Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse landscape and rich wildlife make it the most popular tourist destination in Uganda. The Park can be found in the Districts of Rubirizi, Kasese, Kamwenge and Rukungiri, 410km southwest of Kampala city via Fort portal city. The Park was established in 1952 and named in honor of Queen Elizabeth the II after her visit to Uganda in 1954. It is the second largest National Park in the country with an area of 1978 Km2 and it lies directly on the equator. The location of the equator has been marked by 2 circular concrete hoops.
The Park protects a number of habitats including grassland, acacia woodland, tropical rainforest, volcanic calderas, wetlands, open waters, swampy shores of lakes Edward and George, the Kazinga channel as well as several freshwater and salty crater lakes. It’s no wonder the Park has the widest variety of wildlife of any Ugandan Park.
Wild life
At Queen Elizabeth National Park, an impressive 95 mammal species, 10 primate species and more than 600 bird species have been recorded. Among its inhabitants are the legendary tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector, Elephants, Leopards and reddish-brown Buffalos, so colored because of interbreeding with forest buffalos from DRC. Four the big five mammals are present here.
The Park also a habitat for several antelope species including the Uganda Kob, topi, defassa waterbuck and the common waterbuck. Remarkably large herds of Hippo and crocodiles are common in the Kazinga channel. Other notable mammals include spotted hyenas, large populations of giant forest hogs, warthogs, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons as well as chimpanzees. Giraffes and Zebras are absent in this park.
Primates
Of the ten primate species found in the park, chimpanzees are the most sought after. Trekking chimpanzees within Queen Elizabeth National Park is done deep in the tropical forest found in Kyambura Gorge. Other primates seen here include red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, mangabeys, and olive baboons.
Top attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
A boat safari along the Kazinga Channel is one of the most unique and enjoyable experiences at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer-long natural waterway not more than 2.4m deep that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. The channel is a hotspot for wildlife viewing. The boat safari presents a unique opportunity for close encounters with large herds of hippos and crocodiles in the water as well as elephants, antelopes and buffaloes drinking on the banks. There are an estimated 5,000 hippos residing in the Kazinga channel, one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. This relaxing boat safari is also perfect for anyone who enjoys birdwatching. The channel is a habitat to hundreds of aquatic bird species, including pelicans, cormorants, the African fish eagle, kingfishers, herons, egrets and the rare shoebill stork. These boat safaris on Kazinga Channel are usually shared and typically last around two hours and are available starting at 9:00am, 11pm and 2pm.
- Wild life & Game Viewing
Guided Game Drives
Kasenyi Plains
These are located in the northeastern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park near the meeting point of the western shores Lake George and the Kazinga channel. This area comprises of open grasslands and is the primary viewing area for predators such as lions with record sightings of up to 15 lions in a day! This area is known for its abundant wildlife such as large herds of Uganda Kob, the lion’s favorite prey. In addition, expect to see buffallos grazing, as well as warthogs and bushbucks up and about in the grasslands. Morning and evening game drives are ideal for they coincide with peak animal activity.
Ishasha Sector
The southern part of the park known as the Ishasha sector is renowned for tree climbing lions that are commonly seen lying in the fig trees to escape from the scorching sun. This sector is seen via the northern and southern circuits both characterized by riverine and vast savannah vegetation in which you expect to spot Elephants, Topis, Bufallos among others particularly near the water sources. It is also a popular stopover enroute to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that is only 70Km away.
Channel Drive
This circuit is along the 32km long Kazinga channel that connects lake Gorge and Lake Edward. Here, expect to see a large number of hippos in the water, crocodiles on the channel banks as well as elephants and waterbucks. This area is perfect for viewing aquatic birds such as pelicans and cormorants.
Crater Drive Circuit
The Park is surrounded by volcanic craters, many of which are filled with beautiful lakes. The Crater Drive circuit navigates the volcanic craters offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, and their unique geological features. Some of the most famous crater lakes include Lake Nyamunuka and Lake Bunyampaka. Some of the animals found in this area include, bushbucks, water bucks and giant forest hogs. This area also makes an excellent spot for bird watching.
The best time for Wildlife Viewing
Queen Elizabeth National Park receives visitors throughout the year. But the best time for game viewing is in the Dry season from June to July, and January to February when animals are concentrated around its water bodies. Some roads may also be inaccessible due to heavy rains. Morning game drives start from 6:30 – 10:30am while evening game drives start from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Night game drives that start from 6:00pm till late are conducted in the Mweya Peninsular and give visitors a chance to spot nocturnal animals such as leopards, serval cats, bush babies and hyenas using torches.
- Guided Nature Walks
For those who prefer a slower pace and want to explore the park’s landscapes on foot, there are nature walks and forest treks available. These walks, guided by experience rangers give you the chance to discover the park’s flora and fauna up close. You might spot various species of birds, monkeys, or other small mammals, and learn about the local plants, some of which are used by locals for medicinal purposes. Some walking trails include:
Mweya Peninsular Trail: This offers spectacular views of the Kazinga channel and Lake Edward
Crater Lakes Trail: Formed by ancient volcanic activity, these less travelled tracks allow you to see beautiful views of the lakes coupled with their geological formations and an opportunity to learn about the history of this area.
Maramagambo Forest Trail: A walk through the Maramagambo Forest is a great way to immerse yourself in the peaceful natural surroundings. This forest is known for its rich biodiversity, including primates like blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, numerous birds and tree species. The forest is also home to the Bat Cave where you can spot fruit eating bats and their predator the rock python.
Kyambura Gorge Trekking
Kyambura River Gorge is a forested ravine carved into the surrounding flat savannah along the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park with Kyambura wild life reserve where it is 16Km long. The Gorge is 100m deep at the Kichwamba Escarpment and 11km long.
Kyambura river, from which the reserve lends its name, flows through the Gorge and pours into the kazinga channel. In this forested area, you will encounter a number of primates such as Red-tailed Monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and Chimpanzees. Kyambura Gorge is the only place in Queen Elizabeth National Park where Trekking of Habituated Chimpanzees is done although sightings are not guaranteed.The Gorge is also home to a variety of birds including, Turaco’s, Bee Eaters and African Falcons
- Lion Tracking and Research
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers the rare opportunity to participate in lion tracking as part of a research project aimed at conserving these majestic animals. You can join researchers in the field to track lions using radio collars. This gives you a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how scientists study and protect lions in the wild. It’s also a chance to contribute to the park’s conservation efforts.
- Bird Watching
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 species of birds recorded in the park. The park’s diverse habitats—ranging from wetlands to savannahs to forests—make it an ideal location for birdlife. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting birds during a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel or during a nature walk through the park’s forests.Some of the most sought-after terrestrial and aquatic birds include the rare shoebill stork, the Palm-nut vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, African White – backed vulture, Red throated spurfowls, Collared pratincole as well as Grey crowned cranes. Some birds seen along the Kazinga channel include: Great white pelican, Pel’s fishing-owl, the African Fish Eagle, the African skimmer, the Yellow billed stock among others.
- Cultural Experiences
For a deeper connection with the local culture, you can visit nearby communities and experience the traditions of the Basongora pastoralists and Bakonzo farmers, who live near the park. You can take a guided village tour, learn about their way of life, and discover how they coexist with the wildlife in the area. This is a great way to understand the local culture and the challenges of wildlife conservation in the region.
- Wildlife Photography
With its wide range of animals and stunning landscapes, Queen Elizabeth National Park is an excellent destination for wildlife photography. Whether you’re photographing elephants in the grasslands or capturing the beauty of a bird flying over the Kazinga Channel, there are countless opportunities for fantastic shots. Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful lighting for photos, especially during a game drive.
- Fishing at Lake Edward
For those who enjoy fishing, Lake Edward offers the opportunity to try your luck at catching some of the lake’s fish species, including tilapia and catfish. While fishing is not the main attraction of the park, it is a relaxing way to spend a few hours on the lake, surrounded by nature.
