Top reasons to visit Queen Elizabeth national park; First of all, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is the second largest savannah plains among the ten Uganda National Parks. The park is an inhabitant of the biodiversity of wildlife species and various plants, and animals to see including the hippo, tree climbing lions, elephants, swamp antelope Topis, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, reedbucks, and duiker among many others.
Despite this fact, the park is the top-visited safari destination because it harbors the largest number of rare tree climbing lions. More so, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 95 animals and more than 600 bird species, as well as primates like chimpanzees thus becoming the most popular tourist destination.
The park also boosts a variety of tree species, vegetation, hills, valleys, grassland, and crater lakes can all be adventured. Truly the wonders of nature within the park are rewarding. Below are the top reasons why you should visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Wildlife
There is an abundance of wildlife species at this park with over 95 mammals such as; the Big Four ‘’ Lion, Leopards, Elephants and Buffaloes’’, Spotted hyenas, warthogs, and more than 600 bird species including; Grey-headed kingfisher, Swamp nightjar, Little bee-eater, Swift’s, Swallows, Martins, Nubian woodpecker, Swamp flycatcher, African morning dove, Black bee-eater, African fin-foot among others.
All these attractions attract many tourists from all over the globe. They are also helpful to those that do research and study purpose.
Tracking The Tree-Climbing Lions
The park harbors over 250 lions thus making it one of the best lion conservation units in Uganda and Africa at large. The lion tracking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park makes it worthy of a visit. This activity can be experienced on the plains of Kasenyi and it involves allowing visitors to get close enough to the lions and spend some time with them as they reside in their jungle.
Lion tracking experience is done with the help of well-trained park rangers as they guide tourists to navigate and learn about the lions.
Tree climbing lions
In the park, the tree-climbing lions can easily be adventured at the Ishasha sector while on game drives furthermore to see of touring Queen Elizabeth National Park. In fact, the park is one of the major destinations that ranks the largest population of unique tree-climbing lions in the world. They are commonly seen hanging on fig tree branches as if they are having a family. The fact is that experience is an exception compared to other lion species.
Game drives
This is the main activity to do in the park that attracts hundreds of visitors from all races of the world as they are seen flocking to Queen Elizabeth. While on a game drive, you will be able to spot a variety of lions, buffaloes, giraffes, chimpanzees, and the Uganda Kob among others. In Queen Elizabeth national park -the game drive is mostly done at Ishasha, Mweya, and at Kasenyi Plains. Watching the beautiful creatures in their natural habitats you wouldn’t miss out on your next safari to Uganda.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to several primates of chimpanzees. The only way to approach them is to engage in chimpanzee trekking which requires a valid permit at USD50 per person per day.
Fact, chimpanzee trekking is an exciting experience you meeting up with our closest related cousins who are said to share 98% of our DNA. The activity starts early in the morning after your breakfast and then your driver guide -drives you to the park headquarters for a briefing about the dos and don’ts of the trek. Then you will be led into the forest to search for them under the guidance of well-trained game rangers. Once you allocate them you will be given an hour to spend with them for purposes of research and have fun like taking photos with them and learning how they behave, feed, and play.
Bird Watching
The park is truly a paradise for birders to over 600 different bird species which are comprised of forest birds, water birds, and migratory birds. The best birding time is during early morning and evening thus making an ideal for bird watching.
This activity can be done by well-trained tour guides who enable visitors to see numerous bird species including; Great white pelicans, African skimmer, African fin foot, Black bee-eaters, and Palm-nut vulture mentioned but few.
While birding, you will be able to enjoy as many pictures as you want as you listen to beautiful sounds made by the birds.
Boat Cruises
This is the most exciting activity to do at the park which takes place on the Kazinga channel which connects Lake George to Lake Edward. The activity allows tourists to see hippos, crocodiles, and fish in the water while at the same time viewing buffaloes, warthogs, and elephants on the shores. Some of the water birds to see include great white pelicans and fish eagles among others which can be spotted while cruising.
Nature and Landscape
The park is comprised of forest, valley, hills, lakes and so many other breathtaking features. The various mammals and birds give more life to the entire park. There are forest trails that lead to a great opportunity to interact with primates, especially vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees many others. It is also a beautiful trail that allows thrilling sounds of the birds.
When to visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Queen Elizabeth National Park is open throughout the year though the best time to book your safari starts in December to February and June to September. This is because dry months attract much fun and are free from rain, mud, and unnecessary coldness.
How to get to the Queen Elizabeth National Park
By road- from Kampala or Entebbe to the park takes 5 to 6 hours drive.
By Air – You can board a domestic flight either from Kajjansi Airfield or Entebbe International Airport. Book a flight to fly you in less than 1:20 hours
Where to stay;
The park has good quality comfortable lodges and hotels ranging from luxury, Mid-range, and Budget at affordable fees.
