Have the best moment to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Participate in the game drive and boat cruise. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western Uganda, districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Bushenyi. It takes 5-6 hours to Queen Elizabeth park via Mbarara which dusty when its a dry season and muddy in rainy seasons. OR via Ishasha sector, which is south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which takes 7 days. Your starts from the time you step at Entebbe International Airport.
The solution is 4X4 Car Rental Rwanda that was certified as one of the best car rental company. It has a great experience in tours to different East African countries and its possible to cross boarders with us for more remarkable fascinating tours. All bookings for any type of car you advised to be book before the day of travel to be sure of one.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular game reserve for anyone with a keen interest in safaris, beautiful nature and scenic view. The park established in 1954 was named after Queen Elizabeth II. Geographically, the park runs from the foothills of the Rwenzori crater in the north to the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south, Lake George and Kazinga Channel, combining a wide variety of habitats like savanna, wetlands and lowland forests among others. It consists of giant mammals, reptiles, and primates such as rhinos and chimpanzees.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its wildlife like hippopotamuses, elephants, leopards, lions and chimpanzees among the many. It is now home to over 95 species of mammal and over 600 species of birds.
The park is known for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe where salt is mined. The monuments on each side of the park marks the equator line. The lowest point of the park is lake Edward and Katwe explosion craters marks the highest point. Visitors have traditional and cultural Uganda experience (storytelling, dance and music ) during local community tours.
Tourist Attractions.
Lake George.
The papyrus swamps of this Ramsar wetland site are home to the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope. One can spot the elusive shoe bill plus other native birds on the lake.
Explosion Craters.
The 72 huge round basins scattered across the equator give evidence of the Albertine Rift’s bubbling volcanic past and are a must-see for those with a particular interest in the regions fascinating geological history. The 27km drive between Kabatoro gate and Queens Pavilion takes in views of the circular lakes, the Rift Valley escarpment and the Kazinga channel in front of the mighty backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Katwe.
One of the most famous lookout points in Uganda is in the Katwe-Kabatoro community on Katwe Salt Lake where traditional salt mining has been practiced since the 16th century. The neighboring Lake Munyanyange is a bird sanctuary as well as a migratory location for the lesser flamingo from August to November.
Kasenyi Plains.
True vast Savannah of Kasenyi is the perfect setting for a classic African safari experience. Huge herds of Uganda kob attract prides of lions, warthogs graze bent down on their knees, guinea fowl scuttle through the grassland and huge dark elephants stride across the game drive tracks, providing dream photo opportunities for visitors.
Mweya Peninsula.
Mweya is Queen’s focal point. It is still ram-packed with birds and animals. Its elevated position commands gorgeous views of the Kazinga Channel and surrounding savanna and its proximity to Kasenyi and the North Kazinga plains make it an ideal departure point for wildlife-filled game drives in the morning or evening.
Kazinga Channel.
A cruise down the Kazinga channel is the most relaxing way to enjoy a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The banks are crammed with hippos, buffalos and water birds, along with crocodiles, monitor lizards, marabu storks, weaver birds and elegant pairs of fish eagles. Elephants stride along the banks, all you need to do is sit back with your camera or binoculars and enjoy the incredible spectacle.
Kyambura Gorge.
The Kyambura river flows through this thick “underground forest”, 100 meters below the Kicwamba escarpment. The gorge is best known for its resident chimpanzees some of which are habituated and can be tracked through the forest with trained UWA guides. The entrance to the gorge is also a pleasant spot for a picnic.
Kyambura Wildlife Reserve.
The beautiful crater lakes of this reserve, located to the East of Kyambura Gorge, offer excellent opportunities to observe many water birds including greater or lesser flamingos and the great Egret.
Maramagambo Forest.
Buzzing around with primates, including chimpanzees, baboons and several monkey species, the forest is also alive with numerous birds including the rare forest flycatcher, white-naped pigeon and the striking Rwenzori turaco. One can also visit the ‘cormorant house’, a large tree that has been turned white by the birds that roost there at night.
Ishasha sector.
This remote southern region enjoys fewer visitors than the North but those who venture this far may be rewarded with sightings of Ishasha’s most famous residents the tree climbing lions lounging in the branches while keeping a close eye on the herds of Uganda kobs. It is also the only area you can find many herds of topi as well as herds of buffalo and elephant. You can occasionally locate the rare shoebill at Edward flats.
Tourist Activities.
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Guided walks
- Wildlife Safaris
- Bird watching,
- Launch trip/ Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel that links Lake Edward to Lake George.
Accommodation.
- Mweya Safari Lodge – this 5-star luxury lodge ideal for relaxation, it has swimming facilities and different bird species can be seen around the area.
- Simba Safari Camp – this newly built safari accommodation on the border of the national park and only 2 km from the Equator is on a hill and offers spectacular views of Lake George, the Kazinga Channel and the Savannah plains.
- Jacana Safari Lodge – this luxury lodge on the banks of a crater lake is good for relaxation and refreshment for utmost comfort.
- The Institute of Ecology – this is a basic hostel accommodation style.
- Camping – can be done at Mweya, Maramagambo Forest and Ishasha sector. Better to move along camping with facilities.
- Kyambura Safari Lodge.
- Katara Lodge.
- Ihamba Safari Lodge.
- Enganzi Lodge.
- Kazinga Channel View Resort.
- Pumba Safari Lodge.
- Kasenyi Safari Camp.
- Kasenyi Wild Game Lodge.