All you must know when planning a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National park is Uganda’s  second biggest national park Located in South Western Uganda  covering 1978 sq km lying on the base  of the  rift valley between lakes George and Edward and is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area.

The park offers incredible biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, forests, and crater lakes and it’s home to over 95 mammal species and about 612 bird species, making it a top destination for both wildlife and birdw lovers.

It  is basically known for the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, the big four animals that is the Elephants, Lions Buffalos and the Leopards which can be seen during the game drive and a scenic view of the Kazinga Channel where the boat Cruise is the biggest attraction where you will see countless bird species at the bird sanctuary, hippos and crocodiles.

Chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura gorge is a fun adventure. The southern part at Ishasha has tree-climbing lions. Lake Katwe explosion crater and Mweya Museum offer historical insights of the area. Bird watching in Maramagambo Forest.

The Kazinga Channel boat cruise offers a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George and Boat safaris here offer the opportunity to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife up close.

The park boasts stunning landscapes, including volcanic craters and the towering Rwenzori Mountains with views of the great Albertine Rift Valley are breathtaking.

Top 12 activities and things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park on a Uganda safari

1. Game Drives: Explore the park on a game drive, with the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and a variety of antelope species.
2. Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel: Take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel to observe hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, such as African fish eagles and kingfishers.
3. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge: Go chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge to witness chimpanzees and other primates in their natural habitat.
4. Ishasha Sector Tree-Climbing Lions (Lion tracking): Visit the Ishasha sector to see the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in the branches of fig trees.
5. Bird Watching: Queen Elizabeth is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 600 bird species to discover, including the elusive shoebill stork.
6. Lion Tracking with Researchers: Participate in a lion tracking experience with researchers, an opportunity to learn about and monitor the park’s lion population.
7. Nature Walks: Join guided nature walks to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, track smaller wildlife, and learn about local flora.
8. Cultural Encounters: Engage with local communities, such as the Bakiga and Basongora, and learn about their customs and traditions.
9. Hiking in the Maramagambo Forest: Hike through the Maramagambo Forest, which is home to various primate species, including chimpanzees.
10. Photography: Capture the magnificent landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural interactions within the park.
11. Scenic Drives: Enjoy the stunning vistas as you drive through the park, passing by savannahs, forests, and the great Albertine Rift Valley.
12. Bat Cave Visit: Explore the Bat Cave in the Maramagambo Forest, home to thousands of fruit bats.

Weather in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The weather can influence the best times for various activities within the park:

Dry Season (June to September and December to February)

• This is generally the best time to visit the park for wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities.
• Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), providing comfortable conditions for exploring the park.
• The skies are often clear during these months, resulting in excellent visibility for game drives and boat safaris.

Wet Season (March to May and October to November):

• The wet season brings rain and often leads to lush, green landscapes in the park.
• Daytime temperatures remain relatively warm, ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).
• Rainfall can be frequent during these months, with April and May being the wettest. While this can affect road conditions, it also means lower tourist numbers and a greener, more vibrant park.

Important Notes:

• Rainfall in the wet season can result in muddy roads and trails, potentially making access to certain areas challenging.
• Migratory birds are more commonly seen during the wet season, making it an excellent time for birding.
• The park’s vegetation is at its most vibrant during the wet season, providing beautiful scenery and better camouflage for animals.

It’s essential to consider your preferred activities and the weather conditions that suit them when planning your visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. If you’re primarily interested in wildlife viewing, the dry season offers the best conditions, while the wet season can be a rewarding time for birdwatching and lush landscapes.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth game park

Mweya Safari Lodge
The Lodge is located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains – the ‘Mountains of the Moon’; Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors a spectacular experience of luxury in the wilderness. Each room at Mweya Safari Lodge has a breathtaking view of the Kazinga channel. You can watch the forest hogs grazing the grass outside, as well as the odd curious hippo! Our cuisine is of the highest quality, presenting a range of exquisite Continental, Indian and International cuisine. For those who want to unwind and relax, what better way than with a massage? The Mweya Health Club and spa offers treatments to revitalize you after a long day out in the game park. With an abundance of game, and some of the best bird watching in Africa, Mweya Safari Lodge is the perfect place to start your journey of discovery.

Jacana Lodge
The lodge is set on the edge of a crater lake that blends in perfectly with the wooded surroundings of the Maramagambo forest. It’s built with sensitive use or rock, poles, rope, wood, and other natural materials.

Ihamba Safari Lodge
Ihamba Safari Lodge is situated on the shores of Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Muhokya sub-county, Kahendero Fishing Village. It is the perfect location for those who want to experience the tranquility of unspoiled Africa, untouched by mass tourism. Ihamba Safari Lodge’s unique charm is in the atmosphere of intimacy and welcoming surrounding provided to the guests. Guests can enjoy a breathtaking view from every room, and can see a diversity of bird species, the savannah, and hippopotamus in the overlooking magnificent Lake George, feel the cool breeze from Lake George and Mountain Rwenzori. Ihamba Safari Lodge is constructed in stone and thatch which blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, and the savannah. The lounge and dining areas have been constructed out of stone so as to give the best possible aspect of unspoilt bush.

Kingfisher Safari Lodge
This place will be delighted in helping you to become acquainted with Uganda, its people and its flora and fauna in a sensitive way, so that local people and the environment will not be effected.

We are an friendly family hotel with a German management, located western Uganda just outside the Queen Elizabeth National Park, 250 meters above the plains, having a spectacular view of the Park, Lake Edward and Lake George, the Kazinga channel and the Rwenzori mountains.