Destination Guide: Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)

"The Medley of Wonders"

1. Introduction & Overview

• Location: Western Uganda, spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. It sits on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley, shadowed by the Rwenzori Mountains ("Mountains of the Moon").

• Size: 1,978 km² (approx. 764 sq miles).

• Status: A UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.

• Fame: It is Uganda’s most popular national park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems which include sprawling savanna, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands.

2. Ecological Highlights

QENP is an ecological marvel with a biodiversity rating that ranks among the highest in the world.

• Mammals: Home to 95+ mammal species including four of the "Big Five" (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo), plus hyenas, hippos, and ten primate species.

• Birdlife: A birder's paradise with over 600 bird species—the highest of any protected area in East Africa.

• Landscape: The park is dotted with dozens of ancient volcanic crater lakes and connected by the Kazinga Channel.

3. Key Sectors & Attractions

A. The Kasenyi Plains (Northern Sector)

• The Vibe: Open, golden savannah grasslands.

• The Wildlife: This is the primary game-viewing area. It supports massive herds of Uganda Kobs (antelope), which in turn attract prides of lions. It is the best place to see a lion hunt in action.

• Activities: Morning and evening game drives.

B. The Kazinga Channel

• The Vibe: A 32km (20-mile) natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.

• The Highlight: It hosts the world's highest concentration of hippos.

• The Experience: A boat launch here is arguably the best in Uganda. You will see Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, elephants drinking at the water's edge, and an explosion of water birds (Pelicans, Fish Eagles, Kingfishers).

C. Ishasha Sector (Southern Sector)

• The Vibe: Remote, wild, and less crowded.

• The Fame: Tree-Climbing Lions. Unlike lions elsewhere, the prides here have a unique habit of climbing the large Fig and Acacia trees to rest during the heat of the day.

• The Wildlife: Topis, Buffaloes, and elusive Leopards are also found here.

D. Kyambura Gorge ("The Valley of Apes")

• The Vibe: A dramatic, sunken "underground" rainforest carved by the Kyambura River, 100 meters below the savannah floor.

• The Highlight: Chimpanzee Tracking. A small community of habituated chimps lives here. Trekking them is steep but visually stunning.

• Other Wildlife: Red-tailed monkeys, Black-and-white colobus, and riverine birds.

E. The Explosion Craters

• Katwe Salt Lake: A traditional salt mining lake where locals have harvested salt by hand for centuries.

• Crater Drive: A scenic drive along the rim of extinct volcanic craters, offering panoramic views of the park and the Rwenzori Mountains.

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5. Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit:

  • Dry Seasons (Best for Game Viewing): January–February and June–September. The grass is shorter, and animals congregate near water sources.

  • Wet Seasons (Best for Birding/Scenery): March–May and October–December. The park is lush green, and migratory birds arrive.

• Getting There:

  • By Road: Approx. 6–7 hours from Kampala on a tarmac road.

  • By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Entebbe to Mweya Airstrip or Kasese Airstrip (Northern sector) and Kihihi Airstrip (for Ishasha).

• Accommodation Tiers:

  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp.

  • Mid-Range: Enganzi Game Lodge, Parkview Safari Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp.

  • Budget: The Bush Lodge (Tents), Simba Safari Camp, UWA Bandas.