Uganda's most visited park combines three unique experiences: tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise with the world's highest hippo concentration — all on the way to Bwindi gorilla trekking.
Queen Elizabeth spans four distinct sectors — most visitors base at Mweya for the Kazinga Channel and add either a chimp trek to Kyambura or a lion drive in Ishasha.
Highlights: Boat cruise (hippos, crocodiles, 600+ birds), lion and elephant game drives, buffalo herds
Lodges: Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Main park hub — most visitors base here for 2–3 nights
Highlights: Chimpanzee trekking — a habituated chimp community lives in this forested river gorge
Lodges: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (inside the gorge), Katara Lodge
1.5 hours from Mweya; chimp permits ($150/person) must be booked in advance
Highlights: Tree-climbing lions in fig trees — unique behaviour found in very few places in Africa
Lodges: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Kyambura Gorge Lodge (accessible)
2.5 hours south of Mweya; most visitors do a day trip or 1-night stay en route to Bwindi
Highlights: Chimpanzee tracking, python caves (African rock python), forest birding
Lodges: Day trip from Mweya or Kyambura lodges
Less visited forest sector; excellent birding; python cave is a unique attraction
Boat cruise on one of Africa's most productive wildlife waterways. Hippos at very close range, enormous crocodiles, elephants drinking at the bank, and extraordinary water bird diversity.
Track habituated chimpanzees through Kyambura Gorge with a ranger. Permits: $150/person. Minimum age 12. Book well in advance — only 16 permits per day.
Game drives in Ishasha targeting the famous fig-tree lions. Sightings are not guaranteed but the sector's resident prides use the trees most mornings.
Open vehicle drives across the Mweya Peninsula and Kasenyi plains — excellent for lion, elephant, topi, and Uganda kob. One of Africa's densest kob populations.
Nile tilapia and other species in Lakes Edward and George. Catch-and-release available. A peaceful half-day alternative for non-drivers in the group.
Walk to the Katwe salt lakes — active artisanal salt extraction ponds with flamingos and waders. Cultural and ecological interest combined.
Best position in the park — on the peninsula with views across the Kazinga Channel to the Rwenzori Mountains
Luxury lodge overlooking the gorge where chimps live; exceptional service; walking access to chimp trekking
Intimate boutique lodge; good value; excellent Kazinga Channel views; friendly atmosphere
8-tent camp in the Ishasha sector; surrounded by fig trees; best access to tree-climbing lion territory
Scenic hillside position; good access to Kyambura chimp trekking; good value for the quality
Entebbe → Queen Elizabeth (3n) → Bwindi (3n)
Entebbe → Murchison Falls (3n) → Queen Elizabeth (3n) → Bwindi (3n) → Kampala
Kigali → Volcanoes NP gorillas (2n) → Queen Elizabeth (3n) → Bwindi (2n) → Entebbe
Connect with verified Uganda operators for Queen Elizabeth + Bwindi gorilla combinations and full Uganda circuits.