Queen Elizabeth NP, rightly known so after being renamed (2 years later) to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. Arguably one of Uganda’s most celebrated National Parks, Queen sits right at the foot of the fabled “Mountain of the Moon”, the Rwenzori Mountain. The park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.
The park features diverse ecosystems called home by a variety of wildlife species – ten primate species (including chimpanzees), more than 600 bird species, and classic big games. While on a game drive, be on the look for at least four members of the big 5, cape buffalos, herds of elephants plus the big cats: lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. There’s a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds at the water shores. Queen is truly a Medley of Wonders!
Getting there: Road transfer or flight (if available) to Kasese Airstrip.
What to do: Game drive, boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, hot-air balloon safari, bird watching, chimp tracking in the Kyambura Gorge, community & cultural encounter, lion tracking, excursion to Maramagambo Forest Bat Cave, Forest hiking in nearby Maramagambo Forest.
