Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse tourist destinations. Located in the western part of the country, it covers an area of approximately 1,978 square kilometers and is known for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and numerous attractions. Here’s a description of Queen Elizabeth National Park as a tourist destination:
Breathtaking Scenery: The park offers a diverse and picturesque landscape that includes savannah plains, lush forests, wetlands, lakes, and the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains. This diverse terrain provides a stunning backdrop for visitors, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Wildlife Viewing: Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). Visitors can go on safari drives and boat cruises to spot these magnificent creatures along with other species like hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. The park is also known for its unique tree-climbing lions that can be observed in the Ishasha sector.
Birdwatching: The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 600 bird species, making it one of the best places in East Africa for birding. In the park, you can spot various species of eagles, storks, flamingos, and many other migratory and resident birds.
Kazinga Channel: The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is a highlight of the park. Boat safaris on the channel offer visitors the opportunity to get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and various waterfowl, making it a unique experience within the park.
Cultural Encounters: Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by several local communities, and tourists have the chance to engage with the local culture, learn about traditional practices, and participate in community-based tourism activities. Visiting a traditional fishing village or exploring the nearby Kyambura Gorge for a chimpanzee trekking experience can add cultural depth to your visit.
Game Drives and Guided Walks: The park offers guided game drives, both morning and evening, providing opportunities to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat. Additionally, guided nature walks are available to explore the park’s landscapes and learn about its ecosystems.
Tree-Climbing Lions: The Ishasha sector of the park is known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior not often seen in other locations. Observing these lions perched in fig trees is a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites, ensuring that visitors of all budgets can enjoy their stay in the park.
Accessibility: The park is easily accessible by road from major cities like Kampala, Entebbe, and Kigali. The presence of well-maintained roads and nearby airstrips makes it a convenient destination for tourists.
Itinerary
Your driver guide will pick you up at your home or hotel and transfer you to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal to see the crater lakes. Later, embark on your drive to Queen Elizabeth with the stopover at the top of the world, and then continue to your lodge for evening relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of the most popular parks in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park, lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kasinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos.
On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.
Day Itinerary
• TBA: Start the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0730: Visit the crater lakes and top of the world then after drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• 1330: Lunch at the good Local restaurant.
• 1500: Estimated arrival time at Queen Elizabeth your Lodge.
• 1600: Evening relaxation.
• 1900: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge at Buffallo lodge or similar.
