Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) was named after Queen Elizabeth of England in 1954 following her visit. It is found in western Uganda in the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge and Rubirizi laying between Lake George and Lake Edward, with the Kazinga Channel cutting across and magnificently overlooking the snowcapped Mount Rwenzori. This beauty borders the Kyambura Game Reserve to the East, Kibale National Park to the Northeast and Virunga National Park to the West. It spans 1,126 square kilometres (700 square miles) and is 389 Kilometres from Kampala city. It can be accessed by road and by chartered air transport. QENP has many beautiful lodges.
It is the most popular savanna park destination for someone who wants a chance to see lions including the tree climbing lions (one of only two populations of them in the World). The Park is endowed with a great diversity of habitats such as forests, savannah grasslands, lakes, and wetlands and is home to 95 varieties of mammals and 10 primate species. The park has the highest diversity of birds in Africa; with 618 bird species, making it a perfect destination if your interest is birdwatching. You will enjoy the thrill of boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, where you will come in close proximity with animals such as African elephants, African buffalos, Nile crocodiles, and hippopotamus.
Another notable tourist activity in that area is Lake Katwe, a volcanic lake served by streams but with no outlet popularly known for high-quality salt mining. You will have the opportunity of watching men and women mine salt, plus the beautiful rocks from the volcanic eruption that happened 10,000 years back.
The journey to QENP will offer you the opportunity to pass via the Equator. QENP presents you with a range of beautiful sites and activities such as the Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Kasenyi Plains, tree climbing lions, Kazinga Channel, Chimpanzee tracking, Mweya Peninsular, Lake Katwe salt works, Katwe Explosion crater lakes; all in one package!
