Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular and most scenic tourist destination loved by tourists that visit on a Uganda safari. Combined with Kigezi and the Kyambura Wildlife Reserves they form one of Africa’s the most varied ecosystems. Queen Elizabeth stretches from the scenic crater lakes region on the foothill of the towering Rwenzori Ranges extending along Lake Edward’s shores to the distant River Ishasha in the southern part of the park.
The water from the melting glaciers on Mt. Rwenzori form a large network of wetlands that include two big lakes; Lake George and Lake Edward, plus the Kazinga Channel that connects these two beautiful lakes. The lakes’ shores have large schools of hippos which you can see during your Uganda Safari here. Therefore Queen Elizabeth national park consists of open savannah area with Euphorbia plus Acacia trees hence offering habitat to; topi, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Uganda Kobs, hyenas, elephants, leopards as well as lions. Queen Elizabeth national park has 10 primate species including; chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys and also l’hoest’s monkey. within the park. The park also prides in a bird-list of more than 600species and it the best bird watching destination in Uganda.
What To Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park;
Game Drives.
Done both morning and late afternoons through well- managed tracks along which visitors can see wildlife. A number of these go through the mating grounds of the Uganda Kob. During the game drive expect to see lions, forest hogs, elephants, Buffaloes, bushbucks and also warthogs.
In the south of the Mweya Peninsula are the rare tree climbing lions. Our well-experienced safari guides are very knowledgeable on where to best spot a pride of lions or even Leopards.
Boat Trip on the Kazinga Channel.
Therefore take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel whose banks has thousands of hippos; so offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to see the different wildlife at close proximity. You will also view large hippos yawning as well as different birds including several migrant waterbird species. Close to the water banks, you will also see enormous hippos, buffaloes, and elephants soaking in the shallow muddy waters.
Nature Walks in the Maramagambo Forest, Explore the Bats Cave.
As you explore the floor of the Maramagambo will be able to see several forest birds, different primates, butterflies as well as several tree species. So the cracks on the floor of the Bats Caves are Pythons that normally feed on the numerous bats.
Bird Watching.
This park prides in a bird-list of 600 species and therefore our trained guides are familiar with the most amazing spots to see them. Therefore, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best bird watching destination in Uganda; a keen bird watcher can see up to 200 different species in a single day. Some of the species you will also see include- the Shoebill Stork, African fish eagle, African skimmer and many others.
We recommend 2 to 3 days for a more rewarding birding experience.
The Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha Area.
The Ishasha area found in the southern section of the park. It has giant fig and acacia trees in which you will also see the unique tree-climbing lions. The tree climbing lions in Ishasha make Queen Elizabeth national park a must visit place while on safari to Uganda. Large troops of monkeys including the colobus monkeys also visit the banks of River Ishasha. Also, other animals commonly seen grazing in this area include; buffaloes, Topi, and Uganda Kobs.
Visit the Traditional Salt Works.
The park is also famous for the volcanic features for salt mining like Katwe salt lake. Therefore visit Uganda’s salt works industry at Lake Katwe during your Uganda Safari into Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ever since the 14th Century, the locals have been mining salt here using traditional methods. They produce most salt during the dry months.
Track Chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge.
The Kyambura Gorge was created by the thrashing waters of River Kyambura; that also offers verdant riverine forest which has the highest concentration of primates including chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National park. This 100m deep gorge is also has a variety of bird species. Therefore enjoy a guided nature walks as well as track chimpanzees in this gorge.
Other Facts about Queen Elizabeth National Park
Temperatures: Average minimum 18°C, and average maximum of 28°C.
Wet season: March to May and also September to November with average rainfall ranges of 750mm – 1250mm
Getting to Queen Elizabeth national park;
- Kampala via Mbarara to Queen Elizabeth national park (420km)
- Kampala via Fort portal and Kasese to Queen Elizabeth national park (410km)
Accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National park.
There are a number of accommodations within and outside the park depending on your budget.
- Mweya safari lodge
- Ihamba lakeside safari lodge
- Simba safari lodge
- Marafiki safari lodge