Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda’s largest protected areas, it covers approximately 1978 km2 of land. It was established in 1952 by the colonialists as Kazinga National Park and was later renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park 2 years later after the Queen of England had visited Uganda. The park was once occupied by the Basongola pastoralists who later departed by themselves due to the cattle diseases in this place at that time.
The park is famous for its great wildlife including; large herds of elephants, leopards, lions, African Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Hippos, waterbucks, warthogs, Crocodiles, giant forest hog among others. It is famously known for the tree climbing lions that have found shelter in the Ishasha sector in Rukungiri district. The park is located in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in the districts of Bundibugyo, Rukungiri, and Kasese on the western side of Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park prides in over 95 recorded mammal species and over 500 bird species that are seen all over the open savannah. The Park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth like the most protected areas in Uganda can be visited at any time of the year, located in the foothills of Rwenzori mountains where most of the time is sunny. This however does not stop rains at any time of the day and you will need to ensure to have your rain gear all the time. Travel in this area is based on two key seasons the peak season and the low season.
Peak season is normally between the months of November to Feb and June to August. The advantage of this season is that the undergrowth is shorter for you to see the wildlife more clearly, and the wildlife trails are dryer and less slippery.
The low season is normally a period between the months of March to May and August to October. This period normally has fewer visitors and is good for visitors that do not like meeting so many other guests while on the trip. The experience of little rains is also unique for guests as you watch the wildlife through your windows. The wet season sometimes continues through November and December in the peak season.
Things to do at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth has quite a number of activities visitors can engage in and have a great time at the park. the major activities at Queen include the following;
Game viewing
Morning and afternoon game drives give a great opportunity to catch up with the big 5 and other game including Elephants, Buffaloes, lions, hyenas Leopards, waterbucks forest hog, Impalas, Warthogs, Baboons, and several antelopes. The abundance of large herds of each of these species is a great experience as you stand on the rooftop during your safari. The 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park tour offers you great views of animals, birds and a boat cruise at Kazinga Channel
Boat cruise
Launching a boat cruise at the Kazing Channel is one of the best activities at Queen Elizabeth Park, you will set your eyes on the large hippos as they swim to cool off the hot weather, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and several antelopes as they come to drink on the fresh water at the banks. The best moment is watching the crocodile in action striking the helpless land animals. Many water birds are also seen as they hunt for fish and insects at the banks of the river.
Chimpanzee tracking
Queen Elizabeth is one of the few places in Uganda where you get to watch the habituated chimpanzees at Kyambura Gorge. Kyambura gorge is a small but interesting rain forest within Queen Elizabeth that shelters chimpanzees. The good thing about this activity here is that you are charged less and you have a chance to watch the other animals without traveling far.
Bird watching
It’s no doubt that Queen Elizabeth is one of the best places to watch birds. With over 500 bird species recorded, keen birders have a place to watch some of the rarest species of birds like the migratory flamingos, African skimmer, White-winged Warbler, black bee-eater, Papyrus canary, Pink-backed pelican, fish eagle, and broad-billed roller among others.
Lion tracking
Lions tracking in Uganda is basically done at Queen Elizabeth at Ishasha sector and not any other place in Uganda. Lions are seen in large quantities resting in fig trees and sometimes they climb just to hunt for prey. This experience will take you to the pride of lions to learn about every move they make to feed, mate, and resting. You will be charged a small fee for this activity and your dreams will come to reality.
Crater lakes
There are several crater lakes around Queen Elizabeth National Park and the best way to explore them is through nature walks around the park. The nature walks are also an opportunity to watch several bird species.
Cultural tour
One of the best ways to give back to the community is through cultural tourism, you will spend time meeting the local people in local markets, souvenir shops for a chance to learn about their cultural heritage. The cultural performances will excite you as you watch the traditional groups performing for you.
WHERE TO SLEEP AT QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth National Park has a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from Budget, Midrange, and High-end class facilities. Some of the lodges/hotels to have your accommodation at are; Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Kitara Lodge, Kyambura Game Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Hippo Hill Camp.
Conclusively, therefore, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers it all to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations. Enjoy guided game viewing, bird watching, nature walks, and boat cruise at Kazinga channel with African Apes Tours & Travel