Ultimate Travel Guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park Overview and Travel Guide.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most diverse and accessible protected areas in Africa, which is located in western Uganda. The park, created in 1952 when it was named after Queen Elizabeth II, covers an area of approximately 2,000 km² of savanna, wetlands, rainforest, lakeshore and volcanic craters.

It is situated between the Rwenzori Mountains in the north and the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward, in the south. This rich ecosystem sustains high wildlife, incredible bird life, and tremendous scenery, making QENP one of the best places to visit on a Uganda safari, for birding, on a boat tour, for chimp tracking; and for a cultural adventure.

Why visit

Wildlife: QENP is home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, Uganda kobs, warthogs, bushbucks, crocodiles and predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas. The Ishasha sector is well known because of its tree-climbing lions in the park.

Birds: There are more than 600 bird species that have been observed, and they include the African fish eagle, shoebill (rare), papyrus gonolek and various waterfowl and raptors.

Scenery: The Kazinga Channel provides dramatic lake-edge scenery and massive herds of hippos and birds. The backdrop of the Rwenzori and the crater lakes offers different photographic opportunities.

Accessibility: The park is well accessible either by road (about 8-9 hours) or a brief domestic flight to the nearby airstrips, which are easily accessible at the tourist hub of Entebbe/Kampala.

Activities: Game drives, boat cruises, guided nature walks, chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge, cultural visits to local communities and birding safaris.
When to go

When the weather is dry (June-September, December-February), game drives are the most rewarding, as animals become concentrated around water sources and the bush is also sparser, which makes it easy to see.

Due to wet seasons (March to May and October to November), the landscapes are lush and the breeding season of most species, and the migratory birds are at their best. There are muddy roads; certain activities might be restricted.

The level of water in the Kazinga Channel and lakes is usually good throughout the year, and hence, boat safaris are carried out throughout the year.
Key sectors and highlights

Kasenyi Plains: Massive open savanna that is best suited to traditional game drives; a good opportunity to view elephants, buffalo and lions.

The Ishasha Sector is renowned for its fig and acacia tree-climbing lions. The season is best during the dry season when the animals are more visible.

Peninsula of Mweya and Kazinga Channel: The boat ride in the Kazinga Channel is a must; gigantic hippo pods, giant crocodiles, and thick bird life line the banks. Mweya has breathtaking panoramic views.

Kyambura Gorge: It is a small, wooded ravine which is home to habituated chimpanzees. The chimp tracking in this area is not as congested as in other Ugandan locations and features picturesque walks through the forest.

Maramagambo Forest: Guided tours of the forest, primates and forest birds, Bat Cave (underground tunnel and pools)

Suggested itinerary (3 days)

Day 1 – Arrival and evening game drive: Arrive via Kasenyi in the late afternoon; enjoy a sunset over the savanna and wildlife of the plains.

Day 2 – Full-day game viewing and boat cruise in Kazinga: Morning game drive in Mweya and Kasenyi; afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to get close-ups of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.

Day 3 – Kyambura Gorge chimp tracking and cultural visit: Morning chimp walk in Kyambura Gorge and community visit or game drive back to Kampala.

Practical information

Tourist permits and entry charges: There are entry fees and activity fees levied and paid at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Foreign non-residents, East African residents and citizens have different fees. Activity-specific permits (chimp permits and boat cruise tickets) are granted at the park offices or via tour operators.

Guided tours: Self-drive is available, but it is advisable to get a local guide or book through a registered operator, which increases the likelihood of sighting the wildlife and raises the level of safety. Guides are familiar with the optimal time and location of sightseeing and will take care of formalities in the park.

Accommodation: There is an assortment of budget campsites and simple bandas to mid-range lodges and luxury tented camps at Mweya, Kasenyi and Ishasha. It is advisable to book during high season.

Access: Kampala/Entebbe to the park can be reached in 8–9 hours by private car or shuttle, and domestic flights to Kasese or Mweya airstrips can reduce the distance to 1–1.5 hours plus road transfer.

Driving: Park roads are either in good condition or in poor condition; a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, particularly during the wet season and when visiting the Ishasha.

Health and safety: There is a risk of malaria; take prophylaxis, use insect repellent and sleep under treated nets where available. Bring some first aid and enough water; listen to the ranger and never walk with the wildlife except on a guided walk where permitted.

Park regulations: Be aware of a safe distance to wildlife (at least several metres); do not feed animals; do not walk outside vehicles unless in designated walking areas with guides; and dispose of waste properly.

Wildlife viewing tips

• The most active are the dawn and the dusk; plan drives early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
• Take your time and keep still; most of the animals are more conveniently watched when not disturbed.
• Employ a spotter or a trained driver/guide to locate shy species such as leopards and to locate birds along the channel.
• Carry a pair of field glasses, a telephoto lens to take pictures, sunscreen, water and loose clothes (in the morning and evening can be chilly).

Responsible travel

• encourages community-based tourism programmes and purchasing local crafts.
• Be on specified paths, do not disturb wildlife or cultural places, and heed UWA advice.
• Tourism: consider tours and lodges that are involved in conservation and community projects.

Conclusion

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a package comprised of diverse biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and affordable safari tours, which can be enjoyed by both first-time visitors and long-term wildlife lovers. It can be hippo-filled waterways, tree-climbing lions, or rare bird or primate encounters in Kyambura, but QENP provides unforgettable wildlife experiences against the backdrop of some of the most dramatic scenery in Uganda. Get an early start on permits and lodging, decide which season fits your interests, and make time to appreciate the wildlife, as well as the warm welcome of the residents surrounding the park.