Queen Elizabeth National Park is a renowned wildlife conservation area located in southwestern Uganda. Established in 1952, it is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in the country, spanning an area of approximately 1978 sq km. Th e park is named after Queen Elizabeth 11 of England to commemorate her visit to Uganda in 1954.
Situated within the Albertine Rift valley in Western Uganda, the park showcases a diverse and stunning landscape comprising vast Savannah plains, dense forests, sparkling lakes and rolling hills. It is bordered by Lake Edward to the south west and lake George to the north east with Kazinga channel crossing through its 700 sq mile land area.
The parks ecosystem supports variety of wildlife, making it a top destination for wildlife and nature lovers. It is home to over 95 mammal species, including the famous African elephants, tree climbing lions, buffalos, hippos, leopards and many antelope species such as Uganda Kob.
Highlights of the Park
There are about 606 species of birds in this park and you can take a boat ride or a launch trip, which is a two to five hour tour, on the water and see the vast variety of birds and animals.
This park also boasts of a rich variety of animals with elephants, hippos, forest hogs and the Uganda kob. You can go through guided walks in these areas to sight these animals and go for game driver, which are especially designed for watching such wild animals.
Things to See in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Apart from usual traditional safaris, chimpanzee tracking can also be done at one of the gorges in this park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in South Western Uganda bordering Democratic Republic of Congo. It was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park. Due to the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the park was renamed into her names in 1954 and is the most popular national park in Uganda.
Birds
The park has variety of habitats including grassland, Acacia woodland, forest, wetland, panoramic views of the Kazinga channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffaloes, elephants and endless Ishasha plains whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.
The national park also has cultural history where visitors get the opportunities to meet the cultural communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music and learn more from the museum. The other activities are chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge. You can also go for cave exploration in Maramagambo Forest which has the viewing room for visitors to observe the resident bats and pythons.
Kazinga Channel: The channel is a natural waterway that connects lake Edward and lake George. It is one of the park’s major highlights, offering stunning views and opportunities for wildlife observation. The channel attracts large numbers of hippos, crocodiles and various bird species.
Climbing lions at Ishasha: Ishasha is situated in the southern part of the park, and is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The unique behavior of lions resting on tree branches of figs and acacia tree is a remarkable sight.
Crater Lakes: There is a series of volcanic crater lakes on your way to the park and can be good stop overs for lakes like lake Nyamunuka, lake Munyanyange, and lake Kyasanduka. These lakes are stunningly beautiful and offer a serene environment for bird watching and photography. The lush vegetation surrounding the lakes attracts a variety of bird species, making them a haven for bird lovers.
Maramagambo Forest: This dense forest located within the park is an important habitat for various primates and birdlife. Exploring the forest provides an opportunity to encounter chimpanzees, monkeys. The forest is also famous for a network of caves including the famous bat cave.
Lake Edward: The park is bordered by lake Edward, one of the great African lakes. The lake offers scenic beauty, and its shores are frequented by numerous waterbirds. It is also home to several fish species like tilapia and supports local fishing communites.
Savannah grasslands: The park’s vast savannah grasslands are home to an abundance of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and predators like lions. The plains provide a picturesque backdrop for game drives and offer an opportunity to witness the interactions between different species in their natural habitat.
Queen’s pavilion: This one is located at the entrance of the park. It is a historical building that serves as an information center and administrative headquaters for the park. It provides visitors with valuable information about the park’s history, wildlife and conservation efforts. It also offers interpretive displays and exhibits.
Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are lots of things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can go hiking within the park. During the walk, visitors get an opportunity to get extremely close to wildlife that include hippos, elephants, crocodiles, leopard, zebra and Uganda kobs etc. Travellers are able to spot variety of habitats including the Maramagambo Forest. Travelers are excited and happily enjoying their trip thus making the trip memorable.
Birding is also one of the major activities in the queen Elizabeth national park and its recorded that there are over 600 species of birds like sedge warbles, papyrus canary, the martial eagle, pink backed pelican, yellow throated cuckoo and the verreauxs eagle owl where these birds inhabit in grasslands, forests and wetlands without forgetting the flamingos at katwe and Bunyampaba salt lakes making travellers unforgettable trip in queen Elizabeth national park.
A boat cruise is one of the must adventures that you cannot miss. Enjoy a boat cruise along Kazinga channel water bodies which takes through lake Edward to lake George which travelers are able to view beautiful sceneries like forests ,aquatic life like crocodiles at the river banks sun bathing ,hippopotamus . During the cruise travellers are allowed to carry out fishing where different fish types are caught like pied kingfishers, Nile perch and others which are taken to their camping sites or lodges to make them their meal and such exciting moment cannot easily be forgotten.
Chimpanzee trekking is also one of the interesting safari experiences that cannot be forgotten. For visitors to experience chimpanzee tracking in the park, they have to trek through savanna grassland which leads to Kyambura Gorge also known as the valley of apes. Apart from chimpanzees, there are other primates that include red tailed monkeys, baboons etc.
Game drives are made enjoyable with the help of knowledgeable safari guides who know the park. Travelers enjoy game drives through the north Kazinga plains and the Ishasha sector where they are able to view the king of the jungles climbing trees. On a wildlife safari you will see herds of buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, antelopes and many other big game.
Cultural Heritage makes your Uganda safari remembered by travelers through watching energetic dancers from Kikorongo Educator Cultural performers. You will see people harvesting salt from Lake Katwe. Travelers are guided by the members of the local community who are well conversant with the culture.
Bird Watching: There are over 600 species of birds that have been recorded in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can enjoy game drives for a classic African safari experience. The tracks through Kasenyi and the north Kazinga plains and the Ishasha sector. Visitors to the park have guaranteed views of buffaloes, antelopes and elephants along with warthogs and baboons.
Getting There
The park can be accessed easily from Kampala via tarmac road from Kampala via Mbarara town and Bushenyi. This route leads you to the center of the park, passing just 22 km from Mwenya peninsula.
While approaching the national park near south via Mbarara covers the distance of 420km while the north through Fort Portal covers a total of 410km. The travelers can still access quick travel using flights from Entebbe to Kasese, Mweya and Ishasha air strip.
ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES IN THE PARK
Mweya Safari Lodge: Located on a peninsula within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is a luxurious lodge that offers stunning views of the Kazinga Channel and the park’s wildlife. The lodge provides spacious rooms, cottages, and suites with modern amenities, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and various activities such as game drives and boat safaris.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge: Situated on the edge of Kyambura Gorge, this exclusive eco-lodge provides breathtaking views of the gorge and surrounding landscapes. It offers comfortable and stylish accommodation in cottages and a main lodge, blending harmoniously with the natural environment. Guests can enjoy guided chimp tracking, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Located in the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers a secluded and intimate experience. The camp features luxury tents with bathrooms, a dining area, and a campfire. It provides an excellent base for exploring the tree-climbing lions, game drives, and bird watching in the area.
Kasenyi Safari Camp: Situated on the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasenyi Safari Camp offers comfortable accommodation in safari tents. The camp provides an authentic bush experience with proximity to wildlife-rich areas. Guests can enjoy game drives, bird watching, and cultural interactions with nearby communities.
Enganzi Game Lodge: Nestled on a hilltop with panoramic views of the park, Enganzi Game Lodge offers comfortable rooms and cottages in a tranquil setting. The lodge features a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and activities such as game drives, bird watching, and nature walks.
Simba Safari Camp: Located on the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Simba Safari Camp provides affordable accommodation in tents, bandas (traditional huts), and cottages. The camp offers basic amenities, a restaurant, a bar, and organizing activities like game drives and boat safaris.
Bush Lodge: Situated in the park’s Maramagambo Forest, Bush Lodge offers budget-friendly accommodation in self-contained cottages and tents. The lodge provides a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to nature walks, bird watching, and chimpanzee tracking in the nearby Kyambura Gorge.