Why should you visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Why should you visit Queen Elizabeth National Park? Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda ‘s significant parks, is located in the southern part of the country in the western region. The Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world with amazing vales and measly animals and is most popular for its wildlife safaris. The traditionally famous activities include; game drives, launch trips/boat safaris that also occur in the Kazinga channel, Chimpanzee tracking as well and bird watching. Let us share with you the exciting experience of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the beauty of the Uganda wildlife safaris.
- An Overview of Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Queen Elizabeth National Park occupies an area of about 1,978 square kilometers; it is the most famous and the most visited Uganda’s park. Queen Elizabeth National Park was founded in 1952 after the ascendance of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne and it lies in the Albertine Rift Valley, with environments ranging from savannah to wetlands and forest to volcanic-formed craters. The strategic location of the park and the different kinds of terrains it has to ensure that the park hosts several interesting specs of bio-diversity.
- Iconic Wildlife and Big Game Viewing:
Queen Elizabeth National Park being a conservation park, has over 6000 recordings registering the park as an ideal destination for big game viewing. Key species include:
– Elephants: These magnificent animals are, therefore, spotted grazing in the savannahs and the forests of the park.
– Lions: His favorite park is that of Ishasha because it has tree-climbing lions, especially in the branches of fig trees.
– Leopards: These elusive predators can mainly be spotted during the night game drive and majorly they are seen in the Mweya Peninsula.
– Buffaloes: It is therefore possible to see many herds of buffs in the areas with pastures and within water points.
– Hippos and Crocodiles: Stretching from Lake George to Lake Edward, Kazinga channel is home to numerous hippos, and Nile crocodiles that can easily be spotted during boat cruises.
- Thrilling Game Drives:
Queen Elizabeth National Park Game drives are exciting activities that will enable tourists have a round trip of this Safari destination and by so doing get glimpses of all the various facilities in and around this park. Popular game drive circuits include:
– Kasenyi Plains: Esteemed for the presence in large numbers of Uganda kobs, this area is specifically favorable to watching lions because these animals hunt kobs.
– Ishasha Sector: As for the Ishasha sector, those tree-climbing lions make for very interesting sights and the beautiful scenery of the country.
– Mweya Peninsula: Situated on the other bank of the Kazinga Channel, there is an abundance of game viewing and beautiful scenery of the Rwenzori Mountains visible.
- Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel:
Boat launch on the Kazinga Channel is highly recommended when on a safari in this part of Uganda; Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is sights one of the largest densities of hippos in Africa, as well as other large animals such as elephants, buffaloes, and flock of birds among others. This activity specifically is perfect to get a good view of these animals and also have a good view of other birds in the park.
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge:
As for the guests who are interested in the primates, the treck to the Kyambura Gorge for the chimpanzees is a must. Kyambura Gorge which has the reputation as the “Valley of Apes” ia a forested gorge with an enclosed population of Chimps. Uganda Wildlife tours enables tourist to take guided treks, to track and observe these fascinating primates and understand their behaviors and their status.
- Bird Watching Paradise:
Queen Elizabeth National Park also hosts over 600 spices of bird making it one of the best birding destination in the African continent. Key birding areas include:
– Kazinga Channel: Along the channel, one can sight water birds like the pelican, king fisher and the fish eagle among others.
– Maramagambo Forest: This dense forest also host some forest birds such as the African finfoot, black bee-eater as well as the white-naped pigeon.
– Lake Munyanyange: This is saline crater lake with flamingos arriving in large numbers during the different seasons hence making it a very ideal birders destination.
- Scenic Landscapes and Volcanic Craters:
Apart from housing some of the great wild animals in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National park hosts some of the most beautiful sceneries in Uganda. Since the park developed from volcanic activities, there are several volcanic craters scattered in the park and many of the craters contain crater-lakes which make the view scenic. Among the excellent features with beautiful views are the explosion craters of Katwe, filled with a sulfuric lake. These include views and photography points alongside the circuit of the crater lakes that are rather captivating.
- Accommodation Options:
Tentatively, Queen Elizabeth National Park has various accommodation facilities for every person to get according his tastes and his pocket. Notable options include:
– Mweya Safari Lodge: This luxury accommodation is based on the Mweya PENINSULA and gives visitors the big view of the KAZINGA CHANNEL; there are several services such as the swimming pool and a spa.
– Ishasha Wilderness Camp: A truly magical place, this camp is located in the somewhat isolated Ishasha sector, and so guests are provided with a unique and fascinating stay combined with exceptional spotting possibilities.
– Enganzi Game Lodge: This lodge is a pleasant establishment, providing a mid-range kind of comfort to its guests with rather beautiful sights of the park to entertain their eyes; the perfect place for travellers heading to the Kasenyi Plains.
- Conservation and Community Initiatives:
Queen Elizabeth NP is also involved in conservancy and also giving support to community based tourism. It is involved in local community projects for the development of sustainable tourism as well as conservation of wildlife. Tourism includes cultural and community activities, for instance, the Katwe Salt Lake tour in Uganda that exposes the tourists to the cultural aspect of salt mining and provides opportunity for the locals to earn income.
Conclusion:
Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a thrilling and exciting adventure in the African continent that give you a touch of the wild natural world. From the game driving and water based boat safaris, chimpanzee tracking and bird watching, there is no shortage of things to do and see in the park. Having enjoying these beauty and wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one is able to have a better experience and understanding of the natural world and the need to preserve it. Killer working title: Get ready for the trip of a lifetime in one of Uganda incredibly popular national parks.
