Have you ever asked
yourself a question of what is Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for? Queen
Elizabeth National Park is the biosphere reserve siting at the bottom of the
rift valley floor. The park occupies approximately 1978 square kilometers of
land. Onto this area a variety of habitats where a wide range of wildlife finds
refugee.
Its dramatic scenery is
due to mountains beyond the park boundary where the Rwenzori ranges are
elevated to beautifully create a backdrop. Queen Elizabeth National Park lies
at an altitude of 480 m from 910 meters at Kazinga channel to 1390 meters in
the explosive crater field.
Variety of habitats that
create homes for a wide range of wildlife include forest cover, bushy
grassland, Acacia woodland and lake shore or swampy vegetation.
To exhaust all the
wonderful attractions of Queen Elizabeth National Park you may need some more
time of your Africa safari holiday to Uganda. More attraction within and on the
outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park are still unfolding beyond what is
on record.
Highlight Of Activities
to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ø Game
drives
Ø Launch
Trip
Ø Chimpanzee
trekking
Ø Birding
Ø Nature
Walk in Maramagambo Forest
Ø Katwe
Salt Lakes visit
Game
drives In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Going on a morning or
evening game drive on tracks in Queen Elizabeth National Park is interesting
because you may get to see a number of wild animals like lions, leopards,
hyenas, topis, bush bucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, mongoose to mention but
a few.
Using the 27 km crater
drive which is north of Mweya peninsular is a number of both dry and wet
craters that come into view. Also taking a North Kazinga and Kasenyi track may
give you chance to spot herds of elephants, buffaloes to mention but a few.
Following the Kasenyi open plains to the east of Kasenyi road you may get to
spot lion drama as they sneak to catch a day’s meal from Uganda Kobs that love
hanging out here.
Going with an open mind
during any Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National park and not focus on just
spotting a particular animal gives you chance to enjoy all the glory of the
park.
A
Launch Trip on Kazinga Channel
Being part of the remarkable launch trip on Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the highlight of all safari activities in the park. this start from the pier below Mweya Peninsular with the par authorities operating two launches at 1500 hours and 1100 hours but this is subject to demand.
From the launch you may
get to see mammals, reptiles, a rich avian life that grace the shores all year
round. Some of the birds you may get to see include Africa Jacana, Water
thick-nee, African open-billed stork, Grey-capped Warbler, Black-rumpled
Buttonquail, Red-capped Lark, Egyptian geese, greater and lesser flamingos,
African skimmer and others
Watch out for huge Nile
Crocodiles, schools of hippos that love spending their day in the Kazinga
channel water.
If you take the afternoon
launch on a bright sunny day, you may get a beautiful view of the iced top of
Mountain Rwenzori. Because this trip takes about 3 hours, you have chances of
enjoying the sun descending below the horizon.
Chimpanzee Trekking In
Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee trekking in
Kyambura gorge take you into 100 meters deep gorge running on the floor of the
rift valley.
The valley was curved by
Kyambura River that crosses the rift valley floor to join Kazinga channel. You
need a chimpanzee trekking permit to be part of this adventure which you have
to obtain in advance.
Chimpanzee trekking in
Kyambura start with briefing from a ranger at the Kyambura’s fig Tree Camp. You
go through the chimpanzee trekking guidelines like no provoking the
chimpanzees, no using flash photography to mention but a few.
When you locate the
chimpanzees only one hour is allowed to be with them then leave so that they
can catch the day’s meal.
Birding
In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Birding in Queen
Elizabeth National Park never disappoints with over 621bird species so far
recorded. The Kazinga channel is a natural magnet for a number of water birds
and a trap for foreign migrant birds. Some of the birds you may get to spot
include African Wattled Plovers, Silver bird, Black-headed Gonolek, Croaking
Cisticola, Chestnut crowned Sparrow-weaver, Blue-Naped Mousebird, shoebill,
Yellow-backed and lesser Masked Canary, Standard-winged-backed Night Heron,
saddle bill stork, Grey crowned Crane, yellow-throated leaf love, Black Bee
Eater to mention but a few,
Nature
Walk In Maramagambo Forest
A walk through one of the notable Uganda
tropical forests is absolutely rewarding and Maramagambo forest is the ideal
choice. This natural thick forest is habitat for a wide range of primates like
olive baboons black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked
mangabey, blue monkeys the list is endless.
By using the trail in the
forest, you get to Lake Nyamusingire, blue lake which is copper rich, bat cave
with a python that feasts on the bats.
Katwe
Salt Lake Visit
Uganda’s ancient industry
exists in Lake Katwe with mining salt in pans as the main activity. Rudimentary
methods have since time immemorial been used to harvest salt from evaporation
beds. A number of locals earn a living from selling salt pans and can tell the
story of how they do this.
What
Accommodation to In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Luxury, Moderate and
budge accommodation facilities with in and on the periphery of Queen Elizabeth
National Park are available for booking during your Uganda safari.
These lodges facilities
include Mweya safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Bush lodge, Jacana Lodge,
Katara Lodge Simba Safari camp, the list is endless.
A comfortable sleep
contributed to your great holiday experience but you need to choose based on
your budget.
How
To Get to Queen Elizabeth Falls National Park
By road
From Kampala city, two
alternative routes are available to get to Queen Elizabeth Nation Park.
Kampala to Mubende to
Fort portal to Kasese then into Queen Elizabeth National Park for a distance
approximately 410 km. This is the northern route to Queen Elizabeth National
Park
Kampala to Mbarara to
Kasese then drive into Queen Elizabeth National Park for about 420 km. this is
renowned as the southern route to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After gorilla trekking in
Bwindi Forest National Park, you can drive for a distance of about 160 km to
Mweya or 64 km through Ishasha sector home of the tree climbing lions.
By
Air
Domestic daily flights
depart Kajjansi Air strip or Entebbe Airport for Kasese Air strip. Prior
booking of your seat is needed. You must have light baggage because the free
baggage allowance is limited.
When
Is the Best Time to Visit in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The drier months of the
year that is June to September and December are favorable for a Uganda safari
to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The safari tracks are drier and grass is
lower to allow clearer visibility of the wild animals.
During the wet seasons
March to May and November, the grass is higher obstructing short animal
visibility while on safari. but this doesn’t mean you cannot see the animals.
How
Much Is Park Entrance To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Park entrance fee per
adult to Queen Elizabeth National Park costs $40 per adult per 24 hours in the
park.
This fee supports the
park conservation finances like maintenance, ranger guide support, animal
treatment and patrol.
To encourage the local
community to be part of the wildlife conservation campaign, 20 % of total
annual revenue collect by the park is repatriated to community service
What
To Pack for Honeymoon in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ø A
torch to use when lights go out at your lodge and you need to trace something
in the dark.
Ø Insect
repellant to apply during the game drives, birding and other activities that
require you to be in the wilderness.
Ø For
record keeping a travel Journal for keep record most details of your experience
in the park
Ø To
get a clearer view of interesting features in the park you need Binoculars.
Ø Sunscreen
for protecting your skin from sun rays from the scotching sun that is
experienced by Queen Elizabeth National Park. During severe droughts and high
temperatures that go as high as 30 degrees centigrade at times.
Ø Pack
some light wear especially during the dry months June to September and December
to mid-January. Don’t forget some warm clothing for the early morning game
drives because the park experiences very cold temperatures especially in the
morning.
Ø A
camera to take photographs of animals, scenery, birds and others interesting
things that the park is endowed with.
Ø Safari
hat to protect your hair from dust in Queen Elizabeth National Park as the
vehicles drive on the tracks.
Ø Some
hard cash for purchasing items that you may need like souvenirs.
Ø Wipes
to clean off dust during game drives
Ø Another
fully charged battery to exchange with when one runs low.
Ø Safari
boots and flip flops to use while in the car on the game drive
Ø Insect
repellant for keeping away stinging insects in the wilderness.
Ø First
Aid kit just in case you get any injury or fall sick during your Uganda safari
Ø Travel
adaptor in case you need to recharge any of your electronic gadgets
Ø Toiletries
like soap, tooth paste that favor your skin or health.