According to official statistics, there are 2,500 elephants, 5,000 hippos and over 10,000 buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, warthogs, waterbucks, Uganda kobs and topis, and the swamp-loving but hard-to-find sitatunga.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda. It is the most visited national park in the country. The area is home to several game reserves, crater lakes, and volcanic cones. This park is located approximately 400 km from the capital city, Kampala.
- If you are looking for an adventure in Uganda, a trip to Kazinga in Queen Elizabeth National Park should be on your bucket list. The park contains a large population of hippos, and you can see the largest concentration of hippos in QENP in the Kazinga Channel. The area surrounding the Kazinga channel is home to a third of the park’s hippo population – over 1,600 hippos. If you are visiting the area, be sure to book a boat trip.
- Visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park can get a close look at hippos and other animals while boating along the Kazinga Channel, a narrow waterway that connects Lakes George and Edward. This waterway is home to the largest concentration of hippos in the world, as well as a large number of Nile crocodiles.
- In addition to bird watching, the Kazinga Channel offers an excellent opportunity to get close to Uganda’s most famous animals. You can take a boat cruise down the Kazinga Channel, or you can stay in a luxury lodge. The park has many beautiful accommodation options, including the Mweya safari lodge, Jacana lodge, and Park View safari lodge. In addition to its wildlife, Queen Elizabeth is also a Ramsar wetland and is home to many species, including the elusive sitatunga antelope.
The Queen Elizabeth National Park covers an area of about 1978 square kilometres, making it the second largest national park in Uganda after Murchison Falls, and is home to more than 1000 species of wildlife. It’s also a popular spot for wildlife photography and birding.
Kazinga Channel
For those looking to see a variety of wildlife, the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must-visit destination. The channel is a 32-kilometer-long natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. It’s also home to over 100 species of water birds.
Almost every species of animal found in the park can be spotted at Kazinga Channel. You may even see lions and leopards drinking in the channel. The channel is also a great place to spot crocodiles. You’ll also see a variety of other wildlife, including elephants and buffaloes.
This wildlife area is a great spot for bird-watching. Over 58 species of bird can be spotted during a boat ride along the channel. Some of the most common species include the African shoebill, Pink-backed pelican, Yellow-billed stork, African spoonbill, and Long-tailed cormorant.
Some other species of birds you may see include the African eagle, African skimmer, and saddle-bill stork.
The Kazinga Channel is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It teems with African birds, as well as visitors such as lions, hippopotamus, and Nile crocodiles.
Kyambura Wildlife Reserve
The Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is located within the Queen Elizabeth National Park, in southwestern Uganda. This wildlife-rich reserve is home to a wide variety of species. The surrounding grasslands and savannah make the area an excellent place to see primates and birds.
A viewing platform overlooking the park allows for amazing views of the landscape and wildlife. Visitors can view as many as 12 species of primates during their stay at the reserve.
The Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is drained by the Kyambura river, which links to the Kazinga channel, providing essential water for the animals of the park. Visitors can see numerous species of forest birds, including Martial Eagles, Shoebills, and African Skimmers. The area is also home to a diverse range of frogs, reptiles, and other animals.
The park is also an ideal place to spot chimpanzees. The only place in Queen Elizabeth National Park where chimpanzees live, Kyambura is a chimpanzee enthusiast’s paradise. Visitors can also enjoy guided nature walks and birding tours.
Kyambura Plains
Chimpanzee tracking is a must-do activity while visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to habituated chimpanzees, which can be seen in large groups. It’s also possible to see other animals, including birds and many flowering plants.
Chimpanzees love to play on trees and you can get a close look at them if you choose to participate in chimpanzee tracking. Make sure to make reservations for chimpanzee tracking at the Mweya Visitor Information Centre. During the safari, a ranger will brief you on the details and then you’ll start searching the forest.
Another exciting activity in the Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Kyambura Gorge. The gorge is 100 meters deep and one kilometer wide, and is home to a variety of animals and plant life. The gorge also contains three salty crater lakes. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers, and visitors can explore the gorge on foot.
Other wildlife to watch while visiting the park include tree climbing lions. These majestic creatures live in the canopy of acacia/fig trees and watch antelope grazing on the savannah plains.
Large herbivore species
The Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is home to a diverse array of large herbivore species. The park encompasses several overlapping areas – Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri.
It is located 400 km southwest of Kampala and borders the Kyambura Game Reserve and the DRC’s Virunga National Park.
The park is home to 95 species of mammal and about 600 species of birds. The Queen Elizabeth area harbors four of the five big 5 (except for the rhino). These apex predators live in herds of thousands of members. The male is the dominant and rules the group.
Visiting the park is an excellent way to see these majestic creatures. The park’s savannah grasslands provide perfect camouflage for these enormous animals. The park is also home to buffaloes and elephants.
Visitors can enjoy a game drive in a custom-made safari vehicle with an open roof and window seats to catch the animals in action.
The elephant population in Queen Elizabeth National Park has increased by over double since 1963, due to natural reproduction and immigration.
In a study of elephant diets conducted in two areas of the park, researchers found that elephant browse intake increased every time the rainfall fell below 50mm per month. The dry season also increased herb consumption. The researchers also found that elephants were selective in what they ate.
There are approximately 2,500 elephants, 5,000 hippos, and over 10,000 buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as warthogs, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, and topis. Sitatungas, a swamp-loving but elusive species, are also common herbivores here.
Lake Katwe Explosion Craters
If you are looking for a beautiful and scenic driving experience in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the drive to the Katwe Explosion Crater is the one for you. It is 27 kilometers long and is filled with fantastic photo opportunities. Ideally, you should plan to spend at least one hour on the drive.
The Katwe Explosion Craters are part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and are the highest point of the park. The craters are extinct volcanoes, but they still emit sulfuric gas that can be smelled by visitors. The craters are not located near the savannah plains, making them great for photography.
Another of the park’s highlights is the Explosion Craters, located on the rim of Lake Katwe. The craters were once used for salt mining, and some salt farms still exist today. The park is also a great place for game drives, and the Kasenyi Plains are one of the best areas to see animals.
Lake Katwe is also home to the Lake Katwe Salt Lake, which is the leading salt distributor in Uganda, and it is used in neighboring countries. Locals use the salt in food and for skin treatments. The craters are also a great place to see flamingos and other water birds.
Birdwatchers’ paradise
If you love watching birds, you’ll love visiting the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The park is an Important Bird Area and is home to 600 species of birds. That’s more than half of all the bird species in Uganda.
The Kazinga Channel is the home to more birds than the entire continent of North America.
Among the many animals that inhabit the park are the majestic tree-climbing lions. Other birds to watch include the elusive shoebill, the African white-backed vulture, the hooded vulture, the Rupell’s griffon vulture, and the Lapped-faced vulture.
There are also many raptors to be found here, including Walberg’s eagle and Long-crested eagle. Visitors can also see several species of savannah and forest birds.
Bird-watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be done throughout the year. The peak months are June to August and September to November, but you can also visit the park during other seasons.
You can make reservations for a bird watching safari through listed tour operators or visit the Katwe Tourism Information Center for details.
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage is an important part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This 2nd largest park in Uganda (after Murchison Falls National Park) contains diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Its crater lakes, forests, and swamps are a home to birds, primates, and various mammal species.
The park contains 72 crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel. It is also home to the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope and Shoebill. The park is a Ramsar wetland site and is an ideal part of a trip to western or southwest Uganda.
In addition to tree-climbing lions, visitors can observe countless species of birds. The southern region of the park is home to the famous Ishasha sector, which is home to Uganda Kobs, elephants, and buffaloes. It is also home to baboons and leopards.
Visitors can also engage in nature through walking or going on a boat cruise through the park. Boat cruises cost USD 30 per person. Foreign residents are also welcome to join the cruises.
Visitors can also take part in guided nature walks and learn about the local wildlife and habitats. The trails include the Maramagambo forest, the Mweya Peninsular, and the Ishasha River. Visitors can also see hippos and other animals up close, and visit the Bat Cave.
Wildlife
The climate in Queen Elizabeth National Park is warm and the scenery is beautiful. Temperatures can be as high as 29degC/84degF during the day and can drop to 17degC/63degF at night.
While the park is open year-round, the best time to view wildlife is from January to February and from June to August, when the park receives less rainfall.
The diversity of wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park is staggering. There are dozens of bird species in this park, as well as almost 100 species of mammals. You can witness lions tree-climbing, or go on a chimpanzee tracking expedition.
A wildlife safari in Uganda is truly a unique experience. While the park has a high concentration of mountain gorillas, you can also experience the diversity of other wildlife in the park.
Visitors will be rewarded with some of the best game viewing in East Africa, particularly in the dry season. However, you should note that this park can be challenging in the wet months, when heavy rains can interrupt your safari.
The northern Crater area and Kasenyi track are particularly good for viewing wildlife.
Kasenyi plains
The Kasenyi plains are a large savannah area in the north-eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to many savannah birds, including the Grey Crown Crane and Yellow-throated Long Crow.
In addition to birds, the region is home to a wide variety of mammals.
The Kasenyi plains are a great place for wildlife photography. Many animals live in this area, and a guided game drive is a great way to get a wide variety of shots.
During a game drive, you will be able to see a wide variety of animals, including lions and elephants. You’ll also have the chance to watch these predators hunt for their prey.
The Kasenyi plains are one of the best places in the Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing. This area contains Kazinga Channel, Lake Albert, and antelope breeding grounds.
A wildlife photographer’s dream, the Kasenyi plains is a must-see attraction for your Uganda safari. It is advisable to spend at least two nights in this area for maximum wildlife viewing.
Bird-watchers will love the park’s diverse bird species. Over 600 different species are known to live here. You can also visit the bird observatory at Mweya to find more information on bird life.
Ishasha sector
The Ishasha sector is located in the south west of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to a huge population of elephants and numerous antelopes.
These animals have black manes and a characteristic habit of climbing trees. If you visit this sector during a game drive, you can catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has many diverse sections. Most tourists opt to see the Mweya peninsular, a grassland that is home to many different species of mammals.
But if you are looking for a more exciting and thrilling game drive, you should visit the Ishasha sector. This sector is known for its diverse and spectacular wildlife like the famous tree-climbing lions.
This sector is easily accessible by road from Kampala. It is also connected by road to Lake Mburo National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is an eight or nine-hour drive from the capital. A visit to the park is best done in June or July.
The Ishasha sector is home to some of the best birding in Uganda. You can spot various species here with the help of a qualified guide.
Some of the most common birds you can spot here include the Senegal plover, the African wattled plover, the broad-billed roller, and the martial eagle. Other interesting species include the black coucal, double-toothed barbet, and ross’s turaco.
What to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
When you’re visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have no shortage of activities to choose from. The best part is that you can tailor your experience to your interests and needs.
Take the opportunity to experience some of the national park’s best attractions. There are tours and activities to meet people of all ages, interests, and abilities.
One of the best ways to see the park’s wildlife is to go on a boat trip. Boats depart daily, offering panoramic views of the park’s diverse animals.
You’ll get to see hippos and crocodiles, giraffes and elephants, and rare species such as the Shoebill stork. The tours start at 9 am and end at 2 pm.
If you’re an avid bird watcher, Queen Elizabeth is a must-see destination. With over 600 recorded species, it’s one of the most rewarding destinations in Uganda.
The park is also located on the DRC border, making it a perfect place to spot birds from both East and Central Africa.
Another activity you might want to try is a lion tracking tour. You can watch lions in the wild by using special animal tracking devices.
You’ll be able to get as close as you can to them, and you’ll learn about their habits and behaviors. You can book these tours in advance, so you can make sure you’ll be paired with the right team of researchers.
Another popular attraction in the park is the chance to see tree climbing lions. Only in this park can you see this rare activity. It’s not just about wildlife, though. While you’re here, you’ll enjoy the park’s lush forests, beautiful rivers, and beautiful flora and fauna.
A trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular safari packages in Uganda. This park is home to over 95 species of mammals, including chimpanzees, baboons, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. The park also offers superb accommodation facilities.
Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park is traditionally done on game drives. These can be guided safaris or self-driven vehicles. Night drives are also available, which provide excellent opportunities to spot nocturnal animals.
You can also participate in an educational program organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, including a chimp-observation experience.
If you want to experience the park’s wildlife, a game drive is the best way to enjoy it. You’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife and spot rare antelopes in their natural habitat. There are many different types of game drives in the park, but one of the most rewarding is an early morning or evening game drive.
Another popular activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park is chimpanzee tracking. Visitors are placed into tracking groups and are given briefings.
While tracking chimpanzees, you can also see other primates in the area, including vervet monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys.
How to access Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are several ways to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the dry season, it is the perfect time to see the animals as they gather around the waterholes. During this time, the days are usually sunny, and the air is clear.
While some people complain about the haze, experts agree that this is the best time to visit the park. However, it should be noted that the prices are higher during this time of year, so plan your trip accordingly.
Queen Elizabeth national park can be reached by air or by road from Kampala. It is about five to six hours away by car. The drive from Kampala to Fort Portal is along a good tarmacked road. There are also three airstrips located near the park, which makes it easy to get to the park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. The park features a diverse range of ecosystems, framed by the impressive Rwenzori Mountains. The park has dozens of attractions that you can visit while in the area.
From craters and rolling hills to lush forests and lakes, the park offers something for everyone. For instance, the Ishasha sector is home to the infamous tree-climbing lions. While normal lions do not live in tree-climbing areas, these animals spend the majority of their days in trees.
For those who are interested in observing wildlife, a trip to the Queen Elizabeth National Park is essential. It is home to more than 600 species of birds. The park is also one of the largest protected areas in East Africa.
It is also located on the border with the DRC, meaning that visitors will have the opportunity to see a range of Central and East African species.
You can access the Queen Elizabeth National Park through a tour operator or on your own vehicle. The latter is probably the most convenient and quickest way to visit. The nearest cities are Kasese and Fort Portal.
From there, you can either hire private transport to the national park or get a taxi, which can be costly if not planned in advance.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda. It is the second largest protected area in the country and is divided into four districts.
The park covers a total area of 1,978 square kilometers, with a combination of forest grassland, savannah grassland, and woodland. It has a variety of animals, including lions who are renowned for their tree-climbing skills. The park is also home to elephants, buffaloes, and warthogs.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is accessible by air and road. There are several options for transportation and most tourists start from Kampala or Entebbe.
Road transport to the park takes about six to seven hours, passing through Kasese, Masaka, and Mbarara. Alternatively, you can make direct contact with the flight companies. One of the main air carriers that flies to Queen Elizabeth National Park is Aero Link.
How much does it cost to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
A visit to the Queen Elizabeth national park costs about USD40 per person, if you’re a foreign national or resident. The fee is good for 24 hours and covers the entrance to the park. Children under 15 are free. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
Entrance fees are set by the park. Non-residents pay USD350 for an annual park pass. East African citizens and foreign residents have different entrance fees. An individual foreign resident pays US$350, and a couple pays US$500. East African nationals and corporates pay UGX2.5 million per person.
The best time to visit the park is from June to September. The driest season is from January to February. However, if you are looking for migratory birds, you should visit the park between November and April. However, if you are planning a trip during the rainy season, remember that the roads may be impassable.
The cheapest way to travel to the park is by air. There are regular chartered flights operated by Aerolink Uganda limited. One-way flight fares to the park cost around $273 USD and return flights cost around $452 USD. To book a flight to Queen Elizabeth national park, contact Aerolink’s offices through phone, email, or mail.
The entrance fee to the park varies depending on the activity you choose. A day nature walk, for example, costs USD 30 for a foreign non-resident, while a night nature walk costs USD $40 for a foreign resident or $10 for an East African citizen. In addition to the entry fee, you will also have to pay for guide services.
How many lions are in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park live in tree-covered habitats, where they can take refuge from the midday sun. These majestic animals use branches and leaves to stay cool, especially during the rainy season. Trees such as acacia and fig trees provide a comfortable place to rest for lions. During the day, they use the trees to monitor their territory and watch out for competitors.
The Queen Elizabeth National Park has 130 lions and is considered one of the last strongholds of lions in Africa. There are several ways to see them, including by booking a safari. To experience the thrill of tracking lions, make a reservation in advance. It will cost you about $60 for a foreign visitor, or 140,000 Ugandan shillings for an East African citizen. You can reserve a spot through a tour operator or book a trip directly with the park’s Mweya Information Centre. Make your reservation in advance because the number of permits is limited.
Lions in Ishasha face the greatest threats from humans living near the park. Local herdsmen often leave their cattle unattended during the night, putting them at risk of attack by lions. The wildlife service has worked to minimize human-lion conflict by clearing land outside of the park and allowing herdsmen to move their livestock to more fertile pastures outside of lion territory.
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