1. Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Situated alongside the Kasese-Ishaka Road 35 kilometers south of Katunguru, Kalinzu forest now ranks among the most incredible tourist attraction or things to see near Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a reliable site to see chimpanzees in Uganda, during Uganda safaris to this area.

Kalinzu Forest covers an area of 137 square kilometers and it is an extension of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Maramagambo Forest. It comprises more than 400 tree species and at least 300 chimpanzees, including a 40-strong community habituated for tourists and a slightly larger one reserved for research.

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda’s Kalinzu Forest at USD 40 per person now comes with about a 95% success rate, making the site almost as reliable as Kibale National Park and the quality of sighting is usually very good.

Besides chimps, there 5 other diurnal primate species you will encounter during your Uganda wildlife tour in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, including;

• Olive baboons
• Black and white colobus
• Red-tailed monkeys
• Blue monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys

There are also nocturnal potto and two varieties of bushbaby/galago. The forest provides refuge to the very rare Pygmy antelope. Other wildlife in Kalinzu include;

• 378 bird species
• 262 species of butterflies
• 97 species of the month

2. Kyambura Wildlife Reserve

Characterized by wooded savannah, Kyambura Game Reserve is a contiguous extension of Queen Elizabeth National Park, bordered by Kyambura gorge in the west and Kazinga Channel in the north.

It supports similar selections of wildlife to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kasenyi plains. The main point of interest is a cluster of 7 scenic crater lakes, 3 of which are accessible from a public road that connects the Kyambura trading center to Kashaka, a fishing village sited at the confluence of the Kazinga channel and Lake Gorge.

About 10 kilometers out of Kyambura village, the bumpy track to Kashaka runs along the northern rim of Lake Chibwera, offering the opportunity to alight from the car and scan the surface for waterbirds such as little grebe and various ducks.

About 3 kilometers further on, it offers distant views over the aptly entitle Flamingo Lake, where the concentration of several thousand greater and lesser flamingos gather when conditions are favorable.

3. Kitagata Hot Springs

Kitagata hot springs are located about 77 kilometers south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Situated 16 kilometers south of Ishaka and 1.5 kilometers south of Kitagata trading center, these sulphiric Hotsprings hold few mysteries for linguists−Kitagata translates somewhat prosaically as ‘boiling water’.

Bubbling as they do into a clear, shallow, steaming pool about 200 meters west of Kabale road, Kitagata has long been believed to possess therapeutic qualities for those who are suffering from creaky joints or aching muscles. It is even claimed that they can do much healing of malaria and several other ailments.

There are two hot springs adjacent to each other. According to the locals, one of the springs was used by the former Omugabe (King of Ankole) and is known as Ekyomugabe.

The other spring which is believed to possess healing powers is known as Mulago, after Uganda’s largest National Referral Hospital.

On arrival at the site, one will notice half-naked men and women bathing in the warm waters of Kitagata Mulago. Many people bathe in the waters of Kitagata Mulago, sometimes as many as 200 in a twenty-four-hour period. The water in the springs can warm up to 80 °C (176 °F).

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The Banded mongooses live in sub-Saharan and Southern parts of Africa, where they are found in savannah grasslands, rocky terrains and woodlands, making it to one of the top Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda.

As all other carnivores, the banded mongooses feed on small vertebrates like snakes, insects and rats. This diet also covers invertebrates like beetles and millipedes. They also feed reptile and bird eggs or even fallen fruit.

The Banded mangoose are social animals that live in big packs with as many as 50 family members, although smaller packs of 10-20 are more common Queen Elizabeth national park. They are strictly diurnal animals and can be heard chattering to each other during day time. They work together as a group to fend off predators especially large birds. For many travelers on Uganda safaris, the banded mongoose research project becomes one of the highlights of all time on their tour to Queen Elizabeth national park.

Taking time with these amazing creatures is a peak on its own although all you need is to let us know that you would love to spend an afternoon tour with them and we shall include them on your Uganda safari itinerary as you enjoy the rest of Uganda’s beauty.

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A census in the 1970s revealed that this park harbored the highest quantity of herbivores on planet earth!

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an extensive diversity of wildlife in Uganda. This is one of the reasons it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The park boasts over 95 mammal species, which vindicates it as one of the best Uganda safari parks to experience the wildlife of Uganda.

Four of the “big five” wild animals of Africa also settle in Queen Elizabeth National Park. They are the Lions, African Elephants, African Buffaloes, and Leopards.

Tree-climbing lions and Hippos are the most acknowledged wild animals in this park by Uganda tourists. This is because the park is one of the only two places in the world where there are tree-climbing lions. The second destination is Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 76 lions out of the estimated 400 in Uganda! These lions are both tree-climbing and ground-dwelling.

Moreover, it was declared a lion conservation unit in 2006 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN. This was one of the ways to protect the tree-climbing lions from human-lion conflicts.

In addition, the park hosts the highest world concentration of Hippos in one place that is, at the Kazinga Channel. There are over 5000 Hippos stretched in this stream.

The Elephant population has also grown to over 4000 and the Buffaloes to over 1700.

This shows how the park healed over the years from the extreme poaching of previous nationally unstable years. Consequently, wildlife safaris in Uganda have also improved because of this stability.

Other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the large herds of Antelopes.

This includes the Royal antelope which is the smallest in the world. Others are the endangered Chimpanzees and nine other primate species.

Other than mammals, Queen Elizabeth National Park also hosts many reptiles like the Nile Crocodiles and many Amphibians too.

You can experience Uganda wildlife tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park on a safari game drive, and a boat cruise at Kazinga Channel.

The wild animals are widely spread in the vast landscape of wetlands, swamps, savannah woodlands, tropical forests, and grassy plains.

These sectors include among others the Kasenyi area, the Ishasha sector, the Kazinga Channel area, the Maramagambo Forest area, Mweya Peninsula, and the Kyambura Gorge area.

The highest number of animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park is in the Kasenyi plains.

Ishasha Queen Elizabeth National Park hosts the tree-climbing Lions. On the other hand, the Kyambura Gorge has the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve which protects the Chimpanzees.

There is no shadow of a doubt that Queen Elizabeth National Park is indeed a “medley of wonders”. The park is a big contributor to your Uganda wildlife safaris.

Below, we break down the animals found in Queen Elizabeth National Park/mammals.

Uganda Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park | List of Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park

What animals are in Queen Elizabeth National Park? The park adorns the precious wildlife of Uganda.

Below are the most renowned animals in Uganda, Africa’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Carnivores

Herbivores

Queen Elizabeth National Park Primates

Reptile

Let’s dive into the detailed study of the most common wild animals in this park!

Carnivores Wild Animals Of Uganda In Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Uganda Lions In Queen Elizabeth National Park | Are There Lions In Uganda Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park Lions

Uganda Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are one of the great animals of Uganda to behold during your Uganda safari!

In 2006, the International Union for Conservation of Nature declared the park a Lion conservation unit. They also classified the cats as vulnerable. This is due to their population decrease since the early 1990s.

There are about 76 lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which are a big part of its Uganda tours and safaris.

These large cats are scientifically called Panthera Leo and they are native to Africa and India.

They are also known as the “kings of the jungle” because of their rare dominance and physical strength

The Etymology Of The Lion (Panthera Leo)

The names “Lion” and “Panthera” are from the ancient Greek root words “Leon” and “panther” respectively.

“Panthera” identifies the kind of large cats that belong to the family of panthers.

Physical Description

The lion is sexually dimorphic. This means that the males and the females look different.

The male has a brownish noticeable mane with yellow, orange-brown, and black hair. The projecting mane covers its head, neck, chest, and shoulders.

The female is different in the lack of a mane.

However, they both have a macular and broad-chested body, a short round head and ears, and a dark hairy tuft at the tip of their tail.

Still, the male has broader features than the female.

Their fur color differs in degree from the light buff, yellowish red or orange, dark brown, and silvery grey. Yet, their underparts are lighter.

A newborn cub has dark spots which fade as it grows even though they can remain on its legs and underparts.

Social Life and Community Structure

The lion animals of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park are very social.

They live in prides of about 15 members which consist of adult males, females, and cubs.

A female pride regularly hunts on large ungulates together.

The lion is more active during the day but can adapt to being nocturnal under certain circumstances.

It spends most of its daytime walking, eating, and resting while the night is for socializing, hunting, and grooming.

The tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha spend most of their time on trees from where they can easily view their prey.

Male cubs leave their mother’s pride at two or three years when they have matured.

Males and females defend pride together, even though the male leader is physically fit for this duty.

Males also protect their pride from other outside males who may want to assume power in the pride.

Feeding and Diet

A lion is called a “keystone predator” because it preys more than it scavenges.

This carnivore preys more on ungulates like the antelopes and African buffaloes and avoids big animals like elephants, rhinos, and hippos for safety.

Reproduction

Lions mate any time of the year although the females are polyestrous. They mate with more than one male when they are in heat.

The gestation period of a lion is about 110 days. The female gives birth privately to a litter of about one to four cubs. She may give birth in a cave, an isolated den, or a thicket.

Her cubs are born blind, and helpless and weigh about 1.2 to 2.1 kilograms. They can only crawl after a day or two after birth and can walk in about three weeks.

A mother protects are cubs from predators by moving from one den to another now and then every month. She carries them one at a time by the back of their neck to the new den.

The lifespan of a lion in the wild is about 12 to 16 years.

Distribution Of Uganda Lions In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park tree-climbing lions occupy the Ishasha sector.

However, sometimes they wander in the Kasenyi plains where they can easily hunt for the large prey of antelopes. In Kasenyi are three prides of lions which are a major tourist attraction in this region.

Visitors can see them during a lion-tracking adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda tour.

This experience incorporates you closely studying the life of these lions and contributing to the research data through your findings.

2. Leopard (Panthera Pardus)

The Leopard is also one of the animals of Uganda In Queen Elizabeth National Park.

It is a widely spread big wild cat native to most parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

• The Etymology Of The Leopard

The name leopard roots from the Greek words “leon” meaning “lion” and “pardos” meaning “male panther”.

Just like the Lion, this cat also comes from the family of panthers.

• Physical Description

This cat is sexually dimorphic in a way that the males are larger and heavier than the females.

Males are between 60 to 70 cm tall while females are 57 to 64 cm.

They are similarly muscular with a broad head and fairly short limbs.

Leopards also have black spots on their light-colored bodies.

• Social Life and Community Structure

The leopard is a solitary and territorial cat that only associates with others during the mating season.

This cat is normally shy and vigilant of its environment.

It is believed that the spots on its back and tail help in communication.

They are tree-climbing creatures that are more active at night than during the day.

• Feeding and Diet

The carnivore leopard mostly preys on mid-sized animals ungulates like the bushbuck and duikers. The leopard can hunt and keep its prey for feeding later.

They seldom hunt large mammals to avoid being harmed by them.

The leopard hunts in the stages of stalking, killing, and dragging the prey to its hiding place.

• Reproduction

The gestation period of a leopard is about 90 to 105 days.

The females give birth privately in a cave, thicket, or any other hidden place to a litter of about 2 to 4 cubs.

They are born with closed eyes that open in about 9 days.

The lifespan of a leopard is about 12 to 17 years.

• Distribution In Queen Elizabeth National Park

You can see the leopards in the Kasenyi Plains.

3. Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta Crocuta)

The spotted hyena is also called the laughing hyena.

It is another of the animals of Uganda In Queen Elizabeth National Park native to sub-Saharan Africa.

This carnivore is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “least concern”. This is because of its wide population.

• The Etymology of Spotted Hyenas

The name of the spotted Hyena originates from the Latin word “crocutus” which means ‘saffron-colored one’ in a way to refer to the color of its fur.

• Physical Description

The spotted hyena has strong forequarters and weak hindquarters.

It also has a strong neck and a rounded rump that protects it from predators.

The animal has a wide and flat head and a muzzle with a broad rhinarium.

The spotted hyena is different from the striped hyena by its rounded spotted ears rather than the pointed ones of the striped hyena.

It has webbed feet with short claws, and a short tail too.

The color of their fur changes with the growth stage but generally, they either have a pale greyish-brown or yellowish-grey color with round spots on their back and hind limbs.

These spots have different colors ranging from red, deep brown, or black.

The spots are also more faintly spread on the legs and belly.

• Social Life and Community Structure

The Spotted Hyenas are social mammals who stay in big united groups called clans.

These clans are led by the females who rule over the males. It is a few cases where the male leads the clan.

A female cub usually takes over matriarch leadership when its mother dies. This shows nepotism in their leadership structure.

• Feeding and Diet

The Spotted Hyena is very carnivorous and is well known to be a predator and not a scavenger.

It prefers mid-sized ungulates like the antelopes.

• Reproduction

The Spotted Hyena breeds any time of the year although the peak of its breeding season is the wet season.

Its gestation period can go up to 110 days.

The Spotted Hyena gives birth through the narrow clitoris which breaks during birth and so the birth process is very difficult for them.

Cubs have soft, brownish-black hair and weigh about 1.5 kg. Young ones become sexually mature at three years and their lifespan is about 12 years.

• Distribution In Queen Elizabeth National Park

You can see them at the Kasenyi plains.

4. Side-Striped Jackal (Lupulella Adusta)

The Side-Striped Jackal is also one of the carnivore animals of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Physical Description

The side-striped jackal is a mid-sized carnivore of about 6.5 to 14 kg.

It has buff-grey fur with a darker grey back than the underside.

They also have long, curved canines that favor their omnivore diet.

• Feeding and Diet

The Side-Striped Jackal is an omnivore but less of a carnivore than it is an herbivore.

Its diet mostly consists of invertebrates, small mammals, and fruits.

• Social Life and Community Structure

The Side-Striped Jackal lives both alone and in family communities of around seven members.

Breeding pairs stay monogamous for many years, and they dominate the family group.

• Reproduction

The gestation period of the Side-Striped Jackal is about 57 to 70 days and it gives birth to a litter of between three to six young ones.

The young ones are sexually mature at 6 to 8 months, but leave their mother at 11 months.

• Distribution In Queen Elizabeth National Park

They wonder about the Kasenyi plains or the Ishasha sector’s woodland and scrubs.

5. Serval Cats(Leptailurus Serval)

The Serval Cat is native to Africa and the only member of the genus Leptailurus.

The Etymology of the Serval Cats

The name Leptailurus roots from the Greek word “leptos” meaning “fine or delicate” and “ailouros” meaning “cat”.

Physical Description

Serval Cats are slender, mid-sized cats of about 54 to 62 cm.

They have small heads, large ears, and golden-yellow to buff spots on their back with black stripes. These cats also have short tails with a black color at the end of them.

Their legs are the longest in the cat family.

They also have whitish chins and whiskers, brown or green eyes, spots and streaks on their cheeks

Social Life and Community Structure

Serval Cats are active both during the day and at night.

They spend the day resting and grooming and usually walk 2 to 4 kilometers every night.

These animals are also solitary and the only bonding relationship is between a mother and a kitten.

Feeding and Diet

The Serval Cat animals of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park feed on rodents, rats, small birds, reptiles, frogs, and insects.

They trace their prey by their strong sense of hearing. On sensing its prey, it remains motionless for about 15 minutes and then attacks the prey with its strong front paws.

With prey being helpless, it then bites its neck and kills it.

Reproduction

Serval cats mate once or twice a year.

The gestation period is about two to three months, during which the female births a litter of between one to four kittens.

Mothers wean the kittens at one month and they start hunting for their own food at six months. They become independent at around 12 months.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

You can spot them in the Kasenyi plains.

6. African Civets (Civettictis Civetta)

African Civets are native to sub-Saharan Africa.

They are listed as “Least Concern” on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature red List from 2008.

• The Etymology of the African Civets

The French and the Greek merged the words “civette” and “ictis” respectively to get the name “Civettictis” which means “weasel”.

The name civetta and “civet” are believed to originate from the French word “civette” meaning “civet cat”

• Physical Description

African Civets have a cat-like appearance with black and white spots on their brownish-grey fur.

They also measure about 17 to 28 inches long.

• Social Life and Community Structure

The African Civet is a solitary mammal that is primarily nocturnal.

They are also territorial, and when threatened, they raise their dorsal crest to appear larger.

• Feeding and Diet

African Civets are mostly omnivorous and they prey on small vertebrates and invertebrates, eggs, carrion, and vegetable matter.

They sense their prey mainly by smell and sound and not by sight.

• Reproduction

Females African Civets are polyestrous, and they mate for about 40 to 70 seconds, mostly in the rainy season.

They give birth in a nest made in a hole dug by another animal.

The female produces one to four crawling young ones with short dark furs.

Even though young ones leave the nest at 18 days, the mother still protects and gives them milk for more than two months.

Their life span is about 15 – 20 years.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They stay in the Maramagambo forest.

Other carnivore wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

7. Mongoose

Mongooses also support wildlife tours in Uganda through Mongoose tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Mweya Peninsula.

Examples of mongooses in Queen Elizabeth National Park include the

1. Banded Mongoose
2. Greater Grey Mongoose
3. Lesser Slender Mongoose
4. White-Tailed Mongoose
5. Marsh Mongoose

• Physical Description

Mongooses are small weasel-like animals with long bodies, short legs, small ears, pointed faces, and long furry tails.

They have five toes on every foot, grayish-brown fur, and are sometimes mistaken to be rodents.

• Feeding

Mongooses are predators who feed on rodents, reptiles, birds, insects, frogs, and worms.

• Reproduction

They have a gestation period of about 42 to 105 days depending on the mongoose species. A female gives birth to about one to four offspring.

8. African Wild Cat (Felis Lybica)Physical Description

The African Wild Cat is identical to the domestic cat but has a reddish color, longer legs, and a long thin, tail.

• Feeding

It is a solitary nocturnal cat that hunts and feeds majorly on birds and small mammals.

• Reproduction

Its gestation period is about 56 to 68 days and the female gives birth to a litter of about 2 – 4 kittens.

9. Honey Badger(Mellivora Capensis)

Physical Description

A Honey Badger has grey hair from its eyes, tail tip, and black underparts. They also have tiny ears, stout legs, and big claws.

Feeding

They mostly feed on reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and mammals. They also eat roots, fruits, berries, and bulbs.

Reproduction

The Honey Badger has a gestation period of about 7 to 10 weeks in which the female produces one cub or rarely two offspring.

10. Aardvarks (Orycteropus Afer)

• Physical Description

Aardvarks are shy animals with thick bodies, pinkish-gray or grayish-brown skin, a long nose, and a short tail.

Also, they have the face of a pig and the ears of a rabbit.

• Feeding

Aardvarks are nocturnals that sense ants and termites using the smell of their long nose.

These also rarely feed on beetle larvae.

• Reproduction

The gestation period of the Advark is about eight months, and it produces one offspring.

11. Genets( Genetta)

• Physical Description

Genets are long-bodied catlike animals with small heads with whiskers, large eyes, and large oval ears.

• Feeding

They are carnivorous animals that feed on small reptiles, birds mice, rats, and insects.

• Reproduction

These animals have a gestation period of about 10-11 weeks where the female births about one to three kittens.

12. Weasels

Queen Elizabeth National Park has the African- Striped weasel.

• Physical Description

Weasels are slim animals with long bodies, flat triangular heads, large eyes, rounded ears, and pointed noses with long whiskers.

They are generally brown, grey, or black with white or pale yellow patterns.

• Feeding

Weasels majorly feed on voles and mice. However, they also feed on lizards, rats, birds, birds’ eggs, and frogs.

• Reproduction

Their gestation period is 32 days after which the female produces two or three offspring.

13. Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs in Queen Elizabeth National Park include

• East African hedgehog

Physical Description

Hedgehogs have dense spines on their short, stout body.

Feeding

They mostly feed on caterpillars, beetles, worms, and slugs.

Reproduction

Their gestation period is about 35 days and the mother births a litter of about 6 to 7 hoglets.

14. Pangolins

• Physical Description

Pangolins are nocturnal animals with plate-like scales, a small cone-shaped head, short legs, long noses, and thick tails.

• Feeding

Pangolins use their sticky tongues to eat ants, termites, and larvae.

• Reproduction

They have a gestation period of between 70 to 140 and the mother births only one offspring.

15. Viverrines

Herbivore Animals Of Uganda In Queen Elizabeth National Park

16. Hippopotamus( Hippopotamus Amphibious)

Hippopotamuses are also called the Hippopotami, Hippo, Common Hippopotamus, or river Hippopotamus.

They are large semi-aquatic mammals that are native to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Queen Elizabeth National Park holds over 5000 Hippos.

• Name Etymology of the Hippopotamus

The name Hippopotamus comes from the ancient Greek words hippos (horse) and potamós (river) meaning “river horse”.

• Physical Description

Hippos are one of the largest land mammals together with Elephants and Rhinos.

They have barrel-shaped torsos, almost hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and wide-opening mouths having large canine tusks.

These large mammals are not sexually dimorphic but bulls weigh about 1, 500 kg, and females weigh about 1,300 kg.

• Social life and Community Structure

Bulls are territorial in water, but not on land, and the Hippo pod has over 100 individuals.

In the pod, the Hippos live according to their status that is females, bachelors, and the head bull.

A bull can mate with all the cows in his territory.

They spend the day cooling in water at the Kazinga Channel and the night grazing on land.

• Feeding and diet

Hippos are herbivores, who feed on grass, and aquatic plants.

• Reproduction

Hippos mate and give birth in water.

At about five to six years, cows are sexually mature while the males are at 7 and a half years.

Their gestation period is 8 months, and the female produces one calf. Mothers wean their calves at one year.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They are highly concentrated in Kazinga Channel since they live in rivers and lakes.

17. African Bush Elephant(Loxodonta Africana)

There are over 4000 elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The African Bush Elephants are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Physical Description

These mammals are the largest and heaviest terrestrial animals of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

They have grey skin comprised of scanty hairs and large triangular ears that help them to cool on hot days by flapping.

African elephants also have a big trunk that starts growing when they are about 1 to 3 years.

Their trunk helps them in defense, feeding, smelling, and producing sound.

Social Life and Community Structure

Elephants are social mammals that live and move in herds that mostly have cows and young ones. The herds are united and they look for food together.

Bulls live alone or in bachelor’s groups.

Feeding and Diet

African Bush Elephants are herbivores who feed on grasses, leaves, herbs, creepers, herbs, and tree barks.

They eat about 150 kg of food and drink about 180 to 230 liters of water per day.

Reproduction

Female elephants menstruate for three to four months, and their gestation period lasts 22 months.  This is the longest gestation period in mammals.

It gives birth to one calf and its life span is about70 to 75 years

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

On a boat cruise, you can see them at the Kazinga Channel banks bathing or on a game drive in the Kasenyi plains and the Ishasha sector.  They love forests, grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.

18. Cape Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer)

Cape Buffaloes are also called African Buffaloes.

Physical Description

They are large, heavy, and tall with short, thickset legs.

They weigh about 425 to 870 kg dark brown or black coats as they grow. Calves however have red coats.

Feeding and diet

African Buffaloes are grazers who mainly feed on grass and drink a lot of water.

Reproduction

Cape Buffaloes mate and give birth only in the rainy season.

Cows first give birth at 5 and the gestation period is about 11 and a half years.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors can see them on a game drive at the Kasenyi and the Ishasha sector.

19. Uganda Kobs (Kobus Kob Thomasi)

The Uganda Kob is an antelope native to the sub-Saharan.

It is a Uganda national animal that features on the coat of arms together with the Grey Crowned Crane.

Physical Description

Uganda Kobs are reddish-brown and only males have horns.

Males are a bit larger than females because they weigh about 94 kg and 63 kg respectively.

Social life and Community Structure

They live in a herd and sometimes, the non-breeding males stay in a single group.

Feeding and Diet

They are herbivores who mostly feed on grasses on plains and reeds near valleys.

Reproduction

Females Uganda Kobs produce in the rainy season and their gestation period is about nine months.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They can be seen on a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel and also in the rolling plains of the Kasenyi and Ishasha sections

20. Bush Buck (Tragelaphus Sylvaticus)

Bush Bucks are a type of Antelope that is widely spread in the Sub-Saharan African regions.

They are one of the common antelope animals of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Physical Description

They are between 45 to 80 kilograms heavy and have light brown coats, with white muzzle stripes and spots.

• Social life and Community Structure

Bush Bucks are normally solitary and territorial, especially on feeding grounds.

They are active during the day, but nocturnal where there is active human activity.

• Feeding and diet

These animals are territorial browsing herbivores that feed on leaves, shrubs, and seldom on grasses.

• Reproduction

Their gestation period is about 180 days and they produce only one calf.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors can see them on a boat cruise at Kazinga channel.

21. Topi (Damaliscus Lunatus Jimela)

• Etymology of the Topi

The name “Topi” is a Swahili word that was used in the 1880s to refer to a large number of Topis on Lamu Island in Kenya.

• Physical Description

The Topi is a sexually dimorphic antelope with the males being taller, larger, and heavier than the females.

They are normally red-brown with the back of their legs being black.

• Social life and Community Structure

Topis are one of the most social antelopes that live in herds.

They have the territorial reproductive herd where they portray the lek behavior.

In this group, males meet the females who they try to court using different displays to attract females.

Topis also have bachelor herds for males that are chased by territorial bulls.

Both males and females defend territories.

• Feeding and Diet

They are herbivores that mostly feed on leaf-like swards. In feeding, they chew at a very fast rate while taking small bites.

• Reproduction

Its gestation period is about eight months and the female produces one calf at a time.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They can be seen in the Ishasha or the Kasenyi sector since they love grasslands mostly near woodlands.

22. Defassa’s Waterbuck (Kobus Ellipsiprymnus)

The Defassa’s Waterbuck is a mammal that is near threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Physical Description

The Defassa’s waterbuck is a sexually dimorphic antelope whereby the males are heavier and taller than females.

Their coat ranges from brown to grey.

Males have long, backward-curved horns of about 55 to 99 cm long.

Social life and Community Structure

They are social antelopes that live in herds that are bachelor herds, nursery herds as well as spinster herds.

Feeding and Diet

The Defassa’s waterbuck feeds on grass and they drink a lot of water. This causes them to stay in places with water sources.

Reproduction

Females are sexually mature at two or three while males are at six.

Their gestation period is about seven to eight months and the female produces one calf, and sometimes twins.

Mothers wean the calves eight months from where females join the nursery herd and males join the bachelor herd.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors can see it on a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel.

23. Common Warthogs (Phacochoerus Africanus)Physical Description

Warthogs are pig-like animals with a variation of light grey to brown color.

Their body has little black and brown hair and their large heads have manes that run to the middle of their back.

Social Life and Community Structure

Common Warthogs are social and they live in clusters called sounders.

However, they mark feeding and drinking territories.

Feeding and Diet

This animal is omnivorous and has adapted to grazing in savannahs. They feed on grass, roots, fruits, tree bark, insects, eggs, and carrion.

They feed by digging and snouting while their front feet bend backward.

Reproduction

Boars and sows breed in the late rainy season or early dry season.

The gestation period of the Common Warthog is about five to six months.

The sow gives birth to a litter of about two to eight piglets, and mothers wean them by six months.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Common Warthogs prefer savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and water sources. Therefore, you can see them at the Kasenyi plains or just along the Kazinga channel banks.

24. Forest Hogs (Hylochoerus Meinertzhageni)

Among the wild animals of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Forest Hogs are considered the largest wild pigs.

Physical Description

They weigh about 100 to 275 kg.

Forest Hogs have a deep orange color, large pointed ears, and male tusks of about 35.9 centimeters.

Social Life and Community Structure

Forest Hogs are nocturnal but can be active during the day in the cold season and the places without active human activity.

They live in communities called sounders that consist of boars, sows, and piglets.

Every member of the soar is responsible for protecting the piglets.

Feeding and Diet

Forest Hogs are mainly herbivores that feed on plants, but they also scavenge.

Reproduction

Their gestation period is about 151 days and a sow gives birth to a litter of about 10 piglets. Mothers wean the piglets in 9 weeks.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Forest Hogs roam about the Maramagambo forest.

25. Bushpigs (Potamochoerus Larvatus)

• Physical Description

Bushpigs are mammals that look like domestic pigs. They have a dark reddish color that is almost black and tuft pointed ears and a face mask.

Males Bushpigs are generally larger than females.

Piglets however have pale yellowish stripes on their dark brown skin which turns dark reddish as they grow.

• Social Life and Community Structure

Bushpigs are social mammals who live in sounders of about twelve animals.

It comprises boars, sows, juveniles, and piglets. Members may fight for food but come together to fight intruders.

They grant and snort while feeding or when alarmed.

Bushpigs live in dense thickets because they are nocturnal, but they do not hide in burrows of aardvarks.

• Feeding and Diet

These mammals are omnivorous and they feed on crops, roots, juicy plants, insects small reptiles, eggs, nestlings, nestlings, and carrion.

They also stalk and eat young antelopes.

• Reproduction

Their gestation period is about eight to ten months and the females produce 3 to 4 piglets.

Mothers send away young ones at six months.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bushpigs love forests, woodlands, and riverine vegetation. Thus, they can be seen in the Maramagambo forest and the vegetation near the Kazinga channel.

26. Sitatunga (Tragelaphus Spekii)

The Sitatunga is also called the Marshbuck.

• Physical Description

The sitatunga is a medium-sized antelope with a rufous red coating comprised of white stripes.

Their thin hair produces an oily, water-repellent secretion.

They are also sexually dimorphic in a way that males are larger than females.

These animals are different in their long and open hooves.

• Social Life and Community Structure

They are semi-social animals and they live in swamps. They spend their time alone or in groups of two to three.

• Feeding and Diet

This animal is an herbivore that browses and feeds on grasses, herbs, sedges, and shrubs.

• Reproduction

Sitatungas breed any time of the year and males are polygynous. Their gestation period lasts for about 247 days after which the female gives birth to only one offspring.

Their lifespan is about 20-23 years.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Sitatungas are swamp dwellers, therefore, they are near the Kazinga channel.

27. Oribis( Ourebia Ourebi)

Physical Description

Oribis are brown deer–like antelopes with long necks and limbs, bushy hair growth, and a little raised back.

Social life and Community Structure

They are social animals that live in a group.

Feeding and Diet

They majorly feed on grass and other low-growing plants.

Reproduction

The gestation period of the Oribi is about seven months whereby the newborn is dark brown.

Their lifespan is about 8 to 10 years.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tourists can see them along the shores of the Kazinga channel while on a boat cruise, but they can also be seen in the Kasenyi plains.

28. Bohor Reedbuck (Redunca Redunca)

The Bohor reedbuck is an antelope that is native to Central Africa.

Physical Description

It is a medium-sized antelope of a yellow variation with a gray-brown coat.

The Bohor Reedbuck is sexually dimorphic whereby the males are larger than the females.

Their horns are short and hooked.

Social life and Community Structure

They are social antelopes that live in large populations, especially during the dry season.

Females are more solitary and may form a herd of about 5-10 individuals.

Bachelor males live in their group while the growing females also leave their mother’s group.

Feeding and Diet

They feed on grass, and reed shoots and depend very much on water.

Reproduction

These mammals mate mostly in the rainy season and their gestation period lasts for about 7 and a half months.

The female produces one calf that it weans at 8 to 9 months.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

In Queen Elizabeth park, you can spot them on game drives in the Kasenyi sector or around Kazinga channel banks on a boat cruise.

Other Herbivores animal species in Queen Elizabeth National Park

29. Hares

Physical Description

Hares are small, rabbit-like, fast-running animals that have long hind paws, long ears, legs, and a short bushy tail.

Feeding

They mostly feed on leaves, green grasses, stems, and rhizomes.

Reproduction

These animals have a gestation period of about 42 – 44 days and they birth 2 or 3 leverets.

30. Porcupines

An example is the

1. East African Crested Porcupine

Physical Description

Porcupines are rodents with sharp spines on their back, powerful legs, big flat feet, and curved claws on every toe.

Feeding

They eat tubers, roots, and bulbs.

Reproduction

Their gestation period is about 112 days and they produce 1 or 2 off springs.

31. Duikers

Queen Elizabeth National Park has the

1. Grey duikers/ Common duikers
2. Blue duikers
3. Red duikers
4. Squirrels

Squirrels in Queen Elizabeth National Park include

1. African tree squirrel
2. Giant squirrel
3. Rats

Rats in Queen Elizabeth National Park include

1. Cane rats
2. Langer cane rats
3. Striped grass mice
4. Harsh-furred rats
5. Unstriped grass mice
6. Common swamp rats
7. Hyraxes

Examples include

1. Rock hyrax
2. Tree hyrax.
3. Bats

Examples of bats in the park include

1. Fruit Bats
2. Epauletted Fruit Bat
3. Rousette Fruit Bat
4. Insect Eating Bats
5. White-Bellied Tomb Bat
6. Yellow-Winged Bat

Queen Elizabeth National Park Primates

36. Chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes)

Chimpanzees are also called Chimps, and they have been classified as an endangered species.

• Etymology of the Chimpanzee

“Chimpanzee” was derived from the Tshiluba dialect “chimpenze” meaning “ape”.

“Pan” is a name after the Greek god, while “troglodytes” was rooted in “Troglodytae”, which were a mythical race of people that lived in the cave.

• Physical Description

Chimpanzees have coarse black hair that covers their body.

However, their face, hands, palms, fingers, toes, and feet soles are bare.

Males weigh about 40 to 70 kg while females weigh about 27 to 50 kg

• Social life and Community Structure

Chimpanzees stay in groups of about 15 to 150 individuals that a male leads.

• Feeding and Diet

Chimpanzees are omnivores who feed on leaves, bark, stems, leaf buds, and seeds.

They also use sticks, rocks, and leaves to get honey, termites, nuts, ants, and water.

• Reproduction

These animals mate any time of the year and the gestation period is eight months. Mothers wean at around three years but they remain very close.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

In Queen Elizabeth Park, Chimps are reserved at the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve adjacent to Kyambura Gorge the “Valley of Apes”.

37. Olive Baboons (Papio Anubis)

This is a primate that is native to Africa.

Physical Description

It has yellowish-brown and black hairs on its body and a dark grey to black face.

Males have long manes that run along the back, and they are also heavier than females.

They have a long, dog-like muzzle, a tail, and four limbs on which they walk.

Social life and Community Structure

Olive Baboons live in groups of about 15 to 150 individuals.

Females lead the groups and leadership is passed on to their daughters.

Sometimes, males babysit and form a friendship with females.

Feeding and Diet

Olive baboons are omnivorous and eat leaves, roots, grass, flowers, bark, fruit, seeds, lichens, mushrooms, tubers, corms, and rhizomes.

Their animal diet consists of small invertebrates like insects, worms, spiders, grubs, and scorpions.

Reproduction

Females copulate with many males in a day and the gestation period is about 226.8 days. It produces one child in a single birth.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Olive Baboons mostly live on the Kasenyi plains.

38. Black And White Colobus Monkey (Colobi)

This is also a primate that is native to Africa.

Physical Description

These primates have beautiful silky black fur with white faces.

They also have whiskers and beards around their face and a bushy white tail.

Social life and Community Structure

Black and White Colobus Monkeys have greeting rituals when they meet each other again. Afterward, they spend their time grooming.

They also sleep on trees near sources of food to access them quickly.

Feeding and Diet

Black and White Colobus Monkeys are herbivorous and feed on leaves, lichens, fruits, flowers, and bark.

Reproduction

Their gestation period lasts for about 142 to 161 days and the female gives birth to one infant, every after about 20 months.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors can see them on nature walks in the Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest, and Maramagambo forest.

39. Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus Pygerythrus)

Physical Description

Vervet Monkeys are primates with grey hair on their body and black faces.

Males are larger, heavier, and longer than females.

Social life and Community Structure

They are social mammals that leave in groups. Sexually mature males leave their birth group and join other male groups.

These primates also participate in the grooming activity.

Feeding and Diet

Vervet Monkeys are majorly herbivorous and they feed on fruits, leaves, flowers, seeds, and seed pods.

They sometimes also eat the eggs and chicks of birds.

Reproduction

Their gestation period lasts for about 165 days, and the females give birth to one infant every year.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors can see them on a guided nature walk at the Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest, and Maramagambo forest.

40. Red-Tailed Monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius)

Red-Tailed Monkeys are also known as black-cheeked, red-tailed guenon, white-nosed monkey, Schmidt’s guenon.

Physical Description

It has a red tail with a white nose, cheeks, and black or dark grey body fur.

The monkey is also large with elastic cheeks for safe storage of food.

Social life and Community Structure

They are social primates that live in groups of about 7 to 30 animals led by a dominant male. It consists of males, females, juveniles, and infants.

They live together in all seasons and at all times for their whole life apart from males who mature.

Grown males leave to join other males of the same status until they can overthrow a dominant male of a social group.

Feeding and Diet

Red-Tailed Monkeys are majorly fruit-eating primates although they are classified as omnivorous animals.

They feed on flowers, leaves, and insects when fruits are few.

They gather their food in their large mouths and eat it from a safe place.

Reproduction

Male Red-Tailed Monkeys are polygynous. The gestation period is about five to six months in which the female gives birth to one child.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They mostly live in the Kalinzu forest.

41. Blue Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis)

Physical Description

Blue Monkeys are not prominently blue like their name suggests.

They have small hair on their face that gives them a faint blue appearance.

Their fur majorly consists of olive or grey and their face is dark with a yellow patch on the forehead.

Females weigh about 4 kg and males weigh about 8 kg.

Social life and Community Structure

Blue-tailed monkeys live in social structures majorly having females.

Males leave once they mature but can return to fight a dominant male to take on leadership.

Feeding and Diet

Blue Monkeys majorly feed on fruits, leaves, twigs, figs, flowers, and insects.

Reproduction

Blue Monkeys have a polygynous mating system. Females produce one infant after the gestation period of about five months.

They usually give birth after two years.

Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Visitors can encounter them while Chimpanzee trekking in the Kalinzu forest.

42. L’Hoest’s Monkey (Cercopithecus Lhoesti) or Mountain Monkey

• Physical Description

L’Hoest’s Monkeys have short, darkish-brown coats and white beards.

They also have light gray cheeks and a pale mustache.

The male weighs about 6 kilograms and the female weighs about 3.5 kilograms.

They have a long tail that is hooked at the tip.

• Social Life and Community Structure

L’Hoest’s Monkeys live in small groups consisting more of females who are in most cases related.

The group usually has one male who leaves after some years.

They sleep while sitting on trees while holding branches or each other.

• Feeding and Diet

L’Hoest’s Monkeys are majorly herbivores who eat fruits, leaves, mushrooms, roots, and herbs.

However, they also feed on eggs, small birds, and lizards.

• Reproduction

L’Hoest’s monkeys are seasonal breeders. Their gestation period is about five months.

The female naturally give birth at night in any place where the birth pangs find her.

They usually produce toward the rainy season when milk production is high.

Little is known about their lifespan in the wild, but in captivity, they can live for more than 30 years.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They mostly live in the mountainous forest and are common in the Maramagambo forest.

43. Red Colobus Monkeys(Piliocolobus)

• Physical Description

Red Colobus monkeys have dark red to black coats. It also has striped shoulders and arms with a pale underside.

They have a black face with long, white hair and pink lips and nose.

• Social Life and Community Structure

Red Colobus Monkeys live in groups of over 80 members. However, only high-ranking members easily have access to the distribution of food, sexual partners, and grooming.

These groups usually have more females than males, and mothers have a strong connection to their infants.

• Feeding and Diet

Red Colobus monkeys are herbivores who feed on primarily young leaves, raw fruits, and flowers.

They also eat charcoal and clay as medicine.

• Reproduction

Their gestation period is between 5 to 6 months and females give birth to one infant.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They are common in the Kalinzu or Maramagambo forest.

44. Bush Babies(Galagidae)

Bush Babies are also called Galagos or nagapies meaning night monkeys in the Afrikaans dialect.  They are native to Sub-Saharan Africa.

• The Etymology of Bush Baby

It is believed that “Bush Baby” is either derived from the animal’s appearance or how it cries.

• Physical Description

Bush Babies have large eyes for good vision, especially at night.

They also have strong back limbs and long tails that assist them in balancing.

These primates also have bat-like ears for tracking insects and very good hearing. They normally fold back these ears while resting and also protect them from thickets and other bushes.

• Social life and Community Structure

Bush Babies are nocturnal primates that are swift. They jump around very highly and in seconds of just a few yards.

As they rest, they fold their limbs closely and only release them to hold branches.

• Feeding and Diet

The Bush Babies feed on tree gums, fruits, insects, and small animals.

They either get insects from the ground or grab them from the air.

• Reproduction

The gestation period of the Bush Babies is about 110 to 133 days.

Females give birth to either single infants, twins, or triplets, with their eyes closed.

Mothers feed young ones for six weeks, and for two months, they leave the young ones to feed themselves.

The young ones always grow very fast even though they are young. This makes their mother look very awkward while carrying them by the mouth.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They have ever been spotted in the Maramagambo forest.

45. Potto (Perodicticus Potto)

• The Etymology of the Pottos

The name “potto” is believed to derive from “Wolof pata” which means a “tailless monkey”.

• Physical Description

Pottos are primates with woolly greyish-brown fur and a non-functioning index finger.

Their fingers on both hands and toes are joined by skin and web respectively.

They also have about four to six tubercles that cover their long vertebrae from the neck. This almost appears to pierce their skin.

These primates have scent glands under their tail and an odor that some researchers compare to curry.

• Social life and Community Structure

Pottos are tree occupants who move unhurriedly with two limbs holding a branch. This quiet movement helps them to prevent predators.

They also live in large territories having more females than males, but a male leads the group.

An adult male or leader can mate with all the females in his territory.

• Feeding and Diet

Pottos have strong jaws that help them to eat fruits which are their major food.

They also eat strong-smelling insects that other animals do not eat.

• Reproduction

Pottos breed throughout the year, and their gestation period is 193 days.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

They can be seen in the Maramagambo Forest.

Reptiles in Queen Elizabeth National Park

46. Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus Niloticus)

The Nile Crocodile is a reptile that is native to the freshwater habitations in Africa.

• Physical Description

Mature Nile Crocodiles have a dark bronze with variable pale blackish spots on their back.

They also have yellowish-green sides with striped patterns and green eyes.

• Social life and Community Structure

They are social animals that share food and basking spots with their fellows.

These reptiles can die from mid-day heat especially if they bind jaws together.

• Feeding and Diet

Nile Crocodiles are predators who feed on fish, birds, reptiles, and other mammals.

• Reproduction

They reproduce by laying eggs about one or two months after mating.

Hatchlings hunt for themselves even if their parents spend a long time protecting them.

• Distribution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nile crocodiles live in different types of aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshlands.

Other reptiles in Queen Elizabeth National Park

47. Lizards for example
48. monitor lizard
49. snake lizard
50. common house lizard
51. Blue-bodied agama
52. Snakes include the
53. African Rock Python
54. Puff Adder
55. Night Adder
56. Velvety-Green Night Adder
57. Spitting Cobra Or Black-Necked Cobra
58. Black-Lipped Cobra
59. White Lipped Snake
60. Fold’s Forest Cobra
61. Black Mambas
62. Green Mambas
63. Forest Mamba
64. Gabon Viper
65. Rhinoceros Horned Viper
66. Boomslang (Tree Snake)
67. File Snake
68. Worm Snake
69. Slender Green Snake
70. Sun Snake
71. Vine or Twig Snake
72. Burrowing Snake
73. Western Carter Snake
74. House Snake
75. Wolf Snake
76. Marsh Snake

However, all these snakes are hard to see in the park.

49. Chameleons for example the
50. Bright Green Chameleon
51. Smaller Chameleon
52. Pigmy Chameleon
53. Lesser Chameleon
54. Three-Horned Chameleon
55. Skinks for example the
56. Red And Black Skink
57. Side-Striped Skink
58. Speckled-Lipped Skink
59. Grey-Black Limbless Skink
60. Geckos such as the
61. Blue-Bodied Agama
62. Black-Throated Dwarf Gecko
63. Uganda House Gecko.
64. Tortoises for example
65. Soft-Shelled Turtles.
66. Western Hinged Tortoises.

Amphibians In Queen Elizabeth National Park

53. Frogs and Tods for example
54. Bull Frog
55. Clawed Frog Or Plathander
56. Sharp-Nosed Frog
57. Tree Frog
58. African Tod

Queen Elizabeth National Park holds peculiar animals as a valued tourist resource. Its varied topography suits these animals, thus enhancing a beautiful Uganda tour.

You can also experience these magnificent creatures by booking a memorable Uganda tour and safari with us!

The Big Five Animals in Africa | What Are the Big Five Animals? | What Is The Big Five In Africa? 

The big five animals in Africa are also in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park has four animals out of the big five of Africa.  These are the

1. African Elephants
2. Cape Buffaloes
3. Lions
4. Leopards

The fifth one which is not in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Rhino.

They were called the Big Five because of two theories, that is,

1. The traditional theory
2. The conservation theory

1. The Traditional Theory | The Big Five Hunting

In the traditional theory, sport and trophy hunters from Africa’s prime safari years called them the big five because they were challenging and dangerous to hunt. Yet they had the most valuable trophies and resources.

Trophy hunters, therefore, saw it as a great achievement to hunt them down in the wild.

2. The Conservation Theory

The conservation theory explains how the big five safari animals contribute to the wellness of the ecosystem above any other animals.

Let us see how!

• The African Elephants

The elephant is known to many conservationists as the “Ecosystem Engine”.

It is both a big grazer and a browser with a poor digestive system. An adult elephant eats over 150kg of food and drinks over 40 liters of water daily.

Because of its poor digestive system, most of its food is not digested, so whatever it excretes can grow again into a healthy plant.

Animals like dung beetles contribute to this by moving the seeds on elephant dung to different places as they try to store food.

Consequently, more forests and plants grow because of this system.

It is believed that the current growing forest expanse between Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge is due to this ecosystem cycle.

Furthermore, elephants allow their feeding ground to rest so that plants grow again before coming back to feed on it.

• The Cape Buffaloes and Rhinos;

are likewise big grazers that feed on both the young and old vegetation. Thus, they control the vegetation.

They also excrete seeds in their waste that later grow into healthy plants.

The waste of these animals is also a source of manure that keep soils fertilized.

• The Lions and The Leopards

Lions and leopards contribute to conservation by controlling the hunting game.

They control the population of herbivores, which humans previously did through controlled hunting.

On the other hand, they do not hunt frequently. A Lion can stay for over a week without eating and hunts only when it is hungry. Therefore, it is a better-controlled hunter than humans.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open to four out of the big five safaris in Uganda!

Why You Must See The Animals Of Uganda In Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the protected areas holding the largest number of Herbivores. There are about 5000 Hippos, 4000 African Bush Elephants, and 1700 Buffaloes.
2. This protected area holds the highest number of Hippos in the world concentrated in one place, that is, at the Kazinga Channel.
3. The park is the only place in Uganda where there are tree-climbing lions.
4. It is one of the three National Parks in Uganda where you can see the Nile Crocodiles. The other two are Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
5. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the major three Chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda. The other two are Kibale Forest National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Best Season And Time To See Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife (Animals)

You can visit animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park any time of the year.

However, the dry months guarantee the best wildlife safaris in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is from June to September and January to February.

In this dry season, game drive tracks are dry, and many animals are easy to see in the open. Most important of all, tourists are also comfortable with the weather.

Additionally, you can choose a favorite time for your safari activities, that is, the morning, afternoon, or night.

However, the morning adventures are more highly rewarding because

• Diurnal animals are fresh and active, and they are out to begin their day of feeding and roaming around.
• It is possible to see numerous hippos in the morning Kazinga Channel boat trip.

This is because they stay in the water when the sun is up to stay cool.

• Lions hunt in the morning and spend the afternoon resting therefore, it is possible to see one preying.
• Furthermore, the morning sunlight does not scorch. Instead, it provides beautiful Uganda scenery on a sunrise.

Hence, enhancing photography moments and also feeling the warm sun of Uganda wild on your skin.

Importance of Animals Of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth Park

Uganda Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park have highly contributed to many factors which include

• Environmental Conservation
• Ecology
• Tourism and Economy
• Research

Environmental Conservation

Seed Dispersal; animals found in Queen Elizabeth National Park are unconscious seed dispersers. They scatter seeds through

• Fur or coat.
• As they eat and throw fruit seeds.
• And through their excretion which contains undigested seeds.

So, these seeds grow as healthy plants in the environment.

Controlled Hunting by Predators; is another way in which this park’s animals conserve the environment. The Lions and Leopards are the perfect examples.

They hunt sporadically on the most vulnerable animals and only when they are hungry.

This is because they have a poor digestive system and therefore they can go for over a week without eating.  This is to allow food to digest well.

Ecology

There is a cycle in which the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park relate to one another and their surroundings.

While herbivores feed on plants, predators hunt down the herbivores and this cycle continues.

Tourism and Economy

Beneath the beauty of touring Queen Elizabeth National Park’s wild animals, there is revenue that is collected from tourists.

This improves the conservation and preservation of these animals. Consequently, it further improves the tourism section.

Research

There is a lot of wildlife research in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

From Lion Tracking to Hippo Census, these researchers aim at studying the behaviors of these animals closely.

Consequently, there is an improvement in their environment and conditions based on the findings.

Guidelines When Going To Meet Uganda Mammal Species in Queen Elizabeth National Park

It is safe to put in mind all you need to have a beautiful wildlife tour in Uganda. Because it is not just about having the experience, but also about how you live these experiences and create the best memories.

Dressing;

• Wear dull colors in order not to attract the attention of the animals, especially the inquisitive primates. Also, avoid shiny jewelry.
• When going for an activity, wear comfortable long-sleeved shirts and trousers. This is to protect you from the harsh vegetation that may hurt your skin.
• Wear comfortable trekking shoes when to ease your movements on the different terraces.
• Make sure you also have a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the scorching sun.

What to Pack;

• Kindly carry your medications in case you have any allergies.

Even if you do not have any medical issues, it is important to see your doctor and let them know that you traveling. Follow the instructions they give you.

• Carry an insect repellant too to keep the uncomfortably annoying insects away.
• Do not forget your camera because you would not want to miss anything to remember or show people back home.

You can carry a camera that you are comfortable with.

However, one with a fast burst mode is the best because animals do not usually settle in one place.

Also, consider one with fast autofocus, and long zoom lenses.

Some of the best cameras for wildlife photography and videography are

• Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 / FZ2000.
• Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV.
• Canon EOS 90D.
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
• Nikon D500.
• Carry binoculars too to have a clearer close look at the game. Among the best binoculars for wildlife viewing are the
• Nikon Monarch5 8X42 Wildlife Binoculars.
• Celestron Nature DX 8X42 Wildlife Binocular.
• Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars.
• Celestron 71402 TrailSeeker 8X42 Binoculars.
• Olympus 8X42 PRO Wildlife Binocular.

Frequently Asked Questions About 

1. What are the most sought-after Uganda animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The most sought-after Uganda animals in this Queen Elizabeth National Park are the tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha.

2. What are the key animals that will surprise you in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Tree-climbing Lions; will surprise you because they are very rare. In Uganda, they are only at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Hippos; the park holds the highest concentration of Hippos in one place which is at the Kazinga channel.

3. Are there Rhinos in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park does not have rhinos. However, it is a rich source of 96 mammal species including Lions, Elephants, Leopards, And Buffaloes.

4. Are there Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Yes, there are Uganda Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to tree-climbing Lions that live in Ishasha.

     5. Are there Giraffes in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park does not have Giraffes and Zebras. Nevertheless, you can view other animals like lions, African Elephants, Hippos, antelopes, and many others.

     6. How many Lions are in Queen Elizabeth Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 76 lions in both the Kasenyi and the Ishasha sectors.

    7. How many Elephants are in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 4000 African Bush Elephants.

You can spot them bathing along the Kazinga channel during a boat cruise and a game drive in the Kasenyi plains.

The post Uganda Wild Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park-Wildlife Species/Animals of Uganda appeared first on Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This 10 km2 area has a raised arrowhead bushy land that connects to the Northern mainland by a natural isthmus. This isthmus is a bit wider than the road that crosses it.

Mweya Peninsular projects between Lake Edward, and Kazinga Channel in the immediate North where the two waters unify from. The area has a dense vegetation cover, candelabra trees, thorny bushes, shrubby thickets, and many game drive tracks. The signposting may make you lose your way back; hence it is advisable to move with a guide during your Queen Elizabeth Safari in this region.

This peninsular has an awe-inspiring setting as it overlooks a model Uganda scenery of an equatorial African riverbank. This includes the abundant animals of Uganda like Elephants and Buffaloes roaming the opposite shores and the unclear view of the snowy Rwenzori ranges. In your Uganda safari, you will also appreciate a beautiful view of the forests and the savannahs of this region.

Note:

Mweya Peninsular is also the launch point for Queen Elizabeth National Park’s legendary Kazinga Channel boat trips. Other major activities in this region during your Uganda tour are the day and night safari game drives, Mongoose tracking and nature walks.

The place is also famous for the Mweya Guest Data Centre where visitors do Reservations for experimental tourism in the park.

There are many Uganda animals that you can see on your Uganda wildlife safari in the Mweya peninsular. Moreover, there are no restrictions on walking around the developed area between Mweya safari lodge, the airstrip, and the campsite. However, it is important to be cautious of any animals found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially Hippos.

Mweya Peninsular in Queen Elizabeth National Park is generally a popular destination as you safari Uganda. It also harbors Queen Elizabeth park’s oldest lodge and arguably the most classy one which is Mweya Safari Lodge.

However, there are also some midrange, budget lodges, and some guest houses that the Uganda Wildlife Authority manages. They are just about a 45 minutes drive from the game viewing circuit on the Kasenyi plains.

Mweya Peninsular radiates the expression of the wild lives living among humans peacefully. Discover this mystery with us now and get to know about the animals, activities, and people in this area!

History and happenings at Mweya Peninsular in Queen Elizabeth National Park

It is believed that about 5000 years ago, Mweya Peninsular was a settlement area. In explorer Stanley’s visit in 1889, he reported that he found Mweya a smoky place, and concluded that this was because of bushfires from human activity. He also reported that the place had 81 huts, and many goats and sheep.

In 1891 however, explorer Fredrick Lugard found out that the huts were abandoned and the area closed because of the Rinderpest outbreak.

The park was gazetted in 1952, as Kazinga National Park, but was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park. This was to commemorate the first visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Uganda in 1954.

Today, Mweya village has over 400 settlers living among the wild Uganda community of Elephants, Hippos, Buffaloes, Lions, and Leopards; many wonder how! However, it has been possible since Queen Elizabeth National Park is a Man and Biosphere Reserve.

In 2006, the Madhvani Group of Companies (managers and owners of Mweya Safari Lodge) suggested building a golf course in Mweya. However, conservationists and tourists opposed the idea, claiming that animals would migrate to new places, hence frustrating animal safari to Uganda.

Where Is Mweya Peninsular Located?

Mweya peninsular in Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the Rwenzururu sub-region of Kasese District, Western Uganda.

It is on the North Eastern shores of Lake Edward in the place where the lake meets Kazinga Channel.

The peninsula lies along geographic coordinates 00°11’40.0″S 29°53’57.0″E at an altitude of 980 m (3,220 ft.) above sea level.

Attractions In Mweya Peninsular

Mweya Peninsular offers many things to see in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is known for its

• Animals
• Birds
• Craters

Wild Animals In Mweya Peninsular

Mweya Peninsular harbors several animals in Uganda partly because of its strategic proximity to the Kazinga Channel. You can see many herds of Elephants by the Kazinga shores facing Mweya Safari Lodge and Warthogs milling by the Peninsula’s road.

Giant Forest Hogs appear on the airstrip toward dusk while the family of habituated Banded Mongooses stays on the lodge grounds. Lions and Spotted Hyenas come with less frequency and make solitary campers uncomfortable.

When you safari Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Mweya Peninsula you will most likely see the following animals from Uganda;

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Deffassa Waterbucks
• Hippos
• Warthogs
• Giant Forest Hogs
• Banded Mongoose
• Spotted Hyenas
• Lions
• Leopards

Hence, a fulfilling place for your wildlife tours in Uganda.

Birds In Mweya Peninsular

Birds in Mweya Peninsular are prolific around Mweya Safari Lodge and the lake shores facing the lodge. More so, the dense vegetation and the crater lakes are suitable for birding in Uganda, especially Lake Munyanyange which hosts many bird species. For example, the migratory Flamingoes that you can see during your crater lakes tour.

Other bird species to spot in the Mweya Peninsular in your Uganda birding safari include

• Raptors
• Martins
• Swallows
• Swifts
• Squire-Tailed Nightjar
• Slender-Tailed Nightjar
• Swamp Nightjar
• Grey-Headed Kingfisher
• Pygmy Kingfisher
• Little Bee-Eater
• Nubian Woodpecker
• African Mourning Dove
• Diederik Cuckoo
• Blue-Naped Mousebird
• Red-Capped Lark
• Marabou Storks
• Grey-Capped Warbler
• Swamp Flycatcher
• Black-Headed Gonolek
• Pin-Tailed Whydah
• Scarlet-Chested Sunbird
• Red-Chested Sunbird
• Lesser Masked Weaver
• Slender-Billed Weaver
• Yellow-Backed Weaver

Crater Lakes In Mweya Peninsular

The Katwe-Kikorongo Volcanic Craters are located in the Northern Mweya Peninsular in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From here, you can have a Uganda crater lakes tour to view the beautiful circular craters with the landscape of beautiful dropping vegetation.

They include

• Katwe Crater Lake
• Lake Munyanyange
• Lake Bunyampaka
• Lake Kikorongo
• Kitagata Crater Lake
• Nyamunuka Crater
• Kyemengo Crater
• Lake Mahiga

Additionally, these craters flock with much wildlife in Uganda’s Queen’s Park, hence supporting your Uganda wildlife tour too.

Other attractions in the Mweya Peninsula include

Mweya Information Center; gives all the necessary information you need about Queen Elizabeth National Park and Mweya Peninsula. It provides information about attractions and activities, maps, and books for sale.

Mweya Airport; this is a small airport where visitors from Entebbe can land and connect to other places inside the park.

Activities In Mweya Peninsular

Mweya Peninsular gives gratifying safari activities to visitors in their Uganda tours and safaris. They include;

• Game Drives
• Mongoose Tracking
• Kazinga Channel Launch Trips

Game Drives At Mweya Peninsular

Mweya Peninsular hosts both day and night game drives in which you can see different wildlife of Uganda around the park.

Game drives are famous at the Peninsular since different tracks pass through it; one at the channel circuit and another at the crater circuit.

Day game drive safaris at Mweya Peninsular will allow you to view

• Elephants
• Warthogs
• Buffaloes
• Hippos
• Leopards, among others.

Since night game drives do not occur in the neighboring Kasenyi Plains, Mweya Peninsular offers this package. This will help you to view the nocturnals like

• Hyenas
• Leopards
• Serval Cats
• Civet Cats

The channel track that goes through Kabatoro gate has dense vegetation and candelabra thorns overlooking it. This makes game viewing very challenging because of the trees and bushes in the area. However, it is still a worthwhile adventure to experience on your Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive.

Mongoose Tracking In Mweya Peninsular In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mongoose tracking is one of the experimental research supporting wildlife safaris in Uganda. It allows visitors to study the life patterns of the Banded Mongooses as they refer to the prior information that they get about them.

However, new changes in the animals are also recorded and managed for further studies.

Even though this activity is not famous in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mongoose tracking is one of the fun activities that create the best safari in Uganda. It involves a guide looking for the Mongooses and then calling visitors to participate in studying them.

Visitors do this safari activity in small groups to not stress the animals, but also to make their experience more fun. You can do this fun and bonding activity with friends and families.

In this adventure, visitors will learn to call on these animals, recognize them, and record their weight, and other necessities. Mongooses in the Mweya Peninsular live in groups as means of protection against predators.

The activity takes about 1 to 3 hours and is best done in the morning around 7:00 am.

Kazinga Channel Boat (Launch) Trips at Mweya Peninsular

The Kazinga Channel cruise excursions begin from Mweya Peninsular at the landing site just beneath Mweya Safari lodge. It is a walkable distance from the lodge, but you can drive to the destination. The two-hour excursions give you the best experiences daily at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:15 pm.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Mweya Safari Lodge organize these Kazinga Channel cruises.

The thrilling Kazinga Channel boat cruise is an awarding journey that will give you the chance to see the large school of Hippos, Elephants, Kobs, and many water bird species.

Community Walks/ Nature Walks In Mweya Peninsular

With the guided nature walks, you can interact with a community around Mweya Safari lodge and learn a lot from them since they understand English.

Additionally, you can also view different bird, butterfly, and animal species. A nature hike during the Queen Elizabeth National Park safari at Mweya will also give you spectacular views of Lake Edward and the beautiful savannah landscape.

Other things to do at Mweya Peninsular include

• Birding
• Crater lakes tour
• Sightseeing

10 Most Important Expert Safety Precautions (Do’s and Dont’s) While Visiting Mweya Peninsular

1. Always make sure that you have a ranger or guide with you. This helps to ensure your safety during the safari.
2. Swimming on the cliff at Mweya or any water body is not allowed for your own safety!
3. The distance between you and the Queen Elizabeth National Park animals during an activity should be about 8 to 10 kilometers.
4. Kindly do not harass the animals by throwing items at them. They may in turn attack you!
5. While for a game drive, close the windows and make sure that you are inside the car; unless a guide instructs that it is safe for you to view and take photos of the Uganda safari animals.
6. Game drives in Mweya Peninsular should be done on accorded tracks, and the driving should be at the recommended speed of 40km/hr.
7. Do not make noise while doing safari activities at Mweya Peninsular. This is to not stress the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It includes avoiding hooting cars and keeping your phone silent.
8. When you carry a snack, keep it covered and when eating, make sure that windows are properly closed. This is because some animals smell food from afar and hence may attack you to have it.
9. Follow the instructions from your guide and allow them alone to call the animals.
10. Make sure you wear attire that suits an occasion. For example, when going for activities like game drives, nature walks, and Mongoose tracking, wear long sleeves to protect yourself from insects and harsh vegetation. Also, have firm shoes for easy trekking and all the personal items that you will need; for example the

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen lotion
• A hat and sunglasses
• Notebook
• A guide book
• Medications in case you have any allergies
• The necessary toiletries
• A rain jacket or Poncho
• Headsock
• A backpack.

5 Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Mweya Peninsular

1. Mweya Peninsular is the jumpstarting point for some of the best safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These are the launch trips, game drives, and Mongoose tracking. Other famous activities in this region are nature walks and community/cultural visits.
2. The Peninsular harbors Lake Katwe which is the top salt mining reserve in Uganda. Other Katwe-Kikorongo craters also promote Uganda crater lakes safaris in this Northern sector of the park.
3. Mweya Peninsular is a good and safe destination for birding and sightseeing. The area, through Lake Munyanyange, has many flamingos that migrate from Kenya’s Lake Turkana.
4. The area also has unique Uganda wildlife that you can see both during the day and the night game drives.
5. The oldest lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is “Mweya Safari Lodge” is found in the Mweya Peninsular.

Best Time And Period To Visit Mweya Peninsular

The dry season is the best time to visit the Mweya Peninsular in Queen Elizabeth National Park. That is, from mid-December to February and June to September.

In this season, tracks are dry and animals are in the open, especially on the afar off shores of the Kazinga Channel. They are present, quenching their thirst and bathing by the shores.

How To Get To Mweya Peninsular

Visitors can use the Mbarara-Masaka, Mbarara-Kasese Road of about 400km to reach Mweya Peninsular. They can also use the A109 Road about 450km. Mweya is 20km West of Kasese-Ishaka Road.

Also, a flight takes about 1 hour from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip.

Accommodation/Lodges In Mweya Peninsular In Queen Elizabeth Park

Luxury

Mweya Safari Lodge; the lodge itself is an important tourist attraction during Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safaris. It overlooks the Kazinga Channel which has a prolific animal and birdlife.

Marabou Storks regularly roost on a bare tree between the lodge and the restaurant. While the striking Red-Chested Sunbird, Black-Headed Gonolek, and a variety of Weavers are also among the common residents of the lodge grounds.

The lodge is on the extreme Northern part of the Mweya Peninsular and gives a striking view of Lake Edward.

Budget

Mweya Hostel; is also called the Mweya Institute of Ecology. It is near Mweya Safari Lodge and you can see animals moving within its locale.

Mweya Campsite; is also a beautiful campsite in Mweya Peninsula. It has beautiful views of the Hippos and Antelopes around the lodge.

Other lodges around Mweya Peninsula include

• Engiri Game Lodge
• Parkview Safari Lodge
• Tembo Safari Lodge
• Jacana Safari Lodge

Mweya is one of the places you should visit for a memorable Uganda wildlife tour. Its wild ambiance and the people will give you an experience of a lifetime. Discover more about Mweya Peninsular by planning your adventure with us today!

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