Explore These 7 Amazing Activities on Your Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Nestled in the Rift Valley and framed by the majestic snow-capped Rwenzori mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a treasure trove for safari enthusiasts. The Kasenyi and Ishasha Plains are home to sizable groups of Uganda kob, the national antelope. Be always on the lookout for lurking lions. Meanwhile, Lakes Edward and George, along with the Kazinga Channel that links them, are teeming with around 5,000 hippos. These waters have a rich variety of waterbirds, attracting thirsty herds of elephants and buffalo.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Activities include:
1. Early Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Picture yourself in the gentle glow of the early morning, snuggled in a cozy blanket as the wildlife stirs from their slumber or returns from their nighttime escapades. There’s a refreshing sense of renewal during a morning game drive. The sun still rising and the day yet to heat up. This makes a perfect time to enjoy the wonders of safari.
Feel the excitement as you come across a powerful pride of lions on the hunt, alongside the awe-inspiring African elephant, young cape and forest buffalo, lively warthogs, graceful waterbuck, Uganda kob, bushbuck, topi, and the remarkable giant forest hog. After about 3-4 hours of exploration, you’ll return to the lodge for a delightful hot lunch.
2. Evening Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Experiencing an evening game drive is a highlight of any safari journey. As the sun sets and the air cools, the wildlife becomes more active. This time offers fantastic lighting for taking breathtaking photos, and it’s one of the best opportunities to see a variety of animals in their natural surroundings.
During this drive, you might even catch a glimpse of species you may have overlooked the day before, such as Forest Elephants, Buffalos, Uganda Kob, Topi, Warthogs, and Waterbucks. The drive typically lasts around 2 hours
3. Boat Trip on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat trips/tours/safaris along the Kazinga Channel are a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you glide through the waters, you’ll see groups of grunting hippos, elephants, and buffalo making their way to the shore for a drink. The area is also a haven for various aquatic birds, and you might even catch a glimpse of the stunning snowcapped Rwenzori mountains.
Keep your eyes peeled for the giant forest hog, a unique local inhabitant. Surrounded by steep cliffs and nestled beneath the glacial peaks, Kazinga is teeming with hippos, elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, and Uganda kob. While lions, leopards, and giant forest hogs are less frequently spotted, the birdwatching here is exceptional.
You can expect to see one of the largest hippo populations, thirsty elephants, Nile crocodiles, and over 600 bird species, including Ayres’ Hawk Eagle, Collared pratincole, Palm-nut Vulture, and Swamp Flycatcher.
4. Experitial Lion & Leopard Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lion tracking is exclusively offered in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, specifically in the Kasenyi section. Here, under the supervision of researchers, participants can follow lions by listening for their calls and tracking signals from collars worn by the lions. During this thrilling experience, trackers can use vehicles to navigate the area and locate the predators based on the signals they receive.
This unique opportunity is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in nature, engage in research, and learn about the behavior of these magnificent animals. The lion tracking adventure also includes insights into leopards, providing a comprehensive research experience led by knowledgeable researchers who expertly guide participants in locating these incredible cats using a mix of locators and radio collars.
5. Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge or Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight of Kalinzu Forest, making it the second-best spot for this activity after Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda. This forest reserve is home to over 300 chimpanzees, including 40 families that have been habituated to human presence. Its proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes Kalinzu Forest a fantastic stop for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience.
Trekking for chimpanzees in Kalinzu is offered in two sessions: the morning session at 8 am and the afternoon session at 2 pm, each providing a unique experience. Tourists gather at the reserve headquarters for a briefing, are grouped with five others, and assigned a guide and park ranger before embarking on their trek.
Finding the chimpanzees can take a few hours, as they roam in search of food, and the trails can vary. Once located, visitors have one hour to observe and photograph the chimps as they engage in various activities like jumping between branches, communicating, grooming, feeding, playing, and resting.
6. Birding safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is an exceptional spot for birdwatching. The park boasts a diverse range of habitats, from the lush tropical forests of Kyambura Gorge to the wetlands surrounding Lakes Edward and George, making it a haven for numerous bird species. With over 600 recorded bird species, it holds the most extensive checklist of any protected area in East Africa.
The park’s impressive tally of more than 610 species showcases its rich ecological variety. The swamps near the Ishasha Plains and Lake George are particularly known for the elusive shoebill, while large groups of flamingos can be seen seasonally in the salty crater lakes like Katwe and Bunyampaka. Pelicans are frequently spotted along the Kazinga Channel. Birdwatching is rewarding throughout the year, but the prime time is from late May to September when rainfall is minimal and food sources are plentiful.
June and July typically experience the least rain, whereas April to May and September to November see the most precipitation. Heavy rains can lead to impassable roads and slippery trails, potentially limiting your birdwatching opportunities. Migratory birds are present in the park from November to April.
7. Community/Nature Walk in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The community around Queen Elizabeth National Park showcases a wonderful example of harmony between the local residents and the wildlife that inhabits the area. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in local folklore, traditional crafts, pastoral practices, and agricultural activities.
Additionally, you can visit the cultural huts of the Bakonzi, Basongora, and Banyabindi ethnic groups. This walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful wilderness, allowing you to leisurely observe small ecosystems. Your guide will share insights about the ecological significance of the wildlife. This experience can be enjoyed either in the morning or evening and lasts approximately 2-3 hours.
At Irembo Holiday Safaris, we’ve got your planning covered! We’ll take care of all your preferences to make sure you have an amazing safari experience. Reach out to us and let’s chat!
