Uganda’s main attractions are mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable and chimpanzees in Kibale forest national parks. Queen Elizabeth national park is a favorite stopover between these primate hubs for those intending to enhance their trip with game drives and a boat safari. This is ideally suitable if you’re planning a trip of five to six days.
Queen Elizabeth national park is located on the rift valley floor at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountain Range. The park was nicknamed a medley of wonders due to a variety of habitat types and physical features including open plains, tropical forests, woodlands, Kyambura gorge, explosion volcanic crater filled lakes such as Lake Katwe, and the Kazinga channel which connects Lake Edward and Lake George and the surrounding wetlands. As such, the protected area is rich in biodiversity including 97 mammal species, over 600 species of birds, and chimpanzees.
There are over 140 lions and 2,500 African elephants in the park, which is almost half of Uganda’s elephant population.
The Kazinga channel 32 km long and 200 meters wide bisects the park into two sectors which include Kasenyi plains and Ishasha wilderness. You should consider visiting both if you have time–1 night in each is enough. Each sector hosts unique wildlife species; for instance, tree climbing lions and topis are only found in Ishasha. Those traveling from Kibale can have a night in Kasenyi and pass through Ishasha while going to Bwindi.
Kasenyi plains and Mweya
The northern sector, Kasenyi plains is the main tourism hub with the park headquarters at Mweya Peninsular overlooking the channel. Kasenyi is astride the equator. You can visit the new monument at Kikorongo 11 km away from the Kabatoro gate along the Kasese-Mbarara route. Kasenyi is an area of open short grass savannah with sparse dry scrubs and euphorbia and acacia vachellia trees. The habitats provide ideal breeding grounds for Uganda kobs which attract predators including lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas. It’s the park’s prime area for traditional wildlife viewing with an opportunity to see elephants, buffaloes, and waterbucks. Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel are an excellent way to see hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of water bird species. You can choose to do your boat cruises at Mweya or Katunguru community.
This park lacks some animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, and elands. You expect to find these in Lake Mburo and Kidepo valley national parks.
Generally, Kasenyi has the most accommodations both in and outside the park.
Ishasha wilderness
Famous for harboring the tree-climbing lions, Ishasha, lies south of the Kazinga channel and is linked to Kasenyi plains by Maramagambo central forest reserve. Ishasha also borders with Rwindi plains which extends into Virunga national park in DR Congo. The ecological significance of Ishasha wildlife corridor supports migration of species especially elephants and lions. The River Ntungwe is home to hippos and it is one of the best places to have a traditional bush breakfast and sundowner on the banks.
Chimpanzee trekking
The tropical forests of Kalinzu and Kyambura gorge are home to chimpanzees and other primate species such as black and white colobus monkeys. There’s a high chance to see chimps but non of these sites can compare to Kibale. Kyambura gorge hike offers a chance to descend down into the 100 meter gorge to track chimps. This hike can be challenging than the Kalinzu chimp trek which is generally considered easier due to relatively gentle terrain.
Local communities
The adjacent communities have developed several worthwhile projects as highlighted below:-
Kasoga Initiative
Kasoga is located on Hamukung fishing village on the shores of Lake George 30 km southwest of Mweya. Led by a passionate young man Derek, the project aims to strengthen the livelihoods of fishermen through tourism.
Deo’s Homestead – Ishasha
Those intending to stay in Ishasha check out and donate to Deo’s home who’s dedicated to prevent human-elephant conflict.
See also
Experiential lion tracking experience at Mweya visitor center
