Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari During AFCON 2027: Big Game on the Way to the Gorillas

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited savannah park and is perfectly placed for AFCON 2027 visitors who want gorillas and big game in one trip. The park stretches from the crater lakes near Fort Portal in the north down to the Ishasha plains on the edge of Bwindi in the south, so you can drive through it on the way to your gorilla trek. In June and July — the AFCON months — the dry season makes game drives more productive and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise even more rewarding as animals congregate near the water.

Why Queen Elizabeth fits an AFCON 2027 trip

The park’s geographic position is its biggest advantage for AFCON travellers. It sits between Kampala and Bwindi on the most common safari route through western Uganda. Instead of making a dedicated detour to a separate park, you pass through Queen Elizabeth on your way to the gorillas. This means you can add a savannah safari to your gorilla trek with very little extra travel time.

If you are watching matches in Kampala, a typical route runs: Kampala → Fort Portal/Kibale (chimpanzees) → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi (gorillas) → return via Lake Mburo or fly out from Kihihi/Kisoro. For fans watching matches in Hoima, Murchison Falls is the closer park — but Queen Elizabeth offers a different ecosystem and the unique Kazinga Channel experience.

What to see and do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel boat cruise

The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometre natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward. The afternoon boat cruise (usually departing at 2:00–3:00 PM) is a highlight of almost every Uganda safari. From the boat you will see:

• Hippos: Enormous pods, often dozens at a time, some within metres of the boat.
• Elephants: Herds coming to drink and bathe along the shore.
• Buffaloes: Large herds on the banks, especially in the dry season.
• Water birds: Pelicans, fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, cormorants and many more. Queen Elizabeth has over 600 recorded bird species.
• Crocodiles: Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.

During the June–July dry season, the channel banks become even more productive as animals rely on it as their primary water source. This is one of the best wildlife boat experiences in East Africa.

Kasenyi plains game drives

The open grasslands in the northern sector of the park offer classic savannah game drives. The Kasenyi plains are home to large herds of Uganda kob (Uganda’s national animal), buffaloes, elephants and warthogs. Lions and hyenas hunt here, and early morning drives (starting at 6:30 AM) offer the best chance of seeing predators active. In the dry season, the shorter grass makes animals much easier to spot from a vehicle.

Ishasha tree-climbing lions

The southern Ishasha sector is famous worldwide for its tree-climbing lions, which rest in the branches of large fig and sycamore trees — a behaviour rarely seen elsewhere. Spotting a lion draped across a branch high above the savannah is a unique photographic opportunity. Ishasha is also on the direct road from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi’s Buhoma and Ruhija sectors, making it a natural stopover on the way to your gorilla trek.

Lion sightings are never guaranteed — these are wild animals — but experienced guides know which trees the lions prefer, and sightings are regular in the dry season when lions seek shade from the heat.

Kyambura Gorge (chimpanzees)

Kyambura Gorge, also known as the Valley of Apes, is a narrow, steep-sided gorge within Queen Elizabeth that is home to a small habituated chimpanzee community. Chimpanzee tracking here is more affordable (around US$50) than at Kibale and offers a dramatic landscape setting. However, the group is small and less predictable than Kibale’s, so sightings are not guaranteed. If you have time, it is worth adding — if not, prioritise Kibale for chimps.

Crater lakes and the Explosion Craters drive

The northern edge of Queen Elizabeth features dozens of volcanic crater lakes, formed by ancient eruptions along the Albertine Rift. The Explosion Craters driving route passes through rolling hills dotted with emerald-green lakes. It is one of the most scenic drives in Uganda and makes a beautiful half-day activity, especially in clear dry-season conditions.

Wildlife you can expect in June and July

The dry season is one of the best times for wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth. Here is what you are likely to see:

• Elephants: Large herds, especially near the Kazinga Channel and in the Ishasha sector.
• Buffaloes: Herds of several hundred in the Kasenyi and Ishasha areas.
• Lions: Both plains lions in Kasenyi and tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
• Leopards: Present but elusive. Night drives (where permitted) increase your chances.
• Hippos: Abundant in the Kazinga Channel and both lakes.
• Uganda kob: Very common on the Kasenyi plains, including the famous kob mating grounds.
• Chimpanzees: In Kyambura Gorge (tracking available).
• Birds: Over 600 species recorded, making it one of Africa’s top birding destinations.

The only member of the Big Five you will not find here is the rhinoceros. For rhinos, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the Kampala–Murchison Falls route.

Sample itineraries combining Queen Elizabeth and gorillas

5-day trip: Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi gorillas

1. Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park (6–7 hours). Evening game drive or rest at your lodge.
2. Day 2: Morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
3. Day 3: Drive through Ishasha, looking for tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi (3–4 hours from Ishasha to Buhoma/Ruhija).
4. Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
5. Day 5: Return to Kampala by road (8–10 hours) or fly from Kihihi airstrip.

This is the most popular combination for AFCON fans with a 6-day gap between matches. See our 5-Day Gorillas, Wildlife and Lake Bunyonyi Safari for a ready-made version.

7-day trip: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi

1. Day 1: Kampala to Fort Portal/Kibale area.
2. Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
3. Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth. Afternoon crater lakes drive.
4. Day 4: Kasenyi game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
5. Day 5: Ishasha tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi.
6. Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
7. Day 7: Return to Kampala or fly out.

This covers Uganda’s three flagship wildlife experiences in one circuit. See the 7-Day Uganda Primates Safari package.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation ranges from basic bandas inside the park to luxury safari lodges on the crater rim:

• Budget: UWA bandas at Mweya or community guesthouses near the park gates. From US$30–60 per night.
• Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge, Bush Lodge Queen Elizabeth. Comfortable rooms with good food and guiding. From US$120–200.
• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge (iconic location on the Mweya Peninsula), Kyambura Gorge Lodge (set above the gorge with dramatic views). From US$350–600.
• Ishasha sector: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enjojo Lodge — smaller, intimate camps ideal for the tree-climbing lions area.

During AFCON 2027, lodges in the gorilla and safari circuit may be busier than usual. Book well in advance, especially if you need rooms for a group.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth from AFCON host cities

From Kampala: 6–7 hours by road via the Masaka–Mbarara highway, then north to Kasese/Katunguru. Alternatively, drive via Fort Portal (7–8 hours), which works if you are visiting Kibale first.

From Hoima: About 5–6 hours, routing south through Fort Portal.

All transfers are by private 4×4 with a driver-guide. See our private safari with driver-guide page for details.

Park fees and costs

• Park entry (foreign non-resident): US$40 per person per 24-hour period.
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise: US$30 per person.
• Kyambura chimpanzee tracking: US$50 per person.
• Game drive vehicle: Included when you travel with a private safari operator.

For a full cost breakdown of an AFCON safari, see our AFCON 2027 safari budget guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

You can see four of the Big Five: elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards. Rhinos are not present in the park. For a complete Big Five experience, add Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to your itinerary.

Are tree-climbing lions guaranteed in Ishasha?

No. Tree-climbing lion sightings are regular but never guaranteed — they are wild animals. Experienced guides know the favourite trees and sightings are common in the dry season when lions seek shade.

Is Queen Elizabeth worth it if I am also visiting the Masai Mara in Kenya?

Yes. The ecosystems are different — Queen Elizabeth offers the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, crater lakes, chimpanzees and the Ishasha tree-climbing lions, none of which are available in the Mara. And critically, it is on the road to Bwindi, so visiting it adds almost no extra travel.

How many days should I spend in Queen Elizabeth?

Two full days covers the highlights well — a game drive, the boat cruise and an Ishasha visit. One day is enough if you are passing through on the way to Bwindi and want only the boat cruise and a brief game drive. Three days allows a more relaxed pace with crater lake exploration and optional chimp tracking in Kyambura.