Things Done in queen Elizabeth National park
Things Done in queen Elizabeth National park : Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular and visited wildlife conservation area in Uganda. It is found in the western part of Uganda. It spreads across four district’s and that is Rukungiri, kasese, Rubirizi and kamwenge. It was initially know as the kaziga National Park but changed in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth 11 of England went to a safari in Uganda. The park is a home of over 95 mammal pieces, over 600 bird species.
The park is also known for harbouring the tree climbing lions which are seen lying up in the fig branches staring at the antelopes grazing in the open savannah Plains
Queen Elizabeth has quite a number of interesting things that a person can engage in when he/she visits it.
KAZINGA CHANNEL BOAT CRUISE
The boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park is conducted along the Kazinga Channel. It’s a 32-kilometer long natural channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalos, and numerous bird species. The boat cruise starts at 11am to 1pm, and in the afternoon at 3pm to 5pm and it lasts for two hours It’s best to book the boat cruise in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
GAME DRIVES
The best seasons to go to Game drives in Queen Elizabeth are during the dry seasons, which are from December to February and from June to July. During these times, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. Game drives are mostly done in the morning.
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are typically conducted in various areas of the park, including the Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Sector, and Mweya Peninsula. Each area offers unique opportunities to see different animals. During the game drives, one will see a wide range of wildlife, such as elephants, lions, buffalos, antelopes, warthogs, and various bird species and also tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector, which is a fascinating sight to witness.
CHIMPANZEES TRACKING
Chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an incredible experience. It’s usually done in the Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes.” During the tracking, you will have the opportunity to encounter these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
To track chimpanzees, you will join a guided tour led by experienced rangers. They will take you through the rich forest, following the sounds and signs of the chimpanzees. Along the way, you may also spot other wildlife like monkeys, birds, and even elephants.
As you get closer to the chimpanzees, you’ll witness their playful behavior, hear their calls, and observe their social interactions.
In queen Elizabeth national park, chimpanzee trekking is also done in Kalinzu forest , anear by forest popular for chimpanzee trekking.
BIRDING.
Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a bird lover’s paradise. It can be done throughout the year, but the best time for birding is during the wet seasons from March to May and from September to November. During these times, migratory bird species join the resident birds, increasing the diversity of birdlife in the park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 600 bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in Uganda. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of birds, including the iconic African fish eagle, the colorful African jacana, the majestic African crowned eagle, and many more.
Birding is done in various areas of the park, including the Mweya Peninsula, the Kasenyi Plains, and the Ishasha Sector. Each area offers different habitats and bird species to explore.
LION TRACKING
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is usually done in the Kasenyi Plains and the Ishasha Sector. These areas are known for their lion populations, so your chances of spotting them are pretty high.
During the lion tracking, you can see the wonderful African lions in their natural habitat. You might witness their social interactions, like the lion family structure and the way they communicate with each other through roars and body language.
Lion tracking is done by a limited number of people to avoid interference with the natural balance of wilderness.
HIKING AND NATURE WALK
Hiking and nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are a fantastic way to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and encounter its incredible wildlife. These activities are usually done in specifically marked routes and areas within the park.
During a hike or nature walk, you will have the opportunity to witness the park’s stunning scenery, including the vast savannah plains, lush forests, and beautiful crater lakes. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, so you might encounter animals like elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and even primates like chimpanzees and monkeys.
The Kyambura Gorge is a popular spot for nature walks, where you can explore the dense forest and search for chimpanzees and other primates. The Maramagambo Forest is another great area for hiking, with its network of trails leading you through the forest and providing opportunities to spot various bird species, monkeys, and other wildlife.
CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
Cultural encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be a fascinating way to learn about the local communities and their traditions. One of the places where you can have these encounters is the Kikorongo Cultural Center.
At the Kikorongo Cultural Center, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture of the local communities. You might witness traditional dances, music performances, and storytelling sessions that showcase their heritage. You can also participate in craft-making activities and learn about their traditional way of life.
During these cultural encounters, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local people, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of their customs and beliefs. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the diversity and cultural richness of the region.
