Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Located in southwestern Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the country’s most popular and diverse wildlife reserves. Covering an area of about 1,978 square kilometers, it is part of Uganda’s Western Rift Valley and is bordered by Lake Edward and Lake George. The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, which include savannas, wetlands, lakes, and forests, making it a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors come to see the Big Five, but the park is especially famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and its large population of hippos and elephants.

Key Highlights:

1. Tree-Climbing Lions

• Description: Queen Elizabeth is one of the few places in the world where you can spot lions that have adapted to climbing trees, particularly in the Ishasha sector of the park.
• Significance:
  • Unique Behavior: The tree-climbing lions provide a rare sight, as lions typically avoid trees. Here, they are often found resting in fig trees.
  • Wildlife Viewing: The sight of these big cats lounging in the treetops offers a remarkable photo opportunity.

2. Kazinga Channel

• Description: The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is famous for having one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa.
• Significance:
  • Boat Safaris: Visitors can enjoy boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, where they can view large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
  • Bird Watching: The channel is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 bird species recorded in the park, including the African fish eagle, pelicans, and kingfishers.

3. Mweya Peninsula

• Description: The Mweya Peninsula juts out into Lake Edward and offers some of the best game viewing in the park. The peninsula is also home to the Mweya Safari Lodge and a visitor information center.
• Significance:
  • Panoramic Views: The location offers stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the Kazinga Channel, and Lake Edward.
  • Game Drives: Wildlife like buffaloes, elephants, and leopards can be seen during game drives in the surrounding area.

4. Diverse Ecosystems

• Description: The park boasts an impressive variety of habitats, from open savannas and dense forests to lakes and wetlands. This diversity supports a wide range of species, from mammals to birds and reptiles.
• Significance:
  • Rich Biodiversity: Queen Elizabeth is home to nearly 100 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and chimpanzees, as well as a wealth of reptiles and birdlife.
  • Chimpanzee Tracking: In the Kyambura Gorge, visitors can track habituated chimpanzees, adding a unique primate experience to their visit.

5. Crater Lakes

• Description: The park is dotted with picturesque crater lakes, including the famous Katwe Salt Lake, which is still used for traditional salt mining.
• Significance:
  • Cultural Experience: Visitors can tour the salt pans and learn about the centuries-old salt extraction process that supports the local communities.
  • Scenic Beauty: The crater lakes offer stunning views and are excellent spots for photography and bird watching.