Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the Western Region of Uganda, nestled between Lakes George and Albert with the Kazinga Channel traversing its 700 square-mile area. The park, named in honor of the Queen of England following her 1954 visit, offers diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.

Accessibility: The park is approximately 389 km from Kampala and can be accessed via a 6-hour 30-minute road drive via Masaka Road or by charter flight.

Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• Tree Climbing Lions: Discover the unique tree-climbing lions in the southern Ishasha sector, often seen resting in fig and acacia trees.
• Bird Species: Home to 618 bird species, the park ranks 6th globally for bird diversity and highest in Africa. Notable species include the White-backed Duck, Knob-billed Duck, and Egyptian Goose.
• Wildlife: The park boasts abundant wildlife, such as African elephants, buffaloes, Ugandan Kob, hippos, and lions.
• Kazinga Channel: This natural waterway connecting Lakes Albert and George is ideal for viewing hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and elephants on the thrilling Kazinga Boat Ride.
• Kasenyi Plains: Known for its large herds of antelopes, Uganda Kobs, and predators, this area is a favorite for wildlife safaris.
• Kalinzu Forest: Located in the southeastern corner of the park, it offers rewarding chimpanzee tracking experiences.
• Kyambura Gorge: A verdant, 100-meter-deep valley famous for chimpanzee tracking tours.
• Mweya Peninsula: Extending into Lake Edward, this area is renowned for its dense vegetation and diverse wildlife.
• Lake Katwe Salt Works: Observe traditional salt mining methods at this historical site.
• Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes: Enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the western Rift Valley escarpments, and the lakes from these elevated crater lakes.

        Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Game Drives: Explore the park’s varied ecosystems to see wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, and various antelope species. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for sightings.
• Boat Safaris: Take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species up close.
• Chimpanzee Tracking: Visit the Kyambura Gorge to track and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
• Bird Watching: With over 600 bird species, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look for unique species like the shoebill stork and the African fish eagle.
• Nature Walks: Guided nature walks allow you to explore the park’s flora and fauna on foot, providing a different perspective of the ecosystem.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities through cultural tours, learning about their traditions, crafts, and way of life.
• Volcano Hiking: For the adventurous, nearby volcanic landscapes like the Rwenzori Mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities.
• Wildlife Photography: The diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it an ideal spot for photography.

Conservation efforts

Conservation efforts in Queen Elizabeth National Park focus on preserving its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Key initiatives include enhanced anti-poaching measures, with increased patrols and surveillance to combat illegal hunting. Community involvement is crucial, as local populations are engaged through education and sustainable development programs to foster coexistence with wildlife. Ongoing research and monitoring of wildlife populations, particularly for species like elephants and chimpanzees, inform conservation strategies. Additionally, eco-tourism is promoted to generate revenue for conservation and support local livelihoods. Habitat restoration efforts aim to rehabilitate degraded areas and maintain the park’s rich biodiversity. Together, these initiatives work to protect the park’s unique flora and fauna while promoting sustainable practices.