Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

One of the most popular Uganda safari sites is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which was named after Queen Elizabeth II of England during her visit in 1952. It is situated on the Equator in southwest Uganda, with monuments on either side of the road to mark latitude 00. The most diverse ecology in Africa is found there, together with the wildlife reserves of Kyambura and Kigezi, in the Albertine region. On a surface of 1978 km2, there is a rich biodiversity of crater lakes, forest, savannah, woodland, and acacia, as well as many other animal, plant, and bird species. The reason why this park is the most frequented in Uganda may be because to its name, but it is also conveniently located for people taking public transportation. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are many crater lakes that provide breathtaking views. Make pit stops at Nyamununka Crater Lake, commonly known as the "vet for animals." Many go there to have their wounds treated or to the aging animals for its waters that contain sulfur. Visit Lake Katwe or Lake Bunyampaka, the salt mining craters, or both. Enjoy watching the sun set over Lake Edward with the Rwenzoris in the background. The famed tree-climbing lions that prefer the branches of acacia trees after the night/early morning meals reside in the Ishasha section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The trees also give people the much-needed shade from the stifling sun, allowing them to experience the winds.

Overview of Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Over 95 different kinds of mammals may be seen in the park, and these are what draw most park visitors. It is home to the elephant, leopard, lion, and buffalo, four of the "Big Five." The Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward and is famed for having the largest herd of hippos, is home to thousands of them. Large herds of buffalo, extended families of banded mongoose, warthogs, bushbucks, and waterbucks can all be seen in the park, which is an open Savannah covered with euphorbia and acacia trees that serves as a habitat for these animals as well as leopards, elephants, lions, Uganda kobs, Topi, and hyenas. Primate species can be found in the nearby Kyambura gorge and "underground forest," including chimpanzees. Be on the lookout for red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park

According to Birding International, Queen Elizabeth National Park is an important Birding Area (IBA) and home to over 600 different bird species, making it a sanctuary for birdwatchers. It has more birds than any other protected area in East Africa. The park features multiple crater lakes, forests, and woodlands, making it a rich home for Savannah-area birds. You may go birding in the Kasenyi area, Mweya peninsula, Imaramagambo, and Kazinga channel, among other places. African mourning dove, Swamp flycatcher, Grey-headed kingfisher, pin-tailed whydah, slender-tailed nightjar, and collared pratincole are among the bird species to watch out for. At Katwe and Bunyampaka salt lakes, keep an eye out for flamingos.

Things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best times to go game viewing are early in the morning or late at night, largely because the sun is not as scorching and the cats prefer to hunt then. The largest Kob mating ground is in the Kasenyi area, which is where most game drives take place in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Due of the abundance of Uganda Kobs, which the big cats hunt upon, the area is well known for its large cat population. Watch for buffalo and elephant herds as they graze across the Savannah. A window seat and an open roof are available to every passenger in the specially designed safari vehicles used for the game drives.

Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

A great place to see wildlife and birds is along the stretch of water known as the Kazinga Channel that separates Lake Edward from Lake George. Elephants can be seen drinking from streams, while herds of hippopotamuses are often seen defending their territories. Boat safaris departing from the jetty for 2 to 3 hours are available both in the morning and in the afternoon. There are shared boats available, but you may also book private boats for your group. Monitor lizards, crocodiles, waterbucks, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, and other animals are among the other creatures you might observe. With a wide variety of bird species, the bird life is superb. The launch trips are offered twice a day in the morning and afternoon, but for a birding expedition, we suggest taking the morning boat because it offers better chances for bird watching.

Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector

The rare tree climbing lions can be found in the Ishasha region of the Queen Elizabeth national park. They do not belong to a distinct subspecies or are in any way distinct from the lions that may be seen in Kasenyi Sector or other national parks in Uganda. The lions in this area have naturally adapted to a life spent climbing the abundant fig trees after morning or afternoon hunts. There are ideas that these lions ascend up trees because of insects and parasites (such Tsetse flies) on the ground, but scientists have not yet come up with a good explanation for why they do so. The major goal of game drives to the Ishasha region is to see the lions perched on the trees. The Ishasha area is home to elephants, warthogs, and buffalo in addition to lions. The Ishasha sector is a great place to stop for visitors planning to visit the lions and gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park because it is close to the highway that leads to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park.

Cultural Tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Without visiting one of the native tribes, a vacation to Africa, and specifically to Uganda, is incomplete. It is possible to visit the Kikorongo Equator Cultural Group while on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park in order to take part in and observe traditional dances, theater, and fire-making. Visitors can learn native art and craft techniques, such as natural fiber basket weaving, while they are with the Kikorongo Equator Cultural group. There are several of these artifacts for sale at affordable costs. Following their visit to the group, the leaders can take tourists to specific homes so they can observe how people construct their homes from grass thatch, manage their gardens, and prepare meals. There are many options to engage in cultural experiences because practically every lodge and hotel organizes its own tours for its guests. The cultural Kikorongo ensemble is frequently invited to do a performance in the park lodges. A visit to the Nyanz'ibiri Cave Community or the Katwe Village Walk are two other opportunities for cultural exchanges.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura canyon, a "underground" forest 100 meters below the Kichwaba cliff, is located within the park. Ten different kinds of primates live there, including the famous chimpanzees, olive baboons, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The park headquarters must be contacted in advance to schedule chimpanzee tracking. Despite the low likelihood of seeing chimpanzees, trekking through the forest is a fantastic experience because you often see magnificent birds and other monkeys.

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

With 600 different bird species, the park is a fantastic place to go birdwatching in Uganda. In addition to serving as a bird sanctuary and migratory stop for the lesser flamingo from August to November, Lake Munyanyange is located close to the park. The Kasenyi plains, a boat trip on the Kazinga river, the Kyambura gorge, the Mweya peninsula, the Maramagambo forest, the Katunguru bridge, and several park lakes are further locations for birdwatching. In general, the park has excellent spots for bird watching in every corner. As you tour the park and its surroundings, you may expect fantastic photo opportunities because the birds are quite simple to spot.

Nature Walk at Maramagambo Forest

It's fairly common for people, especially birders, to visit Maramagambo Forest. In this vast forest, guided nature walks are offered so that visitors can learn about forest conservation while also observing miniature crater lakes, birds, primates, and other forest inhabitants. In terms of primates, the Maramagambo forest is home to roughly nine different species, including chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkeys, Vervet monkeys, bush babies, red-tailed monkeys, and baboons. A series of caves with thousands of bats living inside can be reached via one of the routes. Large rock pythons that love to eat bats are drawn to these bats. From a secure vantage point, you can see both the bats and pythons. Although they have not yet reached complete habituated status, the chimpanzees in Maramagamono are nevertheless visible when on lengthy hikes into the heart of the forest. It costs $30 to take a guided tour of Maramagambo Forest.

Wildlife Conservation & Research Tours

The Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced research tours to educate tourists about wildlife conservation initiatives while also allowing them up-close interactions with wildlife in response to the growing demand from wildlife enthusiasts. Lion tracking at Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is organized by the Uganda Carnivore Program in close coordination with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is one of the most well-liked activities. The big cats are tracked throughout this activity by radio collars that are placed around their necks. Tourists observe as scientists and park employees tend to the cats and keep tabs on their whereabouts. Other cats, such as leopards and hyenas, can also be seen while the animals are being tracked. Bookings should be made in advance as there are restrictions on the number of persons who can monitor the lions each day. Along with the lions, the Mweya peninsula offers a $30 mongoose tracking excursion. For a price of about $100, lucky visitors may also be granted the chance to participate in recurring animal censuses.

Agro-tourism

Locals in the Kichwamba escarpment, which makes up the eastern arm of the western rift valley, are involved in an agro tourism project where they accompany interested visitors to their farms and demonstrate the regional farming practices. You may observe birds and medicinal plants while strolling through the community. You can also learn how the villagers manage the wildlife conflict because their crops border the national park.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

A new innovation that was adapted from Murchison Falls National Park are hot air balloon safaris. Briefings are held at the park's Kasenyi gate very early in the morning before the activity begins. The ride offers fantastic opportunity to take gorgeous aerial pictures of the lovely park as well as dazzling aerial views of all the park animals.

Explore Lake Katwe Salt Mines

One of the few salt lakes in East Africa is Lake Katwe. Because of the high saline of the lake, there is no wildlife. Despite this, there is a flurry of activity in the area surrounding the lake, especially during the dry season when villages congregate to remove salt from the milky waters. In Katwe, salt mining has persisted for millennia and was formerly quite profitable before other sources and techniques of mining were found. Lake Katwe is where the majority of the salt used in Ugandan households is produced. Despite the risks posed by the deadly saline waters, conventional hand mining of salt continues to be practiced. Visitors to the mines can connect with the local mining community and learn about the salt mining industry. The majority of the salt is sold to businesses, while the miners take the remainder home

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park

As the park is open and the seasons fluctuate, it is difficult to determine the ideal time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. However, due to the dry season, January through February and June through July are the best times to go to Queen Elizabeth National Park in order to see animals. However, the wet season, which runs from March to February and from August to December, is when the splendor of the wilderness is most evident. This season is mistakenly referred to as the low season. When you wish to go on a fantastic African safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park is always open and ready to welcome you, your family, and friends. Even yet, there are some factors that will work against you when you engage in particular activities. The best times to view wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park are from January to February and June to July because it is the dry season and animals are free to move about the park. In addition, tree climbing lions of Ishasha are hanging up in the branches of candelabra trees as they run from the hot ground, which is one of the reasons they do so. Even though there is a lot of wildlife during the dry season, Queen Elizabeth National Park truly shines during the wet season, which lasts from March to May and August to December. The wettest months of the year are April, May, August, and September. At this time of year, it's always possible that severe rains will prevent you from going on a safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The bulleted list below summarizes the ideal time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park; • The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park is January to February and June- July because it is a dry season. • The peak travel period in Uganda and Queen Elizabeth National Park is from June to September. This is because it is the best time to trek with gorillas and chimpanzees from the park, as well as other primates in Bwindi National Park and Kyambura Gorge, respectively, and in other locations. • Queen Elizabeth National Park is free and only has a few visitors in April, May, October, and November. The lodges are available and have many of the rooms you want. In June to July and January to September is the period of the best weather due to less rain fall; the savanna grass plains are greener and the ponds are full of water for the elephant to shower, buffaloes to wallow and also other animals to drink water. • You should be aware that the months of April, May, and September to October are known for having strong downpours, making it difficult to travel on the murram accessible roads.

How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Use scheduled or charter flights to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park from Entebbe International Airport; these flights land at Mweya Airstrip within the park. Otherwise, you can travel to the park by vehicle from either Kampala via Fortportal OR Kampala via Mbarara.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are several different lodges and hotels for visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park to pick from. The lodges provide services of various quality levels, including budget, midrange, and ultra-luxury. The majority of the lodges are constructed using wood, stone, and grass thatched roofs in the traditional safari banda style. The final hotel choice is based on one's interests and financial constraints. In some locations, the lodges may allow guests with their own tents to camp outside. Let's examine a few of the hotels available;

Mweya Safari Lodge

This luxurious resort was constructed in a noteworthy location with excellent views of the magnificent Kazinga Channel. Up to 4 adults can stay in the lodge's double or twin rooms, both of which are available. The rooms are air conditioned, self-contained, and of the highest quality. The lodge also contains a restaurant, a bar, and a luxurious pool. For those who would like a more private boat trip without the crowds on the public/government boat, Mweya safari lodge arranges boat cruises to the Kazinga channel utilizing its own fleet of boats.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp:

Along the banks of the river Ntungwe, this hotel is situated close to the Ishasha district. The lodge's structure and chambers are made of stones, mortar, and grass for the roof. The lodge's living area has comfortable oak seats and coffee tables with beautiful views of the neighboring river. The lodge features a restaurant, bar, gift store, and fireplace. The 10 self-contained tent rooms each have a flush toilet bucket, a desk, a storage area, a double or twin bed, free WiFi, and a verandah. Elephants, baboons, warthogs, and antelopes are just a few of the park creatures that congregate near the lodge to eat.

Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge

The lodge is situated off the Mbarara to Kasese road in the centre of the park, close to the Mweya and Kasenyi regions. Ten self-contained rooms with eco-friendly showers and toilets built of local materials are available at the lodge. The Nature group of Lodges is in charge of Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, which is appropriate for those who are going on a wildlife drive in the Kasenyi region or chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Many park creatures, like the curious baboons, may be seen by residents from the luxury of their hotel verandas.

Katara Lodge

The Katara village and the park's Katunguru gate are both close to where this lodge is located. The lodge boasts lovely grounds with grass-covered structures called bandas. The lodge offers a bar, a restaurant, a pool, and a lounge area with cozy chairs and tables. A large bedroom, a table, a chair, a flush toilet, showers, bathtubs, and a private verandah are all included inside the rooms. The lodge's breathtaking views of the park, Lake Edward, and the Virunga and Rwenzori mountain ranges are only one of its unique features. While providing a sense of being at home while traveling, the service quality is also excellent.

Hippo Hill Camp

The camp is a high-end establishment situated on a hill along the line separating the park from Katwe. The Munyanyange and Lake Edward crater lakes may be seen clearly from the camp. Ten luxury tents with private bathrooms, hot showers, and comfortable beds are available. Additionally, the camp offers a bar and restaurant that provides international cuisine. Tents owned by residents may be erected in authorized areas.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

With lovely views of the park and the Rwenzori Mountains, this resort is situated near to the Kyambura Gorge. For vacationers who value seclusion, especially newlyweds, the resort is ideal. The eight bandas each have a flush toilet, a shower, double or twin beds, lighting, mosquito netting, and Wi-Fi. For those interested in primates who want to see baboons and chimpanzees as well as the unusual gorge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge is the best option.

Jacana Safari Lodge

Near the Maramagambo forest along the Mbarara to Katunguru route, the Jacana Safari Lodge is situated on the shores of a crater lake. The lodge provides the ideal setting for unwinding and getting lost in the African savannah. While camping is not permitted within the resort, it is permitted close by at the research station. One must have their own camping supplies, including food and tents.

Book your Adventure Travel with Dav Safaris

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