Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park was renamed two years later in commemoration of a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. It is one of Uganda’s two main big game parks as well as the most popular savannah park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains. It lies between Lake George and Lake Albert. The Kazinga Channel crosses its 700 square miles in the south-western region of Uganda.
The park covers an area spanning 1,978 square kilometers. It is crossed by the equator, as portrayed by the monuments on either side of the road marking the exact spot where it crosses the equator at 00 degrees.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK?
Tree-climbing lions.
The southern sector known as the “Ishasha sector” is home to the unique tree-climbing lions. It comprises the total of the two populations in the world.
A game drive through the area introduces you to these lions chilling up in the fig and acacia trees. It is a remarkable experience you would not wish to miss in your life.
Chimpanzee trekking.
While in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can be part of the spectacular trekking of human-like creatures – Chimpanzees.
The activity is done at the V-shaped cliff made up of open savannah and forest vegetation known as “Kyambura Gorge.” It is home to several primate species in addition to 30 habituated chimpanzees. Chances of encountering other game such as lions, elephants, and hippopotamuses are high in the area.
Kazinga Channel.
Kazinga Channel is the nearest and easiest-to-reach water body while at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is 32km long and connects Lake Edward to Lake George.
At Mweya Peninsula (the northern shore), a swamp forms a lining and the swamp is under Ramser sites rights of conservation of wetlands in Africa. Old buffaloes find refuge at the channel in the event of being chased away from the herds. Other animals such as crocodiles and hippopotamuses can be sighted at the channel in addition to a wide range of bird species.
Overlooking villages in the neighborhood of the channel can be clearly seen during a spectacular boat cruise. Due to the number of activities that take place, Kazinga channel is considered the most popular tourism area in Uganda.
Boat cruise.
One can do boat trips along Kazinga Channel. It is in itself an adventure worth one’s attention while on a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It offers great game-viewing opportunities to spot hippopotamuses, buffaloes, elephants, and water birds, to mention but a few.
Lake Katwe.
These salty Katwe Explosion Lakes are found at the highest elevation of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here you get a chance of reaching the source of salt and enjoy views of the magnificent Rwenzori mountains, Lake Edward, Lake George, and the western rift valley at a distance. You will see ongoing salt mining activities at this lake.
Nature walks and birding.
Almost half of Uganda’s bird population is found at Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is one of the best birding areas the world has ever had. Nature walks through the park will introduce you to several bird species. These range from water birds, woodland and forest birds, and migratory species. Some of these birds include the pink-backed pelican, Chapin’s Flycatcher, white-winged warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, shoebill, and African Broadbill.
Reliable bird-spotting sites at Queen Elizabeth National Park include: Lake Katunguru Bridge, Ishasha sector, Maramagambo forest, Myeya Peninsula, Kazinga channel, Lake Kikorongo, and Kasenyi area.
Where to stay while at Queen Elizabeth National Park?
At Queen Elizabeth national park, you have multiple choices in regards to accommodation since lodges and hotels range from budget, luxury and mid-range. They include the following; Queen Elizabeth bush lodge, Marafiki safari lodge, Irungu forest safari lodge, Ihamba Lakeside safari lodge, Enganzi Game lodge, Park view safari lodge, Buffalo safari lodge, Kyambura Game lodge, The Baboon safari resort, Ishasha wilderness camp, Enjojo lodge, etc.
How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park
From Kampala city, Queen Elizabeth national park is about 389 kilometers using Masaka road which is the southern route whereas the northern route via Fort Portal – Kasese is about 410km.
You can as well opt for a chartered flight to Mweya or Kasese airstrip.
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The park is open all-year-round however; visiting it depends on the purpose of the visit, for instance the best time for birding is during the months of August to December and March to May. The most recommended time for animal lovers is the dry months of January to February and June to September.