Queen Elizabeth National Park
Introducing
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boasting one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any reserve in the world, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to almost a hundred animal species as well as more than 600 types of birds. The park is 1,978 km2 in size, and is famous for its primate species, it’s unusual tree-climbing lions, and the large concentration of hippos. Queen Elizabeth National Park spans the equator line; monuments on either side of the road marking 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 of England. 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.
Highlights
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to almost a hundred animal species as well as more than 600 types of birds.
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 a classic big game.
Queen Elizabeth National Park spans the equator line; monuments on either side of the road marking the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00.
The park is 1,978 km2 in size, and is famous for its primate species, it’s unusual tree-climbing lions, and the large concentration of hippos.
Wildlife Viewing:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
With over 95 large mammal species and 600 avian species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is now the most bio-diverse place in Uganda. Its varied habitats include grassland, woodland, moist tropical forest and wetlands, both freshwater rivers and lakes and saline lakes. Of this almost 40,000 hectares is covered by medium-altitude semi-deciduous forest. Queens has plenty of big game with approximately 5,000 hippos, 2,500 elephants and 10,000 buffalo. Big cats also live here and the Ishasha sector is home to tree-climbing lions. You'll find chimpanzees in Kyamburga Gorge, and extraordinary diversity in bird life. 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 habitat.
Best time to visit:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Dry season that runs from January to February and from June to September is considered the best time to visit with the peak safari time in Uganda being from June to September, while Migratory species arrive in August to December, and March to May offering the best birding time
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 stops on the way. 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 pickup from the airport, and organize any further transportation required as part of your safari package.
