Nestled in the heart of western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic and diverse safari destinations. Stretching across the districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo, Rukungiri, Kamwenge, and Bushenyi, the park covers a vast 1,978 km² and offers an unparalleled variety of landscapes and wildlife.

Originally established in the 1920s as Lake Edward and Lake George Game Reserves, the park was gazetted as Kazinga National Park in 1952. Two years later, it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in honor of the visit by Queen Elizabeth II—a name it proudly carries today.

A Safari Like No Other

Often referred to as a “Medley of Wonders,” the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty:

• Home to over 95 species of mammals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and hippos
• Over 600 species of birds, making it a world-class birding destination
• 10 species of primates, including chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge
• The famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector

Breathtaking Landscapes

Queen Elizabeth National Park spans a mosaic of ecosystems:

• The Rwenzori Mountains provide a stunning backdrop
• The Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds
• Picturesque crater lakes, lush wetlands, and sweeping savannah plains

The park also lies astride the Equator, marked by distinctive monuments that make for memorable photo stops.

Cultural Encounters

Beyond the wildlife, the park offers rich cultural and heritage experiences. Visitors can engage with surrounding communities through village walks, storytelling sessions, traditional music and dance performances—gaining deeper insight into the lives and traditions of the people who call this remarkable landscape home.