Established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth national park- “medley of wonders” is the most visited national park in Uganda. The park is situated in the west, spanning through, Kamwenge, Kasese, Rubirizi and Rukungiri districts; approximately 400km southwestern part of the capital city Kampala. The park was initially called Kazinga National Park (combined Lake Gorge and Lake Edward game reserves) in 1952.
Two years Later, Queen Elizabeth II visited it and thus the park’s name changed to the present-day Queen Elizabeth National Park in her remembrance. As a move to further conserve the area, the inhabitants of the conservation area-the Basongora were forced to flee across the border to the Democratic republic of Congo. The park measures about 764 sq mi, with a variety of flora and fauna, birds, stunning landscape, and open waters. Over 600 bird species, 95mammal species, the rare tree climbing lions, and more have been recorded at the park.
What to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Game drives.
Get up-close to Mother Nature on a sunrise or sunset game drive experience where you lookout for among others; the lion, warthogs, waterbucks, hyenas, elephants, African buffalos, and more in the wild. Whereas the animals, birds, reptiles and primates are all present at the park, no assurance of what you will encounter as they keep roaming. You will explore the designated trails. The early morning game drive starts at 6am, on a duration of 2-4 hours.
The game drive takes place at Kisenyi plains, the Ishasha sector for the tree climbing lions and more. You will not want to miss out on lion tracking experience whereby you get to see lions up-close and study about them.
Boat cruise
This one is one of the must do activities on Ugandan waters. Take a boat cruise at Kazinga channel, either in the morning or evening hours. While having a 2-3 hour boat cruise, you get to spot the aquatic residents such as the Nile crocodiles, Hippos, the water ducks, elephants by the river bank, and more. The boat cruise can be as a group, or on a privately motorized boat with expert guides.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura gorge is one of the most stunning chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda and a valley of apes. It is a sink down forest with over 80 chimpanzees and other primate species.
The chimpanzee trekking duration often takes about 1-3 hours depending on the location of the Apes, and your hiking speed. You can use your phone or camera to take videos and photos of the chimps in their natural habitat.
Access to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It takes one about 6-8 hours to drive from Kampala-the capital city of Uganda to the Park through the different routes.one can also get to the park through air. Get a chattered flight from Entebbe international airport or Kajansi airstrip to Mweya, Kihihi, or Kasese airstrip.
There are 4 official gates through which to access and exit the park. These are:
Kabatoro gate.
Kabatoro gate is the main gate into the park, and it is located in the north western part of the park. It is the best direction for visitors intending to explore the katwe salt, Lake munyanyange or Kabatoro community.
Katunguru gate.
This is the most used gate in the park. It is located in the northern part of the park; a 2-3 hour drive from fort portal city. It is also approximately 382kms from the capital city Kampala. It is the best route for travelers intending to explore the Mweya peninsula or Kazinga channel.
Ishasha gate.
This gate is located at Ishasha sector where you get to spot the sought-after tree climbing lions. The route is often used by those visiting the sector, or transferring from and to Bwindi impenetrable national park for gorilla trekking, Batwa pygmies, hiking and more.
Crater gates.
This gate is located at the north eastern part of the park. It is often used by Guests to or from Mbarara-fort portal high-way. It’s one of the safest and a very clear route, marked by breathtaking landscape.
The gates open at 6:30am for guests to register and embark on game drive activities, and close at 07:00pm. All guests are expected to follow the set rules and regulations, register and have an armed guide take them around.
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth NP
Queen Elizabeth national park is open to visitors all year round, with the best months for visit being June to September and December to February.
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the largest and most visited game park in Uganda. It home to the rare tree climbing lions, four of Africa’s Big5cats, over 600 bird species and more. You don’t need to wait to book your trip. The lodges here range from Budget to luxury tented camps, hotels and lodges.
