Best Things To Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most diverse and scenic safari destinations. From sweeping savannahs to lush forests, crater lakes, and the shimmering Kazinga Channel, the park offers unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or breathtaking landscapes, here are the best things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

1. Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel

A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel is one of the park’s highlights. This natural waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is teeming with wildlife. Along its banks, you’ll spot large pods of hippos, herds of buffalo, elephants cooling off, and countless bird species.

With only about ten people per boat, the cruises are intimate and guided by expert rangers who share fascinating insights about the park’s ecosystems. The calm waters and sweeping views make this a must-do activity for wildlife lovers and photographers.

2. Safari Game Drives

Game drives are the classic way to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. Conducted in open-roof safari vehicles with professional guides, these drives bring you close to incredible wildlife. The Kasenyi Plains are famous for their open savannah and the chance to spot tree-climbing lions. The Mweya Peninsula offers panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel, while the diverse landscapes host elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas, and even leopards if you’re lucky. Guides tailor the experience to your interests, making each drive unique and memorable.

3. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Nicknamed the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is one of the most exciting places to track chimpanzees. Morning and afternoon treks, limited to eight visitors per session, take you deep into the lush forest in search of these intelligent primates. With an 85% success rate of sightings, visitors are treated to the thrilling sounds of chimps communicating, playing, and foraging. Rangers lead the treks safely and share valuable knowledge about primate behavior and conservation.

4. Lion Tracking in Ishasha

For a unique and conservation-driven adventure, join a lion tracking experience in the Ishasha sector. Researchers use radio collars to locate lion prides, giving visitors a rare opportunity to observe their behavior up close. Tree-climbing lions are the stars of Ishasha—one of the few places in the world where lions regularly lounge in fig trees. By participating, you directly support lion conservation, as proceeds fund research and anti-poaching programs.

5. Nature Walks and Guided Bush Walks

Step out of the safari vehicle and explore the wild on foot. Guided walks take place in areas like the Mweya Peninsula, Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Ishasha Plains. Along the way, you may encounter birds, primates, and sometimes larger animals like hippos or elephants, always from a safe distance. Walking safaris heighten your senses—listening to the sounds, noticing tracks, and smelling the wild aromas of the bush. It’s an intimate way to connect with nature.

6. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

For a truly magical perspective, soar above the park in a hot air balloon. Floating silently at sunrise or sunset, you’ll witness elephants, buffalo, and antelope herds moving across the savannah. The bird’s-eye view reveals the park’s beauty in a way no ground safari can match. With limited seats per balloon, this is an exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

7. Visiting Katwe Salt Mines

A visit to Lake Katwe introduces you to a centuries-old tradition of salt extraction. Local communities still harvest salt by hand from the crater lake, a practice passed down through generations. The process carries deep cultural significance and represents resilience, heritage, and identity for the people of the area. At the same time, it provides economic livelihoods for many families. Visiting the salt mines not only reveals this fascinating way of life but also offers a deeper connection to the cultural fabric surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park can be visited year-round, but experiences differ by season. The dry months of December to February and June to September are ideal for game drives and boat safaris, as animals gather around water sources and are easier to spot. This is also when many carnivores give birth, making it a great time to see young cubs. The wetter months of March to May and October to November transform the park into a lush paradise, perfect for birdwatching as migratory species arrive and resident birds breed in full color.

Your Safari With Experiya Tour Company

At Experiya Tour Company, we craft personalized itineraries that let you explore Queen Elizabeth National Park in comfort and style. Whether you dream of tracking chimps, floating above the savannah, or cruising the Kazinga Channel, our safaris connect you with Uganda’s wilderness while supporting conservation and local communities.