Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

 

What is Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and most visited wildlife conservation area. It covers approximately 764 square miles in western Uganda across the districts of Kamwenge, Rukingiri, Rubirizi, and Kasese. The park borders Uganda’s Kibale National Park and extends into Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Key Geographical Features

• Kyambura Gorge
• Maramagambo Forest
• Kazinga Channel
• Parts of Lake George and Lake Edward

History and Name

• Established in 1952 initially as Kazinga National Park.
• Renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park after the visit of British Queen Elizabeth II in the early 1950s.

Climate and Scenery

• Unlike other major East African parks like Maasai Mara or Serengeti, it rarely experiences long droughts due to its location in the rain shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains.
• The park features lush greenery most of the year with stunning landscapes: forests, woodlands, plains, lakes, rivers, gorges, and volcanic features such as craters and cones.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mammals

Over 95 mammal species recorded, including:

• Waterbuck, Warthogs, Topi, Uganda Kobs, Spotted Hyenas, Sitatunga, Serval Cats, Mongoose, Leopards, Large Forest Pigs, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Jackal, Hippopotamus, Elephants, Crocodiles, Civet, Chimpanzees, Buffaloes, Black and White Colobus Monkeys

 

Birdlife

• More than 490 bird species have been sighted, making the park a premier birdwatching destination.

Flora and Habitats

• Forests: Dense forests like Maramagambo and Kyambura, home to primates including chimpanzees, baboons, and colobus monkeys.
• Savanna: Open grasslands supporting large herbivores and predators.
• Wetlands: Swamps and lakes, especially around the Kazinga Channel, crucial for aquatic wildlife and birds during dry seasons.

Famous For

• Tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector — a unique behavior where lions rest in fig trees after hunting.
• Home to over 200 lions, making it an important lion conservation area.

Local Communities and Park Management

Local Tribes and Livelihoods

• Tribes: Banyankore, Bakiga, Bakonjyo
• Main livelihoods:
  • Banyankore: Pastoralism
  • Bakiga and Bakonjyo: Subsistence farming and salt mining near the park

Park Management

• Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
• Collaborates with conservation groups and researchers.

Nearby Parks

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Mgahinga National Park

This allows combining safaris for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking with Queen Elizabeth park visits.

How to Get There

By Road

• From Kampala via Mbarara: ~420 km, 8 hours
• From Lake Mburo National Park: 6 hours
• From Fort Portal town: 4 hours
• Roads inside park: Mostly hard soil (murram)

Public Transport

• Buses from Kampala to Kasese daily (~$4 ticket).
• Public vehicles do not enter the park; taxis or motorcycles needed from Kasese or highway to park gates.

By Air

• Chartered flights from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport to airstrips at Ishasha, Kasese, or Mweya.
• Guides meet on arrival and assist with transfers.

Recommended Access

• Engaging a tour operator for transport, guides, and activity arrangements is the safest and most comfortable choice.

Main Attractions and Activities

Game Drives

• Last 3-4 hours, early mornings.
• Popular sectors:
  • Kasenyi Plains: Scenic views, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, elephants, lions, hyenas.
  • Ishasha Sector: Famous for tree-climbing lions.
  • Katwe Crater Fields: Volcanic crater lakes and salt lakes attracting flamingos and elephants.
• Cost: $30 per drive (+ $20 ranger escort optional). Night drives require permits and spotlight fees.

Bird Watching

• Over 490 species, including Yellow-backed Weavers, Shoebill Stork, African Fish Eagle, and Martial Eagle.
• Bird Observatory located in Mweya.

Boat Cruises on Kazinga Channel

• Connects Lake George and Lake Edward.
• Wildlife viewing includes hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.
• Cost: $30 per cruise; 1-2 hours duration. Private boats available.

Tree Climbing Lions

• Unique lions resting in fig trees in the Ishasha sector.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

• 16 km long, 100 m deep forest valley.
• 2-4 hour trekking with permits costing $50 (8 permits daily).

Nature Walks in Maramagambo Forest

• Guided walks to see primates, birds, caves with bats and rock pythons.
• Walk cost: $30.

Salt Mining at Lake Katwe

• Traditional salt harvesting tours with local miners.

Cultural Tours

• Engage with Kikorongo Equator Cultural group for traditional dances, crafts, village visits.

Wildlife Conservation and Research Tours

• Participate in lion tracking and animal census with Uganda Carnivore Program.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

• Aerial views of wildlife and scenery at dawn, launching from Kasenyi gate.

Best Visiting Seasons

• Rainy: March-May and September-November
• Driest and best for visiting: December-February (right after rains for lush scenery)

Accommodation Options

Types Available

• Budget, mid-range, luxury lodges
• Safari-style architecture using natural materials
• Some campsites available for tents

Notable Lodges

• Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Stone & timber, 10 tented rooms, Wi-Fi, bar, restaurant.
• Katara Lodge: Near Katara village, swimming pool, verandas with lake views.
• Kyambura Gorge Lodge: Private bandas, ideal for primate lovers.
• Mweya Safari Lodge: Luxury, overlooking Kazinga Channel with private boats.
• Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge: Eco-friendly, views of baboons from verandas.
• Jacana Safari Lodge: On crater lake banks, great for nature immersion.
• Hippo Hill Camp: Luxury tents overlooking crater lakes, hot showers, bar.

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