Queen Elizabeth National Park is an ecologically diverse park that is featured on most safari itineraries because of its mix of beauty and wildlife. This includes Four of the Big Five, except for rhinos, which can be seen at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in central Uganda. Perhaps the park’s most rewarding activity is an encounter with tree-climbing lions that doze nonchalantly on the boughs of fig trees in its southern wing, better known as Ishasha sector.
Due to the various volcanic eruptions that exploded in the park over 10,000 years ago, Queen Elizabeth is blessed with stunning crater lakes, several of which are rated among the 10 most beautiful in the world. Their full charm and ocean blue beauty can be appreciated from the air as you are flying into the park. Their strategic location along the main tracks makes them a worthwhile stopover during game drives.
CHIMP TREKKING IN KYAMBURA GORGE
Without a doubt, Kyambura Gorge is a favourite part of the park for primate lovers. It is a forested valley at the heart of the park, a tranquil underground world with a habituated chimpanzee family that can be seen any time of the year.
The most exhaustive part of the hike is the entry and exit of the gorge, as they are quite steep. Luckily, the ranger guides are very supportive. They will map out for you safe spots to step on as you descend. At the floor of the gorge, you will find a river with pods of hippos and crocodiles at its shores. To get from one side to the other, there is a wooden sidewalk bridge that is easy to follow.
NIGHT GAME DRIVE
During the night game drive in the quiet and serene savannah, you’ll travel past plentiful elephants, buffalos, and animals in the antelope family. At the northern Kasenyi Plains, you won’t have any problems spotting leopards or other predators like hyenas. The warthog’s alarm signal, a high-pitched screech, is unmissable. Then it’s just a matter of following their gaze.
If you have extra time, don’t hesitate to pursue the morning game drive. A highlight of the adventure is making a stopover at Lake Katwe, where you have a chance to learn about how salt is mined locally.
KAZINGA CHANNEL
Gliding on this calm river is an extraordinary experience full of spectacular encounters: hippos snorting everywhere, huge herds of elephants playing in the shores and lots of water birds hovering over the river. It connects Lake Edward and Lake George and lies in the heart of the park at the foot of a cliff.
If you wish to spot the biggest diversity of wildlife, the afternoon boat trip is great for spotting both prey and predators coming to drink. This includes leopards, too. The boat ride lasts two hours. There are both scheduled trips and chartered boat rides.
