Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including acacia woodland, forest, wetlands, and water bodies. These ecosystems support wildlife, including a remarkable array of bird species. The park was designated as a national park in 1952 as a means of protecting the animal species that call it home. It is overseen by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. One of the park’s most iconic features is the freshwater stream that runs across the two rift valley lakes, Edward and George.
The 32-kilometer-long Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park connects lakes and flows slowly towards the Mweya peninsula. The channel draws water from streams that originate in the Rwenzori mountains and is renowned for having the world’s highest concentration of hippos. Crocodiles had previously vanished from the channel, but they have since returned after streams from Lake Albert opened. The animal view in the Kazinga Channel is amazing; no matter how much wildlife you have seen, you will be astounded by the diversity of species present. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, it serves as an oasis, especially in the dry season. Lions, leopards, buffaloes, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and many species of antelope are among the animal species that can be spotted here.
The critically endangered shoe bill stork, pink-backed pelicans, marabou stock, yellow-billed stock, darters, sunbirds, pelicans, herons, and Abyssinian ground hornbills are just a few of the species that can be found along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. To enhance your birdwatching experience, it’s advisable to pack binoculars, long sleeves, waterproof covers for your phone and camera, and insect repellent.
The best part of a safari to western Uganda is a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel; it’s the one activity that visitors would want to do again. Boat cruises are offered in the morning and afternoon, and they take two to three hours to complete while offering breathtaking views of a variety of wildlife.
The channel is accessible year-round, but it is most enjoyable in the dry season when the water levels are lower. Easy boat rides, quick game drives, and short grass walks allow you to experience the innermost parts of the national park. It takes seven hours to drive from Entebbe to the park via the Kampala-Mbarara highways, with a halt at the equator for a photo op. Along the journey, you’ll pass through tiny towns, rolling hills, and banana farms.
There are lodging options in the park, from luxurious to the finest value. Among the facilities are Mweya Safari Lodge, Buffaloe Safari Lodge, Bush Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, and Mweya hostels.