Queen Elizabeth national park Uganda is located in the western part of uganda close to Fortportal town. This national park stretches to 4 districts of Uganda that is to say Bushenyi, Rukungiri, Kamwenge and Kasese. Before this national park was given the name Queen Elizabeth, it was originally known as kazinga national park. This name was changed after the visit of Queen Elizabeth the second of Britain to Uganda therefore it was named after her. Queen Elizabeth national park is famous for being a habitat for the tree climbing lions. It is also a home to over 95 mammal species, 10 primate species and about 600 bird species.
Attractions in Queen Elizabeth national park
- Tree climbing lions
The tree climbing lions are located in the southern part of the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park. These tree climbing lions can be spotted hanging on trees whilebon a game drive, it is assumed that these lions hang in these tree branches to get shade.
- Kazinga channel
Kazinga channel is situated in Queen Elizabeth national park in Kasese district. At kazinga channel, a visitor can easily spot hippo since it harbors a large number of them.
- Mweya peninsular
Mweya peninsular is located in Queen Elizabeth national park on the northern bank of kazinga channel in Kasese district in the sub region of Rwenzururu. Visitors often go for game drives through this peninsular.
- Birds
In Queen Elizabeth national park, there are a variety of bird species which are over 600. Visitors visit this park with bird watching as one of their core aims. Therefore visitors get the opportunity to have a glance on the various bird species in this park like the African skimmers, western banded snake eagle, African fish eagle, palm nut vulture and many more.
- Animals
Queen Elizabeth national park is a home to over 95 mammal species making it a best spot for wildlife viewing. Some if the animals in this park include tge lions, buffaloes, African elephants, giraffes, hippos and many more.
- Kyambura gorge
Kyambura gorge is located in the north eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth national park. Alot of activities are done in the kyambura gorge like chimpanzee tracking, nature walks and many more.
- Equator
Visitors take pictures for memories while at this landmark. The equator monument is found in Queen Elizabeth national park in kikorongoro.
- Katwe salt works
Katwe salt works in Queen Elizabeth national park is famous for salt production and this activity is at its peak in the dry season.
- Maramagambo forest
Maramagambo forest is part of Queen Elizabeth national park in Bushenyi district. Visitors carry out nature walks in this forest when they visit Queen Elizabeth national park. They are able to spot different primates while hiking in this forest.
- Kasenyi plains
Kasenyi plains are located in the north eastern part of Queen Elizabeth national park. These plains are a home to a number of wildlife. Visitors visit this place to see different wildlife species and carry out other activities.
- Ishasha sector
The Ishasha sector is situated in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park and is famous for harboring a large number of tree climbing like lions.
Activities in Queen Elizabeth national park
- Lion tracking
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth national park takes places very early in the morning or in the evening and it is also done at night but rarely. This activity is held for 2 to 3 hours depending on their location.
- Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth national park is done under the guidelines of a trained guide. This activity is done very early in the morning after being briefed by the park warden on what to do and not to do while doing the chimpanzee trekking. This activity lasts for 2 to 4 hours.
- Game drives
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park are done in the early morning hours, afternoon or evening depending on the time on the schedule. Visitors spot various wildlife species while carrying out this activity which makes their experience unforgettable.
- Nature walks
Visitors also carry out nature walks in places like maramagambo forest and mweya peninsular while at Queen Elizabeth national park. This enables them to spot different bird and animal species at a close range on foot.
- Bird watching
Bird watching is one of tge activities done by visitors while at Queen Elizabeth national park. Visitors get the opportunity to see a variety of bird species while on boat rudes at the kazinga channel and other spots in the park.
- Cultural tours
Like any other national park, Queen Elizabeth national park also has people in local communities around it that have their tradition and culture. Visitors who visit the oark are also granted an opportunity to meet and interact with these people. While on these cultural tours, visitors are able to find out clear details about these people for example the economic activities they do for a living and many more.
- Boat cruise
Boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth national park are normally done on the kazinga channel, this activity usually starts at 9:00aam in the morning and 2:00pm in the afternoon.
Accommodation facilities in Queen Elizabeth national park
- Kyambura game lodge
Kyambura game lodge is a luxury accommodation with 7 thatched cottages. This game lodge is located in Queen Elizabeth national park northern section.
- Ishasha wilderness lodge
Ishasha wilderness lodge is a luxury accommodation located in the southern part of the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park. While at this lodge, a visitor can easily spot the tree climbing lions.
- Mweya safari lodge
Mweya safari lodge is a luxury accommodation surrounded by the rwenzori mountains in the heart of Queen Elizabeth national park Uganda in the mweya peninsular.
- Jacana safari lodge
Jacana safari lodge is a luxury accommodation within Queen Elizabeth national park Uganda and is designed in wood adding on its uniqueness.
- Enganzi game lodge
Enganzi game lodge is a midrange lodge situated in Queen Elizabeth national park at Kichwamba escarpment.
- Engiri safari lodge
Engiri safari lodge is a budget lodge located in kitunguru close to kazinga channel in the heart of Queen Elizabeth national park.
- Bush lodge
Bush lodge is a budget lodge situated at the edge of kazinga channel across the Rwenzori mountain
- Pumba safari lodge
Pumba safari lodge is situated in kyambura in Queen Elizabeth national park and it offers budget accommodation with 11 thatched accommodations.
