Things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a stunning sanctuary for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts, nestled in the western region of Uganda between the verdant Rwenzori Mountains and the glistening waters of Lake Edward and Lake George. This park has a size of  2000 square kilometres, with  some of Africa’s diverse ecosystems Further its one of Uganda’s most visited tourist sites. From peaceful boat rides along the Kazinga Channel to exhilarating game drives across expansive savannahs, Queen Elizabeth National Park provides a vast array of life changing experiences for all types of tourists.

Game drives in Kasenyi Plains

A game drive is an important part of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the best place to see wildlife in the park is Kasenyi Plain in the north. Game drives are usual  done in the early mornings or late afternoons because the animals are most active during this time of the day.

While in the drive visitors can have a chance to see Elephants, hyenas buffaloes, warthogs and a pride of lions. On rare occasions you might a see lions or Leopards pursuing their prey. The best time of the year to do a game drive in Kasenyi plains is during the months of June to August and in December to February since it’s the dry season.

Night Game drive

The game drive takes place at night after sun set in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a powerful spotlight torch is used to help see the animals more clearly in the dark. Since the lions can be amazing and the experience is exhilarating, this activity allows you to get closer to the animals because they forget their human fear at night. This experience is the most thrilling without any question. The best time to do a night game drive is during the dry season which runs from June to August and December to February since there is less rainfall.

Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

A boat tour down the Kazinga Channel, a 32 km natural river connecting Lake George and Lake Edward is one of the most peaceful yet fulfilling way to visit the park. The most famous inhabitants, include hippos’ crocodiles, elephants, and innumerable water birds, can be seen up close on this cruise. Because of the near proximity to the animals and the golden light during late afternoon visits, it’s also one of the best places in the park to take photos. The best time to do a Boat safari on Kazinga Channel is the dry season that is in the months of June to August and December to February.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge.

Kyambura Gorge, also known as the Valley of Apes is a breathtaking environment that has dense woodland and resonant with the sounds of the wild. One of the  locations in Uganda where you can follow Chimpanzees in their environment is here. The journey is physically challenging  but it’s incredibly fulfilling. The Kyambura chimpanzees are partly habituated, meaning they act normally despite being accustomed to people. Apart from Chimps, you might also see a variety of birds, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. A tracking permit is not required. And the best time to do this activity is during the dry season from June to October and December when the trails are dry and easy to navigate.

 Tree climbing lions of Ishasha

Ishasha is located in the park’s isolated southern section and its well known for its tree- climbing lions, a unique trait found in very few locations in Africa. It’s a weird sight to see these magnificent cats relaxing in acacia trees. The reason these lions climb trees is still unknown however it may be to avoid insects and gain a better look at their food. Ishasha offers a more personal experience because of its wilder and less populated scenery compared to other areas of the park. Further watch out for elephants and buffaloes. The best time to see tree climbing lions in Ishasha is the dry season that is in the months of June to August and December to February.

Bird watching

Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest number of birds species of any protected region in Africa, with over 600 species, making it a bird lovers haven. Everything from grassland birds in the savannah to water birds along the Kazinga Channel to forest species in the Maramagambo Forest is supported by the diverse ecosystems. You will have a chance to see African skimmers, martial eagles, shoebill, saddle billed storks, and seasonal Flamingos at Lake Munyanyange. Binoculars are a must have on this safari. The best time to go bird watching is in the dry season from June to September.

Walk in Maramagambo Forest

A walk through the Maramagambo forest one of Uganda’s largest tropical woods, is a great way to escape the wide plains. Nature walks, birdwatching, and seeing primates like baboons and red-tailed monkeys are all excellent activities there. Further the forest is home to a Bat Cave, which is naturally populated by bats and occasionally visited by Snakes. Even though the viewing is from a secure, fenced off platform, it’s an exciting experience. The walks can either be short or long according to what you want. The best time of the year to do this activity is during the dry season that is in the months of June to August and December to February.

 Cultural experiences with the local communities

There are many different and rich cultures in the vicinity of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can have a greater understanding of the relationship between people and Queen Elizabeth National Park by taking part in a cultural tour or community visit. You can tour local markets, craft making stores and also learn about salt mining at Lake Katwe. You can also enjoy traditional music and dance performances. The best time to do this activity is during the dry season from June to October and December to February.

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park.

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park is during the dry season that is in June to September and December to February. During this time the park sees little to no rainfall and the weather is primarily sunny. The Vegetation is thinner, and animals are easier to identify near water sources. Accessing the park is made easier by the dry weather conditions. The animals are more active and it’s easy to take photos

However, you can also visit the park in the wet season that is in the months of March to May and September to November.

During this time there are few people in the park meaning you will enjoy your visit without congestion. This season is a low season meaning the accommodations are at a low price.