Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park : is found in the southwestern part of Uganda. To begin with, it is among the most beautiful with very rewarding wildlife encounters. On the other hand, it is also one of the most visited National Park in Uganda. The park covers an area of 1978 square kilometers and its boundaries extend from the bottom of the Mountain Rwenzori ranges. It extends to the shores of Lake Edward towards the faraway Ishasha River found in the south. The park has a number of different habitats for the wildlife living in the park among which are: the savannah, wetlands and the low-land forest.

What to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wildlife Viewing / Game Drives

Basically, the park is home to over 550 bird species and more than 91 mammal species. Among these are some of the ‘Big Five’ animals of Africa. However, these can best be seen during your game drives led and guided by a trained, knowledgeable and well experienced guides. We generally conduct the game drives in four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles twice a day.

The drives are either conducted very early in the morning or late afternoon. Additionally, you get a chance to explore the different trucks within the park, as well as the Uganda Kobs’ mating ground. Some of the wild animals you will encounter are: the spotted hyena, Uganda Kobs, lions. Striped jackal, buffaloes, bushbucks, forest hogs, elephants among others

The Launch Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Take a two (2) hours’ boat-ride on the kazinga channel which is a natural water-channel that joins Lake Edward and Lake George. Besides, its water banks are crowded with a number of different wild animals. These include: hippopotami and Crocodiles, in addition to buffaloes, elephants and a great profusion of birds. In addition, the launch cruise presents holidaymakers a great chance to take some beautiful photographs as well as record videos.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Reserve

The Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is situated in the eastern side of the park. It is also home to quite a number of different wildlife among which are several birds and primates. Although olive baboons and Black and white colobus monkeys are present here, the primary tourist activity here is chimpanzee tracking. Tourists get a chance to come face to face with these forest apes also referred to as man’s closest living relative since they share 98% DNA with man.

Nature Walks in Maramagambo Forest

We do organize short and longer nature walks guided by very knowledgeable and skilled guides inside the Maramagambo forest. During these walks, tourists get an opportunity to visit the bat caves found near the breathtaking Blue Lake. Additionally, the ancient caves today are habitat to large pythons which prey on the bats that live here. Further, you will also encounter several beautifully colored butterflies and several bird species as you explore this forest.

Look for the unique Tree-Climbing lions in Ishasha Area

Spend time and explore the Ishasha area located in the southern section of the park. You will indeed get a chance to see some lions resting up in the branches of the huge fig trees. On the African continent, there are only two populations of such unique tree climbing lions. This population is once where chances of sighting them are almost guaranteed. You will also view some other animals like the Uganda Kobs, buffaloes to mention but a few.

Lion tracking

This activity is one of the most interesting experimental tourism activities in Uganda. Lion tracking involves learning much more about the habits of the king of the jungle in Kasenyi with in the national park. Nevertheless, a limited numbers of participants are allowed to a natural habitat. Meanwhile, the activity lasts for 2-3 days and only twice a day; in the morning around 8am and late afternoon.

Bird Watching Tours

Above all, our adventurous guided bird watching tours in the park are led by professional birding guides. These will lead you in the forest and detail you about the various species living within this area. Actually Queen Elizabeth National Park has a bird list of over 501 bird species which in fact makes it the best place for birding. The species commonly seen here are: the Long-tailed Cormorants, African Mourning Doves. African open-billed Stork, Great-white and Pink-backed Pelicans. Grey-capped Warbler, Grey-headed Kingfisher, as well as the Swamp Fly-catcher.

Visit the Traditional Salt Mine at Katwe

You will have an opportunity to check out this very old salt mine. Since the fourteenth (14th) century it has been in existence up to date. You will see the traditional mining methods being used by the locals to mine the salt as well as their fascination way of life.

How to get there/Accommodation/Related safaris

How to get there

This national park can be reached either by air transport or road transport. In case you are traveling from the capital city Kampala, use the highway from Kampala. Travel through Mbarara to Kabale and proceed through Kihihi and finally arrive in the park. Nonetheless in case you are connecting from the Bwindi National Park, you can easily reach the park as well.

Accommodation

There are quite a number of accommodation facilities found around and within the park. However, these can cater for all types of holidaymakers depending on one’s budget. You can book your accommodation through our company and early bookings are advised. These are grouped in three major categories: