The Most visited park; formerly Kazinga national park; in the southwestern part of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth national is a Must visit destination in your vacation. It is one of the 10 national parks in the country, gifted with a wide range of flora and fauna, four of Africa’s Big5 (leopards, Buffaloes, Lions, and Leopards), flowing stream, unique plant species, and cool weather; day and night. Crater Lakes, Katwe craters (where salt is extracted), and the volcanic cones surround it.
The park total area is approximately 1,978sqkm; the second largest conservation area in Uganda, south of the snowcapped mountain Rwenzori, and east of Lake Edward. Queen is so scenic, with a variety of breathtaking attractions and a captivating landscape. It sprawls through three districts; Rukungiri, Kamwenge, and Rubirizi; and is referred by many as “Medley of wonders”. Other neighbors include Maramagambo forest and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In 1952, the areas was declared Kazinga channel national park, but two years later, Queen Elizabeth II visits and the name is changed to Queen Elizabeth national park, in recognition of her coming and contribution. Infrastructure was set, but the savannah and wilderness left original. There are over 350 bird species recorded, primates, and mammals, including the rare tree-climbing lions.
From Kampala (the capital city of Uganda), it takes an approximate 5-7 hour drive; crossing the equator, a point that opens your heart to more interesting sights. To or from the park; there is always an en route stopover at the site of the equator marginal line, to watch the demonstrations, and confirming the effects of the marginal lines. The Equator only crosses 13 countries in the world.
The following are the attractions, activities, and regions you will not want to miss in Queen Elizabeth national park. At Queen Elizabeth National park; you can do day and night game drives, boat cruise, camping, birding, chimpanzee trekking, and a guided nature walk, on a one or more day’s safari
Wildlife.
Queen Elizabeth national park is gifted with a variety of wildlife species, notably; mammals; lions, elephants, oribis, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, buffalos, and hyenas among others, Birds such as the Turacos, sunbirds, lovebirds, and cranes, reptiles, and primates. It is a destination with profusion of prey and predators.
Kazinga channel.
Connecting Lake Gorge to Lake Edward; this 40 m long channel is excellent and offers an amazing boat cruise experience. Hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds call it home, and mammals find water through it. This is a focal point for game viewing, while one a boat cruise which occurs at 15:00hours to 17:00hours; two-hour encounter
Mweya Peninsular.
This is a perfect destination for sightseeing, game viewing, and lodging. From the peninsular, one can relax, watch the beautiful sunrise, and capture the sight of distant mammals in the wild.
Queen’s Pavilion.
Seen in the northern entrance to the crater drive, the queen’s pavilion is one of the main attractions in the park. It was erected in 1954, made in 1952 and then renovated in 2007 by the Duke of Edinburgh, during his second visit. Internet facility and a coffee shop were added.
Tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector.
Only in Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Manyara national park can Tree climbing lions be found in East Africa. The Ishasha sector is located in the Rukungiri district and has unique plant species, birds, and rolling hills. It is not a guarantee to find the lions resting on the tree branches, though very possible.
Kyambura gorge.
Home to chimpanzees and one of the destinations offering chimpanzee trekking experiences, don’t miss out on Kyambura gorge. This is a tiny forest, with rare birds, monkeys, unique tree species, and several other captivating attractions.
Accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National park range from Luxury, midrange to budget, campsites, lodges, and UWA Bandas. These are; Mweya safari lodge, Kazinga channel resort, Katara lodge, Enganzi lodge, Elephant hub, and Elephant plains among others. These are in high demand during the peak season, thus important to book at least six months in advance.
Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National park.
The most ideal season for having a safari to Queen Elizabeth is any time from June to September and December to February. Reason; there is no much rain that can interfere with the activities in the park.
Queen Elizabeth national park is gifted with a variety of flora and fauna, across the park, amazing activities and a favorable climate. The park is safe, and the park rangers and authorities are rich in Knowledge and give equal attention to each visitor to the park. Check your travel list and add Queen Elizabeth national park
