Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda's most popular savannah park, Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, the Kazinga Channel with its abundant...

Queen Elizabeth National Park at a Glance

Location
Western Rift Valley & Crater Lakes, Uganda, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.250926, 29.977993
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to September and December to February (dry seasons) for gorilla trekking and wildlife.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nearest airport: Faradje Airport (FZJK), 442 km away.

Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park

3 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The warmest temperatures in Queen Elizabeth National Park occur in February, averaging 24.9°C (up to 31.0°C). The coolest conditions are in November at 22.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 17.6mm. Average humidity: 63.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.0°C (rainfall: 17.6mm)
  • February: 24.9°C (rainfall: 23.7mm)
  • March: 24.0°C (rainfall: 86.9mm)
  • April: 23.0°C (rainfall: 120.8mm)
  • May: 23.1°C (rainfall: 95.1mm)
  • June: 23.6°C (rainfall: 20.5mm)
  • July: 23.9°C (rainfall: 19.7mm)
  • August: 23.5°C (rainfall: 55.2mm)
  • September: 22.8°C (rainfall: 94.1mm)
  • October: 22.8°C (rainfall: 112.1mm)
  • November: 22.1°C (rainfall: 100.1mm)
  • December: 22.9°C (rainfall: 69.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best months to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 23.97°C, rainfall 17.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 63.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.87°C, rainfall 23.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 59.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.96°C, rainfall 86.9mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 69.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 23.01°C, rainfall 120.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 77%
  • May: Great, temperature 23.15°C, rainfall 95.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 75.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 23.6°C, rainfall 20.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 63.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 23.94°C, rainfall 19.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 56.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 23.48°C, rainfall 55.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 66.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.78°C, rainfall 94.1mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 22.82°C, rainfall 112.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 76.2%
  • November: Good, temperature 22.13°C, rainfall 100.1mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 80%
  • December: Great, temperature 22.94°C, rainfall 69mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 73.8%

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Home to 115 recorded species including 42 waterbirds, 34 iconic birds, 20 birds of prey, 4 big five, 4 big herbivores, 3 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Queen Elizabeth National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 70%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

30 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Western Rift Valley & Crater Lakes

Visitor Tips - Queen Elizabeth National Park

We find Queen Elizabeth National Park to be an incredibly diverse gem, offering everything from the iconic Kazinga Channel boat trip, where we've seen hundreds of hippos and a staggering array of birdlife, to the thrilling search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. The sunsets over the Western Rift Valley here are truly sensational, painting the sky in hues we rarely encounter elsewhere, making every evening feel luxurious and timeless.

Gate Times

The park gates typically open at 7:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM daily. We always recommend confirming these times with your tour operator, as slight variations can occur. Entry permits are mandatory and are best secured in advance, usually through your safari planner or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). We advise against arriving without pre-arranged permits, especially during peak season, to ensure a smooth entry.

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service in Uganda. For your safari guide, we suggest a range of $15-25 per person per day, given directly at the end of your safari. For lodge or camp staff, a communal tip box is often available, and we recommend contributing $5-10 per person per day, which is then shared among the team. Trackers or rangers encountered during specific activities, like chimpanzee trekking, might receive $5-10 per person directly. Always tip discreetly and based on your satisfaction with the service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Uganda

Travel advisory for Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for prime wildlife viewing and comfortable travel conditions?

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot, and the park's roads are generally in better condition for game drives.

Besides the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, what other unique wildlife encounters or activities should I prioritize in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

A must-do is the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering unparalleled close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a spectacular array of waterbirds. For a different primate experience, consider chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge or Maramagambo Forest, which provides an exciting jungle adventure.

Beyond the high malaria risk, what crucial safety advice should visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park be aware of during their safari?

Always adhere to your guide's instructions and remain inside your safari vehicle during game drives, as wild animals can be unpredictable. Additionally, ensure your valuables are secure and consider travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies given the remote location.

Can you provide an estimate of the typical costs involved for a safari experience at Queen Elizabeth National Park, including park entry and popular activities?

Park entry fees are generally around $40 USD per person per day for non-residents, with additional costs for activities like the Kazinga Channel boat cruise (approx. $30-40 USD) and chimpanzee trekking (around $50 USD). Overall safari costs vary significantly based on accommodation choice and tour package duration.

How challenging is it to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Uganda's capital, and what are the recommended transportation options?

The park is accessible by road, typically a 6-7 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe, offering scenic views along the way. Alternatively, visitors can opt for domestic flights from Entebbe to Kasese or Mweya airstrips, significantly reducing travel time to about an hour.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Uganda by Philip Briggs - The definitive guide to Uganda - gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls, and chimp tracking. Detailed practical information from Africa's leading guidebook author.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.