Queen Elizabeth National Park –  Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), formerly known as Kazinga National Park, is without doubt one of the most visited Uganda National Parks. Queen Elizabeth N/Park named after Queen Elizabeth II and officially, it was founded as a Uganda National Park in 1952 but later in 1954, it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park. For magical savanna wilderness experiences, consider Queen Elizabeth National Park a must-visit on Uganda safari.

Geographically, Queen Elizabeth National Park sits on the Western side of Uganda, within 4 districts of Kamwenge, Kasese, Rukungiri & Rubirizi. This splendid Uganda National Park extends up to 1978sq.kms of land area, positioning it as the second largest park in Uganda-East Africa after Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP). Queen Elizabeth N/Park-a stunning Uganda safari park is part of the extensive Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area which also includes Kigezi Wildlife Reserve, Maramagambo Forest Reserve, Kyambura Reserve in Western Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park lies on the Rift Valley Area and features a unique landscape characterized by distinct vegetation types ranging from savanna grassland, acacia woodland, forests to swamp vegetation cover; craters. While on Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National Parks, the important sectors not to miss to explore include the Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Area which offer excellent game viewing experiences. The park also has scenic Lakes including among others the Katwe Crater Lake, Lake George, Lake Edward.

Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is noted for its rare attractions one reason it is a preferred wildlife safari destination in Uganda and East Africa. The park is most visited for its unique and diverse floral and fauna species.

Wildlife

Over 95 mammal species all reside in various habitats of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) Uganda. The park’s distinct mammals worth sighting for while on Uganda safaris include the Tree Climbing Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Warthogs, Leopards, Hippos, Antelopes such as Topis, Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks etc. About 10 primate species also reside in the park’s rain-forests including the Red tailed monkeys, Chimpanzees, Olive baboons, Blue monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys. Besides, Queen Elizabeth National Park is noted for its unique reptiles including Crocodiles and colorful Butterfly species.

Birds

Queen Elizabeth National Park, a splendid Uganda wildlife park shelters a total of about 620 bird species which makes it one of the most sought-for birding safari destination. A birding trip in Queen Elizabeth guarantees birders exceptional bird sightings of Shoebill stork, Martial eagle, Grey kestrel, Hooded vulture, Blue napped mouse bird, Black bellied bustard, Pink backed pelicans, African wattled plover, Pygmy kingfishers, Abdim’s stork,  Slender tailed nightjars, White tailed lark, Scarlet chested sun bird Lesser & Greater Flamingos, African Jacana.

Other birds to sight in Queen Elizabeth N/P include among others Papyrus canary, Black lored babbler, African open billed stork, Brown snake eagles, African harrier hawk, African skimmer, Knob billed duck. Black bee-eaters, Swamp flycatchers, African emerald cuckoo, Hairy breasted barbet, Thin tailed nightjar.

Tour Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Guided Game Drive

Guided game drives are prime highlights of any Queen Elizabeth National Park holiday. The park offers the best and most memorable wildlife experiences to Uganda safari holidaymakers during the 2 sessions; the morning & afternoon game drive. In a comfort of your safari car, immerse yourself into Queen Elizabeth magical savannas to sight a range of wildlife from Bush Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Birds, Warthogs to mention but a few.

Bird Watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

With over 620 bird species all residing in different habitats, Queen Elizabeth National Park is without doubt one of the best birding destinations. It is one of the many Important Birding Areas in Uganda, offering birders unforgettable bird sightings. The park’s diverse birds to keep an eye on while on Uganda safaris include Flamingos, Pelicans, Shoebill storks, Black bellied bustard, African wattled plover, Pygmy kingfishers, Abdim’s stork,  Slender tailed nightjars, White tailed lark, Scarlet chested sun bird, African Jacana.

In addition, there are also Papyrus canary, Black lored babbler, African open billed stork, Brown snake eagles, African harrier hawk, African skimmer, Knob billed duck. Black bee-eaters, Swamp flycatchers, African emerald cuckoo, Hairy breasted barbet. Make your birding expedition in Queen Elizabeth National Park memorable and complete by packing right, essentially, don’t leave behind a camera and pair of binoculars.

Boat / Launch Cruise

Launch cruise or boat cruise is without doubt one of the best water sport experiences offered at Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda. This is conducted in Queen Elizabeth Park’s Kazinga Channel which extends about 40kms connecting Lake George & Lake Edward. On Kazinga Launch cruise, the important creatures to keep an eye on range from Crocodiles, Hippos, aquatic birds to Elephants etc. There are different boat cruise sessions to participate in the morning, afternoon and evening which starts from 4:00pm.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth NP is noted for its range of activities and besides game drives, Chimpanzee Trekking is a must-do here while on Uganda safari. Queen Elizabeth Chimpanzee Treks are carried out within Kyambura Gorge and in the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve Uganda.

Hot air Balloon Experience

In Uganda, Hot air balloon safaris are done only in Queen Elizabeth & Murchison Falls National Parks. Hot air balloon experience differs from the normal game drive in that nature lovers enjoy the best of aerial view of wildlife rather than viewing them in the car.

Lion Tracking

Lion Tracking offers the best memorable experience as you enjoy a close view of lions, explore more about their behaviors etc. Currently, this is only done in Queen Elizabeth National Park and generally takes you through in-depth learning about feeding habits, habitats of lions, photography etc.

Nature Walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth N/Park is also best experienced on foot while on Guided Nature walks. There are different parts to indulge yourself to explore the park’s hidden secrets including Mweya Peninsula, Ishasha River, Maramagambo Forest etc. These nature walking areas offer splendid views of the park’s landscape, unique vegetation/flora, birds, wildlife, colorful butterflies and refreshing air.

Community/Cultural Tours

A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Uganda safari holidays is a great opportunity for you to experience Uganda’s rich cultures, heritage and traditions. There are amazing local communities adjacent Queen Elizabeth N/P worth interacting with, get entertained by the dances, music performance or purchase some souvenirs.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda for a safari can be done at anytime of the year. But, the dry season is the best time for Queen Elizabeth N/Park game viewing safaris and it occurs from June, July, August to September and December, January to February. These months experience very low rainfall and the vegetation is often clearer hence offering excellent view of the big game, birds and other wildlife. 

Where to stay at Queen Elizabeth National Park 

There are different accommodation options in and around Queen Elizabeth N/Park Uganda for overnight stay. They include Budget, Mid-range & Luxury lodging & camping options.

• Luxury: Jacana Safari lodge/Ishasha Wilderness Camp/Mweya Safari lodge/Katara Lodge/Kyambura Game Lodge.
• Mid-range: Bush Lodge/Buffalo Safari Lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp/Enganzi Game Camp/Marafiki Safari Lodge.
• Budget: Enjojo Lodge/Simba Safari Camp/Kazinga Channel View Resort/Mweya Hostels etc.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth NP-By Road & Air

By Road Transportation: Travel from Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi to Queen Elizabeth NP Uganda about 6 hours’ drive. Drive on Kampala-Fort Portal-Kasese to Queen Elizabeth N/Park, about 5 hours’ drive. Drive from Bwindi-Queen Elizabeth Park, 3-4 hours or from Kibale-Fort Portal-Kasese route, about 2-3 hours’ drive.

By Air Transportation: Travel to Queen Elizabeth NP offers quickest access to the park for you to start your Uganda safaris. Scheduled/Chartered flights are available-usually arranged by Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe to Mweya/Kasese Airstrips.