🌍 Early bird: 15% off Kenya & Tanzania lodge packages this season!
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Africa · Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda's most diverse park — tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, Kazinga Channel boat cruises teeming with hippos, chimp trekking, and 600+ bird species.

About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park spans 1,978 km² across Uganda's western Rift Valley, straddling the equator between Lake Edward and Lake George. The park contains over 600 bird species, the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and the spectacular Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The Rwenzori Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop along the park's northern boundary.

Highlights

  • Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
  • Kazinga Channel boat safari
  • Chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge
  • 600+ bird species
  • Crater lakes scenic drive

Best Time to Visit

June–August and December–February for the best chimp trekking and driest game drives.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal monthsGood monthsOff season

Weather & Seasons

Queen Elizabeth National Park straddles the equator and has a relatively consistent climate with two wet seasons. Its diversity of habitats — savannah, forest, swamp, crater lakes — means wildlife is present year-round.

Ideal

Dry Season

Jun – Aug

22–30°C

Clear skies, minimal rain, and excellent wildlife visibility. Peak season with the best game concentrations around water sources.

Ideal

Short Dry Season

Dec – Feb

24–32°C

Warm and dry with very good wildlife viewing. Slightly fewer visitors than peak season.

Short Rains

Nov – Dec

20–28°C

Brief afternoon showers with lush green landscapes. Fewer tourists, excellent photographic light, and good birding.

Long Rains

Mar – May

18–26°C

Heavy rainfall makes some tracks impassable. Many camps close; great for birding and emerald-green landscapes.

Gallery

Queen Elizabeth National Park image 1
Queen Elizabeth National Park image 2

Tours and lodges for this destination are coming soon.