Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most varied safari destination. In one park you can track lions on open savannah, cruise past hippo pods, trek chimpanzees in a hidden gorge, look into volcanic craters and search for tree-climbing lions, all with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. That variety means the best things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park go well beyond a single game drive.
This guide ranks the top 12 attractions and activities, with costs, timing and tips, so you can decide what to include in your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.
Quick Overview: Top Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth
| # | Activity | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kasenyi Plains game drive | Lions, kob, buffalo | Included in our safaris |
| 2 | Kazinga Channel boat cruise | Hippos, elephants, birds | Included in our 3-day safari |
| 3 | Ishasha tree-climbing lions | A rare lion experience | Needs extra time (4+ days) |
| 4 | Lion tracking research | Higher lion chances | About $100 extra |
| 5 | Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking | Primates | About $50 extra |
| 6 | Katwe explosion craters | Scenery and photos | Included in our 3-day safari |
| 7 | Birdwatching | Bird lovers | Included on game drives and cruises |
| 8 | Equator stop at Kayabwe | Photos on the drive | Included in our 3-day safari |
| 9 | Mweya Peninsula | Sunset and lodges | Free to enjoy |
| 10 | Lake Katwe salt lake visit | Culture and photography | Small local fees |
| 11 | Night game drive | Nocturnal wildlife | Check availability |
| 12 | Cultural and community visits | Local life | Varies |
1. Kasenyi Plains Game Drive
If you do only one thing, do this. The Kasenyi sector is open grassland with huge herds of Uganda kob and Cape buffalo, plus a good chance of lions and, with luck, a leopard. Go at dawn, around 6:30 AM, when predators are most active and the light is best.
Why it ranks first: it is the classic safari experience, and the open terrain makes wildlife easy to see from a pop-up roof 4x4.
Read our full guide to the Kasenyi Plains game drive and browse our game drive safaris.
2. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
This 2-hour cruise along the natural 40 km channel between Lake George and Lake Edward gets you within 10 to 15 metres of hippos, elephants, buffalo and Nile crocodiles. The channel has one of the highest hippo concentrations in the world, and hundreds of bird species are recorded here.
Why it ranks second: it is relaxing, family-friendly, and works in every season. It also pairs perfectly with a morning game drive.
Read our guide to the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and see all our boat cruise tours.
3. Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
The Ishasha sector in the far south is famous for lions that rest in fig trees, a behaviour seen in very few places in the world. They are not in Kasenyi or Mweya, and Ishasha is a 2 to 3 hour drive from them.
Why it ranks third: it is unique and unforgettable, but it needs extra time. A 3-day trip does not realistically include it. Plan 4 days, or use Ishasha as a stopover on the way to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
4. Lion Tracking Research Experience
If lions are your top priority, this UWA activity (around $100 per person) uses radio telemetry to locate collared lions that are part of conservation research. It raises your chances of a good sighting compared with a standard drive, and you learn how the research works.
Why it ranks fourth: it is an add-on rather than a must-do, but a worthwhile one for dedicated big-cat fans.
5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge, sometimes called the "Valley of Apes", is a lush forested gorge cut into the savannah. Trekking here (around $50 extra) gives you a chance to see chimpanzees in the wild, along with other primates and forest birds.
Why it ranks fifth: it adds a forest experience to a savannah safari. Sightings are not guaranteed, and it is a different experience from Kibale's larger chimp groups.
6. Katwe Explosion Craters
This scenic drive passes dramatic extinct volcanic craters, some filled with water, with panoramic views toward the Rwenzori Mountains. It is a quieter highlight and great for photography, especially in clear morning light.
Why it ranks sixth: it breaks up the wildlife with landscape, and it is easy to include on the way out of the park. Our 3-day safari includes it on the final morning.
7. Birdwatching
Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda's best birding areas, with hundreds of species recorded across savannah, wetlands, lakes and forest. Highlights include African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, storks, crowned cranes and migratory birds in the wet seasons.
Why it ranks seventh: you can bird on every activity, but dedicated birders will want extra guiding time.
8. Equator Stop at Kayabwe
On the drive from Kampala you cross the Equator at Kayabwe. Stop for photos with the monument and watch the water experiment, which shows how water drains differently on either side of the line. It is a small attraction, but a popular, shareable break from the long drive.
Why it ranks eighth: it is quick and fun, and it makes the journey part of the trip.
9. Mweya Peninsula
Mweya is the park's tourism hub, with lodges, the visitor centre, the boat launch and some of the best sunset views over the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. Even without a formal activity, it is a lovely place to relax.
Why it ranks ninth: it is mainly a base, but the views and the chance to see animals from your lodge make it a highlight in itself.
Compare options in our safari lodges section.
10. Lake Katwe Salt Lake
Near the craters, Lake Katwe is a salt lake where local people have mined salt for generations. A visit gives you a glimpse of a traditional livelihood and striking photography, with pink-toned pans and workers in the shallow water.
Why it ranks tenth: it is not wildlife, but it adds culture and context to your trip.
11. Night Game Drive
Night drives, where available, show a different side of the park, with hyenas, genets, civets, bushbabies and sometimes leopards. Availability can depend on the operator and lodge, so ask when booking.
Why it ranks eleventh: it is rewarding but not offered everywhere, so confirm in advance.
12. Cultural and Community Experiences
Communities around the park offer cultural visits, craft markets and local storytelling. These add depth to the trip and support local livelihoods.
Why it ranks twelfth: it complements the wildlife rather than replacing it, and works well on a longer trip.
Best Things to Do by Type of Traveller
- First-time safari-goers: Kasenyi game drive, Kazinga cruise, Katwe craters.
- Big-cat enthusiasts: Kasenyi, lion tracking, Ishasha.
- Families: the boat cruise and a Kasenyi drive.
- Bird lovers: the cruise and dedicated birding safaris.
How Many Days Do You Need?
- 2 days: a quick taste, with lots of driving.
- 3 days: the best balance, covering the Kasenyi drive, Kazinga cruise and Katwe craters.
- 4 days: adds Ishasha, optional activities and a slower pace.
Our guide to how many days you need for Queen Elizabeth National Park safari explains the trade-offs in detail.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
The park is good year-round. The dry seasons (roughly December to February and June to September) are best for game viewing because wildlife concentrates near water and the grass is shorter. The wet seasons (roughly March to May and October to November) are greener, quieter and excellent for birding.
Practical Tips
- Park fees: $40 per day for foreign non-residents. Permits run on a strict 24-hour clock, so leaving late can trigger an extra day's charge.
- Pack smart: layers, neutral colours, binoculars, a zoom lens, a hat and sunscreen.
- Before you travel: check visa requirements and health and vaccination requirements.
- Getting there: the drive from Kampala takes about 7 to 8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
For most visitors, the dawn Kasenyi game drive and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise are the top two.
What are the main attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The Kasenyi Plains, the Kazinga Channel, the Ishasha tree-climbing lions, Kyambura Gorge and the Katwe explosion craters.
Can I see tree-climbing lions on a 3-day safari?
Usually not. They live in Ishasha, far from the main area, so plan 4 days or more.
Is Queen Elizabeth National Park good for a first safari?
Yes. It offers varied wildlife, scenic landscapes and well-organised activities.
How much do the activities cost?
Park entry is $40 per day. The Kazinga cruise is included in our 3-day safari, while lion tracking is around $100 and Kyambura chimp trekking around $50 as optional extras.
Is Queen Elizabeth good for families?
Yes, particularly the boat cruise and game drives.
Conclusion
The best things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park combine big-game drives, water safaris, primates and scenery. For most visitors, a dawn Kasenyi drive, a Kazinga Channel cruise and the Katwe craters make an ideal first trip, while the Ishasha lions and Kyambura chimps reward those with more time.
Ready to plan a safari to Queen Elizabeth national park- simply contact us now by sending an email to info@ugandasafaribookings.com or call +256-700135510.