Briefly About Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Certainly one of Uganda’s most remarkable protected areas, Queen Elizabeth National Park inaugurated in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and was then renamed to its current name to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in Uganda, in 1954. The Park covers a total area of 1,978 square kilometers in Uganda’s western districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri and Kamwenge. The Park extends from Lake George in the north-east to Lake Edward in the south-west and includes the Kazinga Channel connecting the two lakes.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the ‘mountains of the moon’ – the Rwenzori Mountains, the Park’s attractions include numerous beautiful crater lakes that winding through the rolling hills, the panoramic display of the Kazinga channel with a spectacular view of hippos, buffaloes, elephants and several bird species lined up at the shores. With a continuation towards Ishasha sector plains, the amazing tree climbing lions resting on the fig tree branches waiting to pounce on the Uganda Kobs and other preys will blow one away. For travelers heading for the thrilling mountain gorilla expeditions in Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park are recommended to also include this Park on the bucket list because its Buhoma sector is too close to the Ishasha sector of Queen.
Attractions in Queen Elizabeth:
There are various things to do and see in Queen Elizabeth National Park; the surprising tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, the exciting hiking trails in the magnificent Maramagambo forest in the shadows of the Rwenzori Mountains, the beautiful crater lakes, the varied wildlife lining along the incredible Kazinga Channel, and a myriad of bird species. From elephants to leopards, there are 95 species of mammals, 619 species of birds, reptiles including crocodiles and Monitor Lizards, and very many others. Other animals in this Park are; Topis, Uganda Kob, Giant forest hogs, bushbucks, olive baboons, waterbucks, warthogs, sitatunga, and very many monkey species. The Ishasha River along Uganda-Congo border is also a very fascinating attraction as it is filled up with very many hippos exhibiting many of their amazing usual behaviors including their ear-catching sounds.
Four members of the legendary African big five thrive in this Park, such as; the Cape Buffaloes, Savannah Elephants, African Lions, and Leopards. Further in the Ishasha sector of the Park you will also spot the unique tree climbing lions, and also the exciting boat cruises on the beautiful Kazinga Channel. There are usually various wildlife lining along the shores of the channel that you will see as you cruise, among them include; Hippos and Crocodiles, plus mammoth numbers of buffaloes and elephants along with waterbucks and many other antelope species, making your cruise really colorful! In the Park, you can also go track the chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, which is also an exciting experience. After spotting the wondrous tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, you can then drive less than 3 hours to access Buhoma sector of Bwindi to trek the endangered mountain gorillas.
There are several breathtaking activities to indulge in while in this Park and these include; boat cruises, game drives and game viewing, bird watching, chimpanzee tracking, visiting the ancient salt lake – Lake Katwe, cultural encounters, hiking, and lion research tracking (experimental) as well as the little known mongoose tracking activity. To take caution of, all the above mentioned wildlife species do thrive in this Park but since this is nature and no can ever predict nature, you may miss out to spot some of them on your visit, so don’t ever be upset when this comes your way…But normally, they are all viewed and it is always fun and unforgettable! Queen Elizabeth National Park comprises of a variety of habitats like Savannah Grassland mixed with various kinds of trees, shrubs, including the candelabra Euphorbia trees. Though the Albertine Rift is quite hot and dry and yet in this environment, you will find lakes, rivers and swamps, there is also forest lands, the vast Maramagambo Forest covers over one-fifth of the park.
Where to stay (accommodations):
There are various accommodations in each sector of the Park that you will have visited, among them include; Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Mazike Valley Lodge, Kingfisher Lodge, Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite, Tembo Safari Lodge, Parkview Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Kyangabi Crater Resort, Marafiki Safari Lodge, Kabatoro Guest House, and many others. All the accommodations in the Park match every traveler’s interest and budget.