Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth
The park is home to a remarkable number of species. It has almost 100 species of mammals and over 600 species of birds. Four of the “Big Five” are present, including elephants, lions, leopards, and Cape buffalo. The Kazinga Channel has one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world. Large herds of Ugandan kob are a common sight on the plains. The Kyambura Gorge, a sunken forest, is home to a community of chimpanzees.
The Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
The southern sector of the park, known as Ishasha, is famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. This is a rare behavior for lions, and Ishasha is one of the best places in Africa to witness it. The lions spend the hot hours of the day lounging in the branches of large fig trees, offering an incredible and unusual safari sighting.
Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth
- Game Drives: Explore the Kasenyi plains for lions and large herds of kob, or the Ishasha sector to search for the famous tree-climbing lions.
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: This is a highlight of the park. A boat trip offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a huge variety of birds.
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Descend into the Kyambura Gorge to track and observe a family of habituated chimpanzees.
- Crater Lakes Drive: Take a scenic drive through the Katwe-Kikorongo area to see the stunning explosion crater lakes.
- Bird Watching: With over 600 species, the park is a premier destination for bird enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth
| Month | Climate | Wildlife Viewing |
| January – February & June – September | These are the dry seasons with hot, sunny weather and less rainfall. | This is the best time for game viewing. Animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is thinner, making them easier to spot. |
| March – May & October – November | These are the two wet seasons. | The scenery is lush and beautiful. This is the prime time for bird watching, as migratory birds are present. |
Guide Tip
The boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is an essential experience. It provides some of the most reliable and relaxed wildlife viewing in the entire park. The sheer density of animals you will see in and around the water is spectacular.
