Queen Elizabeth National Park. Places for Wildlife Tour in Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse national parks, located in the southwestern part of the country. It covers an area of approximately 1,978 square kilometres (764 square miles) and is named after Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth Park is an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes make it a must-visit location for those exploring Uganda’s natural treasures.
Location
Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in the western region of Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and Lake Edward to the southwest. It is located approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
Biodiversity
The park is known for its rich and diverse wildlife, including over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species. It is home to four of the Big Five game animals, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and lions. Additionally, it hosts a variety of antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, and primates such as chimpanzees and baboons.
Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward, runs through Queen Elizabeth Park. It is a popular attraction for wildlife viewing, as it attracts a large number of animals and birds that come to drink and bathe along its shores.
Tree-Climbing Lions
One of the unique features of Queen Elizabeth National Park is its population of tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. These lions are known for their habit of lounging and resting in the branches of large fig trees, offering visitors a rare and remarkable sight.
Kyambura Gorge
The park is also famous for the Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the “Valley of Apes.” This scenic gorge is home to a habituated population of chimpanzees, offering visitors the opportunity to track and observe these primates in their natural habitat.
Activities to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. These include game drives, boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, bird watching, nature walks, and cultural encounters with local communities.
Mweya Peninsula
The Mweya Peninsula is the main tourism hub of the park, offering various accommodation options, including lodges and campsites. It provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Rwenzori Mountains and the vast savannah plains.
Accessibility
The park can be accessed by both road and air. By road, it takes approximately 5-6 hours to reach Queen Elizabeth Park from Kampala. The nearest airstrip is located in Kasese town, which is about a 1-2 hour drive from the park.
