Activities to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park include game drives, Kazinga Channel boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, lion tracking, bird watching, nature walks, crater lake visits, cultural experiences and exploring the famous Ishasha sector.

Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the country’s most diverse safari destinations. The park combines open savannah, forests, wetlands, lakes and spectacular landscapes, creating opportunities to experience both wildlife and nature on the same safari.

For travelers planning a Uganda holiday, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also perfectly positioned for combining a wildlife safari with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale or Kyambura Gorge, and Rwenzori mountain adventures.

At Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda, we can customize your Queen Elizabeth safari around the activities and experiences that interest you most.

Quick List: Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best activities include:

Game drives
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Lion tracking
Explore the Ishasha sector
Bird watching
Nature walks
Crater lake tours
Visit Lake Katwe salt works
Cultural and community experiences
Mongoose tracking
Wildlife photography
Maramagambo Forest walks
Fishing experiences
Combine Queen Elizabeth with gorilla trekking

1. Go on a Game Drive

A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best ways to experience Uganda’s wildlife.

The park’s extensive savannah provides opportunities to search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, waterbucks, lions, hippos and other wildlife.

The northern sector, particularly the Kasenyi Plains, is well known for game viewing. The park also contains different habitats where wildlife can be observed throughout the day.

During a game drive, your safari guide will help you identify animals, birds and other features of the ecosystem.

Wildlife you may see includes:

Elephants
Lions
Buffaloes
Uganda kobs
Warthogs
Hippos
Waterbucks
Bushbucks
Topis
Hyenas
Leopards
Numerous bird species

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but an experienced guide can significantly improve your chances of finding animals and understanding their behaviour.

2. Take a Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is one of the signature activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts large concentrations of wildlife and birds.

During the cruise, you may see hippos in the water, buffaloes and elephants along the shoreline, and crocodiles resting near the banks. Tourism Uganda identifies the Kazinga Channel cruise as one of the park’s major safari activities.

The cruise also provides excellent opportunities for photography because you can observe wildlife from the water.

For many travelers, combining a morning game drive with an afternoon Kazinga Channel cruise creates an excellent Queen Elizabeth safari experience.

3. Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only about savannah wildlife.

You can also go chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, a forested gorge often referred to as the “Valley of the Apes.”

The gorge provides habitat for chimpanzees and other primates, including monkeys and baboons. Uganda tourism information describes Kyambura as an important primate destination within the Queen Elizabeth ecosystem.

A guided trek takes you into the forest while your guide explains the vegetation, wildlife and behaviour of the primates.

Why add Kyambura chimpanzee trekking?

Experience chimpanzees in their natural habitat
Explore a unique forest ecosystem
See other primates
Enjoy forest birding
Add a primate experience to your wildlife safari

If you want a dedicated chimpanzee trekking experience, Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda can also arrange Kibale chimpanzee trekking, depending on your itinerary.

4. Experience Lion Tracking

Travelers particularly interested in big cats can consider a lion-tracking experience.

Rather than simply hoping to encounter lions during a conventional game drive, lion tracking provides an opportunity to learn more about their behaviour, movements and habitat.

Your guide or research team can explain how lions are monitored and how conservation research contributes to understanding these important predators.

Because lions are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

5. Explore the Ishasha Sector

The Ishasha sector lies in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Seeing a lion resting high in the branches of a large tree is one of the most distinctive wildlife experiences associated with Queen Elizabeth.

Ishasha is also home to other wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, Uganda kobs and topis.

The sector is particularly useful for travelers heading toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park because Ishasha can form part of a western Uganda route between Queen Elizabeth and the gorilla trekking regions.

Tourism Uganda specifically identifies Ishasha as an area known for tree-climbing lions.

6. Go Bird Watching

If you enjoy birding, Queen Elizabeth National Park should be on your Uganda itinerary.

The park contains diverse habitats including:

Savannah
Forest
Wetlands
Lakes
Open woodland
Riverine areas

This diversity supports a large number of bird species.

Bird watching can be incorporated into almost every Queen Elizabeth activity, including game drives and boat cruises. Uganda tourism information identifies Queen Elizabeth as one of Uganda’s important birding destinations.

Birds you may encounter include:

African fish eagles
Kingfishers
Storks
Pelicans
Cormorants
Herons
Egrets
Various raptors and savannah species

If birding is your priority, tell your safari guide before the trip so the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly.

7. Enjoy a Guided Nature Walk

A nature walk provides a completely different way to experience Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Instead of viewing everything from a safari vehicle, you can explore selected areas on foot with appropriate guidance.

Nature walks allow you to pay attention to details that can easily be missed during a game drive, including:

Plants
Tracks
Insects
Smaller animals
Birds
Trees
Landscapes

Walking also gives you a better understanding of how different parts of the ecosystem interact.

8. Explore Queen Elizabeth’s Crater Lakes

The wider Queen Elizabeth region is famous for its crater lakes and spectacular landscapes.

A crater lake tour can be added to your safari for travelers interested in photography, scenery and nature.

The crater landscapes provide a contrast to the open savannah of the park and can be particularly attractive for travelers who want a more relaxed sightseeing experience.

A crater-lake excursion can also be combined with cultural experiences and community visits.

9. Visit Lake Katwe Salt Works

A visit to Lake Katwe provides insight into traditional salt production in western Uganda.

Local communities have traditionally extracted salt from the lake, making the area an interesting destination for travelers who want to understand local livelihoods.

A guided visit can explain:

How salt is harvested
Traditional salt-production methods
Local livelihoods
The history of the area
The relationship between communities and natural resources

It is an excellent activity to combine with a Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari.

10. Experience Local Culture and Community Tourism

A Uganda safari becomes even more meaningful when you spend time with the communities surrounding the national park.

Depending on the experience arranged, visitors may participate in:

Traditional music and dance
Cultural performances
Local food experiences
Village visits
Storytelling
Craft demonstrations
Community walks

These experiences provide an opportunity to learn about the people who live around Queen Elizabeth National Park.

They also give travelers an opportunity to support community-based tourism initiatives.

11. Try Mongoose Tracking

Mongoose tracking is a more specialized wildlife activity in the Queen Elizabeth ecosystem.

It provides an opportunity to learn about the behaviour and ecology of mongoose species while searching for them in their natural environment.

This activity can be particularly interesting for returning safari travelers who have already experienced conventional game drives and want to explore a different aspect of wildlife research and conservation.

As with all wildlife encounters, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

12. Enjoy Wildlife Photography

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a rewarding destination for wildlife and landscape photography.

You can photograph:

Lions
Elephants
Buffaloes
Hippos
Uganda kobs
Birds
Crocodiles
Landscapes
Crater lakes
The Kazinga Channel
Rwenzori Mountain views

For wildlife photography, patience is important.

Rather than rushing between sightings, allow your safari guide to position the vehicle safely and give you time to observe the animals.

13. Explore Maramagambo Forest

Maramagambo Forest provides another opportunity to experience the natural environment around Queen Elizabeth.

The forest contains different trails and habitats where visitors can encounter forest birds, primates and other wildlife.

Tourism Uganda highlights guided walks around Maramagambo, including forest trails and areas around the lakes.

A forest experience can be particularly appealing if you want to add something different to a traditional savannah safari.

14. Enjoy Fishing Experiences

Fishing can also be incorporated into selected Queen Elizabeth-area itineraries where permitted.

For travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, fishing provides an alternative to conventional wildlife viewing.

Because permitted locations, seasons and regulations can change, always confirm the current arrangements with your safari operator before planning a fishing excursion.

Best Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Activities for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first visit, you do not need to try every activity.

A practical combination is:

Game Drive + Kazinga Channel Cruise

This gives you both land and water wildlife experiences.

Game Drive + Chimpanzee Trekking

This combination works well for travelers interested in both mammals and primates.

Game Drive + Kazinga Channel + Ishasha

This is ideal for travelers continuing toward Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

Wildlife + Culture

Add Lake Katwe or a community experience if you want to understand the people and livelihoods around the park.

2-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

If you have limited time, Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda can organize a compact itinerary.

Day 1: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy a game drive through the savannah.

Search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions and other wildlife.

After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

Overnight at your selected safari lodge.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking or Game Drive

After breakfast, choose between chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge or another game drive.

After the activity, continue toward your next destination.

3-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari

A three-day itinerary gives you more flexibility.

Day 1

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy an evening game drive.

Day 2

Morning game drive followed by an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Day 3

Choose one of:

Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trekking
Ishasha wildlife safari
Crater lake tour
Cultural experience

Then continue to your next destination.

Combining Queen Elizabeth National Park With Gorilla Trekking

One of the biggest advantages of a Queen Elizabeth safari is its location within Uganda’s western tourism circuit.

You can combine Queen Elizabeth with Bwindi gorilla trekking.

A popular route can include:

Kampala/Entebbe → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi

This allows you to experience:

Chimpanzees
Elephants
Lions
Hippos
Buffaloes
Tree-climbing lions
Mountain gorillas
Albertine Rift landscapes

For travelers interested in gorilla trekking, this combination creates a more complete Uganda safari instead of limiting the trip to one national park.

Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda can customize the route according to your available days and preferred activities.

Combining Queen Elizabeth With Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking

If chimpanzees are one of your main interests, consider combining Queen Elizabeth with Kibale National Park.

Kibale is one of Uganda’s major chimpanzee trekking destinations.

A western Uganda itinerary can therefore combine:

Kibale chimpanzees → Queen Elizabeth wildlife → Bwindi gorillas

This is particularly attractive for travelers interested in seeing several of Africa’s great primates during one trip.

Combining Queen Elizabeth With Rwenzori Mountains

Travelers who enjoy adventure can add Rwenzori Mountains hiking to a Queen Elizabeth safari.

The Rwenzori Mountains are located close to the Kasese side of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

A combined itinerary can include:

Queen Elizabeth game drives
Kazinga Channel cruise
Rwenzori hiking
Cultural experiences
Scenic photography

This is an excellent option for travelers who want both wildlife and mountain adventure.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited throughout the year.

Uganda’s tourism information identifies June to September and December to February as the main dry periods, while March to May and October to November generally receive more rainfall.

The best period for you depends on your priorities.

June to September

Suitable for travelers who prefer generally drier conditions for safari activities.

December to February

Another commonly preferred period for game drives, boat cruises and primate experiences.

March to May

The landscape is lush and green, and travelers may find fewer visitors.

October to November

The short rains can produce vibrant scenery while visitor numbers may be lower.

Regardless of the season, carry rain protection because weather conditions can change.

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda and can be accessed by road from Kampala, Entebbe, Fort Portal, Kibale, Kasese and Bwindi.

For a western Uganda safari, the route can be organized around your other destinations.

For example:

Entebbe → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi → Entebbe

or:

Kampala → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Lake Mburo → Kampala

Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda can recommend the most practical route based on your safari duration and activities.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth has accommodation ranging from budget camps to mid-range and luxury safari lodges.

The best location depends on your itinerary.

Mweya area

Convenient for activities around the northern section and Kazinga Channel.

Kasenyi area

Useful for travelers focusing on game drives.

Kyambura area

Convenient for chimpanzee trekking.

Ishasha area

Ideal if you want to explore the southern sector and continue toward Bwindi.

When booking your safari, Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda can help select accommodation according to your budget, preferred comfort level and planned activities.

What to Pack for a Queen Elizabeth Safari

Pack light and practical clothing for your safari.

Plan Your Queen Elizabeth Safari With Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers much more than a traditional game drive.

You can search for lions and elephants on the savannah, cruise the Kazinga Channel, trek chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, explore Ishasha, watch birds, visit crater lakes, discover Lake Katwe and experience local communities.

The park is also ideally placed for a longer western Uganda adventure.

At Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda, we can combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with:

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
Rwenzori mountain hiking
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Mburo National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Customized Uganda safari packages

Whether you have 2 days, 5 days, 7 days or more, we can design your itinerary around your interests, budget and travel dates.

Start planning your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari with Mambo Gorilla Safaris Uganda today.