Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the country’s most popular and diverse protected areas. Covering 1,978 square kilometers, the park is named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who visited in 1954. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which include savannahs, lush wetlands, volcanic craters, and the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers visitors a rich tapestry of wildlife, scenic beauty, and a range of activities.

Nature and Vegetation

Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by its diverse habitats, which include savannah grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and volcanic craters. The park’s vegetation ranges from open grasslands and acacia woodlands to lush, evergreen forests.

The wetlands and swampy areas, such as those surrounding the Kazinga Channel and Kyambura Gorge, and the Maramagambo Forest, support a wide variety of flora and fauna contributing to the park’s ecological diversity.

Unique Features

Kazinga Channel: This natural waterway is vital for wildlife and offers spectacular boat cruises. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, drawing large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. A boat cruise on the channel offers spectacular views of hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species.

Tree-Climbing Lions: The Ishasha sector of the park is renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions. These lions exhibit a rare behavior of resting and hunting from the branches of fig trees, offering a unique safari experience.

Crater Lakes: The park is dotted with numerous volcanic crater lakes, such as Lake Katwe and Lake Bunyampaka. These lakes are often visited for their stunning views and the unique wildlife they support, including various bird species.

Bat Cave: Within the Maramagambo Forest, visitors can explore a bat cave that is home to a large population of fruit bats. This cave is a fascinating feature of the forest’s ecosystem.

Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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Wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, leopards, hyenas, and various antelope species such as Ugandan kob, waterbuck, bushbuck, and topi. The park is also known for its large herds of elephants and buffaloes that roam the savannah and wetlands.

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Birds

With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Key species include the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, crested crane, bald ibis, and the great white pelican. The diverse habitats within the park, from wetlands to forested areas, provide opportunities to spot a wide range of avian species.

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Kyambura Gorge

Often referred to as the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a lush rainforest in the park’s eastern section. It is famous for its population of chimpanzees, and guided treks offer visitors the chance to see these primates in their natural habitat.

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Maramagambo Forest

This forest is known for its biodiversity, including primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys and olive baboons. A notable feature is the bat cave, home to large colonies of bats and Pythons that feed on the bats, providing a unique and intriguing aspect of the forest ecosystem.

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Lake Edward & Lake George

These two lakes, connected by the Kazinga Channel, are central to the park’s ecosystem. Lake Edward is a serene, remote lake that supports a range of wildlife and offers excellent bird-watching opportunities. Lake George is renowned for its beautiful scenery and is often visited during boat cruises.

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Katwe Salt Lake

This ancient salt lake, located in the northern part of the park, is used by local communities for salt extraction. The lake’s salt pans and surrounding landscape provide a stark contrast to the park’s greener areas and offer insight into traditional salt mining practices.

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Ishasha Sector

Known for its tree-climbing lions, the Ishasha sector is a unique part of the park. Game drives in this area offer the opportunity to see these rare lions and other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and various antelopes.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game Drives:

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers excellent game drives through its varied landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, and wetlands. Visitors can see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes, as well as predators like lions and leopards during wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Boat Cruise:

A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a highlight of any visit. The cruise provides close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, as well as stunning scenery along the channel’s banks.

Chimpanzee Tracking

In the Kyambura Gorge, visitors can track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The gorge’s lush rainforest is home to a community of chimpanzees, and guided walks offer the chance to observe these primates up close. Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest a neighbouring forest where similar rainforest conditions provide a habitat for chimpanzees.

Nature Walks:

Guided nature walks are available in various parts of the park, including the Maramagambo Forest and the Crater Lakes area. These walks offer an opportunity to explore the park’s flora and fauna in greater detail and enjoy its scenic beauty.

Visit to Bat Cave:

Explore the bat cave in Maramagambo Forest to see a large colony of fruit bats. The cave offers a fascinating glimpse into the forest’s nocturnal life.

Wildlife Viewing in Ishasha:

The Ishasha sector is renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Game drives in this area offer the chance to see these unique lions resting in the branches of fig trees, as well as other wildlife such as elephants and buffaloes.

How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is accessible by both road and air, making it a convenient destination for travelers.

By Road: The park is located approximately 400 kilometers from Kampala, and the drive takes about 7-8 hours via the Kampala-Mbarara route. There are several entry points to the park, including the main gate at Mweya Peninsula and the Ishasha sector in the south.

By Air: Scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya, Kasese or Kihihi Airstrip are available depending on which side of the park you are going to. The flights take about 1-1.5 hrs providing a quick and scenic way to reach the park.
Charters are also available on request.

Accommodation Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, including luxury lodges, midrange facilities, and budget campsites. Options include buildings, cottages, safari tents, and camping tents.

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains, Katara Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp, and Buffalo Safari Lodge luxury lodges offering stunning views of the park’s landscapes and top-notch amenities.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp in Ishasha provides an exclusive experience in the southern part of the park.

Midrange: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, Enshema Game Lodge, Elephant Hub, and Kyangabi Crater Resort offer comfortable and affordable accommodations with beautiful views of the park’s scenery. These lodges provide well-appointed cottages or safari tents and are ideal for travelers seeking comfort without the luxury price tag.

Budget: For budget travelers, Bush Lodge within the park offers simple but comfortable accommodations. Others are: Pumba safari cottages and Irungu forest safari lodge. These options provide an authentic safari experience with essential amenities and proximity to the park’s attractions.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources and the park’s roads are more accessible.

The wet seasons from March to May and September to November bring lush greenery and can be ideal for bird watching, though some areas may become muddy and challenging for game drives.

Conservation Efforts

Queen Elizabeth National Park plays a crucial role in the conservation of Uganda’s wildlife and ecosystems. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and conservation partners focus on protecting the park’s diverse habitats and wildlife from poaching and habitat destruction. Community conservation programs aim to involve local communities in wildlife protection and provide benefits through tourism, fostering a positive relationship between conservation and sustainable development.

Tips for Visitors

Packing: Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors is recommended for safaris. Include a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for nature walks.

Safari Gear: Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are essential for wildlife and bird photography.

Length of Stay: A 3-4 day stay allows visitors to fully experience the park’s diverse activities, including game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and exploration of the crater lakes.

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