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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.

Contact us to book your next trip to Uganda!

Queen Elizabeth National Park

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