Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.
Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.
As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music and more. The gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities.
Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of Wonders! This park is named after Queen Elizabeth 11 and was established in 1954, the park was later renamed Ruwenzori before it returned to its royal name. It’s also known for its wildlife, although many animals were killed in the Uganda Tanzania War. The many species which are found within the park include; the hippopotami, elephants, leopards, lions and the chimpanzees which are found in Kyambura Gorge Reserve. It’s also a home to 95 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds. The Ishasha sector is also common for the safari tree climbing lions, whose males sport black manes which is a feature unique to the lions in this area.
Park at a Glance
Size: 1,978km².
Queen Elizabeth spans the equator line; monuments on either side of the road mark the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00.
The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, and renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
The park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species.
The Katwe explosion craters mark the park’s highest point at 1,350m above sea level, while the lowest point is at 910m, at Lake Edward.
The park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as the Katwe craters, from which salt is extracted. This national park also includes the Kigezi Game reserve, Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Game Reserve and Kibale National Park which is also found in Uganda, virunga National Park which is found in the democratic Republic of Congo. The queen Elizabeth Country Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are twinned in a project of cultural exchange, mutual support and has its main emphasis on supporting conservation through working closely with the local communities.
Queen Elizabeth National park has also got many tourist activities that tourists enjoy on their Uganda safaris through this park. These include; a boat cruise which is carried out on Kazinga channel were you will view many animals including the crocodiles, hippos, water birds and many more, the game drives can also be carried out with in the park and the animals which can be viewed in this park also include; the buffalos, antelopes, elephants, lions, kobs, and many more, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and many more activities like the nature walks and the night game drives.