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User Reviews of Queen Elizabeth National Park (136 Reviews)

Great Park Queen Elizabeth NP Safaris Uganda
Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 121-130 of 136 Reviews

Average User Rating

4.3529 / 5 4.4 /5
4.3588 / 5 4.4077 / 5 4.1935 / 5 4.4356 / 5

Rating Breakdown

5 star 70 / 10 70
4 star 50 / 10 50
3 star 12 / 10 12
2 star 2 / 10 2
1 star 2 / 10 2
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Female avatar icon Stana Switzerland flag CH       Visited: March 2026 Reviewed: Apr 10, 2026

Email Stana  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

5 / 5 5 /5
5 / 5 0 / 5 5 / 5 0 / 5

Animals very close and so many different species. We even found a Leopard in the trees! Safari guides very respectful towards bush and animal as there are no safari car leaving the roads!

Male avatar icon LH Canada flag CA       Visited: May 2026 Reviewed: Jun 13, 2026

Email LH  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

5 / 5 5 /5
4 / 5 4 / 5 4 / 5 4 / 5

Great trip

Male avatar icon masimba7 United Kingdom flag GB       Visited: May 2010 Reviewed: Apr 24, 2012

Email masimba7  |  50-65 years of age

My visit to QENP was brief but very enjoyable, fairly good game viewing in an exceptional setting.

4 / 5 4 /5
4 / 5 4 / 5 4 / 5 / 5
My visit to the QENP began early, leaving Kasese early in the morning before crossing the equator on the way. We drove into the Park area along a tar road, turning off the For Portal-Katunguru road toward Katwe, passing the Nyamayuka crate lake. Further on, we turned off at the QENP entrance, where I paid US$30 to enter, comparable wth many other countries. Driving along the dirt road, we headed for Mweya Safari Lodge where we had arranged to meet with friends. Along the way we saw waterbuck, buffalo, elephant and warthog. The setting is beautiful, overlooking a lake and channel, where large herds of elephants and buffalo can be seen, along with various antelope. Lunch & drinks were very pleasant but pricey (not too surprising), although the staff were very good and friendly. We took a different route out, along Leopard Trail and Leopard Loop (only suitable for 4 wheel drive) before heading onto the tar road back to Kasese. We saw as much game from the main road (before the equator)
Read more as inside the park itself, includng herds crossing in places. Heading back to Kampala next day we drove along the tar road and up to a couple of viewing areas overlooking the QENP - stunning views, and baboons on the road. Next time I hope to spend more time at QENP, perhaps in a different part of the park.
Male avatar icon snowcopito Spain flag ES       Visited: July 2008 Reviewed: May 23, 2012

Email snowcopito  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

The Uganda's National Park: The Queen Elizabeth

4 / 5 4 /5
4 / 5 3 / 5 4 / 5 / 5
It is going to be 4 years since we went to Uganda, July 2008, our second destination in Africa in the south hemisphere. Our first destination was Botswana the year before and it made our trip: Kalahari, Okawango (Moremi), Savuti, Chobe river, Victoria Falls, all a "must-see".
This time we were thinking about the high mountains of central Africa. First option was Kilimanjaro, but we couldn't; so we thought about the Mountains of the Moon. We tried to arrange a hiking up to those mountains but we didn't have enough days for it. Finally we chose Uganda because all its highlitghted places: Virunga NP, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Victoria and Queen Elizabeth Park.
We went by our own with a driver and the Bradt guide under the arm. We entered the Q.E.N.P. by Ishasha where the climbing lions live, crossing tea plantations. Unfortunately, we weren't lucky and we couldn't enjoy the beauty of these feline although we
Read more saw a variety of animals: buffalos, impalas, monkeys, elephants, antelopes, and the screams of hippos in the river... When we arrived to the camp, we met a dutch guy who showed us the climbing lions on his videocamera. That's safari, luck.
We headed towards our cottage, typical round house with three beds with mosquito net and a oil lamp. The accomodation was fair for our budget and the toilettes I don't remember, but when you are in safari...
Next day we headed to Mweya, where the Q.E.N.P. headquarters are. The trip was a tough one due to the condition of the track. It rained and the dirt road was very muddy. Finally we arrived Mweya. We couldn´t afford the Mweya Safari Lodge, but it looked great. Actually we went there for a delicious dinner and for a whisky on the rocks, all of it for a very reasonable price. If I remember well, the whisky was 2 euros. We lodged at the Mweya Hostel which was simply ok, just for sleeping. That afternoon we took the boat that goes along the Kazinga channel, an extremely recommended activity. We watched lots of animals: hippos, buffalos, elephants, cocodriles, antelopes and, over all, birds, lot of them, it was a great spectacle. And the sunset over the Lake Edward, superb.
Next day, we took a loop around the Q.E.N.P. with no luck again, no felines sighted. We exited the park and we headed towards the close Kyambura Gorge where we enjoyed watching the chimpances jumping from tree to tree and the hippos bathing. And we left behind the Q.E.N.P. stopping at the equator line enjoying a fresh Nile Special.

Conclusion: we enjoyed being at Q.E.N.P. although we weren't lucky with felines. It is a very easy-to-handle park.
Here you can take a look of one of my videos there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI_aDSUC6vk
Female avatar icon originalribenababy United Kingdom flag GB       Visited: December 2010 Reviewed: Jun 9, 2012

Email originalribenababy  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Chimps, boating and the savannah all in one

5 / 5 5 /5
5 / 5 4 / 5 5 / 5 5 / 5

I visited Uganda with Lake Kitandara Tours for just over two weeks. We had a private vehicle and our driver/guide, Matia, was fantastic!

We stayed at Hippo Hill Camp and Ishasha Wilderness Camp during our time in Queen Elizabeth NP. We also got chance to visit Mweya Safari Lodge and Katara Lodge. Personally I prefer the likes of Ishasha Wilderness Camp, for it's laid back bush camp atmosphere (with luxury little touches) but seeing other camps I understand Uganda offers a range to suit many safari goers from honeymooners to families.

Food was always good and plentiful, all western fare. Cheaper accommodations produced simpler food but still tasty.

The highlight of our time in Queen Elizabeth was seeing tree climbing lions in Ishasha (after a long time searching!); meeting chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge - and having a face off with one of the males!; listening to hippos around our tent as we slept and having an amazing birding experience on the Kazinga Channel.

Male avatar icon Steve Farrington United Kingdom flag GB       Visited: October 2016 Reviewed: Apr 16, 2017

Email Steve Farrington  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

The review below is the personal opinion of Steve Farrington and not that of SafariBookings.

driving through to hippo hill we didn't see much wildlife only a young bull elephant checking us out

3 / 5 3 /5
3 / 5 3 / 5 4 / 5 5 / 5

We stayed at Hippo Hill campsite, it was very rustic could do with an upgrade on washing facilities. The views from camp were beautiful up close to hippo's in the evening , flamingos on the salt lake in the day. We also went on an amazing boat trip that was organised through one of the parks lodges, it was great for birds with elephants on the banks of the river.

Avatar icon Daisuke Miyajima Japan flag JP       Visited: January 2018 Reviewed: Apr 10, 2018

Email Daisuke Miyajima

The review below is the personal opinion of Daisuke Miyajima and not that of SafariBookings.

No scenery and I saw barely any wildlife. Dissapointing

1 / 5 1 /5
1 / 5 1 / 5 1 / 5 1 / 5

Not very good, expected more from the reviews. Only saw hippos from a 7 day trip

Male avatar icon Phil Turner United Kingdom flag GB       Visited: November 2018 Reviewed: Dec 1, 2018

Email Phil Turner  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

5 / 5 5 /5
5 / 5 5 / 5 5 / 5 / 5

We had a fantastic time in the park, they've really kept it so natural.

Female avatar icon Sahara varny Ethiopia flag ET       Visited: November 2018 Reviewed: Feb 21, 2022

Email Sahara varny  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Bale Mountains Brilliant Tours

5 / 5 5 /5
5 / 5 5 / 5 5 / 5 5 / 5

Abdisa was our trek leader when me and three friends went for a 4 day trek through Bale. It was my first time in Ethiopia and he made us feel welcome and was really helpful in getting us what we needed, preparing for our trek, pacing us in a comfortable way, and was full of useful information about the plants and animals we were exploring. His horsemen were also really helpful and kind in preparing our campsites and sharing with us traditional Ethiopian food. I highly recommend taking this trek.

Contact Abdisa here,
Phone

Male avatar icon David Thompson United Arab Emirates flag AE       Visited: January 2016 Reviewed: Jan 18, 2016

Email David Thompson  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Rift valley, Lions, Plains, Lakes, good night sleep, Nile Special, Good Food.

5 / 5 5 /5
5 / 5 5 / 5 5 / 5 5 / 5
Mission Safari

One week from UK into the sunshine.

Party

David = 60 = Experienced
Chris = 30+ David Son = Second Safari to Uganda
Katie = First Trip to Africa = Safari
Moses = David’s regular guide & fixit +256774078821

Plan

Relax, not try to do too much, hobby is photos & generally seeing what comes.

Advice

Your guide is key, I have been with Moses many times, he is the fixer, arranger, driver, knows the people & hence can get the location from James the Ranger of where the cats are etc. Sit back.
Note that Uganda Tours are a bit like a spider web, everything comes to the centre ( Kampala )
Travel along the Radius, the spiral threads may be difficult
Lake Mburo & QE is good
Or ZIWA Rhino Reserve & Murchison Falls is good
Avoid Kampala traffic jams
Chris has been in both directions and chose the route.
Read more
Lake Mburo National Park has a family of Giraffe which is a big bonus, must make it the best park for location. We did hear a lion that is reputed to take up residence.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wonderful reliable park, Uganda is looking after wildlife well, the Elephants are tusked and in peak condition and on my last two visits have seen Lions close up and Leopard.


AIMS

None set – no time schedule – allow the good things to come

Equipment

Insect Repellent 50% DEET Pump Spray
Fuji XS1 Camera ( tried & trusted )
Fuji X PRO 1 & XC 50 to 230mm lens ( First Safari )
Fuji XA1 & XF 28mm Lens for Landscapes
Monopods

Medicine

Mefloquine weekly tablets

Transport

Emrates Newcastle, Dubai, Entebbe
Uganda ground transport Toyota HiAce Manual 4 Wheel Drive
Fuel : Moses took 800,000 shillings

Security

Met at Entebbe Airport by Moses & accompanied until back to EBB

Finance

50% Sent via Moses to various camps, car rental etc.
Rest cash on arrival & as spent.
Most fees are US dollars ( Hotel Nights / Uganda Wildlife Fees )
Uganda Shillings for Vehicle, Guide ( Daily Rate ) , Meals, Roadside Expenses, Beverages

Itinerary

Day 1 Newcastle Dubai
Day 2 Dubai Entebbe
Stay Entebbe Lakeside 2 Friends / Andrieta
Note $100 Visa on arrival may change to electronic internet fee
Day 3 Entebbe to Mabamba Wetlands 1 hour
Mabamba Wetlands Boat Trip 2½ hours
Guide Ismail = Despite the hard work of Ismail and the boat man poling the boat over beds infested by water lily roots we failed to see the elusive Shoebill Crane. Otherwise a good boating trip.
Mabamba Wetlands to Lake Mburo National Park via Equator 5½ hours
Lunch at Equator & Photos
Stay at Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest is tented accommodation at a hill top with a central restaurant serving good food & cold beverages.
Recently refurbished you get a good night sleep, it is now fitted with solar hot water and flushing toilets.
We had a dark night and stars, so dark, stars so bright, Venus almost cast a shadow before dawn.
Till you see a night like this you do not realise there is no space between the stars.
Note the track to the hill top requires a strong vehicle with 4 wheel as it is very steep, a well found two wheel may make it. Our Hiace would not entertain two wheel to get up.

Day 4 Lake Mburo Safari & Boat Ride
Bushback, Croc, Zebra, Hippo, Impala, Giraffe, Buffalo, Waterbuck
Stay at Eagles Nest
Day 5 Lake Mburo National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park 5 hours max
Katunguru Community Boat Ride along banks of Kazinga Channel
( note no park fee ) as the community is outside park $15/person 2 hours
Guide very good = boat old but presently sound
Hippo = Crocs, Elephant, Cape Buffalo – Kingfishers, Gulls, Cormorants, Herons, Eagles, etc.
Buy Park Tickets for Two Following Days at Queen Elizabeth Pavilion
Note – important to get this right, a card system operates – communication link with Kampala can be a problem & one does not want to waste Safari Time on paperwork – we had time for a coffee whilst this was completed.
Stay at Engiri Game Lodge – Lion Roars in the night
Taking my younger family members to QE Park to see the Lions I set my Guide Moses Wabwire
( +256774078821 ) to find a more pocket friendly stay than Kingfisher at the top of the escarpment. He came up with this wood & nails camp where the accommodation is in self contained cottages ( a cabin on stilts ). Each cottage has 2 twin beds ( 4 persons would be tight but ideal for a young family ) we were in two which was comfortable. Service was out of this world, greeted with hot tiles every time we appeared, the almost set menu very well cooked. Power was Solar/Generator - Running Water was not heated - hot water delivered to the cabin in plastic jerry cans if you needed it, Jan Temps we had no need. Cold beers, sodas etc. available. Bedding clean, towels, little imperial leather soaps, Sure you get the idea, note the property is bush and those travelling with children take care with the nails! not a biggie - but better have the warning. The rating considers the full board price paid. Location, short drive to national park gates but outside regulated area. Liked the sound of elephants trumpeting at night. Its a wildlife area and the security escort you to the room after dinner. I think the hippo cuts the lawn as I heard him chomping in the night
Day 6
Safari
Brilliant Morning
Hyena – before we entered the park
Lions – cubs, laid down posing for photos. Male nearby.
On way back for lunch we turned about – late lunch – mobile call received and we are off to see a female leopard – the while is snow white against the cactus tree.
Lunch – Rest
Afternoon Game Drive
Elephants – lots and lots of elephants – we watched for over an hour as they cavorted, fed, and crossed the track.
Stay at Engiri Game Lodge – Elephants Trumpet

Day 7
Disaster!
Queens Pavilion onto the Crater Trail for sight seeing.
Trail was rough – as we climbed through the bush land the vehicle was set upon by Tsetse Fly. We cannot outrun them, popup is brought down, no-where to turn around. Hammer Horror swotting the flies that made it inside. Constant guard for the rest of the circuit.
Unable to get out to take photos
Results
Katie will shake off English Fly Attacks, The floor of the van was a tsetse graveyard. You know the hydraulic action machines at fairgrounds – now you can deem them tame. Life experience!
Proceed to Mweya Safari Lodge for cold coke, coffee & check email, internet connection.
Serious Advice

Do not follow Crater Trail until conditions have been assessed!
Lunch
Evening game drive
Endless plains! Monitor Lizard – Leopard Cub
Stay at Engiri Game Lodge – A quiet night

Day 8
Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe
All Day Drive
Evening – Relax – Drinks
2 Friends / Andrieta
Day 9 Morning
Relax
Noon to Airport for EBB DXB
Day 10
DXB to EBB