Facts about the Queen Elizabeth National Park

Facts about the Queen Elizabeth National Park : Queen Elizabeth which is located in South Western Uganda is among the most popular parks for tourism in east African region. Praised for the scenic views, rich bio-and geo-diversity, the park is one of the crowning achievements of Uganda’s’ conservation portfolio. So this article will take you through the general information about Queen Elizabeth National Park, historical background, what it consists of, and interesting things to see and do there as well as some advice.

Queen Elizabeth National Park covers a total area of nearly 2000 km and is second only to the Maramagambo forest in size. Originally called Kazinga National Park it was renamed in 1954 when the area was visited by Queen Elizabeth II. It was founded in 1952 and is in the Albertine Rift Valley and shares a border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The history connected to the park is much more than its name. It contains habitat for diverse wildlife species and has resource potential for the native population. Proper environmental conservation measures have maintained its ecological and could be termed as one of the most sustainable destination for tourism as well as research.

Geography in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Savannahs, wetlands, forests and crater lakes are also part of this park. Below is a description of some of the features of this park. Located in the southwestern region of Uganda which is bordering the Rwenzori Mountains; the reserve comprises of the Ishasha plains, the Kazinga Channel, and the Maramagambo Forest near lake Edward.

Kazinga Channel: This 40kilometer long natural channel separates Lake Edward and Lake George and is one of Africa’s most exciting boat trips.

Crater Lakes: There are many crater lakes in the park, with the Katwe explosion craters displaying stunning views of the park’s crater lakes, The water is also mineral rich.

 Ishasha Sector: This is a famous spot recognized by tree climbing lions, not very common in Africa, lions climb trees to avoid heat and insects in that region.

Flora and Fauna

Queen Elizabeth National park displays an incredibly rich bio-diversity with confirmed over 95 species of mammals and over 600 species of birds. It provides home to both the more seldom species and the most usual ones.

Mammals

Lions: The Park is associated with tree climbing lions, especially in the Ishasha Sector.

Elephants and Buffaloes: It is also common to sight these large mammals near any water source and observed grazing.

Hippos and Crocodiles: Some of these animals are easily sighted beside the Kazinga Channel and tourism activities such as taking a boat ride to have a close view of the animals is easily arranged.

Primates: Other attractions to the park include; Chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge and Vervet monkeys in the Maramagambo Forest.

Birds

Many tourist visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park do this because they will see the famous Africa fish Eagle, the Shoebill stork and the martial eagle among others. Birds from Europe and North African continent supplement the already diverse bird population making the park one of the world’s best birding destinations.

Vegetation

Moving from tropical rainforest such as the Maramagambo Forest, to the dry savannah grasslands, there is diversified vegetation to support the park’s diversified animal species. Papyrus swamps, human acacia zones, and spacious cratered lakes which support bird and aquatic life.

Key Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

No visit to the Queen Elizabeth National Park would be complete without a boat trip on Kazinga Channel. It offers a superb opportunity to get a very close look at Hippos, Crocodiles and many species of water birds. Cook claims that majority of visitors witness elephants, buffaloes and lions fostering on the coastal regions.

Kasenyi Plains Game Drives and Ishasha Sector Game Drives

Kasenyi Plains: Boasting of large herds of Uganda Kobs, Kasenyi Plains are ideal for conventional wildlife viewings, or game drives, with lions, leopards and hyenas.

 Ishasha Sector: Proud to be associated with lions that climb trees to get at the figs in the trees this sector allows tourists to view lions dozing off in trees in a rather unique way.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge.

Kyambura gorge also labeled as the valley of apes provides the opportunity of tracking chimpanzees. Widely arranged tours to travel through the thick and green forests offer the tourists such a chance to watch these monkeys.

Katwe Salt Works

Within the park, a cultural site is the Katwe Salt Works where people of Uganda have been mining salt for decades. Tourists get the cultural and economic value of salt to people showcased by ancient methods of salt extraction.

Conservation Activities as well as Difficulties

Queen Elizabeth National Park possesses some major conservation issues such as human and wildlife conflict, population pressure on the park and the slaughter of wildlife for sale. This author elaborated that due to operating in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) cooperates with locals to support conservation and offer licenses to practice tourism. Measures taken with a view to protect the park have included fitting the area with anti-poaching patrols, educating the public and undertaking rehabilitation.

There should be stock holding, for example, through communal land ownership where people within the community are to benefit from the ecotourism being promoted. These programs also pay out that part of the park receipts for the development of human facilities to boost the sustainability of conservation as the rewards for wildlife and people.

Best Time to Visit

It may be better to visit this park during the dry season that starts in June and ends in September, and December up to February. These months are recommended for game drives and boat safaris since animals are easily found at these points.

Park Fees and Regulations

Currently, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is in charge of collecting park fees charged on entry fees and hence contributing to conservation. People must obey the rules of the park not to approach the species, not to disturb the wildlife area, strict adherence to the trails etc.