Your Essential Guide to Uganda’s Most Diverse Wildlife Haven

Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as Uganda’s most popular safari destination for a reason. Located against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, this park combines sprawling savannas, humid forests, sparkling crater lakes, and fertile wetlands. Travelers flock here to witness a diverse range of species, from the iconic tree-climbing lions to the playful chimpanzees of the sunken forest. If you are planning a trip to the Pearl of Africa, you must explore the things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park to truly appreciate the country’s natural wealth.

1. Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

The Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of the park, hosts one of the world’s most unique wildlife spectacles. Here, lions spend their afternoons draped over the branches of ancient fig trees. While lions typically stay on the ground, these felines climb to escape the heat and avoid tsetse flies. Spotting a pride of lions dangling their tails from a tree is a highlight among the many things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Beyond the spectacle, the Ishasha landscape offers a wilder, more remote feel than the northern circuits. The region features vast savanna woodlands dotted with Candelabra shrubs and massive sycamore figs that provide the perfect “lion lounges.” To increase your chances of a sighting, schedule your game drive between 11 AM and 3 PM, the hottest part of the day when the lions seek a cool breeze in the canopy. Keep an eye out for the Ishasha males, which often sport distinctive black manes, a rare trait that adds to their majestic presence. This sector also serves as a critical corridor for elephants migrating between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2. Cruise the Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer natural waterway, connects Lake Edward and Lake George. A boat safari here provides a front-row seat to one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. You will also see massive Nile crocodiles basking on the banks and elephants wading into the water to cool off. This tranquil cruise offers incredible photography opportunities without the bumpy ride of a traditional game drive.

3. Track Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge

Often called the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a deep, forested gash in the middle of the savanna. You descend 100 meters into a tropical rainforest to track a habituated community of chimpanzees. The contrast between the dry plains above and the lush jungle below makes this one of the most atmospheric things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

As you hike along the banks of the Kyambura River, listen for the deafening “pant-hoots” of the chimps echoing off the gorge walls. This isolated community is famous for its unique “lost world” feel, as the primates live in a sunken ecosystem cut off from the rest of the park’s forests. While tracking, look out for other inhabitants like black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and giant forest hogs. Because only 16 permits are available daily (eight for the morning and eight for the afternoon), this experience feels incredibly intimate and exclusive.

4. Drive the Kasenyi Plains

For classic big-game viewing, head to the Kasenyi Plains. These open grasslands support thousands of Uganda Kobs, which in turn attract large prides of lions. You should embark on an early morning game drive to catch predators on the hunt. The open scenery ensures you have a clear view of buffalo herds, elephants, and warthogs roaming the landscape.

To maximize your experience, visit the Kasenyi salt lake nearby, where you can often spot large flocks of flamingos during the migratory season. Because the plains serve as the primary breeding ground for the Uganda Kob, you will frequently witness intense territorial displays and rutting behavior. This area provides the highest probability of spotting a leopard at dusk, as they often utilize the thickets bordering the plains for cover.

5. Explore the Katwe Explosion Craters

The park’s volcanic history left behind a series of dramatic explosion craters. Driving along the Crater Drive provides panoramic views of the park and the distant Mountains of the Moon. You can visit Lake Katwe, where local communities have mined salt for centuries using traditional methods. Watching the salt harvesters work in the intense sun offers a humbling look at local life.

6. Visit the Maramagambo Forest

If you prefer a shaded adventure, the Maramagambo Forest offers several hiking trails. This forest is famous for its “Bat Cave,” where thousands of Egyptian fruit bats hang from the ceiling. A specially constructed viewing room allows you to observe the bats (and the pythons that prey on them) safely. The forest also hosts several primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys.

7. Experience Experiential Lion Tracking

For those who want to contribute to conservation, the park offers lion tracking research. You join a team of researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program as they use radio collars to locate specific lion prides. This “behind-the-scenes” access provides deep insights into predator behavior and the challenges of wildlife management. It remains one of the most educational things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

8. Birdwatching at Lake Munyanyange

With over 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder’s paradise. Lake Munyanyange, a seasonal salt lake, attracts thousands of lesser and greater flamingos between August and November. You can also spot the majestic African Fish Eagle, the rare Shoebill stork, and colorful kingfishers throughout the park’s various habitats.

9. Meet the Kikorongo Women’s Community

Cultural immersion adds a vital layer to any safari. The Kikorongo Women’s Community offers workshops where you can learn traditional weaving or watch energetic dance performances. Purchasing their handmade crafts directly supports local families and preserves ancestral skills.

The center, founded in 2007, provides sustainable livelihoods for widows and former poachers’ families through tourism. Beyond vibrant drumming and dance performances, you can join workshops to weave natural fiber baskets or create colorful paper-bead jewelry. Purchasing these crafts directly funds community health and education while preserving vital ancestral skills

10. Stand at the Equator

The equator line crosses right through the northern sector of the park. You can stop at the iconic circular monuments for a photo opportunity. It is a simple but essential “must-do” that marks your journey into the southern hemisphere.

Activities at a Glance

Why Queen Elizabeth National Park is a Must-Visit

This park succeeds because it offers variety. You can spend your morning in a humid gorge with primates and your afternoon on a sunny channel surrounded by hippos. The sheer range of ecosystems ensures that every day brings a discovery. By participating in these things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you help sustain the delicate balance between the local communities and the wild animals that share this landscape.

Conclusion 

At Jackal Adventures, we pride ourselves on being the local experts for Uganda’s wild spaces. We understand that a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park requires careful timing and an expert guide to find the most elusive animals. Our custom safaris prioritize your comfort while delivering the raw, authentic adventure you crave. From the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the hidden depths of Kyambura Gorge, we handle every permit and logistical detail. Trust Jackal Adventures to turn these things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park into a seamless, life-changing journey. We don’t just show you the animals; we connect you with the heart of Uganda.