Located in Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a haven for diverse ecosystems, incredible wildlife encounters, and unforgettable safari experiences. For those wondering where Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in Uganda, the park sits in western Uganda’s Rift Valley. 

It spans across the western districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri, positioned along the equator between Lake Edward and Lake George. Before planning your visit, studying the Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Map will help you understand the park’s layout and key attractions. 

Also See: Serengeti National Park

Why Queen Elizabeth National Park Should Be Your Next Safari Destination

Queen Elizabeth National Park is more than just a destination; it’s Uganda’s most popular & oldest national park; a wildlife paradise that offers some of Africa’s most unique and diverse safari experiences. 

What is Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for? This remarkable park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, diverse ecosystems, and being one of Uganda’s most accessible wildlife destinations.

Here’s why adventurous travelers choose this remarkable park for their ultimate East African safari journey.

1. The Kazinga Channel: Africa’s Wildlife Highway

The 40-kilometer Kazinga Channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George is the crown jewel of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This natural waterway hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos, over 4,000 of them alongside massive Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.

A boat cruise along the channel reveals elephants wading in the shallows, buffalo herds coming to drink, and countless bird species including African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, and colorful bee-eaters. The channel’s banks teem with life, making it one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife viewing experiences.

2. Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of only two places in the world where you can witness the rare phenomenon of tree-climbing lions. In the remote Ishasha sector, these magnificent predators have adapted to lounging in the branches of ancient fig trees and acacia, creating extraordinary photographic opportunities.

The park is also home to leopards, spotted hyenas, and over 600 bird species, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. With its diverse habitats ranging from savannah to wetlands, the park offers some of the richest wildlife viewing in East Africa.

3. Diverse Ecosystems and Stunning Landscapes

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s beauty lies in its incredible diversity of landscapes. The park encompasses sprawling savannahs dotted with euphorbias, dense tropical forests, sparkling crater lakes, and the dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.”

The Kyambura Gorge, known as the “Valley of Apes,” cuts through the landscape like a green scar, harboring chimpanzees and other primates. Meanwhile, the Maramagambo Forest provides a mystical canopy walk experience, and the countless crater lakes reflect the sky like scattered jewels across the landscape.

4. Rich Cultural Heritage

The park’s surroundings are home to diverse communities including the Bakonzo, Banyankole, and Basongora people, each with unique traditions and customs. Visit local fishing villages along the shores of Lake Edward, experience traditional salt mining at Lake Katwe, or learn about the ancient kingdoms that once flourished in this region.

The cultural encounters add depth to your safari experience, offering insights into how local communities have coexisted with wildlife for generations while maintaining their traditional ways of life.