Queen Elizabeth National park is the second largest National Park in Uganda after Murchison falls National Park. Occupying up to 1978 square kilometers and is also the most famous park, probably because of its name. It was named so in 1954 in honor of the Queen of England who had visited the area.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is found in South Western Uganda. Close to Kasese district, and surrounded by Lake Edward and River Ishasha to the West. It was in 1979 declared a bio-sphere reserve, implying that it a learning place for sustainable development.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is mainly an open savanna in a number of areas. Though it is also studded with a thick cover of umbrella acacia tress (a favorite of the tree climbing lions) plus euphoria trees. It as well has large areas of dense swamps close to Lake George. The wide-ranging Maramaganbo Forest in the south-east, as well as the forested Kyambura Gorge on the border with Kyambura Game Reserve.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is endowed with at least ten crater lakes inside. 95 species of mammals, making it the park with the highest number of mammals, ten primate species. Such as chimpanzees, black and white Columbus monkeys, olive baboons, twenty different predators, lions, leopards, antelopes, the Uganda kob,, bushbucks, the reddish buffaloes (they are red due to interbreeding with the forest redder buffaloes from Congo), plenty of bird species. These and many more are what the park has to offer to the visitors. Making it Uganda’s number one wildlife safari destination.

Below is a semi detailed description of the fauna that the park has to offer;

Over 2500 African elephants (named so because their ears are shaped like the map of Africa), whose population keeps growing, thanks to the restrictions in the park preventing poachers.

A minimum of 200 easily seen tree climbing lions (yes, you read that right)- a very rare species of lions that can climb trees and are only in two places in Africa namely; Queen Elizabeth National Park and a game reserve in Tanzania. If you are reading this and have not yet visited the par, it is almost too late.

At least 610 bird species, 54 raptors inclusive, several water birds, woodland and forest birds( mainly restricted to Maramagambo forest) and examples of the species of the birds at the park include; : Black-rumped Buttonquail,  Open-billed Stork, Common Squaco Heron, African Jacana, Shoebill Stork, Malachite & Pied Kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, African White-tailed Lark, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Grey-capped Warbler, African beautiful Black-headed Gonolek, White-winged Warbler among others, making it a perfect destination of birders.

Also, the ethnic groups linked to this region are; the Bakonjyo, Banyankole and the Bakiga. Whose various traditions are exciting to learn and experience like their dressing code, languages spoken, as well as present day economic activities carried out by them particularly salt mining, crop cultivation and animal farming,. With this kind of blend of attractions I am able to strongly claim that QENP is the best tourist destination that will positively stain your memory on African safaris.

Here is a list of the neighbors of the park; Lake Edward and River Ishasha to the west on the border with DR Congo, Kasese as well as the Rwenzori foothills to the North, the Kyambura gorge and Lake George to the east and Kigezi Wildlife Reserve in the south.

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TOURISTS ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Game Drives
This is a thrilling activity where the tourists are taken around the park on a well maintained track, each tourist having an access to a window so they can view and take pictures of the animals. There are two game drives daily in the park, one in the morning and the other in the evening. The tracks go through the fascinating mating grounds of the Uganda Kobs as the exceptional large forest hog is spotted going around the bush. One will be able to view of Elephants as they move down to drink water especially on hot days, the hungry lions searching for prey as the bush backs plus buffaloes are  seen along the channel track..

The Launch Cruise on Kazinga Channel

 This a boat cruise that is along the magnificent Kazinga channel. From here you will be able to see the abundant aquatic game while at it and birds at the shores of the channel. The yawning hippo, the crocodiles and the elephants at the shore are all to be looked forward to during the cruise. There are two launch cruises, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Nature Walks in Maramagambo Forest                       

Maramagambo forest is a good destination for short and long guided nature walks. These expose you to a number of wildlife species. Some of which are the pythons in the bat caves which primarily feast on the bats. The trails along the forests lead one to the middle of the neighboring craters. These are habitats of most forest birds and primates.

A Nature Walk to the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve

Kyambura Wildlife reserve is situated in the eastern section of the park and is home to similar animals. It has 3 saline crater lakes that attract numerous flamingos. Flamingos whose numbers cannot be traced in any other part of Uganda. Hence making it a wonderful bird watching safari destination in Uganda. The steep Kyambura gorge, formed by the violent waters of River Kyambura. It offers a luxurious Riverine forest inhabited by game such as the lions, chimpanzees, the Black and white colobus monkeys. As well as the olive baboons along with other primates species, snakes and several forest birds all living in this forest. Visiting this gorge offers you a chance to see chimpanzees within their all-natural habitat.

The Ishasha Visit to See Tree Climbing Lions                              

 This trail leading to the southern area of the park offers you an opportunity to marvel at the tree climbing lions. Resting in the huge fig trees, the Topi, Uganda Kobs as well as Buffaloes peacefully grazing in the savannah dotted with acacia tree.

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park           

From Kampala, the capital city of Uganda,takea taxi or bus early  in the morning using the Mbarara-Kabale highroad. Turn off at Ntungamo and take the brand-new road for 45km to Rukingiri. From Rukungiri, drive 70km along a murram road leading to ishasha through Kihihi. You can also use your personal vehicle for the journey if well serviced and if you are well versed with the routes.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth Park            

There is a sea of accommodation services to suit your tastes and preferences ranging from luxury to budget accommodation. Like, Ihamba lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Jacana safari lodge, Camp sites found at Mweya, Ishasha

Toilets or pit latrine. Bandas found within the Ishasha sector, park hostel at Mweya with 48 bedrooms, shower / bathing shelters are offered at those sites.

These and more within and around the park will ensure that your stay is comfortable enough.

PARK GUIDELINES

-Carry your permit with you as it is needed when entering this park.
Driving is only permissible from 7:00am to 7:00pm. This is ample time for you to arrive to whatever destination you are going to.
-Don’t drive over 45km/hour.
-Do not carry pet animals when entering the park.
-Don’t carry firearms or any ammunition when entering the park.
-Always offer the animals right-of-way and don’t scare wildlife.
-Always keep in your safari car unless when at specified places.
-Don’t sound the horn of your vehicle.
-Do not pick or even cut plants or kill any living creature.
-Don’t LITTER.
-Don’t start any fires or drop cigarette ends in the park.