Queen Elizabeth National Park Overview

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular tourist destination and the leading wildlife viewing park, attracting the highest number of tourists among Ugandan National Parks. It spans across the western region of the country, covering Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri districts. The park is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains. To the southeast, it borders the Maramagambo Forest, and it is also bordered by Kyambura Game Reserve, Kibale National Park, and the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Queen Elizabeth National Park is especially renowned for its legendary tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

Originally named Kazinga National Park, it was renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of England to commemorate her visit to Uganda. The park is located between Lake Edward and Lake George, connected by the Kazinga Channel, which is famous for its vast number of hippos and its link to the lakes. Covering an area of 1,978 square kilometers (764 square miles), Queen Elizabeth is the second largest National Park in Uganda, after Murchison Falls National Park.

Scenic Features

The park is located at a higher altitude than Kampala, making the sky appear closer to visitors. The highest point is the Katwe explosion crater at 1,350 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is at Lake Edward, which is 910 meters above sea level.

Accommodation Options

Luxury Accommodations

1. Mweya Safari Lodge
   • Location: Situated on a peninsula, offering panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel.
   • Features: Known for its luxury, Mweya Safari Lodge offers spectacular views of wildlife, including the flow of the Nile and a variety of hippos. The lodge is one of the largest safari lodges in Africa and provides a hotel-like experience in a safari setting.
   • Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa, 24-hour security, room service, family rooms, restaurant and bar, airport shuttle, and modern private bathrooms.
   • Room Types: 46 rooms, including 4 cottages, 4 tents, 28 deluxe rooms, 6 Queen Deluxe rooms, 12 Twin Deluxe, and 2 Family Deluxe.
2. Mazike Valley Lodge (Kasenyi Section)
   • Location: Built using local materials, offering a 1920s safari style experience.
   • Features: Known for its cozy and intimate feel, the lodge is ideal for a variety of vacations including family stays and honeymoons.
   • Amenities: Restaurant, free breakfast, game room, laundry service, 24-hour security, and en-suite rooms.
   • Room Types: 8 cottages, including 3 double, 5 twin, and 3 honeymoon cottages.
3. Ishasha Wilderness Camp
   • Location: On the banks of the Ntungwe River, where wildlife like buffaloes and elephants are frequent visitors.
   • Features: A luxury camp providing exceptional hospitality, with rooms designed to blend with nature.
   • Amenities: Private entrance, garden, room service, en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, and bar.
   • Room Types: 10 Meru-styled tents.
4. Elephant Plains Lodge
   • Location: Perched on the western escarpment of the Albertine Rift, providing panoramic views of Lake George.
   • Features: Nature meets elegance, with locally sourced materials for the cottages blending into the environment.
   • Amenities: Free parking, air-conditioned rooms, spa, outdoor pool, and modern bathrooms.
   • Room Types: 10 spacious rooms with en-suite facilities and private verandas.

Mid-Range Accommodations

1. Enganzi Game Lodge
   • Location: Situated on a hill bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering breathtaking views of the wilderness.
   • Features: A cozy, nature-inspired lodge offering exceptional views and a true safari experience.
   • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, room service, restaurant, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and picnic area.
   • Room Types: 7 cottages, including twin, single, deluxe, and family rooms.
2. Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
   • Location: Located near the Kazinga Channel, this lodge is perfect for wildlife viewing and chimpanzee trekking.
   • Features: Built with canvas and local materials, offering privacy and comfort while blending with nature.
   • Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, free parking, picnic area, and air-conditioned rooms.
   • Room Types: 6 self-contained units located in the indigenous bush, including self-contained tents.
3. Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge (Kasenyi)
   • Location: Situated on the shores of Lake George, near Kahendero Fishing Village.
   • Features: A tranquil setting ideal for nature lovers, providing beautiful views of the lake and a relaxing atmosphere.
   • Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, picnic area, and air-conditioned rooms.
   • Room Types: 6 cottages with twin, double, single, and family options.

For further inquiries about any of these accommodations, please feel free to contact us. We are dedicated to providing excellent service and making your stay a memorable one.