The most well-known national park in Uganda and a popular tourist attraction is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is located in the western region of the country in the Kasese area near to Mount Rwenzori. The Ishasha tree climbing lions are only one of the amazing animal and bird species that call the Park home, making it one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Uganda. The distance from Kampala to the park is around 400 km, or about 6 hours. The Kazinga channel offers an amazing view of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and many bird species lined up along the banks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is well recognised for its abundance of animals and numerous lovely water lakes that stream through the undulating hills. Another surprise of tree climbing lions sitting on trees preparing to pounce on the Uganda Kobs and other prey would blow one away as one continues into the Ishasha sector plains. The 1,978 km2 Queen Elizabeth National Park contains the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward in the north-east and south-west, respectively.
About 95 different species of animals may be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, such as the African buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, African bush elephant, African leopard, lion, and chimpanzee. Only lately have crocodiles been spotted in the Kazinga Channel, where they had vanished for 8,000 years after being driven out of Lake Edward by poisonous volcanic ash. The park is renowned for both its tree-climbing lions and its volcanic features, which include deep craters and volcanic cones, many of which include crater lakes, like the Katwe craters, from which salt is harvested.
This astounding number is made possible by the park’s diversified ecosystems. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 619 bird species, making it the second-highest park in Africa and the sixth-highest park in the world. Lesser & Greater Flamingos, Papyrus Gonolek, Shoe Bill, Martial Eagle, Eagle Owl, White-tailed Lark, and Verraux’s Eagle Owl are other examples. There are several butterfly species in addition to more than 95 animal species.
Tourist Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel.
The most well-liked activity along the 40 km long Kazinga canal, which connects Lake George to Lake Edward and offers the park’s best wildlife display, are boat excursions. The channel’s shoreline draws a lot of birds, animals, and reptiles all year long.
Wildlife Game Drives.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drives are often conducted in the early morning or late evening. You may see a variety of species while driving across the wide savannah grasslands, including buffalo, elephants, Uganda kobs, warthogs, bushbucks, impalas, lions, leopards, topis, and sitatungas, among others. Visitors may go on a night game drive to see nocturnal animal species.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge.
One of the most well-liked tourist activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park is tracking chimpanzees in the 16-kilometer-long Kyambura Gorge, where they have previously had tracking experience.
Guided Nature Walks.
The populations of birds and primates in Maramagambo are noteworthy. The woodland surrounding Lake Nyamusingire is explored through trails. The likelihood of seeing wildlife varies from day to day, but certain sights include the copper-rich Blue Lake and the Bat Cave, where a resident Python is ravenous for bats.
Bird Watching.
The number of bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park is over 616. These birds include Shoe Bill, Martial Eagle, Eagle Owl, Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser & Greater Flamingoes, White-tailed Lark, and Verraux’s Eagle Owl, and you can see them by using an experienced guide who knows the best birding locations near swamps, lakes, along Kazinga Channel, and other interesting habitats of the Park.
The Mweya Peninsular offers excellent lodging options, is wonderful for touring, and offers beautiful Park views. The ideal way to do this is with a guide, who will provide you with all the necessary information as you go. All the information required about the Park and the Mweya Peninsular is available at the Mweya Information Centre.
The Uganda Equator, where the northern and southern hemispheres converge, is a fantastic location for photographs. Additionally, there are artisan stores where tourists like purchasing trinkets.
Accommodation Facilities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The luxurious lodging options available in Queen Elizabeth National Park include the Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Jacana Safari Lodge, and Mweya Safari Lodge. Simba Safari Camp and Ishasha Bands are two low-cost lodging options that will make your trip unforgettable. In addition, there are camping areas in the park, including Maramagambo, Ishasha, Hippo Hill Camp, and Kingfisher Camp.