Safari Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game Drives (Kasenyi, North Kazinga, and Ishasha Plains)
Experience the thrill of the African wilderness on guided game drives across various park sectors. The Kasenyi plains are particularly ideal for spotting large herds of buffaloes, Ugandan kobs, elephants, and warthogs, often stalked by lions and leopards. The Ishasha sector is famed for its rare tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging on fig tree branches.
Early morning or late afternoon game drives with experienced guides maximize your chances of seeing predators in action, including elusive hyenas and serval cats.
Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that links Lake Edward to Lake George, offers one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich boat cruises in East Africa. This 32-kilometer stretch hosts the highest density of hippos in Africa, along with elephants, buffaloes, monitor lizards, and Nile crocodiles along the shores.
Birdwatchers will be delighted with the variety of water birds, with over 60–70 bird species often spotted during a single cruise – including African fish eagles, Goliath herons, African jacanas, and kingfishers. The boat safari typically lasts 2 to 3 hours.
Bird Watching (Over 600 Bird Species)
Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder’s paradise. With habitats ranging from forest and wetlands to grasslands and crater lakes, the park supports a vast avian population.
Notable species include: Shoebill Stork, African Skimmer, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Martial Eagle, Chapin’s Flycatcher,Papyrus Gonolek, Bar-tailed Godwit, Corncrake, African Broadbill
Top birding locations within the park include: Mweya Peninsula, Kazinga Channel, Ishasha Sector,Kasenyi Plains, Maramagambo Forest, Katwe Salt Lake, Katunguru Bridge, Lake Kikorongo
4. Lion and Leopard Tracking Experience
Participate in an exclusive wildlife research program that allows you to track radio-collared lions and leopards alongside conservationists. This activity offers a rare chance to observe big cats up close while learning about their behavior, movement patterns, and conservation.
The tracking experience takes about 3–4 hours and is conducted in the early mornings or late afternoons, using advanced locator technology and telemetry equipment.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
The Kyambura Gorge, also known as the "Valley of Apes," offers visitors the opportunity to track a small but habituated community of chimpanzees living within this lush, forested ravine. The gorge also supports other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.
The trek is both an adventurous hike and a thrilling wildlife encounter, accompanied by knowledgeable ranger guides.
Cultural & Community Encounters
Engage with local communities around the park and gain insight into their traditional way of life. Activities include:
- Fishing with locals on Lake George or Lake Edward
- Visiting salt mining sites at Lake Katwe
- Cultural performances (music, dance, storytelling)
- Banana brewing tours and food tasting
