Mammals:

QENP is renowned for its classic African wildlife, with species that thrive in its diverse landscapes, including:

• Lions: Known for the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, a unique behavior that makes this park a special place to witness this rare phenomenon.
• Elephants: Large herds of elephants can be spotted around the park, especially near the Kazinga Channel and in the savannah plains.
• Leopards: These elusive predators are present in the park, especially in the Mweya Peninsula and Kyambura Gorge.
• Hippos: Found in abundance along the Kazinga Channel, where they thrive in the water and often seen lounging on the banks.
• Buffaloes: Large herds of African buffaloes roam the park’s savannas.
• Uganda Kobs: The Uganda kob, a type of antelope, is the national animal and is commonly seen grazing in the open plains.
• Topis, Waterbucks, and Warthogs: These species can often be seen in different areas of the park.

The park also harbors nocturnal species like hyenas, civets, and genets.

Tree-Climbing Lions:

One of the park’s most iconic attractions is the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. These lions can often be seen lounging in fig trees, a behavior that is rare among lions globally. This unique sight draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Primates:

The park is also home to primates, especially in its forested areas. These include:

• Chimpanzees: Found in the Kyambura Gorge, where visitors can engage in chimpanzee tracking.
• Vervet monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys are also common in the park’s forests and woodland areas.

Birdlife:

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 600 bird species, the highest of any Ugandan national park. Notable species include:

• African fish eagles
• Saddle-billed storks
• Lesser flamingos (found around crater lakes like Lake Munyanyange)
• Shoebill storks (found in the wetlands)
• Martial eagles
• Papyrus gonoleks
• Pelicans and cormorants (seen along the Kazinga Channel)

The park’s bird diversity is exceptional, and the park is classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel:

The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer-long natural waterway that links Lake George to Lake Edward. It is one of the main attractions in the park, offering an incredible concentration of wildlife along its banks. The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise is a must-do activity, giving visitors the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and various bird species up close. The channel is also a vital water source for many animals, making it an excellent spot for photography.

Ishasha Sector:

Located in the southern part of the park, the Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Visitors can take game drives through the area to witness these lions resting in the fig trees—a unique behavior found in only a few places in Africa. Ishasha is also home to herds of Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and elephants.

Mweya Peninsula:

The Mweya Peninsula is the most developed area of the park and serves as the primary hub for tourism activities. It is located between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward and offers some of the park’s best accommodation options. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.

Kyambura Gorge:

Known as the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a forested ravine that runs along the northeastern edge of the park. It is famous for its population of chimpanzees, and visitors can embark on chimpanzee tracking expeditions here. The gorge also harbors other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and colobus monkeys, as well as a variety of bird species.

Katwe Explosion Craters:

The park is dotted with volcanic craters, and one of the most scenic areas to visit is the Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes. These craters were formed by volcanic activity and are now filled with water. The Lake Katwe salt pans are of particular interest, where locals extract salt using traditional methods. The crater lakes offer stunning panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas, including the Rwenzori Mountains.

Maramagambo Forest:

Located in the southern part of the park, Maramagambo Forest is one of Uganda’s largest forests. It is home to various wildlife, including bats, monkeys, and birds. One of the forest’s notable features is the Bat Cave, which is home to thousands of bats. Visitors can also explore the Blue Lake, a crater lake that provides scenic beauty and birdwatching opportunities.

Crater Lakes:

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to numerous crater lakes, many of which are rich in minerals. Lake Nyamunuka, known as the “medicinal lake,” is said to have healing properties. These crater lakes offer stunning vistas and unique photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Game Drives:

The park offers some of the best game drives in Uganda, particularly in the Kasenyi Plains and the Ishasha Sector. These drives offer the chance to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and more. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for game drives when animals are most active.

2. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise:

The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise is a signature activity in the park, providing close-up views of wildlife along the water’s edge. The cruise offers an excellent opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and a variety of birds.

3. Chimpanzee Tracking:

In Kyambura Gorge, visitors can go on guided chimpanzee tracking expeditions. Although the chimps here are not as numerous as in Kibale Forest, tracking them in this unique environment is an exciting and rewarding experience.

4. Nature Walks:

Several nature walks are available in the park, particularly in the Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge. These walks provide opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and spot primates, birds, and other wildlife.

5. Bird Watching:

With over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birding hotspot. Birdwatching can be done throughout the park, but the Kazinga Channel, Lake Munyanyange, and Maramagambo Forest are particularly good spots for bird enthusiasts.

6. Cultural Encounters:

The park offers several cultural tours, allowing visitors to interact with local communities and learn about their way of life. The Kikorongo Women’s Community, for example, offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Ugandan dance, crafts, and food.

Conservation and Sustainability Efforts

Queen Elizabeth National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and is part of a broader conservation initiative that includes community involvement and sustainable tourism. Efforts to protect the park’s wildlife, especially endangered species like the tree-climbing lions and elephants, are ongoing. Anti-poaching measures, conservation research, and partnerships with local communities play a critical role in the park’s sustainability.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons, from January to February and June to August. During these months, wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to spot. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers unique experiences.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• By Road: The park is about 5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala via Mbarara, making it accessible by road. The road network within the park is well-maintained, allowing for relatively smooth game drives.
• By Air: There are domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Mweya or Kasese Airstrip, which serve as gateways to the park.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park offers a range of accommodation options, from budget campsites to luxury lodges:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp
• Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge, Bush Lodge, Marafiki Safari Lodge
• Budget: Simba Safari Camp, Pumba Safari Cottages

Conclusion

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most visited and versatile national parks, offering a rich blend of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the savannas, cruising the Kazinga Channel, tracking chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, or watching the majestic tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park provides an unforgettable African safari experience.