QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Southwest of Uganda, close to Kasese district, you will find the most renowned ecosphere, Queen Elizabeth National Park. This beautiful ecosphere inhabits tree climbing lions in an area estimated 1978 square kilometers. In 1979, Queen Elizabeth was declared an eco-sphere reserve with an aim of protection and conservation of wild life.

The eco-sphere reserve is endowed and bordered with natural resources like wetlands, lakes and rivers for example Lake Edward and River Ishasha to the west on the border with DR Congo, Lake George to the east. Furthermore to the north of the park is the Kalinzu forest reserve and Rwenzori foothills, to the south is the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve. Queen Elizabeth National park is mostly and open savanna blessed with acacia and euphoria trees.

The park which was originally named Kazinga national park was renamed in 1954 after the visit of the Queen of England to Uganda in an honor of her visit. The park inhabits a versed number of wildlife and is recorded to have the highest number of mammals estimated to about 95 species. These mammals include primates like chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys; blue monkeys, white colobus monkeys, vervet blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The lakes in and around the park house aquatic animals like aquatic large sitatunga antelopes. In addition to that there are other species like lions, antelope species like the Ugandan kob, bushbucks, topi plus Defassa water bucks and buffaloes like the reddish buffaloes. The park is also a home to about 200 visible lions and a great number of elephants. Therefore Queen Elizabeth National Park should be added on your must-visit list.

In addition to those species, a multitude of bird species find a habitat in this national park. These include the Black-rumped Buttonquail, Open-billed Stork, Common Squaco Heron, African Jacana, Shoebill Stork, Malachite & Pied Kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, African White-tailed Lark, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Grey-capped Warbler, African beautiful Black-headed Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Swamp Fly-catcher, Collard Pranticles, Pin-tailed Whyda Martial Eagle, White-winged Terns, Great & Long-tailed Cormorants, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Papyrus Canary, Gabon and Slender-tailed Mourning Dove.

Culture is something that is rich and greatly respected in Uganda, around the national park are tribes like Banyankole, Bakiga and Bakonjyo who participate in a numerous activities like farming and speak a versed number of languages. Visiting an area as rich as Queen Elizabeth National Park would stamp one’s mind with the most colorful of memories.

TOURISTS ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Game Drives
There is no better way to take in the beautiful scenery of the park except for a game drive so this is an activity that must be added to your to do list when you visit the park. This gives you an opportunity to pave through the Ugandan kobs mating grounds, a clear view of the elephants in their natural habitat going about with their lives and an opportunity to gaze at the forest hog. Above all one will feast their eyes with the views of Mountain Rwenzori and Mountains of the Moon. This game drive is best enjoyed either in the morning or afternoon when the weather is cool.

The Launch Cruise on Kazinga Channel

With all the waters around Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is obvious that a cruise is a must do activity there. The Kazinga cruise in particular navigates the waters of Kazinga channel, a habitat to hippopotami and crocodiles. This cruise gives one an unforgettable wildlife cruise experience you would not miss. In addition to the crocodiles and hippopotami are the buffaloes and elephants.

Nature Walks

There are numerous areas within the park that give an opportunity for a wonderful experience of a nature walk. One of these is the Maramagambo Forest. This walk provides a nature stirring experience revealing numerous wild species like pythons, bats, forest birds, chimpanzees.

Furthermore another enjoyable nature walk is the one to Kyambura wildlife reserve. While on the walk ne will encounter crater lakes with stunning flamingoes that are quite the perfect sight. In addition to those, the lions, monkeys and baboons will make the experience more worthwhile.

The Ishasha Visit to See Tree Climbing Lions

The journey leading to the southern area of the park provides an opportunity to gaze at the tree climbing lions resting in the huge fig trees, the Topi, Uganda Kobs as well as Buffaloes peacefully grazing in the savannah dotted with acacia tree. This is quite a feast for the eyes.

A visit to The Traditional Salt

While on the visit you are able to get a sight on salt ore back from the 14^th century. Your guide will also tell you about the different salt mine ownerships and ties and how the distribution amongst the different tribes occurred.

Directions to and fro the park

The journeys from starts from Kampala to Mbarara-Kabale highroad then you turn off at Ntungamo and take the brand-new road for 45km to Rukingiri. From Rukungiri, drive 70km along a murram road leading to Ishasha through Kihihi.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth Park

Ihamba lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Jacana safari lodge, Camp sites found at Mweya, Ishasha Toilets or pit latrine, bandas found within the Ishasha sector, park hostel at Mweya with 48 bedrooms, shower / bathing shelters are offered at those sites.

PARK GUIDELINES