Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most known savanna park in Uganda and the best place to see lions like tree climbing lions making it the perfect destination for a Uganda Wildlife Safari. It is famous for a great diversity of habitats which include lakes, savannah grasslands, forests, wetlands that serve as a home to the biggest variety of large mammals in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth is the second largest national park in Uganda, approximately 400 kilometres from the main town of Uganda (Kampala).
The park is situated in Western Uganda and it covers several spanning districts of Kamwenge, Rubirizi, Rukungiri Kabarole and Kasese. The park is the most visited measuring a total area of about 1978 square kilometres of its land and is the best centre of Uganda’s wildlife with over 95 mammals like unique tree climbing lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, Uganda Kobs among many others ,620 bird species ,10 species of primates like the endangered chimpanzees, black and white monkeys, blue monkeys, reptiles, beautiful variety of butterflies and many others. The park is recognized to harbour a wide range of ecosystems with different animal species and it is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Queen Elizabeth is dominated by waterbodies of Lake George ,Lake Katwe , Kazinga Channel,River Mubuku, Kilembe among others .
Attractions at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kyambura game reserve
Delve into the mystical Kyambura Gorge also known as the valley of apes. Embark on a guided trek to encounter a large population of habituated chimpanzees providing a rare opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Lake Katwe
Lake Katwe is a hypersaline lake located in the district of Kasese. It is also known as a salt water lake with intense vibration and high salt concentration. It has a rich history of salt mining by local communities.
Kazinga channel
Explore the scenic Kazinga channel on a boat safari and witness the incredible variety of wildlife that congregates along its banks. From hippos and crocodiles to numerous bird species, this water way offers an exceptional opportunity to observe and photograph wildlife close.
Ishasha sector
Ishasha sector is famous because of the unique tree climbing lions. The Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth is dominated by Candelabra trees with big branches that allow lions to hung up. There are also savannah world trees like the acacia trees Ishasha is the only part of East Africa where you find tree climbing lions with ease. The lions at Ishasha are exceptional attraction and they make the highlight for the safari in taken with in the park. The presence of the Kobs in Ishasha attracts lions and big cats like leopards. The presence of the Kobis partly the reason why these climb big fig trees In Ishasha sector at Queen Elizabeth national park. the different kinds of trees at Ishasha give lions an ambiance of relaxation, shade and the spying site for other animals and look down for glorious food(Kob)feeding in the field . In addition to the amazing tree climbing lions, Ishasha has numerous antelopes, large herds of cattle ,huge herds of elephants crossing through Queen Elizabeth running away from the morning sun with their big tummies full of food from the night’s meal ,these are the so called African elephants because their ears are shaped like the African map.
Equator
One of the attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Equator monument that is found in Kikorongoro. At this landmark you can take a number of photos that will always remind you of the pearl of Africa when you get back home. This is the most recognised landmark on the map of Uganda. It is the major latitude that divides the world into two equal hemispheres i.e. the Northern hemisphere and the Southern hemisphere. A number of understandable experiments are demonstrated by the guide at the equator to show evidence that it is the centre of gravity of the whole world. The equator has a number of landmarks i.e. Kayabwe on Masaka road. The temperature is slightly higher at the equator compared to other areas
News about this monument in Queen Elizabeth is the earlier allegation about wrecking it down for the expansion of the road in Kikorongoro which was finally reconstructed the road repaired.
The landscape
Queen Elizabeth has it all. From the best safari adventures to landscapes which make you feel like a king or a queen. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Rwenzori mountains, the park boosts an incredible variety of ecosystems including bast savannas, lash, humid forests harbouring primates like chimpanzees, sparkling lakes and the Kazinga channel bustling with hippos, buffaloes and elephants, fertile wetlands, a sanctuary for migratory birds and other aquatic life
Wildlife
Elephants and buffalo are very common throughout the Queen Elizabeth National Park, lions are surprisingly easy to spot on the Kasenyi and Ishasha plains. The most common are Uganda Kob, defassa waterbuck, bushbuck only at Ishasha. Hippos and crocodiles common at Kazinga channel. The park is a home of 95 mammals and over 600bird species. The trees at the park provide habitat for more animals like fallow, roe deer, badgers, tawny owls and red kites. The edge of woodlands and forest is such a rich habitat for wildlife because of the many layers of vegetation that exist between the downland grasses and the trees.
Local communities /cultural tours
Cultural tours /interaction with the local people around Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most enlighting activities to do on a safari. Cultural experiences broaden knowledge the peculiar ways of different people as you connect with their cultures. The cultural groups around Queen Elizabeth National Park are just a portion of 56 tribes in Uganda for example the Basongora, Bakonjo, Banyabindi among others. So, you can visit Leopard village /Muhokya village, Kikorongo women community cultural visit, Nyanzibiri Cave community, Agro walking tour, Katwe Tourism. Information Centre.
Omwaani (coffee plantations)
One can visit the omwaani women cooperative coffee making business during their stay at the park, this coffee plantation hosts more than 1500 trees of Arabic coffee plus the robusta coffee plants
There is also omwaani training cafe, a convenient step over for anyone at the park and it just off the main road (Kichwamba Escarpment, Kyambura),
The coffee plantation tour is something unique that you will love to your itinerary if you a coffee lover. Your experience at Omwaani Women Cooperation’s coffee plant will take your Ugandan coffee experience to another level.
Lake Bunyampaka
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure amidst the natural wonders of Queen Elizabeth where the enchanting Lake Bunyampaka beckons. There is a very good view of flamingos
Activities at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kazinga boat Cruise
This is a whole experience to all visitors that come the park. Kazinga channel is water channel that connects to Lake George and Lake Edward together, It is a 40km long stream of water located beneath the famous Mweya peninsular just near Mweya Safari lodge
The boat crise at Kazinga channel is said to be the highlight of any Uganda safari. The boat cruise is a 3–4-hour activity that is conducted by professional guides. Theses guides help to give all the information about the cruise and the history of Kazinga channel plus all the explanations you want to know about the wildlife along the shores of Kazinga channel during the boat cruise .this boat cruise is done twice a day, in the morning it starts at 11 am and ends at 1pm , the evening cruise starts at 3pm and ends at 5pm ,All the bookings are done at Mweya offices and you book a shift according to your preference.
Game drives
There are marvellous game drives that a traveller/tourist can engage in at Queen Elizabeth National Park The best season for game driving in Queen Elizabeth us during the dry season between months if June to September, and January to February .during the dry season the trucks are dry ,the grass is short these reasons make game viewing better and clearer .on the game drives one will be able to see tree climbing lions of Ishasha and do some lion tracking at lion tracking research in the Kasenyi plains ,can also see buffalo herds ,the beautiful Uganda Kobs ,elephants, hippos, warthogs among others.
Lion tracking
Lion tracking is an interesting activity that is loved by many tourists. It involves tracking the lions with a radiator collar in Kasenyi plains. It is real research and is conducted by professional research from the Uganda carnivore Program (UCP) Lion tracking is mainly done in Kasenyi plains and there are a lot of lessons from the African lions and also get closer to the king of Jungle. The lion tracking is done by a limited number od people to avoid interference with the natural balance of the wilderness, allow deeper learning lion habits and most importantly give you fabulous lion tracking experience.
Chimpanzee tracking
This is yet another interesting activity done in the Kyambura gorge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The presence of the funny primates has give Kyambura gorge names like the valley of apes , the valley of comedy among others .Kyambura is indeed gorgeous . It is a strip of a rain forest cutting across vast savanna dominated area .
The chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge swing on trees and walk on the land as well. They adopt the Kyambura Gorge due to presence of rainforest and additionally the gorge is drained by Kyambura river making it a world on its own.
Birding
Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 619species of birds and some are recognized internationally. Queen Elizabeth is recognized by the International Birding Association (IBA). The adaptability of the birds come from the wide range of habitats from savanna woodlands, the forests like Maramagambo forest and Kalinzu near the park and its wetlands. Most of the birds can be viewed while on Kazinga boat cruise. birds like cormorants, kingfishers, the black bee eaters, the fly catchers, the majestic African fish eagle among others
Hiking and nature walks
hiking and nature walks are irresistible around the crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park for example the Katwe crater lake which is 27km .it will expose travellers to the wide range of interesting things like undulating hills, vast plains of savannah, view of famous Rwenzori mountains.
Katwe crater salt; you will enjoy the whole process of salt mining, and the narrative of how poor miners sacrifice to go and extract alt from the acidic lake.
Hiking can be done in Maramagambo forest, Kalinzu forest reserve and in Kyambura gorge. You can enjoy butterfly watching in Kyambura gorge, scenic viewing during crater hikes, learn about trees in Kalinzu forest, see a million of bats hanging in caves in Maramagambo forest.
Cultural encounters
These are free scroll to the African culture. During this you will enjoy the local folk dongs from the community elders. Kikongoro cultural dancers at the equator, African crafts like souvenirs from the wild Africa, the fishing sport, boat racing, fish snacking right from the water along Kazinga channel in Busiinga village.
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
The best time for wildlife viewing and chimpanzee tracking is June to September, and January to February. Game viewing and wildlife adventures can be done all year through
The dry season: This is the best time for viewing and chimpanzee trekking. this season animals are much easier to see because they are drawn to the water sources.it is the best time for game viewing, drives, nature walks.
Wet season: October to December and March to May usually mark the rainy seasons. the scenery is always green and extremely beautiful. There are always migratory birds from Europe and Northern Africa which makes it the best time for birding. during this season there are always discounts offered.
How to access Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The road can be reached on road using two routes which are both roughly 5 to 6 hours drive from Kampala. The park can be reached via Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi route(420km) or via Mubende-Fort Portal-Kasese route (410km).
By air:
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be reached from both Entebbe airport and Kajjansi airfield, the closest airports to Queen Elizabeth are Kasese, Mweya and Ishasha.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as a testament to Uganda’s rich natural heritage Its diverse ecosystems abundant wildlife and vibrant local cultures make it a unique and valuable conservation area.
