Queen Elizabeth National Park: Where Wilderness Meets Royalty

Overview:

Location and Size:

Situated in western Uganda, spanning Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri districts.
Approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Kampala, the capital city.
Encompasses diverse habitats, including grassland savannah, forests, wetlands, and lakes.
Occupies an estimated 1,978 square kilometers, extending from Lake George in the northeast to Lake Edward in the southwest.

History and Name:

Founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, later renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake George and Lake Edward, is renowned for hosting over 1000 hippos, boasting the world’s highest concentration.

Wildlife:

Rich biodiversity, home to African buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, leopards, lions, and chimpanzees.
Houses 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species.
Ishasha sector is famous for tree-climbing lions.

4 Days Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari

Safari Experience – 4 Days Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari:

1. Wildlife Encounters:

Opportunities for game drives in various sectors, including Mweya Peninsula, Gisenyi, and Ishasha.
Chance to see the big four of the Big Five; tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

2. Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel:

Two-hour boat ride offering spectacular views of water birds, crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and buffaloes.
Unforgettable wildlife experience along the channel.

3. Crater Lakes Tour:

Exploration of volcanic and lava crater lakes within the park.
Encounter with wildlife, including buffaloes, near the salty mineral patches at lake shores.
Possibility of spotting flamingoes in some crater lakes.

4. Visit to Lake Katwe:

Exploration of Lake Katwe, a volcanic crater lake with active salt mining.
Insightful interactions with the local community involved in salt mining.

5. Bird Watching:

Birders’ paradise with over 600 bird species, including water birds along Kisenyi landing sites.
Highlights include White-faced Whistling, Fish Eagle, Pelicans, Kingfishers, and more.

6. Chimpanzee Trekking – Kyambura Gorge:

Nature walk to Kyambura Gorge, home to various primate species.
Opportunity for chimpanzee trekking and interaction with the diverse ecosystem.

7. Cultural Experiences:

Interaction with local populations, enjoying traditional music and cultural dances.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing:

The Dry season (June to August and January to February) is optimal for wildlife viewing.
Animals concentrate near rivers and waterholes during this period.
Note: Some roads may be impassable after heavy rain.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park:

From Kampala:

5-6 hours by road via Mbarara or Fort Portal.
Alternatively, accessible through Kigali, Rwanda, via Gatuna border.

By Flight:

Domestic flights available from Entebbe or Kajansi airstrip to Mweya.
Airlines like Eagle Air and Aero Link operate in the region.

From Bwindi:

Accessible via the Ishasha sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

From Kigali – Rwanda:

Convenient route via Kigali airport, taking approximately 6 hours through Gatuna border.
Opportunity to visit Kitagata hot springs along the way.

Accommodation:

A plethora of accommodation options catering to various budgets.
Luxury lodges such as Mweya Safari Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, and Elephant Plains Lodge.
Budget and midrange facilities available, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Queen Elizabeth National Park invites travelers to experience the harmony of nature and royalty, offering a rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters. For an unforgettable safari, the park stands as a testament to Uganda’s diverse and captivating treasures.

Queen Elizabeth National Park