Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of Africa’s most biodiverse and visited wildlife reserves. Spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, and Rubirizi, the park stretches from the Rwenzori foothills to the shores of Lake Edward, covering a stunning mosaic of savannah, wetlands, forests, and crater lakes. Its strategic location between Uganda’s key tourism cities—Fort Portal and Kabale—makes it a convenient and essential stop for travelers exploring the region.
QENP is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector, a rare phenomenon seen in only a few places globally. The park also boasts over 600 bird species, earning it international recognition as a birding hotspot. Bird lovers flock to see species like the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and flamingos at Katwe salt lakes.
The park is divided into several unique zones, each offering distinct experiences. The Mweya Peninsula is the heart of QENP and is known for its luxury lodges, spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, and access to the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway connecting Lakes George and Edward. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is one of the park’s most iconic experiences, bringing visitors close to pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and flocks of water birds.
To the south, the Ishasha Sector is famed for its tree-climbing lions that lounge in fig trees—a behavior believed to help them escape insects and survey their territory. Ishasha is less crowded and offers a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience. On the eastern side of the park lies the Kyambura Gorge, a dramatic forested valley also known as the “Valley of Apes.” Here, visitors can track chimpanzees in the wild and explore a rich ecosystem nestled between the savannah plains.
Beyond wildlife, QENP offers cultural and geological wonders. Tourists can visit Lake Katwe’s salt mining community, hike through volcanic crater lakes, and engage with nearby communities for cultural dances and storytelling. With its diversity of attractions and proximity to Fort Portal, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a well-rounded safari experience that combines wildlife, landscape, adventure, and local heritage.
