Queen Elizabeth National Park: Kazinga Channel, lions and craters

Queen Elizabeth National Park lies on the floor of the Albertine Rift between Lakes George and Edward, right on the equator. Its mix of savannah, wetland, forest and volcanic craters makes it one of the most varied parks in Africa, with more than 600 bird species.

What to do in Queen Elizabeth

• Kazinga Channel boat trip. Cruise the channel that links the two lakes, past hippos, buffalo, elephants and countless water birds.

• Kasenyi game drives. The open plains are the best area for lions, Uganda kob and elephants.

• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. In the park's southern sector, lions often rest in the branches of fig trees.

• Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. A sunken forest gorge with its own community of chimpanzees.

• Crater lakes. The scenic drive past explosion craters is beautiful at any time of day.

How long should you stay?

Two to three days covers a boat trip, game drives and Ishasha on the way to or from Bwindi.

When to go

June to September and December to February are the driest months, but game viewing is good all year.

Getting there

The park is about 400 km from Kampala, around 6 to 7 hours by road, and fits naturally between Kibale and Bwindi. Park entry is about US$40 per day for foreign visitors; your agency confirms current fees.

Local tip

Do the Kazinga Channel boat trip in the afternoon, when animals gather at the water's edge.

The park is part of our gorillas and chimpanzees trip.