Originally created in 1952 and named Kazinga National Park, the park spans an incredible 1,978 square kilometres (764 square miles). After Queen Elizabeth, the then-young English queen, paid a visit, the park was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is Managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority
Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is a testament to Uganda’s abundant natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The park, which is well-known for its profusion of wildlife, serves as a refuge for a wide variety of animals and gives tourists a taste of Africa’s wild interior. Elephants, cape buffalo, Uganda kob, lions, leopards, and the Kazinga Channel, which is home to crocodiles and hippopotamuses, are among its residents; they roam freely throughout the park’s diverse topography.
The wildlife in the park also includes warthogs and waterbucks, which add to the rich environment that exists there. Most notably, however, is Queen Elizabeth National Park’s pride of tree-climbing lions, a rare sight only seen in the Ishasha sector. This is a unique chance for guests to see these majestic predators in action as they relax on the trees, their characteristic black manes glistening in the sunshine.
Beyond its stunning array of mammalian residents, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an astounding variety of birds, with over 600 different species calling its sky home. The park is a sanctuary for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike, with countless options for ornithological exploration, including colourful kingfishers and magnificent fish eagles.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is well-known for its volcanic characteristics, which give the park’s scenery a striking background in addition to its animals. The landscape is dotted with deep craters and volcanic cones, many of which have serene crater lakes, like the well-known Katwe craters. In addition to offering breathtaking views, these natural beauties provide vital homes for a wide range of plants and animals, which adds to the park’s overall biodiversity.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognised QENP and the nearby Virunga National Park as “lion conservation units” in 2006 in recognition of the park’s significance for lion conservation. If action is taken to stop poaching and guarantee the resurgence of prey species, the park might become a lion stronghold in Central Africa. Organisations such as the Uganda Carnivore Programme and the Uganda Wildlife Authority actively monitor the resident lion population and other carnivores like hyenas and leopards. They use conservation initiatives and techniques like radio collaring to ensure the safety of these iconic species.
Recent reports of a rise in animal populations over the last five years have been made by Samuel John Mwandha, executive director of the Uganda Animal Authority, which is promising news about the park’s wildlife population. This encouraging trend shows how successful conservation efforts are and emphasises how crucial it is to maintain constant watchfulness in order to preserve Uganda’s natural heritage for enjoyment and appreciation by future generations.
There are many different types of wildlife habitats in Queen Elizabeth National Park, each with its own distinct ecology to discover. The rift valley plain’s gradual draining has sculpted the park’s terrain, resulting in large lakes and marshes that serve as vital habitats for a wide range of animals. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a biodiversity hotspot situated where Central African forests and East African grasslands combine.
Though scientists have determined that there are fifty-seven different kinds of plants in the park, we’ll keep things simple so you won’t get bored. There are five basic types of ecosystems that you will come across: wetlands and lakeshores with rich flora; large, open grasslands; bushy grasslands; and woods with Acacia trees. Every environment offers a unique collection of beauties to explore, guaranteeing wildlife fans of all ages an amazing safari experience.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), grasslands predominate and are often dotted with shrubs and woodland. The densities of these grasslands vary; acacia grasslands cover the Katwe Explosion Craters and the Ishasha area, while bushy grasslands dominate the plains around the Kazinga Channel. For the Ugandan kob, Kasenyi provides an open grazing area that is home to an unmatched variety of large mammals unparalleled anywhere on Earth. Elephants and fire, however, have a regulating effect on these grasslands; without them, the ecology would find it difficult to survive.
Fires burn across QENP on a regular basis, turning the once-green meadows into blackened vistas with a few leafless trees. These fires, although concerning at first, are essential to preserving the ecology of the park. Without fire, the grasslands would become overgrown, making it more difficult to see wildlife and encouraging the growth of unwanted plants.
In addition to encouraging the development of sensitive young grasses, fire functions as a natural cleaner, getting rid of sick and dead plants. This restoration brings grazing animals back to the region, improving the quality of game-watching opportunities. Excessive burning, however, may lead to the dominance of hardy, fire-resistant grasses that are less appealing to animals, endangering the delicate ecological balance.
Even though burning has advantages, fire may be dangerous for certain species of animals, such as insects, small mammals, and birds that nest on the ground. Thus, fire has to be carefully controlled to maintain the long-term health and viability of the park’s ecology, even though it is essential to creating the landscape of QENP and making game viewing easier.
The rift valley area, which includes Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), receives an abundance of water year-round, which ensures the survival of its animal population, even though it is the warmest and driest location in western Uganda. Rather than coming directly from rainfall, a large portion of this water reaches the park via streams that originate in the nearby mountains and escarpments.
Around 250 kilometres of coastline are covered by the network of lakes and waterways that make up QENP, and these permanent water sources are essential to the park’s varied species. Large wetland habitats also act as sanctuaries for uncommon and shy species like the pink-backed pelican, the mysterious shoebill, and the sitatunga. These places are especially found near Lake George The vast marshes to the north of Lake George are particularly significant since they are designated as Ramsar sites, an international designation for globally significant wetland ecosystems.
Lake Edward and Lake George used to be healthy fisheries that provided an abundance of fish for the surrounding settlements. Only 10 fishing villages, nevertheless, were formally acknowledged as valid “islands” within the park’s borders upon the creation of QENP. Fish populations have been reduced due to overfishing, which makes it harder for fishing communities to survive. In addition, these populations provide a continuous challenge to park management because of their need for more resources, including farming, food, and firewood.
Maramagambo Forest, which spans more than one-fifth of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) and half of the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve, divides the grassland regions in the park’s north and south. Maramagambo and the neighbouring Kalinzu Forest cover 580 square kilometres together, making them some of the biggest surviving forested regions in Uganda. Situated in an area protected from excessive precipitation by the Kichwamba escarpment, Maramagambo is classified as a Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest with Moist Thickets rather than a rainforest. There are 242 species of trees in this forest, with Cynometra, or ironwood, being the most common and making up 40% of the total. Ironwood is infamously tough to work with, but because of its hardness and tenacity, it has long been used as a durable wood for a variety of purposes, including parquet flooring, railway sleepers, and mine supports.
The Park is most popular with tourists during the dry season, which is around June through September. Animals concentrate near water sources during this period, making wildlife viewing comparatively simpler during the dry season. Game drives and boat rides along the Kazinga Channel are made much more enjoyable when vision is greatly improved due to less thick vegetation. Around permanent water sources, such as the Kazinga Channel, visitors enjoy good possibilities for birding and wildlife sightings.
The rainy season, which begins in October and lasts all the way until May, is when Queen Elizabeth National Park is at its most verdant and scenic. During this time, the park’s wetlands are adorned with migratory birds including pelicans, flamingos, and storks, creating a gorgeous scene for guests. In addition to providing welcome respite from the heat, the rainy season is often less busy and touristy than the dry season. With water available throughout the park, animals may be more scattered, but sightings may still be rewarding—particularly in the northern Ishasha sector, where sightings of tree-climbing lions are common.
A well-established system of tracks in Queen Elizabeth National Park beckons guests to take exhilarating game drives, offering unmatched chances to see the park’s varied wildlife in action. Of these routes, the Kasenyi Plains is a popular site that attracts tourists from all over the world to see the amazing sight of Uganda Kobs gathering in great numbers.
During the mating season, when the Uganda Kobs that live in the park participate in the intriguing lek mating system, the Kasenyi Plains are a hub for animal activity. Females of the species have an unusual reproductive strategy in which they gather in loose groups and only go to traditional breeding sites, called leks, to mate. Male Kobs here create 200-meter-diameter territories, the smallest of which are located in the middle of leks .
With their spectacular horns and regal bearing, the male Kobs compete with one another for supremacy in their leks, attracting the interest of many females. But having several males in a lek also means that there is intense rivalry between them as they vie with one another by putting on vigorous displays of dominance in an effort to entice mates. The Kasenyi Plains turn into a battlefield for survival where only the toughest and most tenacious individuals prevail amid the chaos of mating rituals and territorial conflicts.
However, danger is always there in the shadows, even among the show of territory fights and mating rituals. The savannah’s top predators, lions, take advantage of the frailty of weary males and weak females, waiting to ambush unwary prey after fierce struggles for supremacy. The plains provide an unvarnished and unadulterated window into the complex dynamics of the natural world as the life-death cycle is expressed.
The Kyambura Gorge, which is tucked away under the massive Kichwamba escarpment, follows the Kyambura River’s meandering course as it flows into the Kazinga Channel. The result is a striking environment with rich flora and sheer cliffs. For those looking for adventure and close encounters with nature, this breathtaking canyon to the east of the Kasese highway provides an enthralling experience.
Simple access is available to the Kyambura Gorge via a signed route that splits off from the main road about 10 km south of Katunguru Bridge. The trip starts at Fig Tree Camp, which is also the starting point for hikes into the gorge. Visitors are given to an amazing view of the chasm, which plunges to depths of up to 100 metres below, even before starting the trip.
But the real attraction of the Kyambura Gorge is found in its thick riparian forest, home to a flourishing colony of habituated chimpanzees. Because their forest environment is so limited, there’s a very good chance you’ll come across these amazing primates. Stretching about 8 km, the gorge’s wooded area is a lush haven among the surrounding plains, a far cry from the neighbouring massive Maramagambo-Kalinzu forest.
Visitors may access a network of trails that descend into the canyon via a network of paths that across the gorge’s top, each providing a different viewpoint on the amazing surroundings. Three-hour guided hikes begin at 8 am and provide plenty of opportunity to fully experience the beauty of Kyambura Gorge and the chimpanzee community that lives there.
Located in a picturesque enclave between Lake Edward and Queen Elizabeth National Park, the fascinating Katwe Salt Lake is a must-see. Tourists may experience the town’s thriving natural environment and fascinating history at Katwe, which is bordered by two salt lakes.
East of Katwe town, on the undeveloped shores of Lake Edward, is a magnificent environment full with animals. Wildlife aficionados wanting a true safari experience inside the park will find this area perfect, since it is possible to see stately elephants, lumbering hippos, and lively warthogs.
The whole essence of Katwe town is wistful, like a ghost town in the American West that has been stuck in time. Since the introduction of inexpensive sea salt imports from Mombasa, Katwe’s fortunes have declined, and the town is now nothing more than a sleepy backwater.
Katwe has lost some of its lustre, but it has kept some of its quirky allure, with its dusty alleys and weathered houses made of ashy limestone from the cliffs of the adjacent salt lake. Tourists may take use of the expertise of residents at the Katwe Tourist Office to learn about the fascinating history and present of the town.
Seeing the locals at work in the centuries-old salt extraction process is a must-do while visiting Katwe Salt Lake. The inhabitants of Katwe collect lake water via an intricate system of ponds, which they then let evaporate, producing a salt-rich sludge that can be collected later. Under the blistering African heat, sightseers may see this amazing process unfold in real time, as water is transformed into crystalline salt.
Also, next to Katwe Salt Lake is Lake Munyenyange, which is a haven for a plethora of waterbirds. Birdwatchers may enjoy the peaceful waters there and maybe even see a lesser flamingo or two.
Be sure to glance across the water at the massive brown structure—a vestige of a salt plant constructed by the Germans in the 1970s—as you delve into Katwe’s rich salt-making history. Despite its brief existence as a result of technical difficulties, the plant serves as a reminder of Katwe’s industrial history and its continuing connection to the lake’s salty waters.
The Kazinga Channel is a naturally occurring waterway that cuts through the centre of Queen Elizabeth National Park, linking Lakes George and Lake Edward. This 41-kilometer-long winding canal attracts a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and animals and provides an intriguing trip through a mosaic of landscapes.
Admire breathtaking views of the surrounding grasslands and the rough rift valley bottom as you sail the Kazinga Channel. This canal, which stretches over an amazing 82 km of coastline, is vital to many species, giving them access to habitat and water supplies.
Seeing a variety of aquatic birds in their own environment is the highlight of every boat journey on the Kazinga Channel. Look out for magnificent creatures like the African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Pink-backed Pelican, and Great White Pelican, among many more. The show is enhanced by migrating birds that swarm to the canal in February and March, such as African Skimmers, Grey-headed Gulls, and Terns.
The fun doesn’t stop there, however. Elephants come to the water’s edge often, sometimes in hundreds-strong herds, to drink and take a wash before moving back into the jungle. Alone, elderly male buffaloes take cover with them, taking comfort in the channel’s shoreline’s protective embrace.
Without seeing the park’s local hippo population, a boat excursion down the Kazinga Channel isn’t complete. Observe these enormous animals as they lounge in the shallows, their characteristic pods scattered throughout the beach. Observe their distinct social dynamics, as dominant bulls rule over mixed groups consisting of around 14 individuals.
Be mindful of the local reptile population as you take in the breathtaking display of animals. In addition to the excitement of seeing crocodiles again after thousands of years, monitor lizards may often be seen in the undergrowth around bodies of water.
But use caution—the fauna around the Kazinga Channel isn’t always as peaceful as it seems. Watch out for territorial hippos’ simulated charges and crocodiles’ cunning moves, which will provide a little thrill to your tour through this natural paradise.
Find the amazing sight of lions climbing trees in Ishasha, a beautiful part of Queen Elizabeth National Park known for its unique wildlife encounters. These amazing cats go against the rules by relaxing elegantly on the branches of fig and acacia trees. This is mostly seen along the park’s South Circuit.
Ishasha’s lions have been climbing trees for decades, if not hundreds of years. This is a unique and interesting case of a learned behaviour that has been passed down from generation to generation. While humans can’t figure out the exact reason for this behaviour, it is thought that the lions may be seeking shade from the sun, scanning their surroundings for possible food, or just getting away from annoying bugs while enjoying the view from above.
Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions are skilled hunters who take advantage of the large number of food species in the area, even though they seem calm and relaxed. The Topi is one of the most sought-after animals, as it is hard to catch compared to the fast Kob and dangerous Buffalo that live in other parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Along with Topi, Ishasha is home to a wide range of other animals, such as Elephants, which sometimes come into the park from Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the faraway Lake Edward Flats. This wide variety of wildlife makes Ishasha even more appealing, giving tourists a rare chance to see nature’s wonders up close.