Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular safari destination. The park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO auspices. and rightfully so, as it includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. Over 600 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfisher, Shoebill storks and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingos number into the hundreds. Boat safaris offer an amazing view of Queen Elizabeth Park’s wild from the waters of the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward.

Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, 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. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to many other mammal as well as ten species of primates including chimpanzees.

As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. Meeting the local communities and taking part in some of the day to day activities and storytelling is a unique safari experience and equally as important as the gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities.