwards to Bwindi.
5-Day Gorilla & Wildlife Combo
- Best For: The ultimate Uganda highlight itinerary combining game drives, boat cruises, tree-climbing lions, and mountain gorillas.
- Day 1: Kampala to Queen Elizabeth NP; afternoon Kazinga boat cruise.
- Day 2: Kasenyi game drive in the morning; transfer south to Ishasha for tree-climbing lions.
- Day 3: Ishasha morning game drive; transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 4:Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi; afternoon Batwa cultural experience or relaxation.
- Day 5: Return drive to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park operates year-round, offering distinct experiences depending on the season:
- Dry Seasons (December to February & June to September):
- Game Viewing Conditions: Optimal visibility across the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha sector because savannah vegetation is sparse and low.
- Wildlife Concentration: Wildlife gathers densely around key permanent water points, particularly along the banks of the Kazinga Channel.
- Road Conditions: Tracks and park trails are dry and easily navigable by 4×4 safari vehicles.
- Wet / Green Seasons (March to May & October to November):
- Birdwatching Peak: Palaearctic and intra-African migratory bird species join resident populations, bringing total species counts past 600.
- Scenery & Rates: High-contrast lush green landscapes ideal for landscape photography. Lodges frequently offer lower seasonal tariffs, and park visitor volume drops significantly.
How to Get There
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda and can be accessed via two primary modes of transport:
By Road Transport
- Southern Route (Via Mbarara): Entebbe/Kampala $\rightarrow$ Masaka $\rightarrow$ Mbarara $\rightarrow$ Bushenyi $\rightarrow$ Rubirizi $\rightarrow$ Park (approx. 410 km, 6–7 hours drive time).
- Northern Route (Via Fort Portal): Entebbe/Kampala $\rightarrow$ Mubende $\rightarrow$ Fort Portal $\rightarrow$ Kasese $\rightarrow$ Park (approx. 415 km, 6–7 hours drive time).
- Cross-Park Transit: The park serves as a connection point when traveling between Kibale National Park (chimpanzee trekking, 2 hours north) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (gorilla trekking, 4 hours south via Ishasha).
By Air Transport
- Airstrips Serving the Park:
- Mweya Airstrip: Directly inside the northern sector of the park (ideal for Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi, and Kazinga Channel lodges).
- Kasese Airstrip: Located just outside the park boundaries (approx. 45-minute drive to main gates).
- Kihihi Airstrip: Located near the southern Ishasha sector (ideal for tree-climbing lion tracking and Bwindi gorilla connections).
- Operators: Daily scheduled domestic flights depart from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airfield via Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes flight time).
Accommodation Options
Accommodation inside and around Queen Elizabeth National Park is grouped across three distinct budget categories, positioned across the northern sector (Mweya/Kasenyi/Rubirizi) and the southern sector (Ishasha).
Luxury Lodges ($400 – $900+ per night)
- Mweya Safari Lodge: Iconic luxury property situated on Mweya Peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel.
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge: High-end eco-luxury lodge with views across Kyambura Gorge and the Rwenzori Mountains.
- Elephant Plains Lodge: Perched high on the western escarpment of the Rift Valley with views over Lake Kikorongo.
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Exclusive luxury canvas camp located along the Ntungwe River inside the Ishasha sector.
Mid-Range Lodges ($150 – $350 per night)
- Enganzi Game Lodge: Perched on the Kichwamba escarpment overlooking the park savannah.
- Kasenyi Safari Camp: Situated directly on the edge of the Kasenyi Plains for quick morning game drive access.
- Bush Lodge (Cottages): Eco-friendly thatched cottages located along the Kazinga Channel boundary.
- Katara Lodge: Timber and thatch cottages built on the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Budget Lodges & Camps ($40 – $120 per night)
- Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (Non-ensuites / Tents): Value safari tents set in natural bush settings.
- Pumba Safari Cottages: Clean, affordable cottages located near the Kyambura area.
- Simba Safari Camp: High-capacity budget rooms and dormitories situated near the Northern Crater Area.
- Ruby Motel: Budget stopover lodging near Kasese and park access gates.
Queen Elizabeth Safari Cost Factors
A customized safari quote is built by combining several core variables:
- Number of Travellers: Shared vehicle fuel, guide costs, and transit expenses significantly reduce the per-person price for groups compared to solo travel.
- Vehicle Selection:
- 4×4 Safari Van: Cost-effective choice for budget and mid-range trips.
- 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser: Heavy-duty, high-clearance option built for rugged terrain and premium comfort.
- Accommodation Standard: Selection between self-contained budget tents, mid-range cottages, or full-board luxury lodges.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Tariffs:
- Park Conservation Fee: $45 per adult/24 hours (Foreign Non-Residents).
- Kazinga Channel Boat Permit: $30 per person (UWA boat).
- Vehicle Tariff: USD $30 to $100 depending on vehicle weight and country registration.
- Add-on Activity Permits: Optional permits for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge ($100 per person) or Kalinzu Forest, experiential lion tracking passes, and salt lake community tours.
Cost Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Information & Planning
1. Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park located?
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in Western Uganda, spanning the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Kamwenge, and Rukungiri. It sits against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains and stretches across Lake Edward and Lake George.
2. How far is Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala or Entebbe?
By road, the park is approximately 410 kilometres from Kampala or Entebbe. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and route choice (via Mbarara or via Fort Portal). By air, a domestic flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. What is the best time of year to go on a Queen Elizabeth safari?
The park can be visited year-round:
- Dry Seasons (June to September & December to February): Best for wildlife viewing and tracking tree-climbing lions. Animals congregate around water bodies like the Kazinga Channel, and vegetation is thin.
- Wet Seasons (March to May & October to November): Ideal for birdwatchers due to the presence of migratory birds. Landscapes are lush and green, and lodges often offer lower seasonal rates.
Wildlife & Activities
4. What wildlife can I expect to see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The park is home to 95 mammal species, including four of the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes). You can also see hippos, Nile crocodiles, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, spotted hyenas, and chimpanzees. (Note: Rhinos are not present in Queen Elizabeth National Park; they are only found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).
5. Where can I see the tree-climbing lions?
Tree-climbing lions are found in the Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. They are frequently spotted resting in the canopy of large fig trees and acacia trees during the warm hours of the day.
6. What is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise?
The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometre natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The 2-hour guided boat cruise along the channel allows you to view huge concentrations of hippos, drinking elephants, crocodiles, and diverse bird species along the shoreline.
7. Can I track chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Yes. Chimpanzee tracking takes place in Kyambura Gorge (a sunken tropical forest within the savannah) or in the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve. A tracking permit is required for this activity.
Logistics, Permits & Costs
8. How much is the park entry fee for Queen Elizabeth National Park?
As per official Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) tariffs:
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD $45 per adult / $20 per child (per 24-hour period).
- Foreign Residents: USD $35 per adult / $15 per child.
- East African Community Citizens: UGX 25,000 per adult.
9. Can I combine a Queen Elizabeth safari with gorilla trekking?
Yes. Queen Elizabeth National Park connects seamlessly with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas). The drive from the southern Ishasha sector to northern Bwindi takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, making a 4-day or 5-day combo itinerary very popular.
10. What type of safari vehicle is used?
Depending on your preference and budget, safaris are conducted in customized 4×4 Safari Vans or heavy-duty 4×4 Safari Land Cruisers. Both feature pop-up roofs for optimal 360-degree game viewing and photography.
Health & Travel Preparation
11. Is Queen Elizabeth National Park safe for tourists?
Yes. Queen Elizabeth National Park is safe, well-patrolled, and managed by trained Uganda Wildlife Authority park rangers and tourism police. As with any safari destination, always follow your driver-guide’s safety instructions during game drives and boat cruises.
12. Do I need a visa or yellow fever vaccination to visit?
- Visa: Foreign visitors require an E-Visa for Uganda, which must be applied for online prior to arrival.
- Yellow Fever: A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is a mandatory entry requirement for entering Uganda at Entebbe International Airport or land borders.
Plan Your Queen Elizabeth Safari Today
Whether your primary focus is spotting tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, taking boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, or tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, Boots in the Jungle Safaris handles all logistics, park permits, accommodation bookings, and transport.
To request a detailed itinerary and quote, provide Boots in the Jungle Safaris with:
- Expected travel dates and trip length
- Total number of adult and child passengers
- Desired accommodation tier (Luxury, Mid-Range, or Budget)
- Specific activity preferences or extension plans (e.g., gorilla trekking in Bwindi)