Area

Queen Elizabeth NP

Home to a truly bewildering range of biodiversity, characterized by an array of ecosystems—grasslands, woodlands, tropical forests, and both freshwater and saline lakes

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Area: Queen Elizabeth National Park

An Ecological Microcosm in Uganda

Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park contains a truly bewildering range of biodiversity, characterized by an array of ecosystems—grasslands, woodlands, tropical forests, and both freshwater and saline lakes. These diverse habitats contribute to its status as Uganda’s most ecologically variegated region. Encompassing more than 40,000 hectares of medium-altitude semi-deciduous forest, the park hosts an extensive range of 95 mammalian species and approximately 600 bird species. This density of life forms establishes the park as a significant wildlife haven within the larger continental context.

When embarking on a safari within this park, visitors are poised to encounter a concentration of big game that includes about 5,000 hippos, nearly 10,000 buffalo, and a notable presence of 2,500 elephants. Adding nuance to the wildlife experience, the Ishasha sector of the park offers sightings of lions in arboreal settings. While these tree-climbing lions have given the park fame, it’s essential to understand that such behavior is not as uncommon as commonly advertised and can be observed in various African locales.

Chimpanzee, Kyambura Gorge

An additional focal point within the park is the Kyambura Gorge, home to a singular family of 29 chimpanzees. This troop is especially intriguing due to its isolation, brought upon by factors such as deforestation and community intrusion in the Albertine Rift. These circumstances have limited their territory, resulting in increased human-chimpanzee conflicts that underscore the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Set within the expansive terrain of the African rift valleys, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a geological and topographical narrative reflective of Earth’s dynamic history. The park and its surrounding areas have been inhabited by indigenous communities whose lives are inextricably linked with the land. However, these communities currently face substantial socio-economic challenges, which have resulted in human-wildlife conflicts that imperil the ecosystem’s stability.

Elephants of Kazinga Channel

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth NP

Accommodation options within Queen Elizabeth National Park vary to meet different preferences and exploratory focuses. Options range from under-canvas settings akin to Ishasha Wilderness, situated in the Ishasha sector, to establishments with views overlooking the Kazinga Channel. Further north, close to the Kyambura Gorge, lodges offer the benefit of proximity to the isolated chimpanzee family. Each choice provides a distinct experience, enabling visitors to tailor their stay according to their ecological and wildlife interests.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Accommodation

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Accommodation

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Best Time To Visit: Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park is most accessible for wildlife observation during its dry seasons, specifically from June to August and December to February. However, the wetter months offer an alternative experience characterized by lush landscapes and reduced tourist traffic.

  • Jan

  • Feb

  • Mar

  • Apr

  • May

  • Jun

  • Jul

  • Aug

  • Sep

  • Oct

  • Nov

  • Dec

  • Best

  • Good

  • Mixed

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Activities

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park cover a variety of interests. Game drives in the Ishasha sector offer close-up views of diverse wildlife, including the area’s unique lions. Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel are ideal for bird and aquatic life observation. For those interested in primates, chimpanzee trekking is available in Kyambura Gorge. Each activity provides a different way to explore the park’s rich ecosystem.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge
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Conservation Projects

Noteworthy conservation initiatives, such as The Lion Research Project and the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, aim to ensure the long-term viability of the park’s unique biodiversity and work towards achieving a sustainable equilibrium between community needs and environmental preservation.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge
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Connectivity and logistics

Accessibility to Queen Elizabeth National Park is facilitated by flights arriving at the proximal Kasese Airport. From the airport, a relatively brief road journey acquaints visitors with Uganda’s scenic vistas en route to the park’s entrance.

Our Approach

Remote, Exclusive, Seamless

At Fitzroy, we emphasize personal interactions and a bespoke service from start to finish, valuing traditional engagement methods over digital communication. As primarily an offline business, we focus on face-to-face and telephone consultations to provide tailored guidance based on your unique interests.

We invite you to contact us for a meeting or telephone conversation, allowing us to understand and craft your travel plans to meet your specific expectations and preferences.

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