It is with good reason that Queen Elizabeth N.P. receives more visitors than any other park in Uganda. This immense area – 1,978 square kilometres – includes the game reserves of Kigezi and Kyambura, the Maramagambo forest, the two large lakes of George and Edward, and the Kazinga Channel, which links the lakes together. There are volcanic cones too, and craters. And this variety of geographical features naturally results in a fine assortment of wildlife. It is accessed via flight or road transfer from Entebbe International Airport, and is approximately 400 kilometres from Uganda’s capital city, Kampala.
Wildlife
In total, Queen Elizabeth N.P. contains five distinct types of vegetation – savanna grassland, forest grassland, acacia woodland, swampland, and lakeland. Almost a hundred species of mammal and over six hundred species of bird are in residence here. The mammal count includes lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hyena, chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus monkey, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, topi, warthog, and giant forest hog. A major highlight is the tree-climbing lions within the park’s Ishasha sector, often seen resting in big fig trees. And keen birders can look out for martial eagle, great flamingo, pink-backed pelican, shoebill stork, African skimmer, Chapin’s flycatcher, black-rumped buttonquail, and papyrus canary.
History
On its founding in 1952 the park was known as Kazinga National Park, but its name was changed just two years later following a visit from the UK’s current monarch Queen Elizabeth II. Since 2009 it has been twinned with Queen Elizabeth Country Park of the South Downs of England. The Queen Elizabeth Parks Project focuses on conservation and promotes caring for wildlife within local communities, including schools! It supports the work of the park rangers in both Uganda and the UK.
Lodges & activities
Queen Elizabeth N.P. has a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Our property pages provide adventurous, classic, and luxury options, so do take a look and get in touch with a member of our team to start planning your holiday. Activities on offer include game drives, guided walks, chimp tracking, hot air balloon rides, river cruises, kayaking, village visits… there really is something to keep everyone entertained, in this outstanding national park.