Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Guide 2026: Costs, Tours & Lions
Welcome to the “Medley of Wonders,” Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). As Uganda’s most popular safari destination, QENP offers a unique blend of savannah plains, lush forests, volcanic craters, and the renowned Kazinga Channel—all packed with an astonishing density of wildlife. If you are planning a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, this is the only guide you need.
We cover everything from the must-do activities like the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and tree-climbing lions to the latest 2025 park permit fees and comprehensive safari cost breakdowns.
The QENP Overview & Quick Facts
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the perfect location for a classic East African safari combined with unique primate tracking. It is one of the very few parks in the world where you can track wild chimpanzees in the morning and search for lions on a game drive in the afternoon
Size and Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest in Uganda, covering an area of approximately 1,978 square kilometers (764 sq mi). It is located in the western rift valley floor of Uganda, straddling the equator and offering dramatic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Key Wildlife: The park is home to over 95 mammal species and is one of the few places in Uganda to spot the Big Four (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, buffalo). It is particularly famous for its rare tree-climbing lions and the world’s highest concentration of hippos.
Top Attraction: The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise is the park’s signature experience,
offering up-close views of hippos, crocodiles, and vast herds of elephants and buffalo gathering at the water’s edge.
Primary Activities: Visitors engage in classic Game Drives (especially in the Kasenyi and Ishasha sectors), the must-do Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel, and thrilling Chimpanzee Tracking in the Kyambura Gorge.
Best Time to Visit: The Dry Seasons (January-February and June-September) are the optimal times for game viewing, as the vegetation is sparse and animals congregate near water sources.
Entry Fee: The standard Park Entrance Fee for Foreign Non-Residents (FNR) is $40 per adult per day.
Why Choose a Queen Elizabeth Safari?
QENP is often called the ‘Medley of Wonders’ because of its staggering biodiversity—the highest of any park in Uganda
The Big Four: QENP is home to four of the “Big Five” African animals: Lions (including the famous tree-climbing variety), Leopards, African Bush Elephants, and Cape Buffalo. Only the rhinoceros is absent, though it can be seen at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route.
The Kazinga Channel: This 32 km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George has the world’s highest concentration of hippos (over 5,000) and is a breeding ground for over 600 species of birds. The boat cruise here is an absolute highlight of any Uganda safari.
Chimpanzee Tracking: The opportunity to track chimpanzees in the stunning, sunken rainforest of Kyambura Gorge adds a layer of primate adventure that few other savannah parks can offer.
The Core Activities (What You Will Do)
To maximize your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari experience, you must prioritize the unique and signature activities the park is famous for.
The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: A Wildlife Spectacle
The 2-hour launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is not just an activity; it is arguably the single most rewarding wildlife experience in the entire park. The channel links Lake George to Lake Edward and runs directly through the park.
What to Expect on the Boat Cruise
The unique geological feature of the channel allows for unparalleled, close-range wildlife viewing that a game drive simply cannot match.
Massive Hippo Pods: You will see enormous concentrations of hippos—they line the shores and bask in the shallow water, often just meters from the boat. This is the highest concentration of hippos in the world.
Wallowing Buffalo & Elephant Herds: Large herds of Cape Buffalo and African Bush
kazinga-channnel-boat-cruise Elephants come to the channel’s edge to drink, bathe, and cool off. You will witness their social interactions and see baby elephants being protected within the herd.
Nile Crocodiles: Sunbathing on the banks, these formidable reptiles are a common sight, often seen in various sizes.
Birding Paradise: The channel is recognized as a critical birding spot, hosting over 600 species. Key sightings include African Fish Eagles, various species of kingfishers (e.g., Pied, Giant), cormorants, pelicans, and storks.
Logistics for the Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Location: The cruise departs from the jetty at the Mweya Peninsula/Mweya Safari Lodge area.
Schedule: There are typically two scheduled departures: one in the late morning and one in the early afternoon (often around 2:00 PM). The afternoon slot is highly recommended as the sun is high and animals are more likely to be at the water’s edge.
Cost (FNR): $30 per person (excluding park entrance fee).
Tracking the Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
No Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is complete without trying to spot the legendary tree-climbing lions. This rare behavior is primarily seen only here and in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park
Why Do Lions Climb Trees in Ishasha?
The scientific reasoning is still debated, but the most accepted theories specific to the Ishasha sector are:
Tsetse Fly Avoidance: Getting off the ground helps them escape the irritating bites of the ground-dwelling tsetse flies.
Strategic Viewpoint: Climbing into the large fig trees offers a commanding view of the Ishasha plains, allowing them to scout for prey, particularly the massive herds of Uganda Kob.
Cooling Off: The branches of the large sycamore fig trees provide a natural breeze and a shaded canopy, offering a cooler place to rest during the midday heat.
The Ishasha Sector Game Drive
The tree-climbing lions are located in the remote Ishasha sector in the southern part of QENP. This area is easily accessible if you are traveling to or from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking.
The Experience: Game drives in Ishasha are focused on scanning the branches of the gigantic fig trees for a tell-tale tail or a lazy paw hanging down. Spotting them is not guaranteed, but a skilled local guide knows their most common resting spots.
Key Wildlife: Beyond the lions, Ishasha is a stunning savannah landscape teeming with Topis, Uganda Kob, and herds of buffalo and elephant.
Logistics for the Lion Tracking Experience
For a more guaranteed and scientific approach to seeing the lions, you can participate in the Lion Tracking Research Project.
Activity: A specialized activity with researchers using radio-tracking collars to locate specific lion prides in the Kasenyi Plains.
Benefit: This provides researchers with valuable data and gives tourists a near-guaranteed lion sighting with an in-depth educational experience.
Cost (FNR): $100 per person
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking
Often called the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a deep, forested canyon carved by a river and sunk 100 meters into the surrounding savannah. It is an amazing ecological anomaly and home to a small community of chimpanzees.
The Trek: The experience involves descending into the gorge, which is an adventure in itself. The environment shifts drastically from open savannah to dense, humid rainforest.
Kyambura-Gorge Sighting Success: While successful sightings are common, the steep terrain means the trek is physically demanding, and the chimpanzee population is smaller and less habituated than in Kibale Forest. It is a fantastic option for travelers who want to combine a safari with a primate experience but are not primarily focused on chimps.
Cost (FNR): $50 per person (for the permit).
Classic Game Drives in Kasenyi Plains
The Kasenyi sector, located in the north-east, is the park’s primary and most rewarding game drive area. The open savanna of Kasenyi is a breeding ground for the Uganda Kob, which in turn attracts large predators
Best Time: The early morning (6:30 AM) game drive is the best time for predator sightings, as the lions and leopards are active before the sun gets too hot.
Wildlife: Expect to see dozens of Uganda Kobs, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Warthogs, and the Giant Forest Hog. Leopard sightings are rare, but most likely here
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
QENP can be visited year-round, but the seasons affect game viewing and road conditions.
Peak/Dry Season (June to September & December to February):
Pros: This is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. The vegetation is thinner, making wildlife easier to spot. Animals congregate around water sources like the Kazinga Channel. Roads are dry and easily passable.
Cons: Higher tourist volumes and higher accommodation prices.
Wet/Low Season (March to May & October to November):
Pros: The landscape is lush, green, and beautiful—perfect for photography. Lower prices and fewer tourists. This is the prime time for birding.
Cons: Heavy rains can make some roads, especially in the Ishasha sector, slippery and difficult to pass. Game viewing can be more challenging due to the thicker bush.
Where to Stay (Accommodation Guide)
Accommodation in QENP caters to all traveler types, from high-end luxury to budget camping.
Luxury Lodges ($300 – $700+ per night):
Mweya Safari Lodge: The park’s most famous lodge, perched on the Mweya Peninsula with incredible views of the Kazinga Channel.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge: A high-end, eco-luxe lodge overlooking the gorge.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Exclusive tented camp situated on the Ntungwe River, perfect for the tree-climbing lion experience.
Mid-Range Lodges ($150 – $300 per night):
Elephant Plains Lodge: Offers spectacular views of the park and Lake Kikorongo.
Buffalo Safari Lodge: Located near the Katunguru Bridge with great views of the channel
Budget/Basic Camps ($50 – $150 per night):
The Bush Lodge/Simba Safari Camp: Tented accommodation and public campsites offering a true bush experience at a fraction of the cost
Step-by-Step Queen Elizabeth Safari Booking Guide
Booking a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is simple when you follow these three steps:
Step 1: Define Your Safari Focus
The first step is deciding what is most important to you, as this will determine the length and route of your safari.
Option A: The Classic Wildlife Focus (3-4 Days):
Focus: Tree-climbing lions (Ishasha), Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, and Kasenyi Game Drives.
Ideal Itinerary: Fly into Mweya Airstrip or drive from Kampala. Spend a night in the Kasenyi/Mweya area for the boat and game drive, and a night in the Ishasha sector for the lions.
Option B: The Primate Combo (4-6 Days):
Focus: Chimpanzee Trekking (Kyambura) + Classic Wildlife.
Ideal Itinerary: Start with a full day dedicated to the Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trekking permit, followed by the boat cruise and game drives.
Option C: The Ultimate Uganda Trip (7+ Days):
Focus: Combine with Bwindi Gorilla Trekking.
Ideal Itinerary: Drive from Bwindi via the Ishasha sector (for the lions) to the main QENP area. This route naturally maximizes all experiences.
Step 2: Choose Your Comfort Level & Set Your Budget
Re-examine the safari cost breakdown. Your accommodation choice is the primary driver of cost:
Budget: Simple food, basic lodging/tented camps, and potential for group vehicle sharing.
Mid-Range: Comfortable private lodge rooms, better food, and a private 4×4 safari vehicle.
Luxury: Exclusive lodges, top-tier service, and a dedicated, expert private guide
Step 3: Consult a Local Safari Operator
While you can book your park and activity permits yourself through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the complexity of logistics (transport, specialized 4×4 vehicle hire, fuel, lodging, and guiding) means using a trusted, local operator is strongly recommended
What a Good Operator Provides:
Guaranteed Permits: They book the highly sought-after Chimp Tracking and Lion Tracking permits in advance.
Expert Guides: A knowledgeable guide is the difference between a good game drive and an incredible one. They know the animals’ movements and the best routes.
All-Inclusive Pricing: Your package should clearly state what is included (e.g., permits, accommodation, all meals, bottled water, fuel, and the guide’s fee).
Ready to start planning your perfect Queen Elizabeth National Park safari? Get in touch with our expert team today to receive a customized itinerary and a comprehensive, transparent quote
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Queen Elizabeth National Park Safe to Visit?
A: Yes. Queen Elizabeth National Park is very safe to visit. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) maintains a strict security presence within the park, and all tourist activities, including game drives and chimpanzee trekking, are conducted with armed UWA rangers and experienced guides. Tourism is vital to Uganda’s economy, and the government takes the security of visitors extremely seriously.
Q: Can I see the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
A: You can see four of the Big Five: Lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector), Leopards, African Bush Elephants, and Cape Buffalo. The fifth, the Rhinoceros, is absent from QENP but can be tracked at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is a great stopover en route from Kampala.
Q: How long is the drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park?
A: The drive from Kampala or Entebbe (via Masaka and Mbarara) takes approximately 6 to 7 hours without long stops. The total distance is about 420 km. Most safaris include a stop at the Equator crossing for photos and lunch. A much faster option is flying from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield to the Mweya or Ishasha airstrips (about a 1-hour flight).
Q: What is the best currency to use on a Uganda safari?
A: The US Dollar (USD) is the preferred and often only accepted currency for paying for park permits, activities, and higher-end safari lodge bills. However, you will need Ugandan Shillings (UGX) for small purchases, tipping, local markets, and smaller restaurants outside the major lodges. Ensure you exchange some cash at a registered bureau in Kampala or Entebbe before starting your journey.
Q: How many days do I need for a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari?
A: Three days and two nights is the ideal minimum for a comprehensive QENP safari. This allows for:
Day 1: Arrival, afternoon game drive, and check-in.
Day 2: Early morning Kasenyi game drive and a 2 PM Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Day 3: Optional activity (Chimp Tracking or Lion Tracking) before driving back to Kampala or onwards to Bwindi.
For those adding a chimp trek, a 4-day itinerary is recommended
