Queen Elizabeth National Park was gazetted in 1952, in the name of Kazinga game reserve, barely two year, it was renamed after Queen Elizabeth II, to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a perfect fusion of forests, grasslands and waterscapes, depicting the real Medley of Wonders. Due to this uniqueness, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular tour destination in Uganda as most put together their trip from Murchison Falls National Park, to Kibale for chimps trekking. While others annex it to the back or front their gorilla or chimp trekking, it’s in other-wards, one stop destination for wildlife game drives and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
The park stretches between Lake Edward in the south up to Lake George in the north with the two lakes being connected by the Kazinga Channel. The elevation fluctuates from 2,985 to 4,560 feet (910 to 1,390 m) above sea level.
The park is located in the western region of Uganda, with a great animal diversity, mammals ranging from the largest from the largest land mammal (Africa Savanna Elephant), large schools of hippos, extensive herds of Buffalos, hartebeest Kobs. Furthermore, Queen holds an exciting experience for birders, with over 600 bird species register, including more than 38 Albertine endemics, a lot more insects and fish in the lakes George and Edward. While on the game drive you can have the opportunity to spot more 20 species of game
Queen holds an exciting experience for birders, with over 600 bird species registered, both migratory and resident including more than 38 Albertine endemics, Form bird loving visitors to have safari of their lives. While in the jungle bird calls are all over through their ears, mingling with nature at this point is at it best.
The park is situated on the eastern side of the Mountain of the Moon, this give a magnificent view on a sun rise as the cloud appear to descend to the peaks of Rwenzori the reflection of the sun rays from the snowcapped peaks is an unexplainable sight.
Queen Elizabeth offer a unique opportunity for the sight of cats, lions being the most spotted around the Kyambura gorge, the most preferred is the Ishasha close where tree climbing lion are found relaxingly looking down to spot their next meal.
Chimpanzee tracking, is another intriguing activity, around the Kyambura gorge in Maramagambo forest where other monkey can also be tracked for example L’Hoeste’s monkey black and white colobus monkey
Big Mammals
Queens has approximately 5,000 hippo, 2,500 elephants and 10,000 buffalo. There are no rhinos, but there is no historical evidence that they ever existed south of the Nile River and north of the Kagera river.
The mammals are found across the plains, woodlands and shorelines, this means you will enjoy great sightings in multiple locations. Photo opportunities will be numerous, but so will the chance to just sit and observe these very special animals in their natural wild homes.
Other frequently seen herbivores are warthog, waterbuck, Ugandan kob, Topi and the Sitatunga antelope of the wetlands around Lake George.
How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located about 410km/255mi west of Kampala. The direct drive takes at least 7 to 8 hours, but your itinerary will most likely include some parks on the way. It is also possible to fly to any of the nearby airstrips of Kasese, Mweya or Kihihi (for Ishasha) by scheduled or chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala.
You will enter Uganda at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 46km/29mi from Kampala, the capital city. Generally, your tour operator will arrange for your pick-up from the airport, and organize any further transportation required as part of your safari package.