Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda (QENP), formerly known as Kazinga National Park, was established in 1952 but was renamed in 1954 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit. It lies on Africa’s Western Rift Valley floor, covering 1,978 sq km at an altitude of 884- 1,337m/2,900- 4,386ft.
You can enjoy a holistic experience in this splendid park with diverse habitats, including grassland, savannah, forests, wetlands, and lakes. The experience provides the setting of an extensive range of large mammals, primates, birds, and butterflies.
The park’s vegetation is a variety of flora and fauna but consists of small trees’ primary thickets, including acacias and evergreens. The park, however, has five levels of vegetation; bushy grassland, Acacia woodland, Lakeshore or swamp vegetation, and forest grassland.
The park is a habitat for over 95 mammal species with over 600 species of birds. Queen Elizabeth harbors four of the big 5 animals. The rhino is not present.
The main attraction the pulls in visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park are the large herbivores species, including hippopotamus, elephant, buffalo, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, Topi. Most attractive and more than any savannah park in Uganda can attract the large carnivore species in the park, including lion, leopard, and spotted hyena. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the Western Region of Uganda, spanning Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. The park is approximately 400 kilometers (250 mi) by road southwest of Kampala, the capital city. It includes the Maramagambo Forest and Kigezi Game Reserve’s borders, Kyambura Game Reserve, Kibale National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife
The park’s grasslands harbor impressive wildlife species such as chimpanzees, leopards, lions, elephants, hippopotamuses, water buffaloes, waterbuck, Uganda kob, warthog, hyena, giant forest hog, and several types of antelopes, such as duiker, bushbuck, and reedbuck.
The Ishasha section great viewing opportunities for topis and tree climbing lions. The Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo forest provide favorable primate viewing experiences. The Kazinga Channel boat launch cruise takes you to Nile crocodile-infested banks, and you’re sure to see amazing big game on the banks of the channel. Apart from the rhino, giraffe and zebra are also absent.
The best time to view wildlife is in the dry season (January to February and June to August), where wildlife concentrate near the river shores and waterholes.
Bird-life of Queen Elizabeth NP
The park is home to more than 600 bird species. Notable species include; Hooded Vulture, Martial Eagle, Grey Kestrel, African Wattled Plover, Black-bellied Bustard, Black-lored Babbler, White-tailed Lark, Pink-backed Pelican, Black-crowned Tchagra, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Blue-naped Mousebird, Papyrus Canary, Pygmy Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, the lesser and greater Flamingo and many more.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Kyambura gorge provides spectacular scenery for chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are several chimps habituated in this gorge. Chimps stay in groups (called troops) of about 30-80 members. Chimps usually chew on leaves and use them like a sponge to dip in water and suck out the moisture. They also use twigs to pick into termite holes and enjoy nuts, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Their vegetarian diet is usually supplemented by meat, like young antelopes or goats.
Observers have sometimes spotted the chimpanzee killing smaller primates like young baboons, blue monkeys, and Colombus monkeys and feast on the carcasses. There isn’t any particular breeding season, and the females give birth every four-five years. They are quadrupedal, walking fast on their four limbs. They are swift climbers, setting their nest high in trees.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has several other primates found within its habitats, and these include:
- Black and white Colombus Monkey
- Blue monkeys
- Olive baboons
- Vervet monkeys
- Red-tailed monkeys
Chimpanzees are, by nature, a lot more aggressive, but conservation authorities have habituated the groups you’re permitted to visit. Aggression towards humans in that context is extremely rare, but you have to exercise caution when near chimps. These are some of the precautions to be observed while tracking chimps in QENP’s Kyambura gorge.
- Keep a safe distance from primates – Do not visit chimps when you are ill or with an infectious disease.
- Do not use flash photography
- Back away slowly if the animal approaches you
- In the forest, the path or trail does not belong to you. Never block the animal’s path.
Sectors in Queen Elizabeth NP
The Mweya Peninsula
The peninsula is located on the northern bank of the impressive Kazinga Channel at the channel’s convergence with Lake Edward. The peninsula is the heart of sightseeing activities because it overlooks Katwe bay of Lake Edward. The Mweya peninsular with well-maintained tracks include the Channel Track down to Katunguru gate and then across to Kabatoro gate. Kabatoro gate has a chunky ground cover with dense vegetation dominated by candelabra thorn that creates game viewing challenges.
The park operates a 20 seater motorized boat that runs two trips a day. However, there can be more rides depending on the number of visitors. Expeditions set off from the landing stage beneath Mweya lodge. Make your booking at the visitor information center. The Mweya peninsula provides the best leopard viewing opportunities.
The Kazinga channel
The Kazinga channel is a broad, 32-kilometer long natural channel connecting the two Lakes; Lake Gorge (which is to the east) and Lake Edward (west). On the Eastern side of the Kazinga Channel is Lake George, a tiny lake with an overall depth of 2.4 meters and 250 sq km. Streams flowing from the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains feed into the lake to create a massive water body. The outflow from Lake Gorge flows through this Kazinga Channel and drains west into the adjacent Lake Edward (which is among the main fresh-water lakes in Uganda) that covers a total area of 2,000 sq km.
The shores of the channel, throughout the year, draw a large number of wild animals including birds, and reptiles. Kazinga channel host the largest population of hippos and plentiful Nile crocodiles.
The boat cruise is enriching for viewing wildlife that comes to the channel’s banks for water. The UWA operated boat launch safari sets off at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm local time. The launch begins at the Mweya peninsula, 20 km west of Kasese-Mbarara main road through Katunguru. There are special hire taxis available at the Katunguru trading center, charging around Ush30,000 or $10 to Mweya.
The channel has two parts; North Kazinga and Kasenyi. The lake’s shores attract a large concentration of mammals, birds, and reptiles all year around. The animals can be viewed well by the Nile cruise or probably at the entrance of Lake Edward. The most convenient and favorable place to spot the lions is within the eastern section of the Kasenyi plains. They prey on a large number of resident Uganda Kobs in that area.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge, also known as “Valley of Apes,” is located in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s far eastern corner. It covers 1 km across and about 100 meters deep. The gorge has a rich wildlife bio-diversity that comprises primates, wild animals, and birds. The fantastic canyon will marvel at you with the verdant, rich tropical rainforest right close to the Equator, crossing with tree canopies providing shade and cover from the harsh sunshine. There is an excellent assortment of plant life at the gorge.
Three salty crater lakes attract vast numbers of beautiful flamingos. Travelers can best explore the Gorge on foot; taking a nature walk will unveil the gorge’s natural beauty.
Maramagambo
Maramagambo forest covers the Kichwamba escarpment all through to Lake Edward. The forest canopy shade is an ideal destination for hiking, nature walks, primate trekking, and birding. The walk can take 2hours or even half a day where you can explore the beautiful crater lakes. The primates found here are Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, baboons, Red Tailed monkey for Blue monkeys, and Vervet monkeys. The forest is a habitat for nocturnal species; the Pottos and the bushbabies.
The other major attraction is the impressive bat caves. You’ll find at the entrance a viewing center that will give you a vantage point to glimpse at pythons and bats that hide the caves.
Kasenyi Plains
Kasenyi is located within the north-eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is 48 kilometers by road, south-east of Kasese. The open savannah plains are on the adjacent stunning Lake George’s western shores, just near to the area where the Kazinga Channel confluences with this lake.
The open savannah region protects the highest number of game animals compared to any destination in Uganda. Lions converge on the plains to catch easy prey, providing Queen Elizabeth National Park’s best opportunities to see lion action. Kasenyi plains area also has numerous bird species like the yellow-throated long crow, red-throat spurfowls, and grey-crown cranes.
Katwe crater lake
Though many explosion craters are extinct, few still release sulfurous smells. The three significant concentrations are; Katwe Explosion Craters in QENP, Bunyaraguru Crater Field on the Kichwamba escarpment Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field close to Kibale National Park.
The Katwe explosion craters are situated north of the impressive Mweya Peninsula. The enormous Kyemengo Crater is the most alluring among the Katwe Explosion Craters. The craters in the past reduced Lake Edward to a poisonous mess. Unlike Volcanoes, Explosion Craters actually do not pile cones. They merely blow ash as well as rock to distances far away.
The craters are now breathtaking lakes, and many have smelled of sulfur in their waters. The crater lakes are exceptional viewpoints for nature walks and birding.
You can enjoy a spectacular Crater Drive, which presents distant sights of the stunning crater views, the Great Western Rift Valley plus its escarpments, Lake George, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the Kazinga Channel, and Lake Edward while on your way. Lake Kitagata can be seen, which is a lake fed by salty hot-springs with no wildlife around.
Ishasha Sector
The Ishasha sector at the southwest rim section of QENP is notably known for its resident Tree climbing lions that are spotted hanging on branches of enormous fig trees. In contrast, the Uganda Kob (the primary food to these lions) graze in the plains. This section is only 2 hours drive from the Mweya Peninsula.
Ishasha is a very memorable destination with splendid sights of the King of the jungle perched up high on one of the enormous fig trees’ branches, lazily resting away as the day goes by. Besides, you can also come across buffalo herds, antelopes, elephants, and hippos. However, this is not always guaranteed as it majorly depends on the day you visit this part.
Lake George
Lake George is small and shallow and located in the western part of East Africa’s Rift Valley. Several inflows from the extensive mountain Rwenzori ranges such as Dura, Mpanga, Nsonge, Rumi, and Mubuku supply Lake George with its water.
Its outflow is into the Kazinga Channel that drains toward the adjacent Lake Edward. At 914m altitudes, the lake experiences two rainy seasons having the rainfall peaks within May and October. The islands on this lake are Kankuranga, Iranqara, and Akika. The shores are dominated by papyrus reeds and swamps where you can catch a glimpse of the sitatunga antelope, rare Shoebill, and other birds.
The Equator and the Queen’s Pavilion
Uganda’s Equator provides a beautiful place for photo shooting. The northern entrance to Crater Drive quickly spots the Queen’s Pavilion. The pavilion, established in 1954, was renovated by the second visit of Duke of Edinburgh in 2007 with better facilities.
Weather & Climate
The climate in Queen Elizabeth National Park is warm. The landscape is beautiful and green. Temperatures remain stable year-round, being near the equator. Daytime temperatures rise to around 29°C/84°F and slowly fall to around 17°C/63°F at night.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is open all year long, but wildlife viewing is best from January to February and June to July (the dry seasons) though there is always the potential for rain. However, this scenic park is most beautiful in the Wet seasons from March to May and August to December. Rain happens less during December through January, with June and July having the least rain. Wet seasons occur from March to May and from August to December.
Dry seasons January to February and June to July
January & February – Expect rainfall at any time, though this is generally a dry season. June & July – There is a slight potential for rain during these months, the driest months. Daytime temperatures average 29°C/84°F, and nighttime temperatures average 16°C/61°F. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water points and the vegetation thins. The trails are dry, making chimp trekking easier. Late May to September is the best time for birding.
Wet seasons March to May and August to December
March, April & May – Increased rainfall is in April. Temperatures are pleasant (around 29°C/84°F) in the later afternoon and cooler (17°C/63°F) in the morning. Roads can become impassable, and chimp trekking trails are slippery.
August, September, October & November– This time of year is similar to March through May, with rain peaking in November. There is plenty of wildlife to see and migratory birds. However, roads may become inaccessible after heavy rains, and forest trails get slippery. Afternoon thunderstorms should be expected, and it might drizzle.
The best time to visit QENP is in January/February and June to August during the dry season. High Season, June to September, is a prime time for gorilla trekking, and there are many tourists in Uganda.
Community
The park gazetting has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities. There is rich culture found in QENP with Toro, Banyaruguru found here. You will find crafts shops where you can get a souvenir and, in turn, help the community. The community engages in activities such as fishing, salt mining, farming.
Safety Precautions
It is recommended to take anti-malarial medication and apply mosquito repellent because there is a high risk of transition during the rainy season (March to May and October to December) in all parks apart from the high altitude mountainous park.
Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts, shoes, or boots because of the abundance of thorns and sharp twigs and prevent bug bites.
Resist the temptation to jog or walk alone in the park.
Wildlife is not confined to the park and roams freely around the lodges and camps, avoid venturing out of your lodge alone at night or dawn.
In 2008, there was a Marburg Virus infection at the bat caves in the Maramagambo forest. In collaboration with the American CDC, this has been controlled, and you can safely view the bats and pythons at the caves’ entrance.
Wildlife can be unpredictable, and you are advised to use your common sense and exercise caution and respect for the animals. Please observe all wildlife safety precautions and park rules when enjoying your Africa safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These include but are not limited to:
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Be aware of your surrounding and stay alert.
- Stay in designated trails and tracks.
- The road does not belong to you. The animals always have the right of way.
- Do not honk in the park or at animals.
- Watch where you put your feet while walking in the bush.
- Never run away from a predator when confronted.
- Never walk between a hippo and water. It may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked.
- While camping, store food carefully to avoid attracting wildlife.
Getting There
Begin by looking at the visa requirements for traveling to Uganda.
By Road from Kampala
- Buses are found at the Baganda bus park and near Nakivubo stadium in Kampala.
- 6 hours drive from Kampala through Mbarara, Bushenyi is 420 kilometers.
- 6 hours drive from Kampala through Fort Portal to Kasese is 410 kilometers.
By Air
– 60 minutes Charter flights from Entebbe International Airport to the Airstrip in Mweya, Kasese, or Ishasha.
Vibrant Holiday Safaris organises group tours and private tailor-made safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We offer the very best to ensure you enjoy every single minute of your experience.