QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK ‘’MEDLEY OF WONDERS’’
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s national parks, located in the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, and Kamwenge, northeast of Lake George and southwest of Lake Edward. The park is famously known for tree-climbing lions, making it a perfect destination for a Uganda wildlife safari. The park also has sectors, each with its unique characteristics and attractions. These sectors include, Mweya Sector, the most visited part of the park, known for its scenic views of the Kazinga Channel and surrounding hills. Ishasha Sector is Famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. Kyambura Sector is Home to a lush gorge and a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and birds. Kasenyi Plains Sector is an area with a mix of grasslands and forests, providing a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Maramagambo forest for nature walks and birding. Each sector offers a distinct experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscapes.
Historically, in 1952, it was known as Kazinga National Park, and 2 years later it was named Queen Elizabeth National Park to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd in 1954.
The park is home to a variety of mammal species like lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, oribi, water bucks, bush bucks, chimpanzees, Jackson’s hartebeest, buffalos, Kobs, giraffes, bush pigs, Nile crocodiles, warthogs, giant forest hog many more and a bird heaven of over 600 bird species such as iconic martial eagles and lappet-faced vultures to colourful woodland kingfishers, pied kingfishers, pygmy kingfishers, white white-throated bee-eaters, grey crowned cranes, great blue turaco, long crested eagle, water thick knee, hamerkop, red chested sunbird, barn swallow, Diederik cuckoo, pin -tailed whydah, squire tailed nightjar, malachite kingfisher, little bee eater, little egret, slender billed weaver, black headed weaver, golden backed weaver, grey headed kingfisher, African jacana, great egret, black headed heron, grey heron, green crombec not to mention but a few.
Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts numerous crater lakes, formed by volcanic activity and providing a unique habitat for various aquatic life. The park features several notable crater lakes, including Lake Katwe, Lake Bunyampaka, and Lake Nyinambuga, each with its distinct character and attractions, adding to the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
What to see
Wildlife
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, boasting an incredible array of over 95 species, including lions, elephants, buffalo, antelopes, chimpanzees, warthogs, leopards, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, giant forest hog, Topi, Kobs, waterbuck, bushbuck, hippo, and many more. The park’s diverse habitats, from grasslands to forests and wetlands, support this stunning variety of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for any nature lover.
Birdlife
Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its incredible birdlife, with over 600 species, making it one of the most biodiverse birding destinations in Africa. The park’s varied habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, support a stunning variety of birds, from iconic martial eagles and lappet-faced vultures to colourful woodland kingfishers, pied kingfishers, pygmy kingfishers, white white-throated bee-eaters, grey crowned cranes, great blue turaco, long crested eagle, water thick knee, hamerkop, red chested sunbird, barn swallow, Diederik cuckoo, pin -tailed whydah, squire tailed nightjar, malachite kingfisher, little bee eater, little egret, slender billed weaver, black headed weaver,
golden-backed weaver, grey-headed kingfisher, African jacana, great egret, black headed heron, grey heron, green crombec, and many more, offering a thrilling experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
What to do
Birding
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 600 species of birds, including African fish eagles, hooded vultures, saddle-billed storks, pied kingfishers, pick-backed pelicans, great white pelicans, papyrus gonoleks, martial eagles white-throated bee-eaters, grey crowned cranes, great blue turaco, long crested eagle, water thick knee, hamerkop, red chested sunbird, barn swallow, Diederik cuckoo, pin -tailed whydah, squire tailed nightjar, malachite kingfisher, little bee eater, little egret, slender billed weaver, black headed weaver, golden backed weaver, grey headed kingfisher, African jacana, great egret, black headed heron, grey heron, green crombec. The park’s diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, support a wide range of birdlife, making it an ideal destination for birding enthusiasts. Guided birding tours and nature walks provide opportunities to spot these incredible birds and learn about their habitats and behaviours.
Game drive
A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an exciting adventure that takes you through the park’s diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, in search of the park’s incredible wildlife. The park’s extensive network of tracks, including the Kasenyi Track, North Kazinga Track, and Ishasha Track, provides access to the park’s most scenic and wildlife-rich areas. With the guidance of experienced guides, you will have the opportunity to spot a wide range of animals, including Lions, leopards, hyenas, Elephants, buffalo, warthogs, Hippos, and crocodiles, as well as bird species like lappet-faced vultures to colourful woodland kingfishers, pied kingfishers, pygmy kingfishers, white white-throated bee-eaters, grey crowned cranes, great blue turaco, long crested eagle, water thick knee, hamerkop, red chested sunbird, barn swallow, Diederik cuckoo, pin -tailed whydah, squire tailed nightjar, malachite kingfisher, little bee eater, little egret, slender billed weaver, black headed weaver, golden backed weaver, grey headed kingfisher, African jacana, great egret, black headed heron, grey heron, green crombec not to mention but a few. Game drives typically take place at dawn or dusk when animals are most active, and may last several hours. The park’s scenic beauty and diverse wildlife make it an unforgettable game drive experience.
Boat cruise
A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a tranquil and unforgettable experience, offering stunning scenery and the opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species up close in their natural habitat. The boat cruise typically lasts around 2 hours and is led by experienced guides who provide insightful commentary on the wildlife and ecosystem of the channel.
Nature walks
Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer a unique and immersive way to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Guided by experienced and knowledgeable guides, you will embark on a leisurely walk through the park’s scenic trails, exploring the lush forests, grasslands, and wetlands. During the nature walk, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the park’s incredible wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and antelopes, and discover the park’s diverse tree species, including acacia trees, figs, Uganda ironwood, also learning more about the park’s unique ecosystems, geology, and history as well as enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and scenic vistas. A walk in the park is a great way to slow down and connect with nature.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee trekking is an exhilarating adventure that allows you to track and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides and researchers, you will hike into the forest in search of the chimpanzee, depending on where they spent their night, and upon reaching the chimpanzees, you will have an hour in their presence as they forage, play, and interact with each other. During the chimpanzee trekking experience, you will learn about chimpanzee behaviours, social dynamics. Enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience that brings you closer to our closest living relatives.
Lion tracking
Lion trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a thrilling and unique experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides and researchers, you’ll venture into the park’s lion territories, tracking and observing these incredible animals as they roam, hunt, and interact with each other. During the lion trekking experience, you will learn more about lion behaviour, social dynamics, and habitat. Enjoy a unique and exhilarating experience that brings you closer to these incredible animals. The lion trekking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a rare and unforgettable opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures.
Where to stay
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets. Luxury such as Mweya Safari Lodge, a 5-star lodge with stunning views of the Kazinga Channel, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, which overlooks the Kyambura Gorge, or Ishasha Wilderness Camp, a luxury tented camp in the Ishasha sector. Mid-range options include Bush Lodge, a comfortable lodge with en-suite rooms and a restaurant; Simba Safari Camp, which offers tented accommodation and a swimming pool; and Twin Lakes Lodge, featuring comfortable rooms and a beautiful view of the lakes. Budget options include the Queen Elizabeth National Park Hostel, which offers dormitories and private rooms, Simba Campsite, a campsite with basic facilities, and bush camping in designated areas. Additionally, community-run lodges and campsites, such as Katara Lodge and Kikorongo Community Campsite, offer a unique cultural experience and support local communities.
What to pack
When preparing for a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Consider packing comfortable and breathable clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as waterproof or water-resistant jackets. Don’t forget sturdy hiking boots, warm layers for cooler mornings and evenings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit. Bring a camera and charger to capture stunning scenery and wildlife, as well as binoculars for wildlife viewing. Additionally, pack a reusable water bottle, snacks, and a field guide or map of the park.
How to get there
Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park offers several options. By air, you can fly to Kasese Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield. By road, there are three routes, namely Masaka – Mbarara – Kasese, Mityana – Fort Portal – Kasese, and Bwindi – Ishasha. The park is approximately 400 km west of Kampala, a 6–7-hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions.
When to visit
The park is visited throughout the year, but is best visited during the dry season in June, July, and August. Furthermore, these months offer opportunities for viewing wildlife due to thinner vegetation.