Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s oldest protected areas. Originally gazetted as the Lake George and Lake Edward game reserves in 1925, it was upgraded to create one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. Queen Elizabeth lies directly on the equator. A pair of concrete hoops marks the spot where the 0O line crosses the Kasese road.
The park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. The park’s highest point, 1,350m above sea level, is found in the Katwe a
Queen Elizabeth National Park, initially known as Kazinga National Park when it was established in 1952, was later renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of England who visited it two years later. This magnificent park spans an area of 1978 square kilometers and is unique in that it straddles the equator, with monuments on both sides of the road indicating the precise location where the equator intersects latitude 00.
Within the park’s boundaries, you can discover an impressive array of wildlife, including more than 95 different mammal species and a diverse population of over 600 bird species
Explosion Craters while the lowest point is 910m on the shore of Lake Edward. Scenic and biodiverse, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda’s most popular protected area. Diverse ecosystems, including sprawling savanna, shady forests, sparkling lakes and lush wetlands, provide ideal habitats for classic big game, forest primates, and birds.
The Katwe explosion craters stand as the highest point of the park, reaching 1,350 meters above sea level. On the other hand, the lowest point, at 910 meters, can be found at Lake Edward.
Queen Elizabeth National Park holds the title of Uganda’s most sought-after tourist destination for good reason. Within the park, a variety of ecosystems coexist, including vast savannas, cool and humid forests, glistening lakes, and fertile wetlands. This diverse environment creates an ideal home for iconic large animals, ten different primate species (including chimpanzees), and over 600 species of birds.
Nestled against the striking backdrop of the rugged Rwenzori Mountains, the park treats visitors to breathtaking sights. These sights encompass numerous massive craters that dramatically punctuate the rolling green hills. Additionally, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel reveal its shores, populated by hippos, buffalo, and elephants. The sweeping Ishasha plains seem endless and are home to fig trees concealing lions, ready to pounce on unwary herds of Uganda kob.
An event called the “Climbing Lions of Queen Elizabeth” will take place on June 2, 2023.
The majority of Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by open grasslands and savannas. These areas tend to be more moist and wooded in the western region compared to the eastern part. The savannah landscape is dominated by Thorny Acacia trees, and the Kazinga Channel and Kasenyi plains are lined with candelabra shrubs, a type of cactus.
Within Queen Elizabeth National Park, a rich variety of wildlife thrives. The park is home to at least 95 different species of mammals, boasting an impressive lineup of 20 carnivorous species, including lions, leopards, side-striped jackals, and spotted hyenas, among others.
Tourism Activities in Queen Elisabeth National Park
When visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have the chance to partake in a variety of exciting activities, including:
Game Drives
Embark on a game drive, a major highlight of the park. You’ll explore the park comfortably in a pop-up safari vehicle accompanied by a skilled driver-guide. They’ll help you spot various wildlife species along the way.
Boat Cruises
Experience the beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park from the water with boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel. This 40km-long waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George. During these cruises, you’ll get incredibly close to animals such as elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and antelopes drinking at the water’s edge. You’ll also witness large groups of hippos and crocodiles in the water.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts will be delighted by the incredible bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park. With over 612 bird species, including aquatic, forest-dwelling, woodland, and migratory birds, the park is a premier birding destination in Uganda. Top spots for birdwatching include Kazinga Channel, Mweya Peninsula, Maramagambo Forest, Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Sector, Katwe Salt Lake, Lake Kikorongo, and Katunguru Bridge.
Lion Tracking
Queen Elizabeth National Park is integral to lion conservation, and the park’s lion population is a major draw. With over 250 lions in both the northern and southern sectors, the park is home to a unique attraction: the world’s largest population of tree-climbing lions. These lions can be found in the Ishasha sector of the southern part of the park. A typical afternoon game drive in Ishasha offers the chance to spot these lions leisurely lounging in large fig trees.
Community Visits
Immerse yourself in the cultural values of the region by engaging in community visits. This activity allows you to connect with the local community and gain insight into their way of life
