Queen Elizabeth National Park is a natural wonder situated in the western part of Uganda. Famously known for its tree climbing Lions, Queen Elizabeth national park spans the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri and Kamwenge. Queen Elizabeth national park is truly a gem as it is strategically located in the middle of natural wonders such as near Mountain Rwenzori the highest mountain in Uganda, Kibale national park and Mgahinga national Park Uganda’s best mountain gorilla trekking safari destination all these beautiful destinations surround Queen Elizabeth national park. Not forgetting that Queen Elizabeth national park itself is filled with diverse species of wildlife like; Tree climbing lions, Ugandan Kob, Giant Forest hog, warthog, Topi, red tailed monkeys, leopards, civet, genal and serval cats, African elephant, zebra, African buffalo, chimpanzees, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, water buck, side stripped jackals, mongooses, giant forest hogs, cheetah, bush pigs, baboons among others.
Queen Elizabeth national park is also filled with numerous bird species like; Papyrus gonolek, black and white casqued hornbill, pink backed pelican, saddle billed stork, red chested sunbird, African skimmer, black headed gonolek, grey heron, great blue turaco, glossy ibis, golden rumped tinkerbird, dusty blue flycatcher, eastern grey plaintain eater, emerald-spotted wood dove, African open billed stork, black headed oriole, black headed lapwing, African fin foot, blue naped mousebird, crowned eagle, brown parrots among others.
Tourist activities to do at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wildlife viewing; Queen Elizabeth national park is known for its Tree climbing lions in Uganda. However, it’s not only the tree limbing lions but Queen Elizabeth national park is filled with diverse wildlife species such as; Tree climbing lions, Ugandan Kob, Giant forest hog, warthog, Topi, red tailed monkeys, leopards, civet, genal and serval cats, African elephant, zebra, African buffalo, chimpanzees, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, water buck, side stripped jackals, mongooses, giant forest hogs, cheetah, bush pigs, baboons among others these shall indeed give one a good wildlife viewing experience.
Bird Watching; Queen Elizabeth national park is a UNESCO Accredited birding site .It is also a nest to numerous bird species approximately 450 these include; Papyrus gonolek, black and white casqued hornbill, pink backed pelican, saddle billed stork, red chested sunbird, African skimmer, black headed gonolek, grey heron, great blue turaco, glossy ibis, golden rumped tinkerbird, dusty blue flycatcher, eastern grey plantain eater, emerald-spotted wood dove, African open billed to mention but a few.
Boat cruise; While on Kazinga channel, one can launch a boat cruise while watching the various herds of hippopotamus. This boat cruise, can also be on lakes Edward and Gorge where one can have the opportunity to carry out spot fishing, view wild life such as hippos, crocodiles on water. This is indeed a relaxing experience that shall make a tourist Uganda wildlife safari at Queen Elizabeth enjoyable.
Community encounter; Queen Elizabeth national park has a rich community with diverse tribes such as the Basongara, Banyabindi and the Bakonjo that surround Queen Elizabeth national park. For example, while at Queen Elizabeth national park one can visit Katwe Tourism information centre and learn about lake Katwe and salt mining, learn about the craft making industry, participate in local cuisine to mention but a few. One can also learn about their day -to -day ways of living not to mention but a few.
Chimpanzee trekking; In the forest reserves of Kalinzu and Kyambura game reserve which are right next to Queen Elizabeth national park are home to very many Chimpanzees and primates such as golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, among others. One can enroute from Queen Elizabeth national park to trek chimpanzee and other primates in the forests of Kalinzu and Kyambura and connect with nature.
Nature walks; There are walking trails through out Queen Elizabeth national park and these walking path enable one to have the best wildlife views, bird views and not forgetting scenic views of the trees, caldera lakes, the beautiful vegetation and hills making ones Uganda wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth national part Euphoric.
Sport fishing; The main fishing spots while at Queen Elizabeth National Park are; the waters of lake Edward and Gorge and Kazinga channel. While on a boat cruise on these lakes, one can catch fish from the various species such as Nile perch, Tilapia, Tiger fish, Cat fish, mud fish among others. One can use various methods such as casting a net, using fish hooking rods and to carry out this one requires a fishing permit that they can acquire from there local tour operators such as Achieve Global Safaris.
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park is during the dry months of the year in the months of January, February, June, July, August, September, November, December. This national park however can be visited throughout the year. One is also required to be open minded to the different cultural variations.