Illustrated landscape representing Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Savannah and crater lakes on the Rift floor, with a channel full of hippos.

What it is

A park between Lake Edward and Lake George, with the Rwenzori range to the north and the Ishasha sector down south towards the DRC border.

Why go

The Kazinga Channel boat is the highlight: hippo by the hundred, buffalo, elephant and dense birdlife along the banks, over about two hours. The Kasenyi plains hold lion and Uganda kob. In Ishasha, lions sometimes lie along the branches of fig trees — sometimes is the honest word.

When to go

June to September and January to February. Set expectations: lion and leopard densities are well below Kenya's or Tanzania's, so if big cats are the point of your trip this is the wrong country. It works best as the savannah break between Kibale and Bwindi, which is roughly where it sits on the map anyway.

Most people stay 2-3 nights.

Where to go here

Trips that go here

  • Uganda Safari

    Uganda Safari

    5 days · up to 6 · from USD 900.00 pp

    Follow the Nile, track chimpanzees, and encounter Uganda’s remarkable savannah wildlife.

Talk to someone who has been there