Queen Elizabeth National Park

Welcome to Sekekeka Tours and Travel, where we bring you closer to the wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a must-see destination for any Uganda safari.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

A Lion In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, boasting over 95 mammal species and around 612 bird species, making it one of the most popular destinations for tourists on a Uganda safari. The park has five distinct levels of vegetation: bushy grassland, Acacia woodland, lakeshore/swamp vegetation, and forest grassland. This unique combination makes it a paradise for nature lovers.

Wildlife in the Grasslands

The grasslands are inhabited by an array of wildlife, including Cape buffalo, Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthog, lion, leopard, hyena, giant forest hog, and elephants. Topis can be found in Ishasha, while forest primates can be seen in Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo Forest.

Birdwatching Haven

Bird Watching In Queen Elizabeth National Park

With over 550 species of birds, Queen Elizabeth National Park rivals other protected areas in Africa, even surpassing the neighboring Virunga National Park. Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of birds, including the African skimmer, Chapin’s flycatcher, pink-backed pelican, papyrus canary, shoebill stork, martial eagle, black-rumped buttonquail, and greater flamingo.

Must-Visit Spots Around the Park

• Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Peninsula is the hub of sightseeing activities and features excellent accommodation options. A ranger guide is essential for exploring the park and its scenic peninsula. The Mweya Information Center organizes all tourist activities, and the peninsula overlooks Katwe Bay of Lake Edward. A souvenir shop offers Uganda tour items to remember your visit.

• Kazinga Channel

Boat Cruise in The Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel, about 40 km long, connects Lake George to Lake Edward, providing an excellent vantage point to view the park’s wildlife. The shores attract mammals, birds, and reptiles year-round. The best way to experience the channel is through a boat cruise, available daily at different times. The plains along the channel, including North Kazinga and Kasenyi, are key areas for game viewing. Morning and late afternoon are ideal times for a game drive, with lion sightings common in the eastern Kasenyi plains.

• The Equator and Queen’s Pavilion

The Queen’s Pavilion

The Uganda Equator is a great spot for photos and has craft shops selling souvenirs. Nearby, the Queen’s Pavilion is located at the northern entrance of the Crater Drive. It was built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1954, and later renovated for the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit in 2007, with modern amenities like a coffee shop and internet facilities.

• Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions

The Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions

The Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park offers a true African wilderness experience. It features diverse habitats, including savannah woodland, Ishasha River, and Lake Edward, where you can spot unique wildlife such as the iconic tree-climbing lions and the rare shoebill stork.

Accommodation Options

Queen Elizabeth National Park has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets:

• Luxury Lodges: Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Lodge, and Ishasha Wilderness Camp offer luxury services.

Mweya Safari Lodge

• Budget-Friendly Options: Mweya Hotels and Ishasha Bandas provide comfortable options for budget travelers.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

• Camping: Campsites at Maramagambo, Ishasha, and Mweya are available, as well as the nearby Hippo Hill Camp and Kingfisher Camp on Kichwamba Escarpment.
• Under Development: A new luxury lodge is being constructed in Kyambura to meet the growing demand for high-end accommodation.

Getting There

Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park spans 1,978 km² across the districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Bushenyi. It is a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala via Mbarara, or accessible by a dirt road from Bwindi. The park includes parts of Lake Edward and Lake George, which are linked by the Kazinga Channel. Access is possible either through Mbarara (420 km) or Fort Portal via Kasese (410 km). You can also reach the park via the Ishasha sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Activities and Attractions

• Wildlife Research Tours

For a unique experience, Sekekeka Tours offers Wildlife Research Tours, where guests actively participate in tracking exotic birds and mammals. Activities such as lion tracking, mongoose tracking, hippo census, and bird counts provide an up-close view of the park’s wildlife. Experiential tourism outings are available with limited groups to minimize stress on the animals.

• Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

One of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 40 km natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Cruises run twice daily, offering opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. During the boat trip, you may also spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and even lone buffaloes cooling off in the water.

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an amazing chimpanzee trekking experience in Kyambura Gorge, where visitors can see habituated chimpanzees amidst breathtaking scenery. This activity can easily be combined with other Uganda safari experiences.

• The Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha are a rare sight, with only two known populations worldwide exhibiting this behavior. Seeing them lounging in the trees is an experience unique to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a major attraction in the park, which boasts more than 550 species of birds, making it one of the best birding destinations in Africa. With habitats including open woodland, grasslands, rivers, and swamps, visitors can see diverse species throughout the day.

• Game Drives

Game drives are an exciting way to explore the park’s wildlife. With over 200 km of well-maintained game tracks, early mornings are the best time to spot animals such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, and various antelopes.

Plan Your Visit with Sekekeka Tours and Travel

Join Sekekeka Tours and Travel for an unforgettable adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From wildlife encounters and birdwatching to chimpanzee trekking and boat cruises, your journey through this spectacular park will leave you with lasting memories. Experience the beauty of Uganda with us today!