Queen Elizabeth NP & Rwenzori
Tree-climbing lions and mountain peaks 🦁🏔️
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to the proximity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border and the presence of armed groups, government agencies (including the US, UK, and CA) advise travelers to reconsider travel to this region. Specific advice warns against travel within 5km of the DRC border and to Queen Elizabeth National Park's Ishasha sector without organized security. Families should stick strictly to main tourist circuits with reputable operators and consult their government's latest travel advisories.
Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is one of Uganda's most popular destinations due to its incredible variety of ecosystems, from crater lakes to open savannah. For families, the absolute highlight is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This two-hour trip connects Lake Edward and Lake George and hosts one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos. It is a relaxing, safe way to see nature without the 'are we there yet?' complaints of a long car ride; elephants, buffaloes, and monitor lizards are almost guaranteed sightings along the banks.
In the southern Ishasha sector, the famous tree-climbing lions are the main draw. Seeing a pride of lions lounging in the branches of fig trees is a unique sight that delights children and adults alike. To the north, the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) provide a stunning backdrop. While technical climbing is for experts, there are shorter nature walks in the foothills suitable for active families, offering waterfalls and chameleon sightings.
Nearby Fort Portal is a clean, friendly town known as the tourism city of Uganda. It serves as a great base to explore the Crater Lakes region, where you can hike to scenic viewpoints or stay in lodges perched on crater rims. The region is also home to chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge and Kibale Forest (nearby), though tracking them usually has a minimum age limit (often 12 or 15). For younger kids, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a swamp walk full of monkeys and colorful birds.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
A world-class destination featuring the unique combination of equatorial glaciers and savanna wildlife, including the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Peak dry seasons (Jan-Feb, Jun-Jul) offer optimal wildlife viewing and clear views of the 'Mountains of the Moon'; heavy rains in April and October make tracks difficult and wildlife harder to spot.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers profound learning opportunities regarding equatorial glaciology, volcanic activity, and conservation biology in one of Africa's most biodiverse regions. Peak conditions allow for guided explorations of the explosion craters and Kazinga Channel research stations; wet seasons limit access to sensitive geological and ecological sites.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Home to the Rwenzori Mountains, offering world-class trekking and technical mountaineering that rivals the best alpine circuits globally. Peak months provide the necessary dry conditions for safe summit attempts and clear navigation; the high precipitation in off-months makes trails dangerously slippery and obscures the iconic peaks.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Sophisticated eco-lodges situated on crater rims provide high-end spa facilities and meditative views of the Rift Valley. Drier months with lower humidity (55-60%) are ideal for outdoor wellness activities, whereas the intense rainy seasons can lead to persistent dampness and restricted outdoor access.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Explosion Crater Drive and the route along the Rwenzori foothills offer some of East Africa's most dramatic scenic driving. Peak months ensure the unpaved park roads and mountain tracks are navigable for high-end safari vehicles, while the heavy rains of the off-season create hazardous mud conditions and poor visibility.
