Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, it is approximately 1,978 square kilometres and is situated in the Albertine Rift Valley, bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains to the north. Queen Elizabeth National park is named after Queen Elizabeth II, who visited Uganda in 1954. Queen Elizabeth national park is a habitat of over 600 bird species and a variety of mammals, including elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and a large population of tree-climbing lions. Its unique ecosystems include savannahs, wetlands, and volcanic landscapes. The park also has volcanic features like craters and cone-shaped hills, adding on its scenic beauty. Queen Elizabeth national park is a famous savannah park located in the western part of Uganda in the district of Kasese, Bushenyi, Kamwenge and Rukungiri. This park can be accessed by air from both Entebbe International Airport and Kajansi Airfield. Queen Elizabeth national park is famous for the tree climbing lions, large numbers of hippos and the primate species. The park is a habitat to over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Packages | Uganda safaris | Uganda tours
Safari Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Birds : Queen Elizabeth national park is a home to over 600 bird species because it has a variety of habitats that enable the settlement of the birds. Some of these birds include the papyrus gonolek, African skimmer, black bee eater and many more. Some of the specific locations in the Queen Elizabeth national park that harbor these birds is the kazinga channel that harbors many aquatic birds like the African fish eagle, African skimmers, yellow - billed stork and many more. Over 150 bird species are harbored by lake George for example African jacana and the rare saddle-billed stork. Kyambura gorge is a home to the African finfoot, the martial eagle, the white tailed lark, blue headed bee eater to mention but a few.
Animals : Queen Elizabeth national national park is a home to over 95 animal species. It is a habitat to 4 of the big five animals that is to say it has the buffalos, elephants, lions and leopards. Queen Elizabeth national park akso has other animals like the antelopes, baboons, hippos, Uganda kob, chimpanzees and many more.
Tree Climbing Lions : These lions are only found in Queen Elizabeth national park in the Ishasha sector in the whole of uganda. Ishasha is one of the only two places in Africa where you can spot the tree climbing lions and that is the Lake Manyara national park in Tanzania.Queen Elizabeth national park has over 130 lions. They climb trees in search of shade from the tree branches. They can be spotted during a game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park that is in the morning and also in the early afternoon. Unless the sun rises, these tree climbing lions dont climb the trees at dawn.
Kazinga Channel : The kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park harbors a large number of hippos therefore terming it as the hippo paradise. It is located in kasese district within Queen Elizabeth national park. It is famous for boat safaris and connects Lake Edward and Lake George. A variety of bird life, crocodiles and hippos are spotted at its banks. Kazinga channel is 20 miles long and 8 meters deep. It flows through an eco system that includes plains, wetlands and swamps. Tourist visit kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park to witness the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.
Kalinzu Forest : This forest is situated in the western part of uganda in bushenyi district and it is approximately 5 to 6 hours from kampala. This forest is an extension of the maramagambo forest. It is a home to a variety of bird species that is to say the black bee eater, crowned eagles, great blue turaco, hammerkops and many more. This forest attracts many visitors because its famous for chimpanzee tracking. Kalinzu forest has over 400 tree species, 300 bird species and different primate species, that is to say colobus monkeys, chimpanzees,red-tailed monkeys and olive baboons.
Kasenyi Plains : These plains are situated in the North Eastern part of queen Elizabeth national park. These kasenyi plains are at times referred to as mweya or kasenyi sector. A big of wild life is harbored in these plains which attract visitors to it. The kasenyi plains have unending views of savannah with antelopes such as ugandan kob and other wildlife like elephants, hyenas, warthogs, lions and many more. It also has a variety of bird species for example the yellow-throated long crows, red-throated spurfowls, grey crowned cranes and many more. It takes 5 to 6 hours from kampala to get to kasenyi plain through masaka-mbarara-bushenyi route or mubende-fortportal-kasese.
Mweya Pennisular : It is situated in kasese district in Rwenzururu sub region and located on the northern bank of kazinga channel. This is one of the best attractions in Queen Elizabeth national park that gives a good view of elephants and buffalos. It is approximately 420km from kampala to access the mweya peninsular using the Kampala - mbarara-bushenyi-kasese road. Mweya Pennisular has several game tracks that are followed during the game drives and are done twice a day that is early in the morning and late afternoon. Mweya peninsular is visited all through the year though the most favorable season is between December to February and between june to September.
Katwe Salt Lake : Lake katwe is one of the Uganda safaris destinations tourists never miss to vist. It islocated in southwestern Uganda within the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lake is highly saline and has been an important source of salt for centuries.Lake Katwe lies in the Katwe-Kabatoro Town Council. Lake Katwe Salt Works provides a livelihood for thousands of local workers, particularly during the dry season when salt production is at its peak. Lake Katwe is one of Uganda’s oldest and most important sites for traditional salt production.
Maramagambo Forest : This forest is situated south of queen Elizabeth national park in Bushenyi district. Maramagambo forest is under the management of Uganda wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority. It is a natural tropical rain forest and the southern part is majorly dominated by acacia trees and albizia species. It is one of the best spots for hiking and nature walks that enable you to have a glimpse on the stunning crater lakes.
The Equator : The line of the equator is located in kikorongo village in the northern sector of the park at kasenyi marked with a structural circular monument.One of the notable attractions within Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Equator Monument, where visitors can stand on either side of the equator and experience the thrill of being in both hemispheres at once. It's a popular spot for photographs. The equator's geographic marker makes it a must-visit location for nature lovers.
Safari Activities to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game Drives : Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park are carried out all through the year but are most convinient in the dry season. This enables visitors to spot a variety of animal species, bird species and primates. This activity can either be done in the morning or in the evening when the wildlife is retiring to there resting places. Wildlife viewing is on of the key purposes of the game drive and therefore can get chance to have a glance at the 4 of the big five which include the elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including hippos and warthogs. There are a variety of over 600bird species that can be spotted. The Ishasha Sector is popular for its tree-climbing lions, this sector provides a unique opportunity to see these big cats while on a game drive.
Nature Walks and Hikes : This activity can be done through out the year though its more convenient in the dry season. Queen Elizabeth national park has its rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife that trigger hiking and nature walks. Queen Elizabeth National park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including savanna, forests, wetlands, and volcanic landscapes. It offers various hiking and nature walk opportunities that allow visitors to experience its rich wildlife and stunning scenery. some hiking and nature walk options in the Queen Elizabeth national park is the Kilembe Trail that starts from the Kilembe area and leads to the Rwenzori Mountains. It offers beautiful views of the mountains and a chance to see various wildlife and bird species,Kyambura Gorge is also an option for aguided nature walk that allows visitors to explore the lush forest, where you can spot chimpanzees, various birds, and unique flora and lastly Maramagambo Forest that allows you to experience the rich biodiversity, including primates like monkeys and a variety of bird species.
Boat Cruise : Boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the top activities to experience the park's wildlife and scenic beauty. The most popular boat cruise takes place along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
Chimpanzee Tracking : Queen Elizabeth national park has a fascinating of chimpanzee tracking especially in the kyambura gorge alsi known as the "valley of Apes". kyambura gorge is the main location of chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth national park. Tracking involves hiking through the forest in search of chimpanzees. This lasts for 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees.
Lion Tracking : Lion trackingin Queen Elizabeth National Park is a unique experience where visitors can track lions in their natural habitat. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, particularly in the Ishasha sector.
Mangoose Tracking : Mongoose tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is not so popular but fascinating activity that allows visitors to have an opportunity to observe these small, social creatures in their natural environment. This experience typically focuses on the mongoose. They arenoften found in grasslands, savannahs and near wooded areas making queen Elizabeth national park ideal for tracking. For their visibility, they move in groups and can easily be spotted. There are two mangoose species that is to say banded species known for their social behaviour and common mangoose usually seen looking for food in groups.
Community Visits : Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the most popular national parks in uganda that offer a range of Community visit experience that enables visitors to interact with the local people and learn about there culture and livelihoods. Community visits in Queen Elizabeth National Park avail visitors with the opportunity to engage with local communities and learn about their culture, traditions, and lifestyles. Some key aspects of community visits in the park is for cultural experiences such as village tours where tourists can experience Uganda Cultural tour like local customs, crafts, and daily activities of the communities. This may include participating in traditional dances, cooking, and farming. Local artisans often sell handmade crafts, such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles, providing tourists with a chance to purchase authentic souvenirs while supporting local economies.Another aspect for these community visits is for conservation awareness, many community visit programs focus on conservation efforts and educate visitors about the importance of protecting the park's wildlife and natural resources. This includes initiatives aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict and these community visits are also carried out for Wildlife Interaction, some community initiatives offer opportunities for tourists to view wildlife from a community perspective. This may involve tracking animals or participating in activities that promote sustainable tourism.
Bird Watching : Queen Elizabeth national park is a home of over 600 bird species making it a prime destination for birders. Some of these bird soecies include the shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, African skimmers and many more.The best locations for birdwatching are the: Kazinga Channel: The shores of this channel are rich in birdlife, especially waterbirds. Mweya Peninsula: Offers varied habitats, attracting a wide range of species. Ishasha Sector: Known for tree-climbing lions, it's also a great spot for raptors.Maramagambo Forest: A dense forest area that hosts numerous forest bird species. Birds are most active during the early morning, making it the best time for spotting.
Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. Whether you prefer traveling by road or air, the journey to the park is part of the adventure, as visitors pass through some of the most scenic and culturally rich parts of Uganda.There are several ways to reach the park namely: Road , Air and Water.
Best Time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most famous and diverse wildlife destinations, offering a wide range of activities from game drives to boat safaris. To make the most of your visit, it's important to consider the timing of your trip based on weather patterns, wildlife movements, and available activities. Uganda experiences two main seasons, that is the dry season and wet season. Below is a guide on when best to visit Queen Elizabeth national park.
Dry Seasons (June to August & December to February) During the dry seasons, water sources become scarce, causing animals to gather around remaining waterholes and rivers. This concentration makes it easier to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and various antelope species. The clear vegetation and reduced foliage enables visibility during game drives, making wildlife sightings more frequent and predictable. Although bird activity is generally high year-round, the dry season still offers excellent opportunities to observe various bird species. These months feature sunny and dry weather, which is good for outdoor activities like hiking, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, and exploring the park’s diverse landscapes.
June to August (Long Dry Season) This is the best time for one to enjoy Uganda wildlife safaris such as game viewing, large mammals are easily spotted and it is best for game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee tracking.
December to February (Short Dry Season) This season is still favorable for game viewing, though some water sources are refilled. This time is best for game drives and water-based activities.
Wet Seasons (March to May & September to November) During this season, the park is at its most pictorial and scenic times with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and active waterfalls, including the famous Kazinga Channel and Mweya Falls. Migratory birds and local species are abundant, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Enhanced water flow in waterfalls and rivers creates stunning natural displays.
March to May (Long Wet Season) Here, wildlife is more dispersed but perfect for tracking specific animals like elephants and it is also best for bird watching, photography, and enjoying the park’s natural beauty.
September to November (Short Wet Season) This is a changing period with balanced wildlife visibility. It is suitable for both game drives and boat safaris, with occasional rain showers.