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Home > Uganda Safaris > Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Introduction
Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) together with Kyambura and Kigezi Wildlife Reserves form one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. The melting glacier waters of the Rwenzori Mountains create a vast wetland system comprising of two main Lakes, George and Edward, as well as the connecting Kazinga Channel. Thousands of Hippos populate these lake shorelines. Open savannah dotted with Acacia and Euphorbia tree provide habitat for elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda Kobs and big herds of buffaloes. Then primate species including chimpanzees are present. Among the many other animals seen frequently are giant forest hog, waterbucks, topi, hyenas and crocodiles. This is one of the uganda national parks that boasts of more bird species than any other park in Africa.

The local people
In 1979, Queen Elizabeth was one of the uganda national Parks that was designated as a Biosphere Reserve with ultimate goal of integrating human activities with the conservation and protecting wildlife, wetlands and natural resources. Three are eleven fishing village enclaves within protected Area. Several ethnic groups that are closely related both linguistically and culturally inhabit this part of the country; the Banyankore, Bakiga and Bakonjo.

Game Drives
This is best done in early morning and late afternoon hours. Over 200kms of well- maintained tracks give visitors access to the parks wildlife. Some of the tracks pass through large mating grounds of great herds of Uganda Kob. The slower you drive the more you will see.
Hungry Lions can be seen searching for prey. The legendary forest hog is visible roaming the bush. When it is hot, large herds of elephants make their way down to the water. Buffalo and bush backs can be found on the Channel track and adjacent circuits. The warthog is a hallmark sight on the Mweya Peninsula. The outstanding scenery along the Crater track brings visitors to volcanic craters at the foothills of the misty Mountains of the Moon (Mt Rwenzori).The drive is a breathtaking experience. Our friendly staff will assist in planning for a game drive.

Launch Trip on the Kazinga Channel.
A boat trip along the hippo crowded banks of Kazinga Channel gives visitors a unique unequalled wildlife experience. Eye to eye with yawning hippos and surrounded by vast numbers of migrant and resident water birds, the boat puts one right in the heart of nature. Many Buffalo rest in the water while the big herds of elephant enjoy themselves drinking and playing along the Channel banks. Crocodiles have become a common sight and occasionally leopards may be seen.

Maramagambo Forest.
Many surprises await you in the extensive Maramagambo rain forest. A variety of short medium and long guided nature walks are offered. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the Bats Cave floor using the bats as a source of food. The cave is near the picturesque Blue Lake and Hunters Cave. Other trails lead into the heart of the forest surrounding tranquil crater lakes and are home to wild chimps, other primates and many forest birds.

Bird Watching
The National park boasts of 606 bird species. Our experienced guides know the most interesting bird spots around swamps, lakes and other interesting habitats. Among the uganda national parks, queen elizabeth national park offers you a good chance of spotting Ugandas most sought after bird, the prehistoric looking Shoebill stork.
Other key species include the African fish eagle, martial eagle, papyrus gonolek, African skimmer and many more. A trip plan for a minimum of 2-3days gives one the best chance to see these beautiful birds.

Ishasha
Ishasha is a true pearl in the southern part of the park. Idyllic campsites frequently visited by colobus and other monkeys are situated along the winding Ishasha River. The famous tree-climbing lions can be spotted on large fig tree in this part of the park. Topi, Uganda kobs and buffaloes graze in the acacia studded savannah.

Traditional Salt Works
Visit one of the oldest industries in Uganda at the enclaves of Lake Katwe town. Since the 14th century, salt has been mined by traditional methods and is still in use today. Salt production peaks during the dry season.

Kyambura Wildlife Reserves
This is found in the eastern part of the protected area and supports similar mammals to the rest of the park. It has three saline crater lakes, which attract large members of flamingos-not found anywhere else in Uganda.
The steep Kyambura Gorge, formed by the turbulent waters of the roaring Kyambura River, provides a lush riverine forest, home to chimpanzees, black and white Colobus and red tailed monkeys, olive baboons and other primates as well as plenty of forest birds. A guided nature walk takes visitors into the gorge and offers a great chance to track
habituated chimps in their natural habitats.

Facts about the National Park.
Mean temperature: mean maximum28oC, mean minimum 18Oc
Wet Season: March-May, September-November (750mm up to 1250mm of rain).
Altitude: 910 m at Lake Edward to 1,390m in the crater area.
Total area Queen Elizabeth National Park: 2,056 sq. km
Kyambura wildlife Reserve: 154 sq. km
Kigezi wildlife Reserve 265 sq km
Animal species
95 mammal species
606 bird species

Access
From Kampala either via Masaka and Mbarara or via Fort Portal, the distance to the park is approximately 467kms. The Ishasha sector of the park may also be reached from Kabale. There are three airfields serving the park: at Kasese, Ishasha and Mweya Peninsula.
Distance from Mweya lodge to:
Fort Portal 129
Kabale (via Katunguru and Bugangari) 229
Kampala 438
Mbarara 140
Ishasha (via Katunguru) 124
Kabale (via Katunguru and Kihihi) 216

Accommodation
Campsites are available at Mweya, Maramagambo Forest and Ishasha. Toilets or pit latrines, shower or bathing shelters are provided at these sites. Others accommodation facilities include: the park hostel at Mweya, Mweya safari lodge, Jacana Safari lodge at Maramagambo forest and bandas located in Ishasha sector. The park operates a students centre with capacity of 48 beds.

Dos and Donts while in the Park