Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda – Wildlife, Boat Safaris, and Community

Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Guide: Tree-Climbing Lions, Hippos, and Chimps

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), nestled in Western Uganda, sprawls across nearly 1,978 km² and is the country’s most visited savannah destination, drawing a quarter of all national park tourists. Its diverse ecosystems — from open grasslands and woodlands to wetlands and forested gorges — support over 95 mammal species and more than 600 birds.

Growing wildlife populations

Despite continent-wide declines, QENP has seen remarkable wildlife recovery. Populations of elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes have increased significantly. The park offers unique wildlife spectacles — such as lions that climb fig trees in the Ishasha sector and vast congregations of hippos and crocodiles along the Kazinga Channel.

Key wildlife highlights include:

• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha — one of only two such populations in the world.

• Over 4,000 elephants and 10,000 buffaloes.

• Approximately 5,000 hippos, with the Kazinga Channel hosting one of the world’s largest hippo concentrations.

• Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, warthog, leopard, spotted hyena, and Nile crocodile.

Diversified tourism offerings

QENP has strategically expanded tourism experiences beyond traditional game drives:

• Boat Safaris along the 32 km Kazinga Channel, offering scenic wildlife viewing and birding.

• Chimp Trekking in Kyambura Gorge, exploring forest primates and biodiversity.

• Forest Walks through Maramagambo with its bat caves and python sightings.

• Experiential Tourism engages visitors directly in conservation research supporting lion tracking, mongoose monitoring, bird counts, and hippo censuses.

• Agro-Tourism & Cultural Visits, including salt-mining tours at Katwe, agro walks on the Kichwamba escarpment, and cultural performances with local communities.

• Hot-air balloon safaris offering aerial views — a novelty inspired by nearby Murchison Falls Park.

Economic growth & community impact

Tourism at QENP delivers substantial economic value:

• Entrance fees and tourism services generate millions per year, contributing to Uganda’s tourism sector — about 7.6% of GDP — and part of the government’s ≥ $5 billion tourism revenue goal by 2028.

• Each USD spent yields $5.67 in production and $2.03 in household income locally — far outperforming other parks.

• From 2021–22 and 2022–23, the Uganda Wildlife Authority shared UGX 1.539 billion (20% of gate revenues) with 12 neighboring districts, empowering local development.

Conservation, community & culture

QENP merges ecological integrity with community inclusion:

• Anti-poaching efforts and habitat restoration are backed by UWA, technology, and local involvement.

• Revenue-sharing and cultural tourism like the Leopard Village and Kikorongo cultural performances have created alternative income streams and strengthened conservation awareness.

• Tourist experiences are further enriched by community-led agro-walks, cave tours (Nyanz’ibiri), and salt-mining visits at Katwe Salt Lake.

A model for sustainable tourism

As Uganda pursues expansion in tourism revenue and sustainable livelihoods, QENP stands at the core of that vision — a dynamic, flourishing destination where wildlife and human well-being grow in tandem.

Over decades, Queen Elizabeth National Park has evolved from a game reserve into a multifaceted wildlife tourism powerhouse marked by thriving fauna, expanded visitor experiences, and deep-rooted community benefits, setting a benchmark in sustainable tourism for Uganda and the region. Explore more about QENP with Lionking Safaris