Queen Elizabeth National Park

Activities and Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mweya Peninsula and the Kazinga Channel

The heart of tourism in Queen Elizabeth National Park beats on the Mweya Peninsula, situated 22 km west of the Kasese-Mbarara road. Mweya Peninsula, perched atop an elevated plateau overlooking the picturesque Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, hosts a range of facilities. These include luxurious lodges, budget-friendly UWA-run accommodations, a marina for scenic boat trips along the channel, and an informative visitor center where guests can delve into the park’s natural history and conservation efforts.

Launch Cruises

A highlight of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is embarking on a tranquil cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This two-hour voyage starts at the channel’s entrance into Lake Edward, meandering alongside banks teeming with resident hippos, basking crocodiles, and a plethora of water birds. It’s not uncommon to spot herds of elephants, buffalos, and various antelope species making their way to the water’s edge, creating unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities from the comfort of a boat.

Game Drives

Kasenyi Plains

For unparalleled game viewing, the open savannas of Kasenyi are a must-visit within Queen Elizabeth National Park. These grasslands are home to robust populations of Uganda kob, a favorite prey of the park’s lions. Knowledgeable ranger guides lead game drives across the plains, adept at tracking the movements of these apex predators. For a more in-depth experience, visitors can join tours organized by the Mweya-based Uganda Predator Project, which monitors lions, leopards, and hyenas fitted with radio collars, offering guaranteed predator sightings and insights into their behavior.

Ishasha

Located in the southernmost reaches of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha offers a classic safari experience beneath expansive rift valley skies. Here, visitors can expect encounters with herds of buffalo, bathing hippos, majestic elephants, and the elegant topi antelope, among others. Ishasha is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, providing an excellent chance to witness these unique big cats lounging in the branches of fig trees—an extraordinary sight that adds to the park’s allure.

Visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park promises an immersive safari adventure in Uganda’s most popular and biodiverse protected area. Whether enjoying a serene boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, embarking on thrilling game drives across Kasenyi and Ishasha, or simply soaking in the park’s breathtaking vistas, every moment spent here is sure to be filled with natural wonders and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Forest Walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge

Located between the Kichwamba Escarpment and the Kazinga Channel, Kyambura Gorge offers a dramatic landscape filled with dense forest. Visitors can start their exploration with a dizzying view from the edge of the 100-meter-deep chasm before descending into its depths. Guided by knowledgeable UWA guides, the trek into Kyambura Gorge presents an opportunity to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The gorge is also home to other primates and boasts sightings of rare birds, including the forest flycatcher, white-naped pigeon, and the vibrant Rwenzori turaco. An added highlight is the bat cave, where visitors can witness the spectacle of its resident bats and possibly even encounter a python.

Maramagambo Forest

Nestled at the base of the Kichwamba Escarpment, Maramagambo Forest offers a stark contrast to the open grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Guided forest walks through Maramagambo reveal a rich biodiversity, showcasing various primate species and a plethora of rare bird species. Birding enthusiasts will delight in sightings of the forest flycatcher, white-naped pigeon, and the magnificent Rwenzori turaco. A visit to the bat cave provides an intriguing encounter with its resident bat population, and keen eyes might even spot a lurking python. The forest’s serene atmosphere and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers enthusiasts an exceptional opportunity to observe a diverse range of avian species across its varied habitats.

Highlights include:

• Kazinga Channel: Easy sightings of resident and migratory waterbirds along the tranquil waters of the Kazinga Channel.
• Kyambura and Katwe Soda Lakes: Witness spectacular seasonal gatherings of flamingos, adding a splash of pink to the lakeshores.
• Maramagambo Forest: Carefully explore the forest’s depths in search of rare and restricted-range forest species, alongside the chance to encounter the colorful Rwenzori turaco.
• Ishasha: Explore the remote Lake Edward flats for memorable sightings of the elusive shoebill, a prized birding highlight in Uganda.

Volcanic Explosion Craters

Crater Drive

North of Mweya, Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts a landscape dotted with dozens of volcanic craters, remnants of the region’s turbulent geological history. The 27-kilometer Crater Drive, stretching between the Kabatoro and Crater gates, offers a breathtaking route along the rims of these extinct craters. Each crater presents a unique environment, some filled with lakes, others adorned with forests or grasslands, providing a scenic journey through the park’s diverse terrain.

Katwe Salt Lake

A visit to Katwe Salt Lake introduces visitors to a centuries-old tradition of salt extraction by the local community. Located 12 kilometers from Mweya, this saline lake has been harvested using evaporation pans since the 14th century. Guided tours led by local experts offer insights into the salt extraction process, as well as opportunities to observe the adjacent Lake Munyanyange, home to a wealth of waterbirds, including migrating lesser flamingos from August to November.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park varies with the seasons, influencing both wildlife and birding opportunities:

• Wildlife Viewing: Best from December to February and June to September, when dry conditions draw wildlife to water sources, facilitating easier sightings.
• Bird Watching: March to September is ideal for birding, with migratory birds present from November to April, enhancing the avian diversity.
• Wet Seasons: March, April, May, and November experience higher rainfall, potentially affecting road accessibility and wildlife encounters, making travel conditions less predictable.

Given the variability in rainfall patterns due to global warming, it’s advisable to check current conditions and forecasts before planning a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

How to Access Queen Elizabeth National Park

By Roads

Queen Elizabeth National Park is accessible via several scenic routes from Kampala:

• Fort Portal Route (410km): Passes through Fort Portal and offers detours to Kabale, Semiliki, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
• Mbarara Route (420km): Runs through Mbarara and Bushenyi, passing by Lake Mburo National Park. This route also provides access to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s southern Ishasha sector, directly connecting to Buhoma, the main trailhead for mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

By Air

Charter flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park can be arranged, landing at airstrips in Kasese, Mweya, and Ishasha, offering convenient access for those preferring air travel.

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