All About Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda – All You Need to Know Before You Go (Activities and Entry Fees)

All About Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda – All You Need to Know Before You Go (Activities and Entry Fees). Queen Elizabeth National Park is a renowned national park located in southwestern Uganda. It is named after Queen Elizabeth II and was established in 1952. The park covers an area of about 1,978 square kilometers and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including savanna grasslands, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and the scenic landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Tourists can engage in activities such as game drives, boat safaris, bird-watching, chimpanzee tracking, and nature walks while exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and numerous species of antelope. It is also a habitat for chimpanzees and various primate species.

About Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse protected areas. It is not only a significant conservation area but also a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its diverse wildlife and landscapes. It’s advisable to check with Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd for the latest information on park regulations, accommodations, and activities.

Why is Queen Elizabeth National Park famous?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for several reasons, making it a prominent and popular destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and tourists. Overall, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s combination of diverse wildlife, unique attractions like tree-climbing lions, and the opportunity for various activities such as boat safaris and chimpanzee tracking contribute to its fame as a premier safari destination in Uganda.

Some of the key factors contributing to its fame include:

Diverse Wildlife: The Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including iconic African species such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and hippos. The park’s biodiversity and the chance to see the “Big Five” animals contribute significantly to its fame.
Tree-Climbing Lions: The Ishasha sector of the park is renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions. This behavior, where lions climb into the branches of fig trees, is relatively rare and adds a unique and memorable aspect to the park’s wildlife experience.
Bird-watching Paradise: Queen Elizabeth Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 600 bird species recorded. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including the Kazinga Channel and wetlands, attract a wide range of birdlife, making it a bird-watching paradise.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safaris: The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward, is a prime location for boat safaris. Visitors can observe large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species along the shores of the channel.
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzees: The Kyambura Gorge, also known as the Valley of Apes, is home to habituated chimpanzees. Visitors have the opportunity to go chimpanzee tracking in the gorge, providing a unique and intimate encounter with these primates.
Scenic Landscapes: The park is characterized by diverse landscapes, including savanna plains, crater lakes, dense forests, and the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. The picturesque scenery adds to the overall appeal of the park.
Cultural Experiences: Queen Elizabeth National Park offers cultural experiences that allow visitors to interact with local communities. This can include visits to traditional villages, cultural performances, and learning about the customs and traditions of the local people.

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How much is it to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda?

The cost of visiting Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda can vary based on several factors, including the type of accommodation, the duration of your stay, the activities you plan to participate in, and whether you are a foreign non-resident, foreign resident, or East African resident. Additionally, prices are subject to change, so it’s essential to check Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, lodges, or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for the most up-to-date information.

It’s recommended to contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd for the most accurate and current information regarding fees and costs associated with visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. Additionally, it’s a good idea to plan and book your visit well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and to secure the best rates.

Park Entrance Fees:

Entrance fees to national parks in Uganda are typically charged per day.

Different rates may apply for foreign non-residents, foreign residents, and East African residents.

Accommodation:

Accommodation prices can vary widely, ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

Lodges within or near the park may offer different packages that include meals and activities.

Activities:

Additional fees may apply for specific activities such as game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and guided nature walks.

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How many districts does Queen Elizabeth National Park cover?

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda covers parts of several districts in the southwestern region of the country. The districts that are partially or wholly included in the boundaries of Queen Elizabeth Park include:

Kasese
Kamwenge
Bushenyi
Rukungiri

These districts collectively contribute to the overall size and diversity of the national park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its varied ecosystems, including savanna grasslands, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and the scenic landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains, making it one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse protected areas.

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What animals are in the Queen Elizabeth national park Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is renowned for its diverse and rich wildlife. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. These are just a few examples, and the park’s diverse ecosystems support many more species. Visitors to Queen Elizabeth Park have the opportunity to engage in activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and guided nature walks to observe and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the area. Keep in mind that wildlife populations can vary, and it’s always advisable to check with Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd for the latest information on wildlife sightings and conservation efforts.

Mammals:

African Elephant
African Buffalo
African Lion
African Leopard
Uganda Kob (a type of antelope)
Defassa Waterbuck
Topi
Bushbuck
Warthog
Nile Crocodile
Hippopotamus
Side-striped Jackal
Spotted Hyena
Common Eland
Bohor Reedbuck

Primates:

Chimpanzees (found in the Kyambura Gorge)
Olive Baboons
Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
Vervet Monkeys

Birds:

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 600 bird species. Some notable ones include:

African Fish Eagle
Martial Eagle
Great White Pelican
Pink-backed Pelican
African Spoonbill
Grey-crowned Crane
African Jacana
Malachite Kingfisher

Reptiles:

Nile Crocodile
Monitor Lizards
Various snake species

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Why is it called Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda is named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. The park was initially established in 1952 and was named Kazinga National Park. However, in 1954, during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II, it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park as a tribute to the reigning monarch.

This naming was a symbolic gesture to acknowledge and honor the queen during her reign. Such naming practices are not uncommon in former British colonies, where parks, landmarks, and institutions are sometimes named after members of the British royal family or other significant figures associated with the history of the region.

The renaming of the park to Queen Elizabeth Park has helped to establish a connection between the park and the British monarchy, reflecting historical ties and influences in the region. The park, with its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife, has since become one of Uganda’s most famous and visited national parks, attracting tourists from around the world.

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Is Queen Elizabeth national park worth visiting?

Yes, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is widely considered worth visiting for several reasons. Before planning a visit, it’s advisable to check for any updates on park regulations, accommodation options, and activities. Additionally, the best time to visit may vary based on factors such as weather and wildlife migration patterns. Overall, Queen Elizabeth Park offers a rewarding and memorable safari experience for those interested in the beauty of African wildlife and landscapes.

Here are some factors that make it a popular destination:

Rich Wildlife Diversity
Tree-Climbing Lions
Birdwatching Paradise
Scenic Landscapes
Kazinga Channel Boat Safaris
Chimpanzee Tracking
Cultural Experiences
Conservation Significance
Tourist Infrastructure
Accessibility

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How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Getting to Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda typically involves a combination of road and air travel, depending on your point of origin. The park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Before planning your trip, it’s advisable to contact Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd for the most up-to-date information on transportation options, park fees, and accommodations.

Here are general guidelines on how to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park:

By Air:

Fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB):
- Most international visitors to Uganda arrive at Entebbe International Airport, located near the capital city, Kampala.
Domestic Flights to Kasese:
- From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip, which is the closest airstrip to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

By Road:

From Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park:
- The park is approximately 5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
- The main route is via Mbarara, and you can continue through Bushenyi to reach the park.
Public Transportation:
- Public buses and mini-busses (matatus) travel to towns near the park. From there, you can arrange local transportation to the park.