The Mweya Peninsula and the Northern Circuit
In the centre of Queen, lies Mweya Peninsula, one of the most popular and beautiful areas of the reserve. Surrounded by the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, Mweya offers some of the park’s most beautiful views and is often described as the “centerpiece” of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is here that most visitors begin their exploration of the park, as it serves as the main base for accommodation, activities, and game drives.
The Mweya area is a mix of open savanna, wooded hills, and lakeshore plains, creating an ideal habitat for a wide range of animals. From the high ground near Mweya Safari Lodge, you can look down over the Kazinga Channel and see hippos lounging in the water, buffaloes grazing along the banks, and elephants slowly making their way to drink. The sunsets here are breathtaking the golden light reflecting on the water, with the Rwenzori Mountains forming a hazy blue backdrop in the distance.
The Northern Circuit of Queen Elizabeth National Park includes Mweya and the Kasenyi Plains. This area is known for its excellent game viewing, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Lions are often spotted hunting in the open grasslands, while herds of Uganda kob, warthogs, and buffaloes move across the plains. The diversity of wildlife and the openness of the terrain make this part of the park a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
The Kasenyi Plains, located east of Mweya, are also prime lion territory. These lions are known for their unique behavior they often climb the nearby fig trees to escape the heat or to get a better view of their surroundings. This unusual sight has made the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous around the world. In addition to lions, the area is rich in birdlife, with large flocks of crested cranes, storks, and vultures adding life to the wide skies.
Reaching Mweya is easy compared to other remote parts of Uganda’s parks. The area can be accessed by road from Kampala, a journey of about 6 to 7 hours through scenic countryside, or by air via chartered flights that land at Mweya Airstrip. Once there, visitors can move around in 4×4 safari vehicles or join guided tours organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The roads within the park are well maintained, especially around Mweya, making game drives smooth and enjoyable.
The Mweya Visitor Information Center also serves as a starting point for many park activities. Here, travelers can learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and ongoing conservation work. There are knowledgeable guides ready to help plan safaris, nature walks, and boat trips. Mweya itself has a calm and welcoming atmosphere a place where you can relax after a long day of adventure, listening to the sounds of hippos grunting in the channel below.