Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and biodiverse safari destination, renowned for its incredible variety of habitats, prolific wildlife, and unique attractions. Located in the Western Rift Valley, the park lies against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains and is bisected by the equator.
Key attractions and activities
Kazinga Channel boat safari
The Kazinga Channel is a 40-kilometer-long waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. A boat safari on the channel is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Uganda, offering visitors close-up views of:
- Hippos: The channel is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of these animals.
- Other animals: Large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species come to the water’s edge to drink.
- Nile crocodiles: The channel’s banks are a frequent basking spot for these reptiles.
- Birdlife: Over 600 bird species have been recorded in the park, many of which can be seen during the boat trip, including pelicans, cormorants, and storks.
Ishasha Sector and tree-climbing lions
The remote southern Ishasha sector is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. This is one of only two places in the world where lions regularly exhibit this behavior, often seen lounging in the fig trees. Game drives in Ishasha also offer sightings of buffaloes, topis, and kobs.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
The Kyambura Gorge, known as the “Valley of Apes,” is a lush, forested ravine within the park. Guided treks down into the gorge provide an opportunity to track and observe a community of habituated chimpanzees and other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Game drives on Kasenyi Plains
The vast, open savannah of the Kasenyi Plains is a prime game-viewing area in the park. The area is a breeding ground for Uganda kobs, which in turn attract numerous predators. Typical wildlife sightings include:
- Lions and leopards
- Herds of buffaloes and elephants
- Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and warthogs
Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes
Formed by volcanic activity, the Katwe explosion craters offer stunning panoramic views of the park’s landscapes, the Rwenzori Mountains, and Lakes Edward and George. The highly saline Lake Katwe is still used by local communities for traditional salt mining, an activity visitors can observe.
Cultural experiences
The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where conservation is balanced with community well-being. Visitors can engage with local communities like the Basongora and Bakonzo through cultural tours, village visits, and traditional dance performances.
