If there’s one reason travelers from around the world flock to Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda, it’s the abundance of wildlife. From towering elephants to elusive leopards, from sunbathing hippos to rare birds, the park delivers one of East Africa’s richest safari experiences.
Staying at Queen Elizabeth Gorge Cottages, you’re just minutes away from game drives, boat cruises, and chimp trekking that bring you face to face with Uganda’s wildest residents.
Here’s a guide to the must-see animals and where to find them in the park.
The Big Five (and Almost Big Five)
Queen Elizabeth Park is home to four of the Big Five — missing only the rhino (which can be found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way from Kampala).
African Elephants
- Found throughout the park, especially near Mweya and Kasenyi
- Often seen cooling off at water bodies, including Kazinga Channel
African Buffalo
- Spotted in large herds in open plains and along riverbanks
- Common during game drives and boat cruises
African Lions (Including Tree-Climbing Lions)
- Found in Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha Sector
- Ishasha lions are famous for resting in fig trees — a rare behavior!
African Leopard
- Shy and solitary, best spotted during early morning or night game drives
- Common around the Mweya Peninsula and dense woodlands
Pro Tip: Book a guided night safari to improve your chances of seeing leopards and hyenas.
Primates of the Park
Queen Elizabeth is more than just a big game destination — it’s a hotspot for primate lovers too.
Chimpanzees (Kyambura Gorge)
- The “Valley of Apes” is home to a small habituated chimpanzee community
- Trekking permits required — available via UWA
Other Primates You Might See:
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys
- Olive baboons (common along roads)
- Vervet monkeys and red-tailed monkeys
- Blue monkeys in forested areas
Aquatic Giants: Hippos and Crocodiles
Hippos
- Thousands reside in the Kazinga Channel — best seen on a boat cruise
- Often seen yawning or snorting just meters from the boat
Nile Crocodiles
- Seen sunbathing on riverbanks
- Share waters with hippos, especially during dry season
Kazinga Channel is a must-do water safari. We at Queen Elizabeth Gorge Cottages can organize your trip!
Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Over 600 Species
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the best birding destinations in Africa.
Popular Bird Species Include:
- African fish eagle
- Martial eagle
- Shoebill stork (rare)
- Great white pelican
- Malachite kingfisher
- Pink-backed pelican
- Saddle-billed stork
- Papyrus gonolek
Bring binoculars and a birding checklist — especially near the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, and crater lakes.
Other Wildlife You Might Encounter
| Species | Where to Spot |
|---|---|
| Uganda kob | Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha |
| Waterbucks | Riverbanks, swampy areas |
| Warthogs | Common near roads and lodge grounds |
| Giant forest hogs | Rare, but seen in Maramagambo Forest |
| Hyenas | Mostly active at night |
| Bushbucks | Forest edges and lodge surroundings |
Safari in Queen Elizabeth Park is truly diverse , you’ll see something new every drive.
Why Stay at Queen Elizabeth Gorge Cottages?
Being close to multiple wildlife zones, we offer guests:
- Quick access to Kyambura Gorge, Kasenyi Plains, and Kazinga Channel
- Help booking game drives, night safaris, and chimpanzee trekking
- Comfortable eco-lodges with panoramic gorge views
- A peaceful retreat after your wildlife adventures
Every guest leaves with photos, memories, and sometimes… lion stories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I see the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth Park?
A: You can see four (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard). Rhinos are only at Ziwa Sanctuary.
Q: Are boat cruises good for wildlife?
A: Absolutely. You’ll see hippos, crocs, elephants, buffalo, and birds up close.
Q: What animals are best seen in Ishasha?
A: Tree-climbing lions, Uganda kob, elephants, and sometimes hyenas.
Book Your Wildlife Safari Today
From mighty elephants to shy leopards, birdwatching to chimp trekking — Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda offers something for every nature lover.
Let Queen Elizabeth Gorge Cottages be your base for a wildlife-packed adventure.
👉 Contact us now to book your stay, safari drives, boat trips, and chimpanzee permits.
