Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular National Park and it is certainly is one of Uganda’s most scenic parks. It is approximately 1978 sq km. Located in South West Uganda, near Kasese. It stretches from the crater dotted foothills of the Rwenzori ranges in the north. Along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the South. It incorporates a wide variety of habitats that range from wetlands to savanna to lowland forest.
It is Uganda’s second largest national park. Famous for its tree-climbing lions. It is also the country’s most scenic and diverse park. Enjoying a fabulous location on the floor of Albertine Rift Valley, 914 meters above sea level.
Tree-climbing lion
Queen Elizabeth National Park safari
The park boasts over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species. The 40 km long Kazinga channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Making boat trips extremely rewarding. On the boat, different wildlife and birds can be seen on the shore. These include buffalo’s, large schools of hippos, elephants, crocodiles and lizards. Plus water birds such as Pelicans, Egyptian goose, Saddle-billed Stork, African Fish Eagles, African Jacana, and Kingfishers. Among others.
Open savanna grassland, acacia woodland, closed forest and vast wetlands are home to hundreds of wildlife. Four of the Big five; no rhino; are present. Plus the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha wilderness in the south.
Buffalo
The park also offers scenic drives. From the Volcanic craters in the north. Chimpanzee tracking in the deep gorge of Kyambura gorge. Walks in the dark Maragambo forest. And the Katwe salt mines. All offer the visitor an extremely memorable experience.
The best time to visit is between December until February.
The park lies 5-6 hours from Kampala on a surfaced road. From Bwindi, it takes 2-3 hours and you will be in Ishasha. And if you drive an extra two hours, you will be in the Mweya sector. Which is in the northern part of the park.
