Queen Elizabeth National Park, formerly known as Kazinga, was named in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth of England after her visit to Uganda.
This majestic park boasts stunning scenic beauty, with lush green vegetation covering its entire savanna landscape, including regions such as Ishasha, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions that nap in fig trees.
Giraffes also feed on these trees, and sometimes, these female lions prey on these elongated-necked animals.
Queen Elizabeth National Park spans parts of Kamwenge and Rubirizi in the Western Region, near snow-capped mountains like the Rwenzori Mountains, a block mountain with its highest peak, Margherita Peak.
Mountains near Mount Elgon on the eastern side also surround the area.
Entry Fees
The entry fee at the park is $40 for foreigners, $30 for foreign residents in Uganda, while East African Community citizens pay UGX 20,000. This fee is valid for a single day.
Annual entry fees are only available for foreign residents, costing $350, or $500 for couples. A family group with a maximum of four children pays $700, while a family from East Africa pays UGX 30,000.
Motorcycles are charged $30 for foreigners and UGX 10,000 for East African citizens, while saloon cars pay $40 for foreigners and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens.
Minibuses are charged $50 for foreigners and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens. Pickups and 4WD vehicles cost $50 for foreigners and UGX 30,000 for East African residents, while school buses are charged UGX 50,000.
Aircraft landing fees also apply, with helicopters paying $100 (foreigners) and UGX 25,000 (East African residents) per landing.
Important Notes:
- Landing fees are separate from the Queen Elizabeth National Park entry fee.
- En-route pilots staying less than 20 hours are exempt from park entry fees.
- Vehicle entry fees are charged per entry into the park.
Accommodation
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a range of accommodations, from luxury to midrange and budget-friendly options.
Guests can enjoy deluxe rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, clean towels, bedsheets, televisions, warm blankets, ample parking, and on-site restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Options include:
- Tembo Safari Lodge
- The Baboon Safari Hotel
- Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
- Engiri Game Lodge
- Buffalo Safari Lodge
- Elephant Plains Lodge
- Little Elephant Camp
- Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Enjojo Lodge
- Pumba Safari Cottages
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Transportation
Visitors can reach the park by road or air. Charter flights are usually booked with Aero Link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese, with departures at 7:00 am, 10:15 am, and 12 noon daily.
Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel: This channel links two prominent lakes, Lake Edward and Lake George, named after members of the British royal family. It draws many tourists who come to see hippos swimming and crocodiles sunbathing. Elephants and buffaloes also gather here, enjoying a calm environment with fewer predators. Bird species like the African skimmer add to the area’s beauty.
- Kyambura Gorge: Known for gorilla trekking, this gorge allows travelers to witness gorillas in their natural habitat within the dense forest of Queen Elizabeth National Park. These gorillas have distinct features, such as broad chests and shoulders, large human-like hands, and small, hairless faces. Gorillas live in social groups, with adult males known as silverbacks. Tourists should maintain a safe distance and follow guide instructions, as gorillas can be dangerous. The trek lasts about three hours, and there are also 17 chimpanzees in the park, giving visitors a 60% chance of seeing them. Trekking permits are required and can be booked online or through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Mweya Peninsula: Several game drive trails lead to Mweya Swamp. Located in the Rwenzururu sub-region in Kasese District on the northern bank of the Kazinga Channel, the area’s thick vegetation can make animal spotting challenging, but experienced game rangers can help locate hidden animals.
Activities at the Park
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: This activity offers tourists a bird’s-eye view of the park, allowing them to spot animals, including lions hidden in tall grass.
- Nature Walks: Different from balloon rides, nature walks allow tourists to explore on foot, providing ground-level views and access to areas unreachable by balloon.
- Boat Trip on the Kazinga Channel: One of the park’s highlights, the boat trip enables tourists to see hippos, crocodiles, and various birds. For a quiet experience that doesn’t scare the birds, the boat engine remains silent.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is an unforgettable destination for those with a passion for adventure. Decide today to add this majestic park to your safari itinerary!
