Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

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!