(Medley of wonders)
One of Uganda’s most popular and diverse conservation areas, Queen Elizabeth National Park enjoys a fabulous setting on the rift valley floor surrounded by lakes, escarpments and the snow –capped Rwenzori Mountains. A variety of habitats including grassland, acacia woodlands, forest, wetland and open water sustains a wide range of mammals. The park’s 604 bird species are a remarkable tally for a protected area covering less than 2000km2. Highlights include the launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel, past resident hippos and water birds. The scenic 24km crater drive winding around extinct volcano rims; chimpanzee tracking in the deep, forested Kyambura Gorge; and the search for tree-climbing lions under vast rift valley skies in the remote Ishasha sector.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the Western Region of Uganda. It is one of the country’s most famous and diverse national parks. It was renamed in 1954 to honor a visit by Queen Elizabeth II though it was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park. The park rounds multiple districts, including Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri, covering an area of 1,978km2. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a major tourist attraction, offering activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee tracking. Its stunning landscapes including crater lakes and savannah plains make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park is home to Lake George and Lake Edward connected by the Kazinga Channel, and is surrounded by other protected areas like Kyambura Game Reserve and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It boasts a rich biodiversity, including tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, hippos, and over 600 bird species.
