Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a landscape of incredible variety, where golden savannahs meet volcanic explosion craters and shimmering wetlands. The park is framed by the jagged, snow-capped ‘Mountains of the Moon’ in the distance, providing a spectacular backdrop for your safari adventures. One of the most unique sights here is the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, who lounge in the branches of ancient fig trees to escape the midday heat. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel allows you to glide past massive pods of hippos and hundreds of waterbirds in a peaceful, aquatic parade. It is a place where every turn reveals a new ecosystem, from the dense Maramagambo Forest to the open plains where elephants and buffalo roam freely.

• Where it is: Western Uganda, spanning the equator.
• What you can expect to see: Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and volcanic explosion craters.
• How much it is to get in: ~$40 USD per day for non-residents.
• What people say: Visitors rave about the tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior found in only a few places in Africa.
• Interesting fact: The park was named after Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her 1954 visit.