Get to Know Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Spectacular is the word that describes Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most visited and popular Park located in the western part of Uganda in Kasese district close to mountain Rwenzori.
The Park is home to a variety of animal and bird species including the fascinating tree climbing lions of Ishasha. Home to a variety of wildlife and several beautiful crates lakes, the Kazinga channel joining Lake Edward and George. The Maramagambo Forest is the home primate species which you may spot amid your guided nature stroll among which are Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Baboons, Red Tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and additionally the Vervet Monkeys. Not forgetting the famous Kyambura Gorge, take time to explore this amazing land of gem.
What to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Boat trip on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Watching aquatic life on a boat cruise is the most thrilling experience within the Park and it takes along the Kazinga channel. The Kazinga channel connects the two major lakes found in western Uganda Lake George and Lake Edward which offers you the spectacular view of wildlife such as Buffalo, Elephant, Hippos, antelopes and bird species. The boat trip on Kazinga channel lasts between 2 to 3hrs approximately 40km long.
Game Drives & Wildlife Photography in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The never ending drama of game and wildlife viewing happens here, a rewarding activity within the Park The game drive in the Park is normally contacted in early morning hours and evening which takes you in the open savannah grasslands, where you can spot a variety of animals including buffalos, elephants, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, bushbucks, impalas, lions, leopards, topis, Sitatunga among others including the famous tree climbing lion in Ishasha sector.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura George.
Chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura gorge is most wonderful experience to meet these apes in their nature environment. Meeting chimpanzee in Kyambura gorge is awesome activity which normally lasts between 3-4 hours.
Bird Watching.
The Park boasts over 616 bird species. You can encounter them by using experienced guide and they know the most interesting bird spots around swamps, lakes, along Kazinga channel and other interesting habitat of the Park such birds includes Shoe Bill, Martial Eagle, Eagle Owl, Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser & Greater Flamingoes, White tailed lark, Verraux’s Eagle Owl.
Best time to visit the Park
The Park can be visited at any time of the year (from January to December) but the dry season is preferred for most tourist activities in most National Parks. Months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December fall within the dry season and are characterized by clear skies, less rain and much sunshine. The dry season is an ideal for game drives and nature walks because most animals are concentrated around water points to keep hydrated offering the best game viewing experience.
Where to stay in the Park.
Mweya Safari Lodge.
Mweya safari lodge is luxury lodge located at the Mweya peninsular overlooking the Kazinga channel offering a beautiful view of the Kazinga channel and creature that harbor there. The lodge has varieties of rooms including self-contained rooms with standard ceilings fan and a veranda that gives visitors a view of Kazinga channel. All Mweya safari lodge rooms consist of private balconies still overlooking the Kazinga channel giving visitors ample privacy.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
This eclectic safari lodge, fully upgraded during 2018 and 2019 with entirely remodeled public areas and gardens, has been converted from an old coffee store to create a breathtakingly beautiful space. The lodge is located on the edge of the Park with sweeping views of the rolling savanna, the distant mountains of the moon, and the sunken Kyambura Gorge. Each Banda offers a unique view either across the savanna or the gorge.
Marafiki Safari Lodge.
The lodge is in a unique location and has been designed and handcrafted using local materials, fitted by artisans from the local community.Overlooking Lake George in the the Park offering private luxury safari tents on raised wooden floors and canvas walls that can be rolled up to allow you to sit comfortably watching the Savannah Plains with breath taking views across the Park and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Kasenyi Safari Lodge.
Strategically located on the rim of Lake Bunyampaka in the Kasenyi savannah of the Park. The tents are on platforms with a thatched canopy roof. With eight tents all with en-suite bathrooms, spacious living areas and private decks. Many animals frequent the camp during day & at night. Lion prides, hippo, leopard, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, kob, hyena and wart hog are frequently seen. The night comes alive with sounds of hyenas howling and lions roaring.
How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park
From Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park can be accessed through Masaka -Mbarara or Fort Portal-Kasese highway. The park is approximately 410km from Kampala and it takes about 7hours’ drive time.
By flight from Entebbe International Airport to either Mweya airstrip or Kasese airstrip. Daily flight schedule is available with a morning and afternoon flight t session. Those flying south in t Ishasha can land at Kihihi Airstrip.