Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the famous and known wildlife destination in Uganda. The park is blessed with diversity of species which make the park Unique. Some big five can be seen in this park like Lions, Elephants, Leopards, and Buffaloes. Other animals include Hyenas, Antelopes, Hippos, and many others. It is visited through out the year by all kinds of travelers including those on all inclusive safaris and those in rental cars on self-drive or with drivers.
The Park is strategically located, just in the same region with other National parks like Bwindi National Park, Kibale National Park, Semliki National Park, and Mgahinga National Park. This makes Itineraries or packages to be easier to organize with other destinations. Clients on car rental can visit the park and also extend their itineraries to other destinations.
Attractions to Explore in Queen Elizabeth national park
Wildlife.
The park has diversity of species when it comes to wildlife, they range from small animals to big ones like the big five. The park has trails which are followed by tourists both on self-drive basis or by all-inclusive safaris. Clients on self-drive basis can hire park guides to provide proper information about the attractions in the park.
Kyambura gorge
Queen Elizabeth national park has kyambura sections which is known to be home to primates like chimpanzees, visitors enjoy the nature of the gorge plus the different species of primates in the gorge. Clients on car rental trips can explore other attractions in the park and also extend to Kyambura gorge to enjoy the Chimpanzees.
Kazinga channel.
This connects two great lakes, Edward and George, the channel is one of the biggest in Africa and it’s one of the places with highest percentage of birds in Uganda. Besides, many animals also come at the banks of the channel to take water, these includes, elephants, Buffaloes and many more. Visitors enjoy watching the animals most especially in the afternoon cruises.
Ishasha sector.
It’s also part of Queen Elizabeth national park. Ishasha sector is known for the tree climbing lions, yes you heard me right, tree climbing lions. This is a wonder, originally it was un heard of for lions to climb trees but the miracle happens in Ishasha sector every day every time. Many reasons are thought for as to why these animals climb trees, some say that they run aways from flies, others say, they prefer to have good corners to target the pray and many more.
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives.
This is one of the main activity in this park. clients on self drive in Uganda find it easy to drive to Queen and do the game drive to have a look at wildlife in African savanna. On the game drive many animals will be encountered. The game drive is best suitable early in the morning and in the evening. To do the activity, visitors pay park entrance which has a duration of 24 hours, if you stay longer than that, another payment is needed.
Boat cruise.
The activity is done on Kazinga channel between Lake George and Lake Edward. Many wildlife can be seen taking water along the channel, crocodiles can also be seen along, Different bird species and the scenery of the place. Mostly the boat cruises are done in the afternoon when animals find their way to the banks to take water.
Chimpanzee Tracking/Kyambura gorge walk.
This is another exciting activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kyambura gorge is rich in primates, and nothing good to come into eye contact with the close relatives of humans. The gorge walk will behold other attractions too in the nature walk.
Lion Experience/Experiential
This is a very amazing activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is where clients spend more time with the lions, visitors view the animals a little bit closer. The lions are traced through the radio collar attacked in their neck. The activity is done with researchers.
Birding
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the important bird paradise in Uganda. On the game drive, many birds can be spotted and as well as on the boat cruise on Kazinga channel. This park shouldn’t miss on the Itinerary of Birders.
How to Access Queen Elizabeth National Park
By car: The park can be accessed by the car. 4×4 wheel drive is recommend. They can start from Entebbe, Kampala or wherever and head to the western Uganda. Most of the clients use Kasese Highway but there are other road alternatives depending on the Itinerary.
By Domestic Flight: Clients can use the Domestic flight to access the park. The flight will set off from Entebbe or Kajjansi air field and head to Kasese. The car will be found there for activities like the game drive and many more.
The Best time to Visit the park
The best time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is in dry season months. That’s when there is no heavy rain fall. Though this is the best time to visit the park but visitors are free to visit the park all year round.
One of the advantages of visiting destinations in low season is that, some lodges offer lower accommodation prices than in the High season. So, the cost of the trip becomes cheaper compared for the High season.
In wet season, it is the best time for birding trips as many birds will be spotted on trees and savannah.
Where to sleep on car rental trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park
The park has many accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, midrange and budget lodges. Some of the lodges around the park include, Bush lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Kikorongo, Twin lakes, and many more.
