Queen Elizabeth National Park

Park Size and Location

Area and Landscape
Queen Elizabeth National Park spans 1,978 km² and includes a wide range of ecosystems, from savannah grasslands to swamps and crater lakes. It is part of the Albertine Rift Valley and lies at an elevation ranging between 910 meters at Lake Edward and 1,350 meters at the Katwe Craters, the park’s highest point.

Location
The park is situated in western Uganda, across the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. It is approximately 400 km southwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, making it accessible by road in about 5-6 hours. The town of Kasese lies near the park’s northeastern border, while Rubirizi is located to the southeast.

How to Get There

By Road
From Kampala, travelers can drive southwest on the Mbarara-Kasese road, passing through towns like Mbarara and Bushenyi. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for navigating the park’s interior roads, especially during the rainy season when roads can become muddy and slippery.

By Air
Charter flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip, located near the park, or Mweya Airstrip, located within the park. Flights typically take around 1 hour and offer a more convenient option for those who prefer to avoid long drives.

Best Time to Visit

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you are looking for.

Dry Season (June to September and January to February)
The dry season is the ideal time for game viewing as animals congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with fewer chances of rain. This is the most popular time to visit the park.

Wet Season (March to May and October to December)
During the wet season, the landscape is lush and green, and birdwatchers can enjoy spotting migratory bird species. However, some roads may become difficult to traverse due to heavy rains. Despite this, the park remains open and is less crowded during these months.

Key Attractions and Activities

Tree-Climbing Lions (Ishasha Sector)

One of the most unique attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha Sector, located in the southern part of the park. This is one of only two places in the world where lions habitually climb trees, the other being Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Watching these majestic cats lazily perched on fig and acacia trees is a rare and unforgettable experience.

Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel is a 32 km long natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. It is a haven for wildlife, with its shores teeming with animals such as hippos, elephants, and Nile crocodiles. Visitors can take a boat cruise along the channel to witness the wildlife up close, making it one of the park’s most popular activities. The channel is also home to a large population of birds, including flamingoes, pelicans, and herons.

Mweya Peninsula

The Mweya Peninsula is a strip of land jutting into Lake Edward, offering stunning views of the lake and the Kazinga Channel. It is an excellent area for game drives, where visitors can spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and sometimes big cats. The area is also home to Mweya Safari Lodge, a popular accommodation option within the park.

Katwe Explosion Craters

Located north of the Mweya Peninsula, the Katwe Explosion Craters are the highest elevation within the park. The crater lakes provide spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the Kazinga Channel. Lake Katwe, one of the craters, is a saltwater lake where salt mining has been practiced for centuries. Visitors can observe the traditional salt extraction methods still in use today.

Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the “Valley of Apes,” is a stunning natural wonder located on the eastern edge of the park. This 100-meter-deep gorge is home to a population of chimpanzees, making it a prime destination for chimpanzee trekking. The lush forested landscape, carved by the Kyambura River, provides a beautiful backdrop for hiking and primate watching.

Maramagambo Forest

Situated in the southern part of the park, Maramagambo Forest is known for its rich biodiversity and serene atmosphere. The forest is home to primates such as chimpanzees, as well as several species of birds. It also houses the famous bat caves, where visitors can spot African rock pythons lurking as they prey on the bats. The forest offers guided nature walks and birdwatching excursions.

Kasenyi Plains

The Kasenyi Plains, located in the northeastern part of the park, are a vast expanse of savannah that is home to large herds of Uganda kob, as well as lions, leopards, and other predators. This area is particularly popular for game drives, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in a classic African savannah setting.

Kyambura Wildlife Reserve

Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is situated on the northern side of the park and is known for its diverse wildlife, including primates and a variety of bird species. It is bordered by the Kyambura Gorge and Kazinga Channel, providing a rich landscape for game drives and birdwatching. The reserve also offers walking safaris for a more intimate wildlife experience.

Birdwatching

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder’s paradise, boasting one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any nature reserve in the world, with over 612 recorded bird species. It is ranked as the second-best birding destination in Africa and the sixth worldwide. Some of the key species to look out for include the African skimmer, pelicans, flamingoes, martial eagle, papyrus gonolek, and the shoebill stork.

Accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Luxury Lodges

• Mweya Safari Lodge: Located on the Mweya Peninsula, this luxury lodge offers spectacular views of Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel.
• Kyambura Gorge Lodge: A luxurious eco-lodge overlooking the Kyambura Gorge, perfect for those looking for a high-end stay near the chimpanzee trekking sites.

Mid-Range Lodges and Camps

• Enganzi Lodge: Situated near the park’s boundaries, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations with excellent views of the park.
• Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Located in the southern Ishasha sector, this camp is ideal for those wanting to explore the tree-climbing lion area.

Budget Campsites

• Simba Safari Camp: A budget-friendly option located near the northern Kazinga Channel.
• Mweya Campsite: Situated on the Mweya Peninsula, this campsite provides basic facilities with an excellent location for game viewing.