"Uganda’s premier safari destination, QENP incorporates a remarkable variety of terrestrial and freshwater habitats within its relatively compact area - a biodiversity reflected a staggering tally of more than 600 bird species. Wildlife highlights include the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, the habituated chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge, and the massive herds of buffalo and elephant routinely seen from boat trips on the Kazinga Channel.”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYQueen Elizabeth National Park
Measured by practically any biodiversity index, the 1,978km2 Queen Elizabeth National Park is every bit as monarchic as the name it acquired after a 1954 visit by the British royals. Habitats range from lush tropical rainforest, moist acacia woodland and euphorbia-studded savannah to vast inland seas, forest-fringed rivers and saline crater lakes, all set below the lofty glacial peaks of the legendary Ruwenzori or Mountains of the Moon.
The main tourist focus is Mweya Peninsula, which overlooks the steep-sided Kazinga Channel connecting Lakes Edward and George. A two-hour launch trip along the channel comes with a near-certainly of seeing hundreds of hippo, buffalo and elephant, as well as pelicans, storks and other aquatic birds. The game-viewing road above the channel is the one place in Africa that regularly yields daytime sightings of giant forest hog (the world’s largest swine), while the nearby Kasenyi Plains are home to plentiful lions and form an important breeding ground for the near-endemic Uganda kob.
Several other sectors of QENP warrant a visit. The sumptuous jungle of Maramagambo offers some fine monkey-viewing and forest birdwatching focussed on the five interlocking volcanic craters that comprise Lake Nyamasingiri. Close by, chimpanzee-tracking excursions run daily into the well-wooded Kyambura Gorge. Most compelling of all, the southerly Ishasha Plains possess an untrammelled wilderness atmosphere and form the most reliable place in East Africa to see tree-climbing lions.
- Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations. His latest is the Bradt guide to Uganda.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable. While this park always has good birding during this time of the year migratory species can be found in full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable. While this park always has good birding during this time of the year migratory species can be found in full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. The air is less hazy during the wetter month, improving visibility and with that some incredible views can be seen during the sunnier periods.
While this park always has good birding during this time of the year migratory species can be found in full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. The air is less hazy during the wetter month, improving visibility and with that some incredible views can be seen during the sunnier periods.
While this park always has good birding during this time of the year migratory species can be found in full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. The air is less hazy during the wetter month, improving visibility and with that some incredible views can be seen during the sunnier periods.
While this park always has good birding during this time of the year migratory species can be found in full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. The air is less hazy during the wetter month, improving visibility and with that some incredible views can be seen during the sunnier periods.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. The air is less hazy during the wetter month, improving visibility and with that some incredible views can be seen during the sunnier periods.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. The air is less hazy during the wetter month, improving visibility and with that some incredible views can be seen during the sunnier periods.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. The air is less hazy during the wetter month, improving visibility and with that some incredible views can be seen during the sunnier periods.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Queen Elizabeth National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (884 to 1,337m or 2,900 to 4,386ft) moderate these to a pleasant average maximum of 29°C/84°F through the year. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so do pack a light fleece encase you need one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no distinct dry season, although June and July do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in January and February.
The park can be good throughout the year, but game viewing is best in the driest months of the year, as vegetation thins and wildlife become a little more concentrated. Drier walking trails also make chimpanzee trekking a little easier.
Experiences
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park Properties
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Elephant Plains Lodge
Elephant Plains Lodge
Discover a refreshing escape to nature at the newly unveiled Elephant Plains Lodge nestled in the heart of the enchanting Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perched 941 meters above sea level atop the western escarpment of the ..
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Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
A Wild Frontiers owned property, Ishasha is spectacularly located within Queen Elizabeth National Park. An idyllic retreat with adventure on the doorstep, this camp is perfect for those wanting to make the very most of their ..
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Kasenyi Safari Camp
Kasenyi Safari Camp
Kasenyi Safari Camp is an American-Ugandan owned property on the rim of a salt lake. With just four grass-thatched tents, elevated views and plenty of wildlife wandering through camp, wake up to the sights and sounds of the wild ..
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Mweya Safari Lodge
Mweya Safari Lodge
With an unbeatable location of any property in the Mweya reason, the Mweya Safari Lodge offers undisturbed views of the Rwenzori mountains by the teeming Kazinga Channel. Ideal for travellers looking for accommodation at the heart ..
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Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Surrounded by coffee plantations, this original and impressive property is situated on a former coffee farm. The old, converted processing buildings have been given the ultimate afro-chic safari makeover and offer sweeping vistas ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
