Where is Queen Elizabeth National Park located?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi and Rukungiri. It covers 2,056 square kilometers of land. The park extends from lake George to lake Albert which lakes are connected by Kazinga channel making boat cruise in the park the best experience.

What is Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park ‘’Medley of wonders’’ was founded in 1952 and originally called Kazinga National Park then renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park after the visit of Queen Elizabeth II.

The park is known as a home of the big four that is lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards. Other animals in the park include; Uganda kobs, black and white colombus monkey, chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, jackals, spotted hyenas and many others. The parks shelters over 600 bird species.

Where to stay while in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Mweya safari lodge;

Located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Mweya Safari Lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’.

Elephant plains lodge;

This lodge is located on the most spectacular view point in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set in 80 acres of pristine wilderness, only 2 minutes to the park gate, no where else here can you sleep closer to the equator with views of the equator monument visible from all around the lodge.

Nestled next to beautiful lake Kikorongo this is where the open plains merge into the crystal waters and seeing large numbers of Elephants coming to drink from the water, hence the lodges name.

Buffalo safari lodge;

Buffalo Safari Lodge is located at Queen Elizabeth Park, Katunguru Bridge, near the magical Kazinga channel, 1km off Kasese-Mbarara road, Western Uganda. The lodge has both standard and deluxe cottages, making a total of 17 rooms currently.

This is ideal for large groups of 20 guests or more. The facility boasts of a serene environment comprising of spectacular flora and fauna such as elephants, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs and a variety of birds all at a glance of an eye.

Buffalo Lodge has world class and experienced staff, a fully stocked bar and restaurant, with a lounge that gives guests and visitors a spectacular view of Queen Elizabeth park nearby, and Lakes Edward and George.

Parkview safari lodge;

Parkview Safari Lodge is located at the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth national park, overlooking panoramic views of the “medley of wonders” and capturing the beauty of the park in a most memorable way.

The lodge reflects true African ambiance and hospitality, providing comfort to our esteemed guests. This is a home away from home! Our unique cottages are endowed with en-suite bathrooms, private balcony with spectacular views to the park and Bunyaruguru hills.

Ishasha wilderness camp;

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wild. This exclusive camp blends the magic of a wilderness tented camp with superb service in this unspoilt and remote region of the National Park.

The Ishasha savannahs are famous for its population of tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. Being within the park the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently viewed.

Kyambura gorge lodge;

The lodge is located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park with sweeping views of the rolling savanna, the distant mountains of the moon, and the sunken Kyambura Gorge.

The guest bandas have a afro-chic theme with the accent on local artifacts re-imagined in a new context. Each banda offers a unique view either across the savanna or the gorge. There are four new deluxe bandas and four standard bandas. A new spa and swimming pool was launched in 2019.

Is it safe to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The park is located in the most peaceful country therefor its very safe to visit at any time of the day. Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by trained armed rangers whose major job is to keep peace, protect wildlife and human being inside the park.

What can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Boat ride along Kazinga channel

Taking a boat ride along Kazinga channel gives visitors a chance to view different creatures like school of hippos, buffaloes, elephants and over 60 bird species. It is most exciting in the afternoon and takes a period of 2 hours where the ranger guides narrate the creatures’ story.

Wild animals

You will find many wild animals in the north Kazinga plains and the Ishasha sector. Visitors also get a chance of viewing the park’s beautiful scenery.you will sight wildlife like lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, and many others.

Birds

The park has over 600 bird species giving visitor a variety of birds to watch, some of the birds include; marital eagle, African skimmer, shoebill, White-tailed lark, papyrus Gonolek, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, African Broadbill and many others.

The park has hot birding spots like Kazinga channel, kasenyi area, Mweya peninsula, Maramagambo forest Ishasha sector, Lake kikorongo, katunguru bridge area and katwe area.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee tracking takes place in Kyambura gorge which adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park. At this point visitors get to know the behaviors of these primates. Trekking starts at 8am and it takes one to two hours.

Hiking and nature walk

This activity takes place in the Mweya peninsula where you have beautiful views of the park and at the southern end visitors enjoy an easy Stoll along the Ishasha river where they can spot a variety of forest, savanna bird and mammal species while getting closer to hippos on foot on the raised bank above the river.

What is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open all year long, but the best time to enjoy wildlife is from January to February and June to July (the Dry seasons). However, this scenic park is at its most beautiful in the Wet seasons from March to May and August to December.

How long does it take to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The park is approximately 400 kilometers by road south west of Kampala Uganda’s capital and largest city. This journey takes about 6-7 hours’ drive.

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be reached by air from both Entebbe International Airport, and the Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala. The closest airports to Queens are Kasese, Mweya and Ishasha.

Queen Elizabeth National Park can also be reached by road from Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara to Kasese where the park is located. Travelers can also pass through Mubende Fortpotal to Kasese.