Safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
For a wide variety of wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) in Uganda is a top safari location. This magnificent park, which extends over 1,978 square kilometers and is named after Queen Elizabeth II, is situated in the country’s western region.
Its diverse habitats, which include savannah, woodlands, marshes, and lakes, are home to an astonishing array of animals. Queen Elizabeth National Park guarantees an amazing safari experience, whether you’re looking for exciting game drives, interesting boat excursions, or intimate encounters with some of Africa’s most renowned species.
Here you will find comprehensive information on organizing a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will go over the top things to do, when to go, and how to have an unforgettable trip.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: What Makes It Popular?
The world’s most biodiverse park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. More than ninety-five different kinds of mammals call this area home. Among them are the renowned Ishasha tree-climbing lions, as well as enormous herds of buffalo and elephants, and a dizzying variety of bird species. There is something for everyone in Queen Elizabeth National Park, thanks to its beautiful scenery, diverse animals, and plenty of safari activities.
Points of Interest in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
An incredible safari sight, lions routinely climb trees in the Ishasha sector. This is one of the few areas in Africa where this phenomenon occurs.
One of the top places to go on a boat safari in Africa is the 32-kilometer-long Kazinga Channel, which links Lakes George and Edward.
Katwe Crater Lake, well-known for its traditional salt mining, is one of many picturesque crater lakes found throughout the park.
As the “Valley of Apes,” the verdant Kyambura Gorge is home to a habituated colony of chimpanzees and provides thrilling hiking chances.
A Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park: The Best Things to Do
Game Drive
The game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park are a great way to see a diverse range of animals. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including antelopes, hippos, buffalo, leopards, elephants, and leopards. The Ishasha sector, the Kasenyi Plains, and the Mweya Peninsula are the main destinations for game drives.
Uganda kobs, elephants, and buffalo are common sights to see. You may see the renowned tree-climbing lions relaxing under fig trees in the Ishasha district.
Game drives are most enjoyable in the wee hours of the morning or late in the day, when temperatures are lower and animals are more active.
Kazinga Channel Boat TourÂ
While on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a boat ride over the Kazinga Channel is sure to be a highlight. One of the greatest spots in Uganda to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds up close is the canal, which is crowded with wildlife.
Large groups of hippos, sunbathing crocodiles, elephant herds, and a variety of birds, such as saddle-billed storks, African fish eagles, and kingfishers, are what you may expect to see.
The voyage offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see animals that are often concealed on land, and the Kazinga Channel is home to one of the highest densities of hippos on Earth.
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee hiking in Kyambura Gorge provides a refreshing change of scenery from the savannah and an up-close encounter with these intriguing creatures. Beautifully set in a verdant valley that stands in stark contrast to the plains beyond, the gorge is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
You may expect to see chimpanzees, a variety of birds, and other primates including olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Chimpanzee trekking isn’t for the faint of heart owing to the rugged landscape, but the excitement of seeing these monkeys in their own environment more than compensates.
Birdwatching
With almost 600 bird species reported, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the top places in Africa for birdwatchers. The park’s abundant birdlife will enthral anybody, from experienced birdwatchers to those just starting out.
Notable flora and fauna include flamingos, shoebill storks, pelicans, papyrus gonoleks, and African skimmers in the crater lakes.
The park’s best spots for birding include the Kazinga Channel, the Mweya Peninsula, and the Maramagambo Forest.
Katwe Salt Lake
Experiencing the centuries-old techniques of salt mining up close and personal at Katwe Salt Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural opportunity. Those curious in the past and present of the area will love this event.
See local miners at work using traditional techniques to collect salt; find out how this industry has supported the park’s surrounding villages for decades.
This is an interesting and instructive experience because of the opportunity to meet local workers and the sight of the colorful salt pans.
Appropriate Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
During the dry months of June–September and December–February, Queen Elizabeth National Park is at its most picturesque. The likelihood of seeing large game increases during these months since animals congregates near water sources. Because of the lack of precipitation, the park’s roads and pathways are also simpler to traverse.
Peak Game Viewing, Boat Tours, and Chimpanzee Trekking Occur During the Dry Seasons (June–September and December–February). Animals may be more easily seen due to the sparser foliage.
March–May and October–November, the wet seasons: Despite the park’s verdant beauty and picturesqueness during the rainy seasons, several routes may become inaccessible due to severe rainfall. The arrival of migrating species, however, makes these months ideal for birding.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: A Complete Guide
It takes about six or seven hours to travel from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kashari Tours and Travel is a popular tour operator since they take care of everything for their clients, from transportation to park admission costs and guided activities. If you want a more expedited and hassle-free option, you may board a local aircraft from Entebbe to either the Kasese or Mweya airstrips.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Where to Reside
Queen Elizabeth National Park has a wide variety of lodging options, from high-end hotels to more affordable campsites, so it can accommodate all kinds of tourists. Some excellent suggestions are as follows:
One example of a high-end lodge is the Mweya Safari Lodge, which is situated on the Mweya Peninsula and provides guests with breathtaking views of Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. The pool and spa are two of the most high-end features.
Guests interested in eco-luxury lodging with a view of the Kyambura Gorge may enjoy chimpanzee trekking among breathtaking natural scenery at the Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Elegant Enganzi Game Lodge, a mid-range lodge, provides cozy rooms with breathtaking park views. It’s perfect for gatherings of all kinds.
Marafiki Safari Lodge is a wonderful mid-range alternative near important wildlife watching locations; it is famous for its lovely bandas and tents with expansive views of the savannah.
Alternatives on a Budget:
Simba Safari Camp: Conveniently located near the park entrance, this modest yet pleasant camp is a favorite option among budget tourists.
Guests may enjoy affordable tented lodging at the Bush Lodge, which is located along the Kazinga Channel and provides excellent opportunity to see animals directly from the property.
For Your Queen Elizabeth Adventure, Why Should You Choose Kashari Tours and Travel?
For a trouble-free and unforgettable Queen Elizabeth safari, book with Kashari Tours and Travel. They are the best option since…
Kashari Tours and Travel creates personalized itineraries for each client according on their interests, whether that’s seeing chimpanzees, large game, or birds.
With their extensive understanding of the park’s history, environment, and animals, their guides elevate your safari experience to a whole new level.
Transfers and game drives with Kashari Tours and Travel are in comfortable, well-maintained cars, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable trip.
Incredible animal sightings, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating cultural experiences await you on a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This park offers a safari experience unlike any other, with activities like boating along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel and stalking tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or this is your first time in Uganda, Kashari Tours and Travel will be your guide through this incredible country for an amazing safari.
