Start › Mountain Gorillas & More › National Parks: Unspoilt Nature in Uganda › Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
Only half the size of Murchison Falls National Park, but scenically even more varied is Queen Elizabeth National Park. On almost 2,000 km² you will find grass savannahs, open bushland, river, lake and crater landscapes as well as wetlands in direct proximity. Equally varied is the animal life as a result.
Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the west of Uganda and is divided in two. Situated between Lake Edward and Lake George it has a northern and a southern part. The two regions are characterised by very different ecosystems. The dividing line is formed by the Kazinga Channel which you should definitely see on a boat trip. More than 550 bird species, hippos, buffaloes and crocodiles can be admired here from the boat at close range – yet from a safe distance.
As early as the 1950s this park was regarded as one of the most impressive in all of Africa. During the crisis years of the 1970s and 1980s the animal populations suffered greatly, but have recovered very well again over the last 25 years. Unlike the other parks, some villages are located within the park boundaries.
From Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park can easily be reached on 400 km of tarmac road via Mbarara and Kasese in around 6 hours’ drive. The central point of contact in the northern part is Mweya, while in the south it is Ishaha Camp. Charter flights are also possible, either directly to Mweya Lodge or into the vicinity of Kasese in the north. Here too, accommodation options in different price ranges are available.