Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda combines savannah, lakes, forest and volcanic craters. It is one of Uganda's most varied parks for birds and mammals.
- Country
- Uganda
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 1,978 km²
- Best time
- June to September and December to February
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Queen Elizabeth
- Kazinga Channel boat trip between Lakes Edward and George
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- More than 600 bird species
- Straddles the equator with the Rwenzori Mountains as backdrop
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Queen Elizabeth is June to September and December to February.
The drier periods and the best time for game drives and viewing along the Kazinga Channel.
Rainy months; some tracks in the Ishasha sector become difficult.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 17–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 17–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 18–30 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 17–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 17–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 16–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 17–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 17–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 16–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 17–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 16–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Queen Elizabeth includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, chimpanzees and birdlife.
Things to do
- game drives
- boat safaris
- chimpanzee trekking
- birdwatching
- cultural visits
Getting there
In Kasese District about 410 km west of Kampala; the drive takes at least 7-8 hours. Flights from Entebbe serve Kasese, Mweya or Kihihi (for Ishasha) airstrips.
Trips to Queen Elizabeth
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Queen Elizabeth for families
- Queen Elizabeth for a honeymoon
- Queen Elizabeth for photographers
- Queen Elizabeth for a first safari
- Queen Elizabeth on a budget
- Queen Elizabeth for luxury travel
Compare with
- Queen Elizabeth vs Murchison Falls
- Queen Elizabeth vs Bwindi
- Queen Elizabeth vs Akagera
- Queen Elizabeth vs Amboseli
- Queen Elizabeth vs Lake Manyara
- Queen Elizabeth vs Nyerere
Travelling to Queen Elizabeth from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth?
Generally June to September and December to February. The drier periods and the best time for game drives and viewing along the Kazinga Channel.
How many days do I need in Queen Elizabeth?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Queen Elizabeth?
In Kasese District about 410 km west of Kampala; the drive takes at least 7-8 hours. Flights from Entebbe serve Kasese, Mweya or Kihihi (for Ishasha) airstrips.
Is there malaria in Queen Elizabeth?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.