The Park Where Lions Climb Trees
Queen Elizabeth National Park sits astride the equator in western Uganda, flanked by Lake Edward to the south and Lake George to the north, with the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains — the legendary "Mountains of the Moon" — rising above the western horizon. It is one of the most biologically diverse parks anywhere on Earth, with over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species recorded within its borders.
The park's most famous residents are the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector in the south. Lions are not supposed to climb trees — yet the prides of Ishasha routinely lounge in the branches of giant fig trees, seemingly surveying their domain from above. No one knows exactly why they developed this behaviour; it has been observed here and in a small area of Tanzania's Lake Manyara, nowhere else in Africa.
The Kazinga Channel
Running through the heart of the park, the Kazinga Channel links Lake George and Lake Edward. A two-hour boat cruise on the channel is considered one of Africa's great wildlife experiences — the banks are lined with hundreds of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, buffalo, elephant, and waterbirds in extraordinary numbers. The channel is one of the highest concentrations of hippos on the continent.
Kigali Car Rental to Queen Elizabeth NP
Our Kigali car rental service covers the full route with a Land Cruiser V8 or Prado TXL, a professional English-speaking driver, and Uganda cross-border permit. The road from Kigali crosses at Katuna or Cyanika border, passes through Kabale and Mbarara, and enters the park from the north (Kasese) or south (Ishasha gate). We can pair this with Bwindi gorilla trekking for the ultimate Uganda safari from Kigali.
Tree-Climbing Lions
Ishasha sector — the world's only wild lions known to routinely climb trees.
Kazinga Channel
Boat safari past Africa's densest hippo concentrations and massive croc pods.
Rwenzori Mountains
The legendary "Mountains of the Moon" — snowcapped peaks on the equator.
600+ Bird Species
One of Africa's top birding destinations, including rare Albertine Rift endemics.