The largest and most visited conservation area in Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National park, which is situated approximately 410 kilometers “7 to 8” hours’ drive from Kampala in the southwest. Originally gazetted as kazinga national park in 1952, the 1,978 square kilometer (764 square miles) area was renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by the British monarch Queen Elizabeth 11.
The park’s amazing biodiversity is the main factor in its attraction. More than 600 bird species and 95 mammals, including elephants, hippos, African leopards, and 10 species of primates, find refuge in the park, which is spread over the Albertine Rift Valley and includes savanna, acacia woodlands, tropical forests, lush wetlands, and lakes. It is understandable why Birding International designated the QENP an International Birding Area.
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a treasured wildlife sanctuary in Uganda, renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is home to over 95 mammal species, 10 primate species, and more than 600 bird species, making it one of the most diverse national parks in Africa.The park features a variety of mammals, including several notable species:
The Big Four:
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants. Lions are particularly famous for their unique behavior of climbing trees, especially in the Ishasha sector, where they can often be seen lounging on branches. Leopards, known for their elusive nature, are primarily nocturnal but can be spotted resting in the low-hanging branches of trees during the day.
Antelopes:
The park’s savannahs are ideal habitats for various antelope species, including the Uganda kob, waterbuck, topi, and defassa waterbuck. These herbivores play a crucial role in the ecosystem by supporting predator populations.
Hippos: These massive mammals spend most of their day lounging in the Kazinga Channel. Their populations are estimated at over 5,000 individuals.
Other Mammals: Other notable mammals include spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, and various species of monkeys, such as the black-and-white colobus and olive baboons.
Primates
One of the best places to see chimpanzees in the wild is Kyambura Gorge in
Queen Elizabeth National Park. It boasts of ten different species:
Chimpanzees: The Kyambura Gorge is particularly famous for its chimpanzee population. Chimpanzee trekking in this area offers visitors a chance to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.
Other primates include the red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, and various species of mangabeys and baboons. You can see these primates on guided nature walks through forested areas like Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
Birds & Reptiles
With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the top birding spots in Uganda:
Notable birds include the African fish eagle, yellow-billed stork, and various kingfishers. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide range of avian life, making it one of the best birding destinations in Uganda.
The Kazinga Channel is particularly rich in birdlife, attracting numerous aquatic birds such as pelicans and cormorants. Birdwatching opportunities abound along the shores where herons and other wading birds can be spotted124. Crocodiles are commonly found along the banks of the Kazinga Channel, while the Maramagambo Forest is home to African rock pythons that prey on bats within the cave systems
Vegetation
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s vegetation is as diverse as its wildlife, with a mix of tropical forests, savannas, wetlands, and grasslands. The park is home to both dry and moist deciduous forests, particularly in the Kyambura Gorge, where the forest provides habitat for chimpanzees and other primates. The park’s wetlands, such as those around the Kazinga Channel, are critical for the survival of numerous bird species and aquatic life, as well as serving as grazing grounds for various herbivores.
The park’s savanna grasslands are dominated by a mix of grasses and scattered acacia trees, while the marshes and swamps are covered with papyrus, reed beds, and other aquatic plants. This mix of ecosystems supports the park’s rich biodiversity, providing different niches for wildlife and contributing to the park’s ecological complexity.
Activities and attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat cruise
This boat cruise is organized along the Kazinga Channel which is one of the best places to view wildlife in Africa. This channel connects Lake George to Lake Edward and is the single point where most of the parks animals gather to drink, hunt and bathe. During the bird migration season, the species of birds found here are more than those found in North America. The sheer density and variety of wildlife at the Kazinga channel will impress even those who have already gone for several safaris elsewhere. Hippos, water birds and crocodiles rule the waters while elephants, antelopes and predators like leopards drink water in the shallow ends of the channel.
Birdwatching
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 600 bird species recorded in the park. The diverse habitats within the park, including savannahs, wetlands, forests, and lakes, create ideal conditions for a wide range of bird species.
Some of the notable bird species found in the park include the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, and blue-cheeked bee-eater. The park’s wetland areas, particularly around the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, are particularly rich in birdlife. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for birdwatching when birds are most active.
Nature Walks and Hiking
For visitors who prefer to explore the park on foot, nature walks and hiking are excellent options. These activities allow you to experience the park’s landscapes from a different perspective and provide an opportunity to observe smaller wildlife and plant species that you may miss on a vehicle-based safari.
The Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes,” offers a popular hiking trail. This scenic gorge is a home to chimpanzees and provides a chance to explore the dense forests of the park while learning about the unique ecosystem of the gorge. A guided walk through the gorge can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s flora and fauna.
Another popular hike is the Crater Lake trail, where visitors can trek to the top of ancient volcanic craters and enjoy panoramic views of the park’s varied landscapes.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is an exciting and popular activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park, particularly in the Kyambura Gorge. This gorge is a haven for chimpanzees and other primates, and tracking them through the lush forest offers a thrilling experience. Visitors are guided by experienced rangers who help locate the chimpanzees, and once found, visitors have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat, displaying behaviors such as grooming, foraging, and playing.
The experience provides valuable insights into the social structure and behaviors of chimpanzees, offering a unique and educational adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Cultural Experiences
Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by several local communities, and visitors have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities to learn more about the region’s indigenous peoples. The Bakiga, Basongora, and Banyaruguru communities live around the park, and some of them offer cultural tours and performances, where you can learn about their traditions, dances, music, and lifestyle.
You can also visit the Ishasha Village and interact with the local people, gaining a deeper understanding of how they coexist with the park’s wildlife. These cultural experiences can be a meaningful addition to your safari, offering a blend of nature and cultural immersion.
Lion Tracking and Research Experiences
In collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and various conservation organizations, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers opportunities for visitors to participate in lion tracking activities. Visitors can join researchers and rangers to track the movements of lions using GPS collars and radio tracking equipment. This unique activity offers insights into the behavior of the park’s lion population and contributes to ongoing conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.
Tracking lions is an educational experience, helping visitors understand the challenges faced by wildlife researchers and the importance of conservation efforts in the park.
Visit the Katwe Salt Mines
The Katwe Salt Mines, located within the park, offer an interesting and historical visit. The salt mining activities in this area have been a way of life for local communities for centuries. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mines to learn about the salt extraction process and the historical significance of the industry in the region.
The tour also offers insights into the lives of the local miners and how they have adapted to the harsh working conditions. Visiting the Katwe Salt Mines provides an opportunity to appreciate the intersection of culture, history, and natural resources.
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is open all year long, but wildlife viewing is at its best from January to February and June to July (the Dry seasons). However, this scenic park is at its most beautiful in the Wet seasons from March to May and August to December.
Accommodation
Queen Elizabeth offers variety of accommodation facilities catering for both budget and luxury tourists all year. The park safari lodges include Mweya safari Lodge, Katara lodge, Jacana safari lodge, Ishasha wilderness camp, Kyambara lodge, baboon lodge, Enganzi lodge, Bush lodge, Simba safari camp, Pumba cottages, Mweya hostels and UWA Bandas.
How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park
BY ROAD
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda and it can be accessed through;
Mbarara which is at a distance of 420 kms or through Fort Portal via Kasese which is at a distance of 410kms. The park is 5-6 hours on the tarmac road from Kampala via Mbarara town and Bushenyi which leads directly to the center of the park, just 22 km from Mweya Peninsula.
The park can be accessed from the north part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is 4 hours’ drive.
BY AIR
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be accessed by air through charter flights that can be arranged to existing airstrips of Kasese, Mweya and Ishasha with Fly Uganda or Aero link with scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kasese and Mweya
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth National Park is an adventure playground for nature lovers, offering a wide range of activities that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking to track wildlife, cruise along the Kazinga Channel, hike through the Kyambura Gorge, or learn about local cultures, the park provides an unforgettable safari experience. With its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and diverse range of activities, Queen Elizabeth National Park is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s most cherished natural treasures.
