Queen Elizabeth National Park located in Uganda, renowned as one of the most spectacular savannah parks in the country. Spanning an impressive 764 square miles (1,978 square kilometres), it boasts an extraordinary diversity of animals and a wide range of habitats. Including marshes, lakes, woodlands, and grassland savannahs. This unique environment supports a plethora of large mammals and primates, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
One of the park’s major attractions is the opportunity for chimpanzee tracking. Visitors can embark on thrilling expeditions to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to four Big Five game animals: lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. The only member missing from this renowned group is the rhinoceros.
Situated along the western path of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is conveniently located for travellers seeking adventure. It is an ideal starting point for various exciting activities. Such as hiking in the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and engaging in gorilla and chimpanzee tracking in the renowned Kibale National Park.
Ranked as Uganda’s second-largest national park and the third-largest protected area. Queen Elizabeth National Park showcases breathtaking landscapes that captivate the imagination. Stretching from the southern shores of Lake Edward to the northern edges of Lake George, the park is connected by the magnificent Kazinga Channel. The park offers a diverse topography and stunning panoramic views. With its altitude ranging from 2,985 to 4,560 feet (910 to 1,390 meters) above sea level.
Queen Elizabeth National Park covers the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri, located in the western part of Uganda. From Kampala, Uganda’s most prominent capital city. The park is around 400 kilometres (250 miles) away. In the northeast of the park is the town of Kasese, and in the southeast is the settlement of Rubirizi.
Road travel will take 7 to 8 hours in a 4WD safari vehicle from Kampala to the park headquarters through Masaka, Mbarara, or via Mubende, Fort Portal.
A charter or scheduled flight with Aerolink Uganda or Bar Aviation Limited from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese or Mweya Airstrips is another option for getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park. From there, you can connect to the park headquarters or lodge. Where you will stay during your safari.
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s history dates back to when the Basongora pastoralists utilised the area as a grazing ground. However, a series of unfortunate events, including cattle raiding from neighbouring Bunyoro and Buganda kingdoms. And outbreaks of rinderpest and smallpox, led to a significant decline in the local population. By the turn of the 20th century, the region was depopulated mainly. With only a few surviving communities remaining near the lakes.
With the social economy of the Basongora unable to recover from these setbacks, the region became almost uninhabited. And the surviving communities had no choice but to embrace fishing as their main livelihood. This shift in human occupation allowed wildlife populations to flourish and vegetation to change significantly. Recognising the potential for conservation. The Protectorate administration decided to establish a national park in the area.
In 1906, the land north of Lake George was declared a game reserve to address concerns of unrestricted hunting by Africans and Europeans. And the increasing demand for expanding cotton and wheat farming. This move aimed to protect wildlife and preserve the ecosystem’s delicate balance within the region.
In 2006, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognised Queen Elizabeth National Park and the neighbouring Virunga National Park as “lion conservation units.” This designation acknowledges the importance of these parks in Central Africa. As potential strongholds for lion populations, provided that poaching is effectively controlled and prey species are given the necessary time to recover. The Uganda Carnivore Program and the Uganda Wildlife Authority play crucial roles in the monitoring and conservation efforts of the local lion population and other carnivores like hyenas and leopards. These organisations ensure these magnificent animals’ long-term survival and well-being through radio collaring and various conservation measures.
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda stands as a testament to the incredible wildlife prospects it offers. Renowned as the most biodiverse area in the country. The park boasts an impressive array of natural treasures, including an astounding 600 species of birds and over 95 different large animal species. Such remarkable diversity results from the park’s varied habitats, encompassing grasslands, woodlands, moist tropical forests, wetlands, freshwater rivers and lakes, and even saltwater lakes.
Covering approximately 40,000 hectares, the semi-deciduous forest at a medium altitude serves as a captivating habitat within the park. Its vegetation and thriving ecosystem provide a sanctuary for numerous species to flourish. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its significant population of game animals. The park is home to around 5,000 hippos, showcasing their majestic presence in its freshwater lakes. Additionally, the park is inhabited by approximately 2,500 elephants, which roam freely across the vast landscapes. The park also boasts a remarkable population of 10,000 buffalo, adding to the dynamic wildlife experience.
One of the park’s notable attractions is the Ishasha sector, where a unique phenomenon can be witnessed. This area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behaviour exhibited by these magnificent big cats. Observing lions perched on branches amid the park’s picturesque landscapes is a truly remarkable sight.
For those seeking encounters with primates, the Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity. Here, visitors can witness the fascinating behaviour of chimpanzees as they swing through the trees and interact with each other in their natural habitat. The gorge is also a haven for an impressive variety of bird species, adding to the park’s diverse avian population.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a haven of natural beauty and diverse wildlife in Uganda. With stunning landscapes and craters, this park offers an array of thrilling experiences.
One of the highlights of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park is the exhilarating game drive. You’ll encounter many fascinating creatures as you traverse the park’s vast landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic herds of over 10,000 buffaloes that call this park home. These magnificent animals roam freely, showcasing their strength and grace. Along the explosion crater drive, you may witness the iconic sight of elephants peacefully grazing in the crater valleys. With approximately 3,000 elephants residing in the park, chances are you’ll have a close encounter with these gentle giants.
The park is also home to various captivating wildlife, including warthogs, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, and semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelopes. As the sun sets, venture out on a night game drive to spot feline cats like lions, leopards, and genets. With a knowledgeable ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority by your side, you’ll gain insights into the intricate ecosystem of the park.
Prepare to embark on a boat tour along the renowned Kazinga Channel. This waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward as a meeting point for diverse wildlife. As you cruise along, you’ll witness the spectacular sight of animals gathering to quench their thirst, hunt, and bathe. The Kazinga Channel is a bird lover’s paradise, with many species gracing its shores, especially during migration seasons—the sheer density and diversity of birdlife here rival North America.
Elephants drink gracefully from the channel’s shallow ends while antelopes roam the banks. Keep your camera ready to capture the awe-inspiring sight of crocodiles and hippos ruling the waters. To embark on this fascinating boat tour, go to the visitor centre in Mweya, where you can secure your tickets and prepare for a journey through a wildlife spectacle.
Step into Ishasha, a region renowned for its unusual inhabitants – tree-climbing lions. Although they belong to the same species as the lions in other parts of Uganda. These unique felines exhibit behaviour that sets them apart. Picture the awe-inspiring sight of lions perched atop fig trees, basking in the morning sunlight or seeking refuge from the afternoon’s heat. While the precise reason behind their arboreal tendencies remains a mystery. Observing these majestic creatures in their treetop domains is an experience like no other. Join a thrilling game drive in Ishasha and witness the captivating presence of these magnificent predators and the opportunity to encounter elephants, warthogs, buffalo, and more.
We are calling all bird enthusiasts! Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a haven for avian aficionados, boasting over 600 bird species. As you explore the park’s diverse habitats, be prepared to be serenaded by the melodious songs and adorned by the vibrant plumage of residents and migratory birds.
The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, from the graceful African finfoot and agile African hobby to the elegant African skimmer and the mighty Ayres’s hawk-eagle. Every step through the park reveals new sightings, such as the black bee-eater, black-rumped buttonquail, wide-billed roller, common sand martin, Caspian plover, and collared pratincole, to name a few. Immerse yourself in the symphony of nature and witness the rich diversity of birdlife that flourishes within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Prepare to enter the fascinating realm of Kyambura Gorge, aptly called “the Valley of the Apes.” This extraordinary location within Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to one of its most iconic primate species – the chimpanzee. Embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking adventure guided by experienced trackers who will lead you deep into the gorge’s lush terrain.
With every step, anticipation builds as you listen to these intelligent creatures’ sounds. Suddenly, you catch a glimpse of a chimpanzee swinging effortlessly through the trees or engaging in playful interactions with fellow troop members. The experience is awe-inspiring, offering an intimate connection with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
Finding the perfect accommodation is essential to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Fortunately, the park offers a range of lodging options to suit every preference and budget. Choose from budget-friendly lodges and mid-range establishments, or indulge in the luxurious comforts of high-end resorts.
Each lodging choice allows you to experience the authentic charm of a safari stay, with traditional safari bandhas crafted from natural materials, providing a harmonious blend of comfort and immersion in nature. Options such as Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Katara Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Bush Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, and many others offer exceptional experiences tailored to your interests and financial considerations.
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