Queen Elizabeth National Park also known as Kazinga National Park is among the leading Uganda Safari tour destinations. It is located in western Uganda about a 6 to 7 hours drive from Kampala Uganda’s capital city. This fascinating wildlife destination is very diverse and full of wonders.
It covers a land area of 1,978 square kilometers of open savannas, wetlands, crater lakes, and other landscapes. It is in these ecosystems where you find the various wildlife species that make the park a populous Uganda safari tour destination.
There are a number of activities you can engage in here but let us look at the Top Must Do.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
The Kazinga Channel is a water channel that connects Lake Edward to Lake George. The Kazinga channel is not an ordinary channel but a 32-kilometer-long water stream and several meters wide. It is famous for its high hippo population that are often seen relaxing on the shallow banks. Kazinga channel has the highest hippo population in the region and this is therefore the best place to see them.
The channel is a major water source where animals go down the stream on hot days for water. These also include elephants, lands largest mammals. Other notable animals you can see here include Nile Crocodiles, Birds and monitor lizards.
A Kazinga channel boat cruise is highly recommended on a Uganda Safari Tour. It takes about 2 hours of Discovery Journeys and adventures.
The Kyambura Gorge is situated at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It has an underground forest that is home to chimpanzees and other primates. Chimpanzee trekking here is exclusive even when compared to Kibale National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking adventures here differ from other destinations is however done in that underground forest. The gorge is also traversed by Kyambura River and the overall nature walks are rewarding. The River, the forest, the gorge, and if lucky the chimpanzees can make a great highlight of your Uganda Safari Tour down here. Be sure to add chimpanzee trekking or just the nature walk to this beautiful gorge.
If you are looking for more chimpanzee trekking opportunities you can also opt to visit Kalinzu Forest. This is about a 40-minute drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park in Bushenyi district. It is managed by the National Forests Authority and has a number of primates but chimpanzees are the leading attractions. Chimpanzee trekking adventures here can well compensate for the missed opportunities in Kyambura Gorge.
Predator Tracking
Savanna’s leading predators especially lions and leopards are game changers of any safari. A Uganda Safari Tour adventure without spotting these is not considered a success. Thankfully the predator tracking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park guarantees you of seeing these big cats.
On the predator tracking you join a team of wildlife specialists who monitor these big cats daily. You get to learn about the role these Big Cats play in the ecosystem and food chain. Join our Uganda Safari Tour adventures in Kazinga National Park to learn more.
The biggest advantage of predator tracking is the guarantee of seeing them. Predators are nocturnal animals that are usually active in the night and early mornings. By the time one heads out for game drives a number of these are retiring and resting. Solitary animals like the leopards spend most of their time in hiding but can easily be spotted on predator tracking.
Just like many other savanna national parks, game drives are the commonly done safari tour activities here. There are a number of well-developed game drive tracks where you can spot the major wildlife species in the park. Four of the big five mammals (Lions, leopards, Buffaloes, and elephants) are present here. Waterbucks, The Topi, Kobs, and Warthogs are also seen while on game drives.
It is recommended to have these game drives early morning at least from 6:00 am when the animals are still active. It is this early when you might even chance a live-action predator hunting. Evening game drives are also very rewarding and here you get to enjoy the sunset over the savannas.
Nature walks
At Discovery Journeys, we focus on experiential and exclusive safaris, and on nature walks you enjoy such one-on-one moments in the wild. Thanks to the diverse ecosystems in Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are many places where you can have guided nature walks. The Crater areas are remarkable with impressive scenic views. At the end of the crater walks you can enjoy bush breakfast and sundowners.
The Kyambura Gorge and the Immaramagambo forest walks are great for birders and primate lovers. There is a bat cave in the Immaramagambo forest that can only be explored on foot. Other notable wildlife species to see here include the African Rock Python and other small reptiles.
These safari experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park are just a glimpse of the few you can have on a Uganda Safari Tour. To fully explore Uganda, you would have to add other safari destinations including the mountain gorilla trekking national parks. Because mountain gorilla trekking is currently the most demanded safari activity, you are recommended to book your safari in advance. See a list of our Uganda Safaris and Contact us for more details. All our tours are tailor-made and can therefore add or remove an activity depending on your preference.
Take Journeys of Discovery to Uganda with us for exclusive safari experiences.
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