QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Queen Elizabeth National Park was established in 1952 though it was called Kazinga National Park hut later renamed in 1954 after the visit of Queen Elizabeth II. It is seated in the western part of Uganda a distance of 420 kilometers, a 6 to 7 hour drive. Masaka to Mbarara route or the Mubende to Fort Portal route are the easiest and safest ways to get to this park. It is seated on an area as big as 1,978 square kilometers going through districts such as Rubirizi, Kasese, Rukungiri and Kamwenge.

The park seats between Lake Edward and Lake George which are connected by the Kazinga Channel, another iconic feature of the park. The Channel is not only attractive but also a very important aspect of the ecosystem as it is a reliable water source of all animals and birds in the park.

Wildlife

As this park is termed as “Medley of wonders”, It has diverse eco systems characterized by beautiful landscapes, offering unique wildlife experiences hence defending its reputation as Uganda’s most visited national park. It harbors an estimated sum beyond 95 mammals and over 600 birds.
It is also a home for the Big five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes) or four since the rhinos are not there. Other water based mammals are also there such as hippos and Nile crocodiles that are sighted along the shores of the channel, warthogs, African dogs, spotted hyenas, Uganda kobs, forest hogs are also available.
However, the lions located here are not just regular lions but tree climbing lions located in the Ishasha sector of the park. These are usually caught lying on tree branches which is more of a nurture than nature behavior. They have the tree climbing behavior because the trees acts as their shades from the scotching sun, to escape ground heat and have a long rest and avoid insect bitings. The male lions with a darker mane are the dominant ones always seen straying in the open savannah.

Chimpanzees are also common in Queen Elizabeth national park
These are found in the Kyambura Gorge and are is locally called the valley of apes which is a spot that offers an amazing sight that is not harboring the primates but also the scenery of the lush dense forest. Except the chimps, monkeys, birds and various butterfly species also have their homes here.
These can be spotted through guided safari walks to their hot spots. The activity will give you an insight of how social the semi-humans are and how they lice their daily lives.

Aquatic Life in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Aquatic life is more visible in the Kazinga Channel as there is different species of animals to sight, starting with the huge Nile crocodiles. These are the most dominant species of the water usually seen at the channel shores, exercising their hunting skills. They are a very important part of the eco system as they keep it balanced. Their prey is normally the antelopes, buffaloes and other animals that come close to the Channel for water. Kazinga channel also hosts hippos which live both in water and on land. They usually graze close to the channel, allowing many see them.

Bird life in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This Ugandan jewel is known for having a sum of over 600 recorded bird species thus becoming a paradise for bird watchers. Bird lovers who visit will be able to sight a variety of species such as the flamingos, herons, the famous shoebill stork, pelicans, African fish eagles, Pied king fishers among others. Water birds are always located around the Kazinga Channel and Lake George and through the savannah woodlands. The number of birds here allows enthusiasts to enjoy bird watching activities.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game Drives:

This involves one being in our well-mantained  4×4 vehicle most times modified with a pop up roof and you have a tour around the park, guided by our professional tour guides in the hotspots for the animals so that you can sight all animals in your interest. These may include tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and many more.

Birding:

With a variety of bird species, you have access to watch as many birds a you desire. This can be in the different spots that the guides will show you. Those interested in nature photography, this is the most rewarding activity to engage in.

Chimpanzee Trekking:

Especially in the Kyambura gorge, you can visit the primates through walking the dense forest to locate them.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise:

This is a boat ride on the channel that lasts 2 hours to have a view of the beautiful landscapes along the park, sight hippos and Nile crocodiles and birds.

Wildlife Tracking:

Researchers and rangers by any means of movements such as vehicles or on foot can do exclusive lion tracking research experiences or banded mongoose tracking. In Queen Elizabeth National Park has proved to be a real jewel especially for those seeking adventure and a deep touch of nature as it has it all. From tracking the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector to doing game drives.

Boat cruising on the Kazinga channel will also give you another unique water experience in
addition to the valley of apes (Kyambura gorge). The park therefore doesn’t only give an
appetizing safari but remains Uganda’s most treasured and commonest national park.

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

It is the dry season that is more appealing for travel during a visit to Uganda, and specifically Queen Elizabeth National Park.

January to February:

This is a good season for spotting lions in the savannah which are dry, allowing you to clearly see the animals. Since the land is drier in this time, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is highly possible.
It is also important to note that during this peak season, the park is more crowded so booking in advance for all your desired 4×4 cars, accommodations and all other things that require booking. And during this season, you will realize that lodges and most things that help during this season often have hiked prices as a result of competition.

April to May & October to November:

This is a rainy season and most of the routes and tracks of the park are extremely muddy and slippery, hard to pass especially when you do not have a 4×4 vehicle.
The park is usually giving full green and it is a low season, which implies that lodging facilities are at a lower cost. This season is more appealing for birders who can sight migratory bird species from North Africa and Europe.

March, September & December:

This season consists both rains and sun, the atmosphere is balanced though rains can fall unexpectedly. It is a good time for nature photographers as it is when the beauty of the park is more visible.

In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth national park remains a paradise in Uganda, visited all year
throughout, offering you the opportunity to see the unique species of fauna such as the tree
climbing lions and the Valley of Apes.