Where Savannah Meets Water
Best for
Big game, boat safaris, birdwatching, photography
Best time
Jan – Feb and Jun – Sep (drier periods)
Location
Western Uganda, about 400 km from Kampala
Access
By road (5–6 hrs from Kampala) or scheduled flight to Kasese
Uganda's most diverse savannah destination, Queen Elizabeth National Park is famed for Kazinga Channel boat cruises, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, scenic crater lakes, abundant wildlife and exceptional birdlife.
Queen Elizabeth offers an incredible variety of ecosystems — from open savannah and acacia woodland to wetlands, forests and sparkling crater lakes. It's one of the best places in Africa to see tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, large elephant herds, hippos in the Kazinga Channel, and a stunning diversity of birdlife. With excellent game drives, unforgettable boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, it's the perfect blend of land and water safari adventures.
One of Africa's wildlife-richest waterways — boat cruises with hippo, crocodile and birds.
Famous for its rare tree-climbing lions and large herds of buffalo and antelope.
Stunning crater lakes and chimpanzee trekking in the beautiful Kyambura Gorge.
On the ground
Savannah plains, wetlands, forests and crater lakes create incredible biodiversity.
Home to 95+ mammal species and one of Uganda's best wildlife viewing destinations.
Rift Valley escarpments, volcanic craters and sweeping savannah views.
A unique combination of game drives and boat safaris for diverse perspectives.
Game drives
Explore the Kasenyi plains and spot diverse wildlife.
Kazinga boat safari
Cruise the channel and see hippo, croc and birds.
Ishasha lions
Look for the rare tree-climbing lions in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee trekking
Head into Kyambura Gorge to track wild chimps.
Birdwatching
Over 600 species including shoebill and African fish eagle.
Sunset views
Stunning sunsets over the savannah and crater lakes.
Wildlife you can expect
Lion — Iconic predators, including the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Elephant — Large herds roam the savannah and forests.
Buffalo — Common and often seen in big herds.
Hippo — Hundreds in the Kazinga Channel and lakes.
Leopard — Elusive and found in varied habitats.
Birdlife — Over 600 species including shoebill and fish eagle.
Where to stay
A few of the properties we book here. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match the camp to the journey.
“In Queen Elizabeth, location matters more than lodge category. Choose Mweya for the channel and central game viewing, Kyambura for chimpanzees, and Ishasha when tree-climbing lions and a quieter wilderness experience are the priority.”
Our View
Out2Safari Safari Expert
Drier conditions, easier game viewing and boat safaris. Best for photography.
Greener landscapes, fewer crowds and excellent birding.
Lush scenery and dramatic skies. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round.
Tell us what excites you
Our safari designers will build a tailor-made journey around it — the right camp, the right season and the right pace.
