National parkSouthwestern Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Ancient rainforest and almost half of the world's mountain gorillas.
National park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel, crater lakes and tree-climbing lions.
- Western Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
- Entry from US$40
Overview
- Area
- 1,978 km²
- Founded
- 1952
- Altitude
- 910 – 1,350 m
- Mammals
- 95+ species
- Bird species
- 600+
- Kazinga Channel
- About 40 km long
Queen Elizabeth National Park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed in 1954 after a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. It straddles the equator below the Rwenzori Mountains.
Savanna, forest, crater lakes and wetlands support more than 95 mammal and 600 bird species. The 40 km Kazinga Channel joins Lake Edward and Lake George and draws hippos, buffaloes, elephants and water birds.
In the southern Ishasha sector, lions rest in fig trees above the plains. Kyambura Gorge shelters chimpanzees, and local Bakonzo, Basongora and Banyabindi communities offer cultural visits.
- Kazinga Channel boat trip
Two hours along one of Africa's densest hippo populations.
- Ishasha tree-climbing lions
Lions lounging in fig trees, a behaviour seen in few places.
- Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees
Track chimps in a forested gorge sunk into the savanna.
Things to do
- Kazinga Channel launch tripFrom US$30
About two hours.
- Guided game driveFrom US$25
Kasenyi plains and Ishasha.
- Chimpanzee tracking, Kyambura GorgeFrom US$100
Morning treks.
- Experiential lion trackingFrom US$200
With researchers; book ahead.
- Hippo censusFrom US$100
Join a research count.
- Mongoose trackingFrom US$30
Banded mongoose research walk.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Dry seasons (December–February, June–September) give the best game drives. Birding peaks from November to April when migrants arrive.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free. | US$40 | US$30 | US$25 | UGX 20,000 |
| Launch trip (Kazinga Channel)per person | US$30 | US$25 | US$20 | UGX 30,000 |
| Guided game drive (day)per guide | US$25 | US$20 | — | UGX 25,000 |
| Chimpanzee tracking, Kyambura Gorgeper person, entry not includedFrom 1 January 2027: US$200 / US$150 / US$100 / UGX 50,000. | US$100 | US$80 | — | UGX 50,000 |
| Experiential lion trackingper personExcludes the US$10 community fee and vehicle. From 1 January 2027: US$500 / US$300 / US$300 / UGX 250,000. | US$200 | US$150 | — | UGX 200,000 |
| Hippo censusper person | US$100 | US$80 | — | UGX 100,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$30
- Rest of Africa
- US$25
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
Children 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free.
- Launch trip (Kazinga Channel)per person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$30
- Foreign resident
- US$25
- Rest of Africa
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 30,000
- Guided game drive (day)per guide
- Foreign non-resident
- US$25
- Foreign resident
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 25,000
- Chimpanzee tracking, Kyambura Gorgeper person, entry not included
- Foreign non-resident
- US$100
- Foreign resident
- US$80
- East African citizen
- UGX 50,000
From 1 January 2027: US$200 / US$150 / US$100 / UGX 50,000.
- Experiential lion trackingper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$200
- Foreign resident
- US$150
- East African citizen
- UGX 200,000
Excludes the US$10 community fee and vehicle. From 1 January 2027: US$500 / US$300 / US$300 / UGX 250,000.
- Hippo censusper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$100
- Foreign resident
- US$80
- East African citizen
- UGX 100,000
Getting there
- By roadFrom Kampala7–8 hours
About 410 km via Mbarara or Fort Portal, often split with Lake Mburo or Kibale.
- By airFrom Entebbe or KajjansiAbout 1–1.5 hours
Flights to Kasese or Mweya airstrips, or Kihihi for Ishasha.
- By roadFrom Bwindi (Buhoma)About 2–3 hours to Ishasha
A common link between gorilla tracking and a savanna safari.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Ishasha is about 100 km south of Mweya; plan a separate night or a long day.
- Lion tracking and the hippo census have few places each day and must be booked ahead.
- The equator crossing on the Kasese road has a marker for photos.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see tree-climbing lions?
In the Ishasha sector in the south of the park, where lions often rest in fig trees. Sightings are likely but never guaranteed.
Is the Kazinga Channel boat trip worth it?
Yes. It is the park's signature activity: about two hours with hippos, buffaloes, elephants and many water birds at close range.
Can I track chimpanzees here?
Yes, in Kyambura Gorge. Sightings are less certain than in Kibale, so many visitors do both.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority park page
- UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026
- UWA tariff changes, 26 February 2026
Combine your trip
Places to pair with Queen Elizabeth National Park
National park
National parkWestern Uganda
Kibale National Park
East Africa's primate capital: 13 species and about 1,500 chimpanzees.
National park