Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest number of species of Uganda birds, that is, over 600 out of the estimated 1,096 species. It is therefore one of the most impressive renowned bird-watching areas where you can do extraordinary bird-watching in Uganda.

Birding International classifies Queen Elizabeth National Park as an Important Birding Area. The park’s union of the savanna and forest, linking to the expansive forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo allows visitors on bird-watching safaris in Uganda to spot both the East as well as Central African bird species.

In fact, the big birding days in Uganda are a fruitful adventure as many birders gather to identify different birds in different places around the country, including Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The park has many threatened sought-after Uganda bird species like the elusive Shoebill and the Uganda Crested Crane bird (which is the Uganda National bird). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified both birds as endangered and vulnerable respectfully.

As you do birding during Uganda safari tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will also meet the big five birds in Uganda which are

• Shoebill
• Great Blue Turaco
• Gray-Crowned Crane
• Long-Crested Eagle
• Black-and-White-Casqued Hornbill

Apart from being a home to birds in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also a bird migration corridor. It hosts many of the over 300 annual migratory bird species to Uganda, from all over the world. These birds migrate in around November to April from Europe and South Africa.

Leave no space for the expansive wondering “which birds migrate to this park? Migratory birds to see in Queen Elizabeth safaris are both global and intra-African

And among the numerous are;

• Common Cuckoos
• Madagascar Pond Herons
• Lesser Flamingos
• Greater Flamingoes
• African Spoonbill
• African Cuckoo-Hawk

The biomes in Queen Elizabeth National Park are favorable for Uganda birding as the different landscapes harbor unique bird species.

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park is therefore largely dependent on the region’s different Uganda landscape. It champions the settlement of different types of birds, for example, waders, grassland birds, woodland, and forest birds.

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an endless adventure, one that is expertly proven to be both fun and healthy. With the high Uganda bird list and the high biodiversity, the park is a place for birding without borders in your safari to Uganda.

Below we look at the major birds to see in the different sectors of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Major Uganda Bird List To See In The Different Bird Watching Areas During Birding/Birdwatching In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best Uganda birding spots and has different sectors in which you can do a Uganda birding tour. While you safari in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth Park, you will site birds in the;

• Kazinga Channel
• Kasenyi Area
• Mweya Peninsular
• Maramagambo Forest
• Ishasha Sector
• Kyambura Gorge
• Katwe Area
• Kikorongo
• Lake George Ramsar site
• Katunguru Bridge Area

Bird Watching In The Kazinga Channel

Kazinga Channel is a top Uganda birding spot for bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a 32km stream that drains into Lake Edward on the West from Lake George on the East. The channel carries a large diversity of aquatic bird species thus one of the best bird-watching sites in Uganda.

The International Birding Organisation categorized Kazinga Channel as an Important Birding Area. A trip on this channel is actually considered one of the most important launch trips in the world.

Your birding tours at the Kazinga Channel will give you sightings of:

• Plovers
• Pelicans
• Water Thick-Knee
• Yellow-Billed Stork
• African Spoonbill
• Saddle-Bellied Stork
• White-Billed Stork
• Marabou Storks
• White-Faced Whistling Duck
• Knob-Billed Ducks
• Black-Headed Gonolek
• African Fish Eagle
• African Jacana
• Weaver Birds

Uganda Bird Watching Tours At Lake George Ramsar Site

Lake George is also an Important Birding Area that was designated Uganda’s first Ramsar site in 1988. Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Lake George in the North is a remarkable encounter as the lake has the highest bird species count among Uganda’s wetlands. Over 491 bird species are in this vicinity with about 167 wetland species and 9 globally threatened birds.

A Uganda safari tour to the Lake George Ramsar site area will expose you to:

• Shoebills
• Migrant Waders and Waterfowl
• White-Winged Warbler
• Papyrus Gonolek
• Papyrus Yellow Warbler
• Papyrus Canary

Birding In The Kasenyi Area

The Kasenyi plain is also another of the superb birding sites in the North Eastern Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is on the Western shores of the adjacent stunning Lake George, at the point where the Lake meets with the Kazinga Channel.

Key bird species to look for at Kasenyi Area during a bird-watching safari trip in Uganda include;

• Grey-Crowned Crane
• Hooded Vulture
• White-Backed Vulture
• White-Headed Vulture
• Palm-Nut Vulture
• Red-Throated Spurfowl
• Yellow-Throated Longclaw
• Long-Crested Eagle
• Black-Bellied Bustard
• Cisticolas
• Grey-Backed Fiscal

Bird Watching At Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Peninsular Kazinga Channel is a top Uganda birding spot famous for birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a 10 square kilometer of land in the Northern part of Queen Elizabeth NP. It has bushland that sticks out between Lake Edward, Lake George, and Kazinga Channel.

A birding tour near or at Mweya Peninsular will make you see;

• Weavers
• Swifts
• Swallows
• Martins
• Red-Chested Sunbird
• Black-Headed Gonolek
• African Mourning Dove
• Swamp Nightjar
• Little Bee-Eater
• Nubian Woodpeckers

Uganda Birding Trips In Maramagambo Forest

Maramagambo Forest, in the South Western sector of Queen Elizabeth Park, is also favorable for birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park on a Uganda tour. This medium-altitude rainforest has many forest birds.

You will notice these major birds of Maramagambo Forest during your Uganda safari tours;

• African Finfoot
• Rwenzori Turaco
• Sunbirds
• Woodpeckers
• White-Napped Pigeon
• Chestnut Wattle-Eye
• Snowy-Headed Robin Chart
• Scaly-Breasted Illadopsis
• Brown Illadopsis
• Forest Greenbuls
• Forest Flycatchers
• African Emerald Cuckoo
• Red-Throated Wryneck
• African Mustached Warbler

Uganda Birding Tours In The Ishasha Sector

Ishasha, in the South Western sector, is also a famous Uganda birding area/spot for bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The swamps in Ishasha are a great spot to see the rare and most sought-after shoebill.  As you go birding to Uganda, you will find this sector as one of the most reputable destinations as you safari Queen Elizabeth National park.

The major bird species to see in the Ishasha sector during your Uganda birding vocation are;

• Shoebill
• Cassin’s Grey-Flycatcher
• Black Bee-Eater
• Broad-Bellied Roller
• Plover
• Herons
• Black Coucal
• Compact Weaver
• Fan-Tailed Widow
• Many Water birds

Bird Watching In Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge also called the ‘Valley of Apes’, is on the North-Eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The gorge offers sightings of colorful bird species in your Uganda wildlife safaris. These include;

• Black Bee-Eater
• Black-Headed Bee-Eater
• Blue-Bellied Kingfisher
• Great Blue Turaco
• Black-and-White Cascade Hornbill
• Martial Eagle
• African Fish Eagle
• Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
• Pelicans
• African Broadbill
• African Falcon
• Papyrus Canary
• White-Winged Warbler
• Black-Rumped Buttonquail

Birding Trips In The Katwe Area

The Katwe Area incorporates Lake Munyanyange which is a special bird sanctuary. The lake is also a migratory spot for the Lesser Flamingos from around August to November.

During your bird-watching trips, the other bird species to look for in the Katwe Area are;

• White-Breasted Nigro Finch
• Black Bishop
• Chestnut Wattle Eye
• Sulphur–Breasted Bush Shrike
• Marsh Tchagra

Bird Watching In Katunguru Bridge Area

This is another Uganda birding spot for bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Major birds to see at the Katunguru Bridge area in your Uganda tours and safaris include

• Papyrus Gonolek
• White-Winged Tern
• White-Winged Warbler
• Pied Kingfisher
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Greater Swamp Warbler
• Lesser Swamp Warbler

Guided Bird Watching Fees For Birding/Birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Best Birding Season In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda birding safaris and tours to Queen Elizabeth National Park can happen any time of the year.

However, the dry months of late May and September are the best. This is when there is less rain and a lot of food for the birds. Also, June to July has the least rain whereas April to May and September to November has a lot of rain.

This makes the trails slippery and hard to pass hence making bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park quite challenging.

However, November to April is the ideal time to view migratory bird species.

Why Is Queen Elizabeth National Park One Of The Best Birding Areas In Uganda?

Birding safaris in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park are guaranteed by the

1. The high number of species, that is over 600 bird species
2. Climate
3. Landscape
4. Availability of food for the birds
5. Altitude/Elevation

The High Number of species

Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 600 bird species, the highest in any of Uganda’s protected areas. This high checklist is favorable for birders who would like to identify many bird species, making the park one of the best birding areas in Uganda.

The favorable weather and climate

The park has generally favorable climatic conditions due to its location near the Equator line. Temperatures in the day generally go up to 29°C and drop to about 17°C at night.

This is way favorable for birds, especially those that migrate into the park to escape the winter in different countries.

Landscape

With a variety of biomes that are supportive of the different birds in the park, many birds find a home in their favorite spot.

These biomes include lakes, rivers, swamps, plains, grasslands, forests, woodlands, streams, salty craters, and humid rainforests. In their preferred habitat, the birds reproduce, eat and live comfortably.

Availability of food for the birds

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park is also favored by the unique fertile soils that support healthy plant/fruit growth.

These plants are food to different bird species; the humid forests for instance offer food like fruits, buds, leaves, shoots, and flowers to forest birds. The waters also offer food like fish, rodents, worms, and other invertebrates to wading birds. Likewise, the savannahs provide grass seeds for the birds to eat.

Altitude/Elevation at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Different birds fly at different elevations in Queen’s park which ranges from 910m to 1,390 m. This explains why there are so many birds in the region.

With the highest elevation being at Lake Katwe and the lowest elevation being at Lake Edward, different birds will choose a favorable altitude.

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Do Birding/Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The colored birds of Queen Elizabeth National Park are a resourceful mark in the lives of humans. These birds can help both individually and environmentally to

1. Improve your physical and mental health
2. Connect with friends and family
3. Travel to different parts of the world
4. Research

Improve your physical and mental health

Is there a way that you wish to connect to the liberating feel of nature? Then birding is for you! This activity as discovered by experts will enlighten your mood as its one of the most therapeutic activities that will help you to connect to nature, and keep you calm.

Research also found that studying and listening to birds in their habitat helps with concentration and therefore releases stress.

Physically, birding is an activity that will help you stretch in nature when you trek and hike different tenures.

Connect with your friends and family

Birding tours in Uganda are a bonding and team-building activity. It will help you not only to fall in love with nature but to also connect with your friends and family members.

Travel to different parts of the world

As you begin birding, you will feel the urge to always find more of these creatures. Hence, bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a way to start planning your birding travels to different places and getting other new experiences!

Research

By going birding, you help to contribute to the conservation strategies when you find out more about birds and how we can help them.

9 Prime/Top Birding Practices Whether You Are A Beginner Or A Pro For Bird Watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Study as much as you can about birds, and this will help you locate and identify them.
2. Have birding mentors from whom you will learn. Also, learn from others as you respect their skills, knowledge, and interests.
3. Do not wait to first go to the wild, but begin with the birding sites nearest to you, which is your home surrounding. Remember to go out as many times as you can to grab new opportunities.
4. Move slowly as you pay attention to birds and their calls both near, far, and in the sky.
5. Through nature, the internet, or recordings, memorize and master as many bird calls and details in identification as you can.
6. Bird by habitat as you keenly look through their habitation and ground cover. This is because you will only find some birds in their habitat like swamps, woodlands, and forests.
7. When you go birding, keep records of the notes of the different birds to have accurate information about the different birds studied.
8. Do not approach the birds closer than is necessary to not stress them. Neither should you destroy their habitat while searching for them.
9. Endeavor to be up to date with birding developments in your locale through the clubs or websites.

What To Wear When Going For Birding/Bird Watching In Queen Elizabeth National Park

With everything else considered, your birding experience comes to life when you also know the appropriate attire for the occasion.

This expert birding recommendation fashion offers you both the ability to comfortably enjoy your birding experience and also protect you against the wild nature, that may threaten to harm you during bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Professional Birding Attire

With birding, comfortable clothes will also determine how long you want to stay in the wild. Have the most relaxing clothes that are as free as the nature that you are about to encounter!

Depending on the weather, consider wearing thermal clothes too for birding in your Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safari. Restricting clothes will keep you uncomfortable and irritated with the whole experience, which is definitely not your intention!

The color of your attire is equally important. Try to camouflage with the natural environment by wearing, subdued colors like green, brown, and grey. Some birds associate white with danger so try to avoid it.

A UV-reflecting attire will also keep the birds away because how birds see is different from how we see. They can actually see the UV reflection!

Nonetheless, there are exceptions where some colors like red, yellow, and orange will attract some birds for example sunbirds and hummingbirds.

Your birding attire may entail

1. Cargo pants
2. Birding Vests
3. Long-Sleeved shirts
4. Sturdy shoes
5. A hat

Cargo Pants; these are the best professional birding trousers, more so if they are green or dull colored. You would want to blend with nature for a more fruitful experience!

The long cargo pants will help to protect you both from the cold and the heat of the day. Yet it is perfect against insect bites too.

However, any comfortable long trousers can also do you good while birding.

Birding Vests; most of them are also army green and they have big deep pockets that will save you the burden of carrying very heavy bags.  You will simply put your binoculars, guidebook, notebook, pens, and other necessary tools in your pocket.

Long-sleeved shirts will also save you a lot from the vegetation and the bites from insects.

Sturdy Shoes; wear comfortable sturdy shoes for your birding experience and make sure that they have proper ankle support for long excursions.

Better still, wear shoes that have soft material from the inside to avoid getting blisters while on your journey.

Wear a hat; when going birding, wearing a hat is more than just protecting you against the heat of the sun. It covers a part of your face outline to make the vigilant birds comfortable around you.

List Of What To Carry For Birding/Bird Watching In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meanwhile, birding equipment is one of your top priorities as you choose bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

A memorable experience comes with documenting your findings in any way you can, but also enjoying the experience with the greatest comfort possible.

You can carry your

1. List of bird species you would like to see
2. A field guide/bird book
3. Best birding camera
4. Binoculars for birding
5. Your notebook and pen
6. Insect Repellant
7. Sunscreen lotion
8. A bottle of water
9. A poncho or rain jacket
10. A backpack

List of bird species;

It is important to know how many birds you would like to see as you do bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Have a list, and your birding guide will help you to identify them.

A field guidebook (bird book);

This will do you wonders with identifying birds as it becomes easy to find the birds using their description in the guidebook.

The best birding camera;

If you are birding for fun, you may not mind using your phone or any camera for the activity. However, for professional birders or for those who would love to become one, a quality professional camera will work for you.

This is because birds will not remain still for a photo, some will be flying while others, restless.

Therefore, some of the best cameras for birding fall into the categories of

1. Bridge cameras
2. DSLR cameras
3. Mirrorless cameras

Binoculars for birding;

These will help you view enlarged images of distant birds. Some of the best birding cameras are;

1. Swarovski NL Pure 10×42 Binoculars
2. Kite Bonelli 2.0 8×42 Binoculars
3. Nikon Monarch M7 8×30 Binoculars
4. Viking Peregrine ED 10×42 Binoculars
5. Swarovski CL Curio 7×21 Binoculars
6. Hawke Frontier ED X 8×42 Binoculars
7. Bushnell Forge 10×42 Binoculars BF1042T
8. Zeiss SFL 8×40 Binoculars

A notebook and Pen; will come in handy when you want to note an important observation or experience.

Insect Repellent; will prevent the insects from biting you while you are in the wild, thus keeping you comfortable throughout your experience.

A Sunscreen lotion; ensures that your skin is protected from the burning sun rays of the tropical Queen Elizabeth National Park.

A bottle of Water; will keep you hydrated during your birding adventure. Kindly use eco-friendly water bottles, to not litter the environment.

A poncho or Rain Jacket; just in case it rains, your poncho or rain jacket will protect you from getting wet.

The backpack; will enable you to keep all your equipment very safely.

How To Spot (Identify) A Bird/ Uganda Birding Tips

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park or any other birding area can sometimes be challenging. This is more so if you are identifying some species from the same family or even order. There are birds with very minimal differences, and this can be very stressful for especially a beginner as you have to make sure that you do not be confused.

But the more you engage in the activity, the more fun it becomes and the easier it gets to notice birds. Additionally, with over 1,096 bird species in Uganda and over 10,000 in the world, you are surely destined for a lifetime of discoveries if you choose to do birding.

The following factors can help you differentiate one bird from another, and help you to easily identify them.

1. Body shape and size
2. Plumage
3. Bill/Beak
4. Legs and Feet
5. Eyes
6. Calls
7. Habitat
8. Habits

Body Shape and Size;

The shape and size of a bird should be your first observation while doing birding. Usually, the general makeup can help you even know the order or family of the bird. Some birds are smaller while others are bigger, for example, vultures are bigger than weavers.

Plumage/Feathers;

The feathers of a bird are another factor to help you identify a bird while doing birding. The following questions can go a long way in helping you with birding.

1. Which type of feather does the bird possess?
2. Which color(s) are the feathers?
3. Does the plumage change color during a particular season like breeding?
4. Do both the males and females have the same plumage type and color or are they different?

Bill/Beak;

Many birds especially those in the same family can be differentiated by their bills or beaks. You can tell by the shape, size, color, and length of mandibles. For example, the beak of the Intermediate Egret is shorter than that of the Great Egret but longer than that of the Cattle Egret.

Legs and Feet;

The feet of birds speak volumes in telling them apart. Wading birds have webbed feet while running terrestrial birds have long and strong feet. Also, there are bird species that are so identical that you can only differentiate them by the color of their legs.

Eyes;

There are also some bird species that you will identify by their eyes. For example, the Black-Casqued Hornbill has a blue ring around its eyes while the Black and White Casqued Hornbill has brown eyes with no blue ring.

Calls;

Like you can differentiate the voices of the people around you, you can also easily learn with diligence the voice of a bird species. The advantage is that one bird species in a specific region can call the same way. So all you have to do is to learn the call of one bird, and you can identify the rest of the birds in the same species. Additionally, most birders attest that identifying a bird by its voice is easier than by physical appearance.

Habitat;

Habitat identification is also one of the ways in which you can do bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The only other place a bird will ever stay apart from its habitat is the air. A shoebill for instance will forever dwell in marshy wetlands while other birds will only stay in forests, woodlands, or grasslands.

Habits;

Different birds have different behaviors, relating to their breeding, feeding, or flight patterns.

Important Birding Guidelines While Bird Watching In Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Do birding in small groups to not stress the birds and to also be able to take good photos and videos.
2. Make sure you walk on the birding trails as your birding guide directs you.

• Keep sounds at minimal levels because birds do not like noise. This will also help you to identify their calls.

1. Do not throw stones at the birds, for this is considered animal harassment. You could hurt them!

The birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park are a great contribution to African birding safaris in Uganda. For the best safari in Uganda to experience adventurous birding eco-tours; book your convenient birding trip today with us, the best Uganda safari company.

Other Ideal Sites To See Birds And Do Birding In Uganda

• Semuliki National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park

Other safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park apart from birding

• Game drives
• Boat Cruise
• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Nature Walks and Community Tours
• Lion Tracking
• Hippo Census
• Mongoose Tracking

Frequently Asked Questions About Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. How many bird species are in Uganda?

There are over 1096 bird species in Uganda. Among these are 24 Albertine Rift Endemics and one (1) Uganda national endemic bird (Fox’s Weaver).

The post Bird Watching In Queen Elizabeth National Park – Birding in Queen Elizabeth Park appeared first on Queen Elizabeth National Park.

What is a cultural experience? A cultural experience is where one group of people relates with another group of people to study their beliefs and customs.

Among the many safari activities, cultural experiences will broaden your knowledge about the peculiar ways of different people as you connect with their culture.

The cultural groups in Queen Elizabeth National Park are just a portion of the 56 tribes in Uganda. This makes the different cultures of Uganda one of the rich tourist attractions in a Uganda safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. This means that there is an interesting number of cultures and communities that co-live inside the park with the animals.

Cultural trips in the park are an enrichment of different cultural groups and practices promoting cultural experiences in Uganda.

Experience the culture of the Basongara, Bakonjo, and Banyabindi who live in Queen Elizabeth National Park. They uphold the Ugandan culture by its roots and allow you to appreciate it on your safari to Uganda.

Moreover, you can also experience culture in Queen Elizabeth National Park by visiting and encountering the;

• Leopard Village/Muhokya Village Visit
• Kikorongo Women Community Cultural Experience
• Nyanzibiri Cave Community Cultural Visit
• Agro Walking Tour
• Katwe Tourism Information Centre

Below, let us explore these examples of cultural experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park when you safari Uganda.

• Leopard Village | Muhokya Village Visit

The “Leopard Village” was named so because of the way the locals bear exceptional patience with the wildlife that prey on their livestock, especially the Leopards.

It is 3 acres, near Muhokya Village and bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park on the North.

The Leopard Village is a community-run group that promotes social and economic development, culture, and wildlife conservation through ecotourism.

This village portrays a great example of co-existence between the local community and the surrounding wildlife. Therefore, visiting this village and encountering the cultural experience in Uganda safari tours will help to promote the different wildlife species in the area.

While for cultural tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will encounter the various tourist activities in this village, as included below,

• Locals share information with tourists about the rich Uganda culture, for example, folk tales, pastoral practices, and agricultural activities.
• They also share about the rich natural resources in their region and the Albertine Rift.
• The locals also help you in visiting sample huts of the traditional Bakonzo, Basongora, and Banyabindi ethnic groups. These show the different architectural cultures of Uganda.
• You can also purchase traditional crafts and visit groups of Uganda cultures. They will give you captivating performances on your visit.

When for Cultural tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park- in the Leopard Village, guides can either offer you short cultural encounters or longer Uganda cultural tours;

The short cultural visits may include

• A short break to rejuvenate both your body and mind before you can continue with your drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Visiting the replicas of the traditional huts of the Bakonjo, Banyabindi, and Basongora ethnic groups.
• Touring the craft market and non-persuasively purchasing authentic traditional crafts. This is to help support the livelihoods of the friendly people and their environment.
• Enjoying short performances from the local groups and school children from Muhokya, Kahendero, and Hamukungu. The different groups to give you these cultural experience examples in your Uganda tour are
• Banyabindi Cultural Drama Women’s Cultural Group
• Basongora Women Cultural Group
• Muhokya Primary School choir
• Young Men’s Acrobatic Crew

On the other hand, the longer cultural encounter of the Leopard Village includes,

• Long talks with the Muhokya, Kahendero, and Hamukungu community members about the opportunities and challenges that they face since they live inside the park. They will also share with you their local agricultural and pastoral practices.
• Uganda tours and safaris to the local schools for example the Muhokya Primary School.
• Discussing, debating, and mutually learning about how the global community can work hand in hand with the local communities. This is to help curb the environmental and human-wildlife conflicts among the communities living inside Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Kikorongo Women Community Cultural Experience – Cultural Tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Cultural tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park are also brought to life by the performances of the Kikorongo Women Community.

Kikorongo means “too much sunshine” in the local Rukonjo language. The name reflects the climatic conditions at the equator which lies at Kikorongo Village in the Northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Within the village are a group of these cultural performers called the Kikorongo Women Community. Even though the heat in Queen Elizabeth National Park is much, it has not discouraged this group from helping visitors encounter culture through their vigorous performances. They execute their lively, energetic Ugandan cultural dances in the different lodges around the park through Music, Dance, and Drama.

Watching the Kikorongo Women’s group perform by the fireside is a wonderful way to glimpse at life in the Kikorongo community.

While they perform, a local interpreter brings to life their performances by explaining the significance of the performances as you watch this village setting.

The Kikorongo African Art shops also make baskets, bowls, purses, belts, and necklaces from cultural materials and fabric for sale to tourists.

Through the Kikorongo African Art Workshops, locals also teach visitors how to weave baskets and bowls from natural fibers. In fact, they can even demonstrate and teach you how to make beautiful and colorful unique necklaces from paper beads made from magazines. This way, they have promoted cultural tours in Uganda.

• Nyanzibiri Cave Community Visit

The Nyanzibiri Cave is another of the cultural sites in Uganda for experiencing culture in Queen Elizabeth National park.

It is an ideal place for you to stretch after a long game drive and do an impressive scenic walk at a site called “the cave”.

The cave gives spectacular panoramic views of volcanic crater lakes and emits voices of the Grey-Crowned Cranes and many Eagles in Queen Elizabeth Park.

By canoe paddling, and a hike leading to the transparent lake, you can either meet the 8 primate species or enjoy the beautiful scent of local flowers.

Also in this area, you will be able to experience local culture by visiting a historic cave and the Bunyaruguru hut. The hut is a cultural museum with artifacts used by the locals in the past during their daily life.

The Nyanzibiri Cave Community also offers a campsite and three fully furnished private bandas with a restaurant, bar, and evening cultural performances. The substantial share of your cultural safaris in Uganda, together with the accommodation fees helps to support community development, conservation, and educational projects.

• Agro-Tour Walk

Kichwamba Escarpment, which forms the Eastern wall of the Western Rift Valley boasts plants, birds, and cultural sites for unique cultural safaris.

The two-hour trail to the escarpment starts from Katara Village by hiking the farms of the escarpment either in the cool morning or in the early evening.

Your expert guide to the Agro tour walks will explain to you the local farming methods in the place, the beautiful birds, and both exotic and medicinal plants.

You will also learn about the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflicts in the area. Additionally, your guide will lead you through the beehives that locals use to divert destructive elephants away from community crops on the park border. If interested, you can even try harvesting honey.

Upon visiting the vast savannah landscape of the savannah you will then return to your lodge and prepare for the next adventure in your Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safari.

• Katwe Tourism Information Centre (KATIC) Visit

Katwe is a village inside Queen Elizabeth National Park in the North. It is famed for its salt works in which both men and women, young and old all immerse themselves waist-deep into the toxic waters of the Katwe Crater to extract salt.

Since the 16^th century, this Lake has supported the survival of these villagers. Under the hot sun, they harvest salt from the salt pans in the milky waters.

A Queen Elizabeth safari in Katwe will give you a unique insight into the tough salt mining process that provides an alternate income for the locals.

From the salt works, you can visit the Katwe Village in which you will be captivated by their traditional homesteads and the cooking demonstrations with a unique Ugandan recipe. There is also a visit to the local school in the Katwe village during your Uganda culture and traditions tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Your guide will also lead you through Lake Munyanyange which hosts rich Uganda birds. These include the Lesser Flamingoes which migrate from Lake Turkana in Kenya.

Other communities to meet for a cultural encounter in Queen Elizabeth National Park are;

• Kasoga community.
• Kameme Traditional Group

Kasoga Community Experience

This is a community in the Hamukungu Fishing Village on Lake George Ramsar site, South West of the Kasenyi Plains. They offer visitors various activities on their safari while also giving them knowledge and experiences about the different sites in the area.

They lead visitors in activities like

• Canoeing
• Community Birding
• Fishing Trips
• Community Walks
• Traditional Cultural practices

Kameme Traditional Group

The Kameme Traditional Group is based in the Ishasha sector and is supported by the Ishasha Jungle Lodge. It is a group of about 15 children who perform traditional songs and dances of the Bakiga and the Rwandese.

On your journey to or from Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can as well stop over at the Igongo Cultural Centre. This is where you can have the Ankole cultural exploration and also eat Uganda’s cultural food.

What is the best time to do Cultural Tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Best Season of the year

Visiting the cultures and communities in and around Queen Elizabeth National Park will give you memorable experiences all year round.

Though, for exquisite experiences with these communities, the dry months will give you remarkable experiences. These are from January to February and June to August. In this season, the walking trails are drier, making your movement easy.

Best time of the day

You can either choose the morning or the evening cultural walks. The early evening cultural walk is best if you have other activities like game drives or boat cruises during the day.

In this way, you can relax and stretch from the long activities. More so, it is a beautiful scenery to watch the sunset that warmly heats the ground.

Nonetheless, it is best to take the morning cultural walk to encounter the people when they are still fresh and just ready for the day.

Important Precautions To Follow During Cultural Tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. While for a cultural encounter in the park, kindly respect the customs, beliefs, values, and practices of the locals.
2. Since you are going to encounter a cultural sect, it is ideal that you embrace the appropriate dress code. For example, wear cloth that is at least knee length. Some locals consider traditional Uganda clothing as one of the sources of respect.
3. Also, wear good hiking shoes to have comfortable movements.
4. Remember to carry all that you need for your cultural tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is to make you comfortable throughout the whole experience and they include the

• Camera; you will use this to take beautiful photos of the people and neighboring attractions.
• Notebook; Note down your guide’s teachings about the locals, your observations, and experiences in your cultural tour.
• Insect repellant; will keep the insects from biting you during your experience.
• Sunscreen lotion; this will protect your skin from the burning rays of the equatorial sun.
• Poncho or rain jacket; sometimes, the weather may dictate that you carry a rain jacket or a poncho in case it rains.
• A backpack; will give you the necessary place for safely keeping all your belongings.

There are other activities to do along the cultural walks and visits which include

• Game drives
• Boat Cruises
• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Bird watching
• Lion Tracking
• Mongoose tracking
• Guided nature walks

The cultural tours in a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari are a great way to adventure into the diversity of the culture in Uganda. You can add a cultural trip to your itinerary and do it alongside or after another safari activity. This will give you an expansive cultural exploit through the different cultural groups in the park. Hence, creating one of your best safaris in Uganda!

If however, you intend to have a typical cultural tour among the most indigenous tribes in Uganda, then we suggest you visit the following tribes.

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These Uganda hiking safaris is an exclusive way to explore the scenic wilderness, allowing you to leisurely study smaller ecosystems.

Your nature walk safaris in Uganda will include a guide who will expound to you the ecological importance of the wildlife. These include plants, small mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles, to mention but a few.

A nature walk safari to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth park can either be done in the morning or the evening, taking about 2 to 3 hours.

Nature walks in the park are safe because professional armed rangers guide you through the walking trails.

In a Uganda safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, guided nature walks happen on well-defined trails in

• Maramagambo Forest
• Kyambura Gorge
• Mweya Peninsular
• Ishasha sector

Let us explore these sectors for Africa safari nature hikes in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Forest Walks In Maramagambo

Maramagambo is the major place for rainforest hikes in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is on the Southern part of the park and it travels westwards from the Katunguru-Ishaka road to nearly the shores of Lake Edward.

A big portion of Maramagambo Forest is restricted from tourists partly because it harbors wild Chimps. However, the Northern section of crater lakes, Lake Kyasanduka and Lake Nyamasingiri are open for tourism and a forest walk.

The most straightforward trail around Lake Kyasanduka offers wide views of different bird species on its forested shores. Also, nature walks around Lake Nyamasingiri will reward you with different sites of birds and five interconnecting craters.

The forest that surrounds Lake Nyamasingiri is home to forest birds like the

• Scaly-Breasted Illadopsis
• Snowy-Headed Robin-Chart
• Chest-Nut Wattle Eye

Lake Nyamasingiri itself is suitable for spotting the African Finfoot.

This trail also leads to the famous bat cave filled with millions of bats and rock pythons that feed on the bats. A safe viewing platform, just 15 meters away was constructed to help visitors who safari Uganda see the bats without being infected by them.

This trail likewise makes nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park to be very impressive by leading trekkers to the Blue Lake. The Blue Lake is locally known as Lake Kimilanjovu which translates to mean “lake that swallows Elephants” in the local language. It was named so from a legend that tells of how local hunters were chasing an Elephant that ran but got stuck in the lake. The Blue Lake is on the bottom of a small crater and it is blue due to its high level of copper retention.

Your guided nature walk in this forest will cover a distinctive scenery of the various primates, birds, and plant species.

• Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys
• Red-Tailed Monkeys
• Vervet Monkeys
• L’hoest’s Monkeys

However, the forest is also home to over 300 Uganda Chimpanzees that are not habituated. In a night forest walk in Maramagambo, you may come across the Pottos or the Bush Babies.

The Different Nature Walk Trails In Maramagambo Forest

Nature walks in the Maramagambo Forest occur in four trails which are;

1. The palm trail
2. Waterfall trail
3. River trail
4. Valley trail

1. The Palm Trail

Because of its moderately flat terrain that makes walks easy, visitors prefer this trail. The nature walk on this trail takes about 2 hours at an estimated distance of 5 kilometers.

On this trail, you will meet different forest wildlife species including unique tree species. One of them is the frame tree that locals believe increases sexual urge in women. Women also use the Raphia Palms along this trail to weave mats.

2. The Waterfall Trail

This trail in Maramagambo Forest covers about 11 kilometers and the fairly long nature walk takes between 4 to 5 hours. Forest hikes on this trail go on the hilly parts of Maramagambo Forest and through the wet terrain. The trail goes through a valley that will lead you to Kilyantama Falls.

3. The River Trail

The river trail is also one of the routes for nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Maramagambo Forest. This trail is 2.5 kilometers with a walk of about one hour. One of the beautiful things to see along this trail is the Elephants bathing by the shores of River Kajojo.

You will also be able to see the different primates on the various tree species in Maramagambo Forest.

4. The Valley Trail

The valley trail is 3.5 kilometers and the nature walk is for about 3 hours. It goes through a valley filled with many trees including unique tree species like the Viagra tree.

Guided Nature Walks In Kyambura Gorge

When you purchase a Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge, it also covers the guided nature walk and hikes through the rainforest.

Nature walks on Uganda safari tours in Kyambura Gorge begin from Kyambura Fig Tree Lodge. Your guide will lead you through the Elephant trench; a forest hike hereafter will reveal the spectacular scenery of the breathtaking landscape of Queen’s park and the Mount Rwenzori ranges.

This trail will allow you to view the various primates like Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Chimpanzees. Birders will find it fascinating to view the different bird species of the park.

The Kyambura River is also a distinctively beautiful scenery crossing the riparian woodlands. It also holds some water birds by its shores.

Guided Nature Walks In Mweya Peninsular

Mweya Peninsular is a favorable place to have beautiful views of the savannahs and woodlands in your Uganda safari tour.

Guided nature walks at Mweya Peninsular go along the Kazinga Channel where you can view the different wildlife species like the

• Waterbucks
• Elephants
• Warthogs
• Bird and Butterfly species

Another kind of nature walk in the Mweya Peninsular occurs through the experimental research activity of Mongoose tracking. This takes about three hours with a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide.

Guided Nature Walks In The Ishasha Sector

Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are also ideal on the South Western end along the Ishasha River. From here, your Uganda tour will be filled with a diversity of forest and savannah birds as well as mammal species. Plus, perfect views of Hippos on foot will be within eye reach as you safely watch them from the raised river bank.

The forest along the Ishasha River also has animals like the Black and White Colobus Monkeys and Bush Bucks. Also, you will see birds like the rare Shoebill, Black Bee-Eater, Cassin’s Grey Flycatchers, and Broad Billed Rollers.

Guided Nature Walk Fees In Queen Elizabeth National Park-h2

Top 6 Nature Walk Benefits In Queen Elizabeth National Park

As you take a nature walk, sensing every movement of the wild Uganda nature, there are scientifically proven walk-in nature benefits as seen below. The activity,

• Reduces Stress
• Improves your health
• Makes you meet new people
• Enables you to create memories
• Allows you to refresh and relax from other safari activities
• Allows you to explore animals up close

1. Reduce Stress; Nature walks reduce stress by calming your nerves. It lures you away from the daily chaos and brings you to the peaceful present moment in which you focus on the sound and sights of animals, birds, vegetation, and waters.
2. Improves your Health; Studies show that nature walks will increase your chances of long life by reducing the risk of getting Lung and Kidney illnesses or Cancer. Also, by focusing on distant landscapes, you prevent myopia and dry eye syndrome.
3. Meet New People; Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are also a great way to meet people and make new friends. This is because people from different parts of the world come for this exploration during their Uganda tours and safaris.
4. Create Memories; The nature walk experience will leave you with unforgettable memories. More so, for artistic people, nature walks will give you another boost of creativity!
5. Refresh and relax from other safari activities; Nature walks enable tourists to explore the park on foot after game drives and boat cruises. Hence giving them the time to refresh and relax as they enjoy the boundless nature.
6. Explore animals up close; Through nature walks visitors explore and meet animals at a close range. For example, the nature walks in Kyambura Gorge will make you meet the only habituated Chimpanzee family in the park.

Best Time To Go For A Nature Walk In Queen Elizabeth Park

Since Uganda nature walks involve moving on foot, the dry season is the best for this activity on a Queen Elizabeth safari. This is from January to February and June to August. The trails in this season are dry and easy to walk through!

April, May, and October are wet months, and in this season, the walking trails are usually muddy, making movements difficult.

What is the best time of the day to do a nature walk while on a Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safari?

The morning nature walk is more rewarding because

1. The animals and birds are active in the morning hours.
2. Morning comes with the beautiful sunrise in the East, creating beautiful scenery.
3. Additionally, the morning weather is favorable for the activity.

However, in the case that you have other activities like a boat cruise or game drive in the morning, then the evening nature walks are good to help you stretch and enjoy nature on foot.

What Should You Bring For Nature Walks In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Preparing for a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari nature requires that you carry a

1. Camera
2. A pair of binoculars
3. Notebook
4. Sunscreen lotion
5. Sunglasses and hat
6. Insect repellant
7. A rain jacket or poncho

Camera; along your nature walk trail, you will meet beautiful sceneries and animals that you will need to take photos of.

A pair of binoculars; will give you a closer image of distant sceneries. You will also be able to view distant bird species with your binoculars.

Notebook; you may find important things to note down during your nature walk adventure, and therefore, your notebook will come in handy.

Sunscreen lotion; will protect your skin from being damaged by the sun rays in your nature walk safari.

Insect repellant; to be safe from insect bites, it is best that you carry and apply an insect repellant.

A rain jacket or poncho; will help to keep you safe in case it rains.

Backpack; all your property will be safely kept in your backpack, for example, your gadgets.

What To Wear When For Nature Walk In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers; will help to protect your body from insects and also sunny weather conditions. More so, the harsh vegetation will not be able to hurt you.

Hiking shoes; strong sturdy shoes will give you comfortable movements on the trails.

Sunglasses and a hat; will also cover your face and eyes from direct sunlight.

Important Precautions To Note When Going For Nature Walks In Queen Elizabeth National Park

The precautions below are to keep you safe as you enjoy your adventure in the park.

1. Dress well for the nature walk tour. Have long sleeves, trousers, and protective sturdy shoes.
2. Also, apply sunscreen lotion and insect repellant to protect you from the harsh sun rays and insect bites.
3. Keep with a guide always and avoid going for nature walks on your own. Your guide knows the place better and he will guide you appropriately.
4. Also, be with your friends while for a nature walk. Walk with them at the same pace and avoid isolating yourself from the group.
5. Keep on the right walking trail while for a nature walk. Moving away from the permitted trail may destroy wildlife habitats.
6. If you are for a nature walk with children, make sure that they don’t touch things unnecessarily. This is to protect them from getting hurt by poisonous plants but also to protect nature.
7. Stay hydrated by carrying a bottle of water.
8. Do not feed primates with any food when for a nature walk. You could get into trouble if they want more of the food or if the food was poisonous!
9. Be vigilant to not litter the park so that nature is safe.
10. Remember to converse in a low tone as noise may alarm the wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a destination for one of the best nature walks in Uganda. With the various biodiversity that the park holds, and the high number of wildlife, a nature walk is an adventure like no other. Experience the thrill of this undertaking on the generous Uganda landscape. Book your safari package today!

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Many know these primates as the Uganda chimps of the lost gorge because of their isolation from the rest of the world! These chimpanzees in Uganda cannot access the neighboring Maramagambo-Kalinzu Forests because humans destroyed the corridor in the past 15 years.  However, the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, which is 16 kilometers on the eastern boundary, is their only Uganda chimpanzee sanctuary.

In your Uganda chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, you will meet this habituated family of 23 members led by an alpha called Kihango. They are a friendly batch whose cordiality on your safari in Uganda will leave you appreciating nature like you never imagined before.

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), in partnership with the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, supports these endangered chimps in Uganda’s Kyambura Gorge to ensure that they do not go extinct.

Tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is one of the exciting safari activities to do on your Uganda safari. Among various tracking techniques, you will locate these primates by the sound of their pant-hoot calls and approach them quite closely once you meet them.

The riverine and tropical rainforest trees on which these Uganda chimps swing or spend their feeding, resting, and sleeping time are an ideal makeup for nature walks as you do your chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Chimpanzee trekking to Uganda’s Kyambura Gorge will also reward your safari to Uganda with great sights of birds like hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, and turacos.

Additionally, the Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking experience will make you see the other primates of the forest, like monkeys and olive baboons. Occasionally, trekkers may encounter bushbucks, elephants, buffaloes, and giant forest hogs.

The Uganda chimpanzee tours in Kyambura Gorge occur twice a day and departure is from the Fig Tree Camp on the Western Rim of the Gorge.

The warm relationship of these great apes toward human presence will leave you awe-inspired about their life in the beautiful wild Kyambura Gorge. Even in their isolated environment, these Uganda chimpanzees have stimulated chimpanzee safaris by welcoming many visitors that safari Uganda.

Below, we examine the experience of chimpanzee safaris to Uganda, Africa, in Kyambura Gorge.

Kyambura Gorge Chimp Tracking Time

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge happens every day at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. At each designated time, trackers leave in groups of two (2), consisting of about 4 visitors.

The trip takes about three hours, but this depends on how fast you find the chimps or where you find them.

Best time of the day and season of the year to do Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Best time of the day

Both the morning and the afternoon sessions are rewarding when it comes to finding the chimps. This is because the primates are active during the day as they feed, swing on trees, move from one place to another and also prepare their nests for the night.

However, the morning trek is more fruitful as the chimps will not have gone to distant places. Also, you will be very fresh and active in the activity.

The best season of the year

You can do chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge all year round.

June to October and December to March are dry, but with mild rainfall. This will make it easy for you to navigate the short vegetation and also get beautiful photos on your chimpanzee safari.

April, May, and November are wet and are also the fruiting season for the trees. This is good because visitors will easily track the chimps, as they will not move far to look for food.

Guidelines For Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trekking

The Uganda chimpanzee tour in Kyambura Gorge begins with a briefing session in which rangers explain to trekkers the landscape in which they will move. They also tell them what to expect about the chimpanzees and how to behave around them. After the briefing, clients are led down to the gorge to experience the chimps physically.

You are free to ask any questions while you are at the briefing.

In the briefing, the guides will also explain the chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations to visitors. The following guidelines are put in place to protect you, other visitors, and the chimpanzees as you walk the trails in the Kyambura forest.

1. It is better that you do not do chimp trekking if you feel unwell. Chimpanzees share about 98.8% to 99% of human DNA. Therefore, they can easily catch a human infection.
2. Tracking the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is only for those above 12 years.
3. The more you are silent in the forest, the more you will see.
4. Keep the forest clean by not littering it.
5. When you meet the chimpanzees, stay at least 8 meters away from them.
6. Avoid imitating the chimpanzees, whether in vocals or actions. It may mean something contrary to them; hence they will act accordingly by attacking you.
7. Don’t chase the chimps!
8. You are discouraged from eating next to the chimpanzees. This will get their attention as they will want your eats. Consequently, they may come for them.
9. Flash photography is prohibited while with Kyambura’s chimpanzees of Uganda. This is because the chimpanzees will be captured by the lights, which may mean danger to them. They will attack you in that regard or take the camera away from you.
10. Just in case you feel like emptying your bowels, do it off the trails and bury the waste and any tissues used, 30 cm deep into the ground. However, to avoid such inconveniences, we advise that you ease yourself before the Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking journey.
11. If a chimpanzee takes your belongings, let it have them, as it will find no use for them. It will drop it and you will then have your property back.

The Kyambura Fig Tree Nature Walk Trail

This new chimpanzee trekking trail begins from the Kyambura Fig Tree lodge through the rainforest to Kyambura Gorge. The trail goes through the built Elephant Trench and rises a bit to reveal a beautiful landscape of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains on the horizon. Offering one of the most scenic Uganda safari tours.

Through the trail, you will be able to view the different Ugandan wildlife as you enter deeper into the gorge. Your ranger will guide you and tell you about the wildlife of the forest, including the chimpanzees.

Trekking during your chimpanzee tours will require you to walk for long expanses on the coarse terrain, and when you reach the gorge, it will take some time to find the chimpanzees. However, after a while, you will be able to meet the Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Community, who are approachable.

How fit should you be when going on the Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura Gorge?

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge does not require a lot of fitness, as the activity is generally like a nature walk.    However, those who are fit will normally enjoy their Uganda safari tour experience of trekking.

If you are not fit enough, we advise that you hire a porter to carry your bags to make your experience more comfortable.

How Do Rangers Track During Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trekking

Rangers usually do the tracking while tourists doing chimpanzee safaris in Uganda follow them. As they track, they are keen to notice any tracks or signs that the primates display, for example,

1. Foot and knuckle tracks
2. Dung
3. Housing nests
4. Leftover fruits
5. Sound

Additionally, the trackers usually know the favorable locations of the chimpanzees since they have done chimp tracking several times on Queen Elizabeth safaris.

Foot and Knuckle Tracks

Chimpanzees have longer front limbs and therefore they move with all four limbs. Therefore, rangers can track the direction of their movements using their limb prints.

Chimpanzee Dung

Rangers can also use the chimp dung to track how close or far the chimpanzees are. In case they find their dung dry, it tells that they are far and if it is wet, it tells how near they are.

Housing Nests

Rangers are keen to identify nests on which the chimpanzees sleep. The presence of the nests will tell the presence of the chimpanzees.

Leftover fruits

Chimpanzees usually eat fruits and throw unwanted parts away. Therefore, rangers tracking them will track their location using their leftovers because they provide hints of where the primates have headed.

Sound

As you approach the chimpanzees, you will hear them shaking the trees or vocalizing as they communicate with their colleagues. This can help tell trackers where they are.

What are the chances of seeing chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge?

With the restrained nature of the forest, it is quite easy to find the chimpanzees by sound as you safari Queen Elizabeth National Park on a Uganda tour.

Meeting The Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Community

The Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Community is the only group habituated for Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee tracking. It consists of 23 members with Kihango as their leader.

Below is the list of this group that you will meet during your Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking excursion in a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.

• Kihango is the Alpha male
• Emiti is the Alpha female
• Kazinga
• Lumumba
• Mweya
• Brutus
• Enjoy
• Kaka
• Namanya
• Enyanja
• Maani
• Asaba
• Pamba
• Nathkunda
• Murungi
• Ekibiira
• Njuuko
• Mulefu
• Agaba
• Pesos
• Embogo

There are also two infant girls in the group mothered by Emiti and Murungi.

Through winning a challenge with one of the previous alphas, Kihango became the group’s Alpha in 2017 and Namanya is his closest ally. Brutus and Lumumba are prior alphas, while Mweya sometimes tries to challenge Kihango for power.

Kazinga is Kihango’s brother, who shows authority over adult females, communicating how he would like to be an alpha.

Mweya, Mulefu, and Mani are known as the “M” brothers, mothered by Murungi. Emiti’s children also include Enyanja, Embogo, Embogo Ekibiira, and Enjojo.

Some members of the group joined the community over the years.

How did this community come to be trapped in Kyambura Gorge?

It is believed that chimpanzees have lived in this forest for many past years. Once the forest connected with the rest of the Maramagambo, Kalinzu, and Kashoya-Kitomi forests. This made it easy for the chimps to move from one jungle to another.

However, to get land for settlement, locals destroyed the forest corridor for about the past 15 years, hence trapping this family in Kyambura. Even though Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is their only buffer zone, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is planting trees to rebuild the corridor for the chimps to move freely again.

This chimpanzee community has also been practicing incest due to the failure to meet chimps from other forests. This is an issue because scientists believe it will lead to the birthing of unhealthy infants. Nonetheless, the chimpanzees are very used to human presence since there are human settlements around them, and you will enjoy their presence while on a Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safari.

What You Need For Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trekking

These necessities will add icing to your whole trekking experience for remarkable Uganda tours and safaris.

Camera: to take memorable photos of these primates. Remember to avoid flash cameras because it threatens the chimps.

When you want to record observations or your experiences, a notebook and pen will be useful.

A pair of binoculars for birding during your nature walk in the forest.

Sunscreen will keep your skin from being burnt by the sun heat of tropical Africa.

Insect repellent will prevent insects from biting you.

A rain jacket or poncho: With the changeable weather, pack a rain jacket or poncho in case it rains.

A backpack will help you keep your belongings safe.

Walking Stick: This comes in to help support you while walking on the trails. Queen Elizabeth National Park is not as hilly as some parks but those who are not fit enough for the journey can have a walking stick.

What To Wear For The Activity

When going chimpanzee trekking, you will need to have the most comfortable and relaxing attire for your experience. These include:

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will prevent insects from biting you, the vegetation from hurting you, and the weather from affecting your skin. Please take note to wear dull colors, as bright colors will get the attention of the chimps.

Garden gloves will help you to avoid touching plants that may cause allergies or hurt you through the thorns or itchiness.

Hiking Boots: Light, sturdy shoes are the best for trekking, as they will make movement easy and protect your ankles from getting hurt.

Sunglasses and a hat will cover your face from direct sunlight.

Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Cost In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Over 16 chimpanzee trekking permits are delivered in a day for the Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking and below is the cost for different citizens.

The Uganda safari package in your chimpanzee tracking fees includes a nature walk on the day of tracking and a guide fee. However, it excludes the park entry fees.

How and where can you purchase a chimpanzee trekking permit?

You can purchase a chimpanzee permit with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or at Katunguru headquarters in the North. Better still, you can also have your Uganda safari company (tour operator) purchase it for you.

Can you get a last-minute permit for trekking in Kyambura Gorge?

Yes, it is possible to get a last-minute permit, especially through your tour operator. However, it is advisable to plan your trip and safari activities early to avoid any inconveniences.

What Else Can You Do In Kyambura Gorge?

Nature Walks;

The Kyambura Fig Tree nature walk trail will expose you to the beautiful scenery of the park’s landscape and the distant Rwenzori ranges. You will also see the Kyambura River that beautifully runs through the patch of riparian woodlands, alive with birds.

The beauty is that you do not need to pay a nature walk fee since it is in your chimpanzee permit package.

Birding;

Birding is also a beautiful adventure to do in the Kyambura Gorge. The forest counts many forest and water birds in its vicinity.

Primate Watching

Other than the chimpanzee community in Kyambura Gorge, you will also get to see other primates in Kyambura Gorge, like monkeys and olive baboons.

Adding chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge to your itinerary will give you the best safari in Uganda. This is an experience that allows you to connect with the closest human cousins who live in the isolated woodlands of Kyambura. Book your adventurous safari today for this exquisite experience!

Other Ultimate Places To Do Chimpanzee Tracking In Uganda

Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is just a glimpse of what the country can give when it comes to chimpanzee trekking within Uganda.   If your major Uganda safari intention is to do Chimpanzee tracking, then we recommend that you visit

1. Kibale National Park or
2. Kalinzu Forest

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park has over 1500 chimps of Uganda out of the over 5000 and 12 other primates. The park is dubbed the primate capital of the world since it carries the highest concentration of primates in Africa.

There are four chimpanzee communities in Kibale, but the Kanyantale Chimpanzee Community in the Kanyanchu Area is open for chimpanzee trekking.

Kalinzu Forest Around Queen Elizabeth National Park

This forest is the most famous chimpanzee trekking destination around Queen Elizabeth National Park and the second best in Uganda after Kibale Forest.

It has over 300 chimpanzees with about 70 habituated individuals from two groups.

 Alternative places to do Chimp trekking in Uganda are

• Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
• Semuliki National Park.

Other safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Game drives
2. Boat cruise
3. Birding
4. Chimpanzee Trekking
5. Lion Tracking
6. Hippo Census
7. Mongoose Tracking
8. Nature Walks and Community Visits

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimpanzee Trekking In Kyambura Gorge

1. How many chimps are in Kyambura Gorge?

There are 23 members in the Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Community as of the time of writing.

2. Is the Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee tracking worth it?

Tracking chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge is worth it as you get to meet the only surviving chimpanzee family in Kyambura Gorge. In addition, the forest is a great place to do an adventurous nature walk along with chimpanzee trekking.

3. Is it safe to do chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge?

Tracking chimps in Kyambura Gorge is safe because an armed ranger accompanies a group during the activity. In case of any threats, they will shoot or scare away the wild animals.

4. How is chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge important?

Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking is a very beneficial activity, not just for tourism in Queen Elizabeth National Park, but also for chimpanzee conservation and employment for the natives who work as guides and rangers.

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The activity is famous on the Kazinga channel, but it is also organized from the Katunguru Bridge Area.

The serene waters of Kazinga Channel suit unforgettable safari boat rides for a safari exploratory cruise.

Launch trips on the Kazinga Channel are organized by either the

• Uganda Wildlife Authority that manages three big boats
• The renowned Mweya Safari Lodge

However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority offers cheaper launch trips with memorable experiences as you safari Uganda. In fact, the UWA(Uganda Wildlife Authority) boats competently have a high number of tourists leaving for boat cruises, and having many trips in a day is a guarantee.

Nonetheless, you can as well book your convenient boat trip with the Mweya Safari Lodge. Your tour operator can better still help you with the bookings as you freely wait.

Kazinga Channel Boat Trip | Boat Cruise On Kazinga Channel Uganda

The two (2) hour Kazinga channel community boat cruise is the most famous boat trip the North of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This Uganda tour on Kazinga Channel begins from Mweya from a landing stage just beneath Mweya Safari Lodge and ends at the mouth of the Kazinga Channel which is Lake Edward.

Kazinga Channel is a 32km long stream that drains its waters into Lake Edward through Lake George. The top activity on these waters is this famed safari boat cruise that has brought tourists from near and far.

A Queen Elizabeth boat cruise in Kazinga Channel is indeed one of the best activities to do while on your Uganda safari.

On the cruise, you will enjoy the aquatic richness of your Queen Elizabeth safari with sights fascinating and sounds bellowing just in front of you. You will be able to see

• Wild animals of Uganda
• Birds
• Local Fishermen

The Hippos are the main tourist attraction at Kazinga Channel since their concentration in the Kazinga Channel surpasses that of any other place in the world. Other wildlife of Uganda Africa like the Elephants can be on the shores either refreshing or drinking on the hot sunny day.

The Kazinga Channel boat trip offers the viewing of a rich variety of wildlife in Uganda Africa. A Uganda wildlife safari to this channel will give animal views like

• Large Hippo pods
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Waterbucks
• Uganda Kobs
• Giant Forest Hogs
• Leopards
• Lions
• Water Monitor Lizards
• Nile Crocodiles
• Bushbucks

You will see large Hippo pods daily in your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari because the stream is their home. On the other hand, Giant Forest Hogs, Leopards, and Lions come at unpredictable rates.

Also, watch out for enormous water monitor lizards that frequent the riverine scrub as well as fierce Nile crocodiles that lazily bask under the sun by the channel banks.

Kazinga Channel Uganda is also rich in water birds that flock by the sandy banks to the mouth of the channel. They include

• Water Thick-Knee
• Yellow-Billed Stork
• Plovers
• Pink-Backed Pelicans
• White-Bellied Cormorants
• Long-Tailed Cormorant
• Open Billed Stork
• Black Crake
• Yellow Billed Stork
• African Jacana
• African Skimmer
• Swamp Flycatcher
• Red Capped Lark
• Grey Capped Lark
• Slender Tailed Nightjar
• African Mourning Dove

The Black-Headed Gonolek, a type of bush shrike with a dazzling red chest should be one of the smaller birds that you should look out for during a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. You should also not miss the Pied Kingfishers that attempt to grab a meal by the shores.

While on the Queen Elizabeth boat cruise, local fishers can also be seen laying their nets for night fishing as Hippos graze.

Launch Cruise Time On The Kazinga Channel

Kazinga Channel boat trip at Queen Elizabeth National Park occurs daily from morning to evening in different sessions of two hours.

Boat trips organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority leave every day at

• 9:00 am
• 11:00 am
• 1:00 pm
• 3:00 pm, and
• 5:00 pm

While the Mweya Safari Lodge trips also leave daily at

• 11:00 am
• 2:00 pm
• 4:15 pm

However, the lodge likewise organizes these trips at 07.00 pm and 09.00 pm for special requests by groups on their Uganda tours and safaris.

You are more likely to enjoy the afternoon departures because this is the hot moment when Uganda wild animals come to quench their thirst. On the other hand, you can sight Elephants bathing by the Kazinga shores.

The chances of seeing predators and nocturnal animals in Uganda are also high in the late afternoon hours.

Boat Trips On The Katunguru Bridge Area

The Beach and the Irungu Community operate boat cruises at the Katunguru Bridge Area, and they are way cheaper than Kazinga Channel Boat Cruises.

Katunguru Bridge boat cruise and surrounds are favorable for visitors who would like to arrange Uganda budget safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The boat trip runs on the Eastern side of the Kazinga Channel from Kasese to Rubirizi Districts. As your boat passes below this Kazinga Channel Bridge, you will notice a papyrus swamp that has a healthy birdlife such as the Papyrus Gonolek and different Pelicans.

With Katunguru being a major fishing village in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will also notice fishermen preparing their nets.

The Uganda wildlife tours in the Katunguru area are not as high in volume as those on the Mweya side of the Kazinga channel.  However, you will notice very many Hippos, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Crocodiles that will enlighten your Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Safari.

The boats used in the Katunguru region are smaller than those on the main Kazinga Channel boat.

Queen Elizabeth boat cruise in the Katunguru Bridge area is advantageous in two ways

1. You get a closer view of the wildlife since the boat cruise occurs on small boats.
2. Also, you do not need to pay park entry fees since Katunguru is a place with nearby boat tours starting from before the Katunguru gate.

How Much Is Boat Cruise At Queen Elizabeth National Park? | How Much Is A Cruise On Queen Elizabeth Park Boat Trip Channels

Before you plan for a launch trip at the park, it is important to know; “How much is a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth National Park streams?” This inquiry depends on

• Where you are taking the boat trip from (either Kazinga channel or Katunguru Bridge Area)
• Who is leading you on the launch trip(either Uganda Wildlife Authority(UWA) or the Mweya Safari Lodge)

Below, we look at the prices of boat cruises while you safari Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise Cost | How Much Is Boat Cruise At Kazinga Channel? 

The Boat trips by Mweya Safari Lodge cost between USD28 to USD50.

How Much Are Boat Cruises At The Katunguru Bridge Area

The Beach and the Irungu Community Boat Cruises offer affordable prices to travelers that is;

• USD 50 for 2 people, and they add USD 25 for any additional person. However, their price is negotiable for large groups.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Do A Boat Cruise

1. A boat cruise improves your overall health and wellness. Healthwise, a boat cruise helps to;
2. Release stress by inducing positive emotions as you view nature, helping you to relax.
3. Acquire a healthy dose of vitamin D through the sun.
4. Boat cruises also help you to spend quality time with your family and friends, bonding more with them.
5. The activity is also a fun and healthy way to stay active as you get to know new places.

Best Part Of The Boat On A Cruise

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is advisable that when you are going for a boat trip at the Kazinga Channel, sit on the left side of the boat. Arrive early so that you can sit in this conducive section.

This is because wildlife is so prolific on the left side of the boat and you will view them without needing to stretch or inconvenience others. Better still, you will be able to take clear photos of the Uganda safari animals.

When To Go For Boat Cruise At Queen Elizabeth National Park

The best season of the year

The best season of the year to go for a boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park is in the dry months of June to September and December to February.

Best time of the day

The afternoon session is very rewarding as there are many Uganda animals listed to see during the hot afternoon hours. In the afternoon, numerous animals in Uganda Africa, and birds flock to the Kazinga shores to drink water.

What Can You Wear To A Boat Cruise In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kindly remember to dress in the following attire while on a Queen Elizabeth boat cruise. This is to help you enjoy your experience without worrying about any interruptions.

1. Long Sleeved shirts and trousers
2. Light Shoes or Boots
3. Polarized Sunglasses
4. A Hat or Cap

A long-sleeved shirt and trousers will cover your body so you are protected from insects. Wearing light dull-colored clothes will also make you feel comfortable.

Polarized glasses will help to reduce light glares or direct sunlight as you view the Uganda wildlife.

Your hat or cap will keep your face and head safe from the direct sunlight that may burn your skin.

Wear light shoes or boots that are firm enough to support you on the deck and protect your feet during your boat trip.

What You Need For A Boat Trip In Queen Elizabeth National Park

A boat trip is an exciting safari activity, but the little details add more to it being fun. They include

• Camera and Extra batteries to take photos and videos.
• A pair of binoculars.
• Poncho or Rain Jacket.
• Sunscreen lotion.
• Insect repellent.
• Snacks and a bottle of Water.

A camera will help you to take beautiful photos to take back home from your journey. Make sure that your camera has a good strap to prevent it from falling in case of any shock or when you accidentally release it. Also, be in a place with few people to have good photographs.

Your pair of binoculars will enable you to view clear and enlarged images of distant animals from Uganda and different bird species.

In case it rains, your poncho or rain jacket will come in handy, helping to guard you against rain as you explore the animals found in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

A sunscreen lotion will help to prevent sunburn.

An insect repellant will prevent insects from biting you.

You will eat your snacks at an appropriate time when you get hungry, and your bottle of water will keep you hydrated.

Safety Precautions/ Things To Note When Going For A Boat Cruise In Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. If the boat is full, do not board it, but patiently wait for the next shift.
2. Kindly have a life jacket with you. Fit in your straps very well and double-check them before the cruise.
3. It is important to go for a Queen Elizabeth boat cruise after you have visited the washrooms and toilets at the jetty. This is to prevent any inconveniences during your activity.
4. Avoid leaning or doing anything on the boat railings. This is to prevent the fierce reality of possibly falling into the water.
5. Smoking on the boat is prohibited as many visitors share the environment. It could affect others health-wise.
6. Be careful when getting on or off the boats, for there is a gap between the boats and the jetty.
7. Remain seated until the boat starts. Only disembark when your tour guide has confirmed that it is safe to do so.
8. In case you have a problem or get sick, freely inform your tour guide and the boat staff to help you.
9. Minimize sounds as noise can easily scare away Queen Elizabeth National Park animals and kill your fun.
10. Keep away from the captain’s deck to prevent pressing keys ignorantly and causing danger for the rest of the people.
11. Avoid small boats because they can overturn when an animal knocks or when waves hit them.
12. Be with your valuables at all times to keep them safe. Most importantly, keep children close in case you travel with any for the boat cruise.

Queen Elizabeth boat cruise is one of the greatest activities to do in your safari to Uganda. This two hours trip yields memories of sights and sounds to visitors during wildlife tours in Uganda. Experience this gratifying journey today by booking your safari with us.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many passengers does the queen Elizabeth boat hold? | How big is the Queen Elizabeth cruise boat?

The boat going for a Kazinga Channel cruise is a 20-seater. Therefore, kindly note the number of passengers before going on any cruise to prevent overloading.

2. What is the difference between a river cruise and an ocean cruise?

A river cruise happens in smaller water vessels like boats while an ocean cruise occurs in larger vessels like ships. This is because oceans are larger and deeper than rivers. In the case of Queen Elizabeth National Park, there is only a river safari boat cruise.

3. Is it safe to go for a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

A boat cruise on Queen Elizabeth National Park is safe. By inquiring on this, someone may mean to ask the dreadful question, “How often do cruise boats tip over?!” Never has this happened on a Queen Elizabeth boat cruise so the experience is safe.

More so,

• The boats are strong and modern.
• There are free life jackets for every client.
• The concerned people ensure that people do not sit beyond capacity.

Additionally, the boats are well-equipped with

• Marine radio and cellphones
• Day and night time flares
• First aid kits
• Fire extinguisher
• Sound devices like horns, bells, or whistles

4. Which tourist attraction is found in Kazinga Channel?

Kazinga Channel has many Uganda wildlife animals which include among others Hippos, Elephants, Antelopes, Buffaloes, and many water bird species.

5. What is the difference between a ferry and a cruise?

To ferry involves the transportation of goods and passengers on the water while a cruise is a luxurious experience for clients on vacation touring on water.

6. How can you book a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

You can book a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Mweya Safari Lodge. Better still you can use the best Uganda Safari Company or tour operators to book for you.

7. Is the boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park worth the money?

There is value for the boat cruise cost at Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you view a part of the world with one of the highest numbers of herbivores in the world, you also enjoy the liberty of enjoying an African setting in a wild Uganda.

8. What is the age limit for a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park? | River safari boat ride height limit

There is no age or height limit for a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can come with children too, even though you have to be careful to keep them close to you.

9. What boat cruise time in Queen Elizabeth National Park is best for families?

A family can best enjoy a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park from around 11:00 am and to1:00pm. At this time, Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife is abundant at the channel hence creating for you and your family the best safari boat cruise.

Alternatively, you can have a personal safari boat requested by your tour operator, just for you and your family. This is especially more convenient when you book with the Mweya safari lodge.

Other destinations in Uganda where you can do a safari boat cruise

1. Murchison Falls National Park at the Victoria Nile.
2. In Jinja at the source of the Nile River.
3. Lake Victoria.
4. Lake Mburo National Park at Lake Mburo.
5. Lake Bunyonyi.

Other safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park apart from the boat cruise

• Game Drives
• Birding
• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Lion Tracking
• Mongoose Tracking
• Nature Walks
• Hippo Census
• Crater Lakes Tour
• Community visits and cultural encounters

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The activity is popular in the Kasenyi plains. This is because the region hosts the richest number of Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda wildlife in its beautiful landscape.

Apart from the Kasenyi drive circuit, other game drive circuits in Queen Elizabeth National Park include

• Ishasha game drive circuit.
• Channel drive circuit.
• Crater drive circuit.

While you safari Uganda, you will feel the ecstasy of viewing some of these animals up closer than you imagined. The fact that Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the top Uganda parks with the highest animals of Uganda guarantees the fulfillment of your dream wildlife safari!

Queen Elizabeth National Park organizes both day and night game drives.

Both are rewarding because, in the morning, animals are active as they are waking up for their day. While in the evening, these animals found in Queen Elizabeth National Park are going to their resting places.

However, there are no night game drives in the Kasenyi sector because it floods with tourists during the day. Therefore, animals are left to rest at night, hence minimizing stress on them. You can nevertheless have a night game drive at Mweya Peninsular where you can view the nocturnal wildlife of Uganda.

As you game drive Queen Elizabeth National Park circuits, expert guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will take you to places with large groups of animals. From here, you can better understand the cores of the Uganda animal facts during your adventurous wildlife safaris in Uganda.

Common Uganda animals to see in a game drive safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park include four of the big five African animals. These are the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffaloes. However, you can also encounter other animals in Uganda, especially antelopes and birds on your Queen Elizabeth safari game drive.

Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive circuits do not only offer the scenic view of animals and birds. They also portray the park’s natural shimmering beauty that will leave you awe-struck! The open savannahs, tropical rain forests, and myriad of crater lakes boast a variety of wildlife in Uganda, Africa.

Your experienced guide on your safari to Uganda will add value to your game drive by sharing the park’s rich history, local folklore, native traditions, conservation information, and much more insight.

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are best done in 4×4 vehicles or minibuses that seat about 5 to 12 tourists, including the driver.

The tracks through the Kasenyi plains, the North Kazinga plains, the crater lakes, and the Ishasha sector offer guaranteed sightings of a beautiful wild Africa. Have a Uganda tour experience of a lifetime today for an everlasting wave of memories.

Below, let us look at the game drive experiences through the different circuits in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kasenyi Game Drive Circuit

Kasenyi is the most famous game drive circuit in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Thanks to the many resident herds of Uganda Kobs (Uganda national animal) and the lions that prey on them; visitors swam Kasenyi during the day for their best safari in Uganda!

It is about half an hour’s drive from Mweya to Kasenyi Plains. From Kasenyi, you cross the bushy plains running east from the Kasese-Ishaka Road to the local fishing village of Kasenyi on the Western shore of Lake George.

Kasenyi is one of the best sites to see the magnificent African Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is because it harbors 3 Lion prides that you can best encounter shortly after sunrise.

Experienced, knowledgeable ranger guides to Kasenyi can usually locate these Lions in their favorable habitat. However, sighting them is a guarantee if you sign up for a Uganda safari package of game drives with the Mweya-based Uganda Predator Project. They monitor and track the movement of Lions, Leopards, and Hyenas with radio collars fitted on their necks.

Kasenyi plains are also home to the noticeable herds of Buffaloes. Even though the plain is rich with animals from Uganda, the Kasenyi Village is also a good place to spot many hippos and water birds. There is also an open lakeside picnic site and a viewpoint of about 6km to the North West. Therefore, prepare for a Uganda wildlife safari to these plains!

The beautiful Bunyampaka Crater Lake, just 2km West of the Kasenyi village is also an amazing feature of the Kasenyi plains. Many shops selling handicrafts and cold drinks overlook this scenic lake. The lake is also an active salt extraction site in the area, favoring a Uganda Crater Lake tour.

Different lodges around Kasenyi Plains can help you easily access this area. However, you can use the best tour operators to guide you on your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari to this legendary Kasenyi plains.

Ishasha Game Drive Circuits

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s remote Southern region are the perfect opportunity to see the rare Tree-Climbing Lions! These kings of the jungle, perched up in the huge fig trees and lazily resting their day away are a breathtaking site to see.

Two main game drive circuits run through Ishasha, both of them roughly 20km. These are the;

• The Southern Circuit
• The Northern Circuit

• The Southern Circuit

Game viewing is more rewarding in this circuit of the Ishasha sector. This is especially if you wish to have a clear vision of the distinctive Queen Elizabeth National Park Tree-Climbing Lions.

The Southern Circuit is an open countryside with boundless horizons. It passes through the main Kob breeding area showing how these lions always stay close to their prey. A Kob gives out very sharp warning calls to its mates to reveal the presence of a Lion.

The Southern Circuit has numerous trees that favor these peculiar Queen Elizabeth National Park Lions. However, it is a little tricky to traverse this circuit; hence the company of a guide on your journey will yield more fruit during a Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safari.

• The Northern Circuit

Although the Southern circuit of the Ishasha sector offers some of the best wilderness experiences, the Northern circuit is best for general watching of Uganda wildlife animals. This circuit is 4 kilometers from the main road to Katunguru and it overlooks the floodplain of the Ntungwe River.

On the pools and wallows of the Northern circuit, you will see red Buffaloes which are related to the forest Buffaloes of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the Northern part of this circuit, the loop develops into a full-blown wetland. From here, birders can spot Black Coucals, Compact Weavers, and other wading birds.

From a boundary of stones in this area, an 8 km distance runs to the North toward Lake Edward flats. This papyrus-bordered area has waders like Herons, Shoebill Storks, and Plovers. There are also many Elephants, Buffaloes, Kobs, Topis, and Waterbucks too.

The Ishasha River from where you can do a nature walk has many hippos that you can view from a nearby campsite. The riparian forests near this river boast many Bushbucks, and Black and White Colobus Monkeys.

Afar off from the forest is a light acacia woodland and savannah that supports large herds of Uganda Kobs, Topis, and Buffaloes. Elephants, on the other hand, are seasonal in this area.

Other circuits in the Ishasha Sector to do game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park include

• The Edward Flats
• Ishasha River Campsite

The Edward Flats is the most remote circuit in this region, so it is wise to move with a guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. However, it has one of the best sceneries with Uganda safari animals like herds of breeding Elephants.

This place is also a bird migration corridor that welcomes birds like Storks, Waders, and Raptors into Queen Elizabeth National Park. Hence qualifying the park to be a desirable destination for birding in Uganda.

The Ishasha River Campsite circuit runs toward the information Centre and has many Hippo pods. The Congo Tropical Forests and the Maramagambo Forest, running toward the shores of Lake Edward surround it.

Ishasha River Campsite circuit has woody zones of grasslands. From it, you can explore the scenic views of the Guinean and Congo forest patches.

Channel Drive Circuit

The channel drive circuit runs roughly in a parallel direction from Kazinga Channel’s Northern shores. This drive serves majorly as a route between Katunguru Bridge and the Mweya Peninsula.

These dense tracks that stem from the main road provide excellent viewing of Uganda’s wild animals. However, this thick vegetation of Euphorbia trees protruding above the tangled scrubby thickets makes spotting the animals to be quite unpredictable.

Some Uganda animals listed in this circuit are Warthogs, Bushbucks, and Waterbucks. Elephants pass by from midday onwards, heading to or from the water (Kazinga Channel).

The side road to Channel Campsite is good for viewing the Leopards and Lions which are infrequent. You can also see the localized Giant Forest Hogs in this area.

Visitors can also explore the channel drive circuit from Channel Campsite in about 2 hours. This is because it is near Mweya and it has many interconnecting tracks.

There are also night game drives arranged from Mweya Visitor Information Centre. Having a ranger or guide on this game drive will cost USD 30.

Crater Drive Circuit

The landscape North of Mweya has dozens of volcanic craters which remind us of the violent tectonic history of the Albertine Rift.

This region’s game drive is about 27 km between the Kabatoro gate and the Crater gate. It follows an awe-inspiring route around the edges of extinct craters filled with lakes, forests, and grasslands.

British royalty visited the Queen’s Pavilion three times on the Crater Gate, on the Eastern rim of the crater area. There is a small information center and a coffee shop on the site. On the other hand, the equator landmark straddling the adjacent Kasese highway provides beautiful photos for visitors on a safari vacation in Uganda.

A game drive in the crater drive circuit is beautiful in the early morning when the rising sun brightens the forested crater walls. Covered with clouds of mist, the sun sometimes lifts the mist to show glacial peaks of the Rwenzori ranges.

The craters attract large herds of Elephants and Buffaloes, especially in the dry season. The thick woodland in this site makes it one of the best places to see woodland Uganda birds.

The explosion crater game drive track is rough and rocky. Therefore, it is best to experience it in a 4×4 or another high-clearance vehicle.

Categories Of Game Drives In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park has two classes of game drives, that is the

1. Guided game drives
2. Self-game drives

• Guided Game Drives

This is a common safari kind of game drive for visitors on Uganda tours and safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is the type of game drive in which certified guides (either drivers or rangers) lead tourists in their excursions. They are knowledgeable about the history and wildlife of the park.

The guided game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park can either be with the

• Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) vehicles
• A private vehicle

A guided game drive is more rewarding because you will have boundless information about the animals and the local culture. More so, you have an expert to inquire from in case you have any questions during your wildlife tours in Uganda.

Also, the guides know the behaviors of Queen Elizabeth National Park animals and spots where you can find them with their tracking radio calls. Guided game drives will allow you to learn about the animals as you watch them closely.

The advantages of Guided game drives include

1. Rangers do animal tracking as you simply wait to see, learn, and take photos.
2. An expert driver drives you, and this gives you the freedom to explore the wildlife without any hindrances.
3. Visitors also get to meet new people, make new friends and relate with them because tourists come from different parts of the world.

• Self-Game Drives

Self-game drives are good for those who would like to test their adventurous free wielded spirits! It is where you go into wild Uganda by yourself and decide which course to take. You can rent a car or buy one to experience Africa with just yourself behind the wheel, having a Uganda wildlife tour!

The self-game drive is more liberating because you decide what you would like for yourself without worrying about what others want.

The advantages of Self game drives include;

1. Self-game drives are favorable for photographers. They get all the convenient time they need to take quality photos without rushing.
2. You also follow your favorable safe driving track.
3. On a self-game drive, you can follow your schedule.
4. The self-game drives are also cheaper than guided game drives.

However, with all that said, guided game drives are more rewarding.  Even if you choose a self-game drive, it is advisable to move with a personal guide or ranger with you.

In general, when going for a Self- game drive,

1. You need an armed ranger to help with tracking animals and protection against them. They can fire a gun to scare an animal away in case it tries to threaten your safety.
2. Have a mobile phone with a good network so that you can call your travel agent or lodge in case you get any problems.
3. Drive in a car with a GPS tracking system so that locating you is easy.
4. Have a map with you to know where you are going.

How Much Is A Game Drive In Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Best Season Of The Year And Time Of The Day To Do Game Drives In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Best Season Of The Year To Do Game Drives In Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth Park

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are best done in the dry seasons. This is during the long dry season in June, July, August, and September. Also, the short dry season from mid-December, January, and February is fun!

These months offer beautiful photos or videos as you go through the passable tracks. More so, animals in Uganda Africa are more active in the dry season than in the wet season.

Best Time Of The Day For An Adventurous Game Drive In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park has the

1. Day game drives
2. Night game drives

Day Game Drives are subdivided into the

1. Morning game drives
2. Afternoon game drives

Morning Game Drives occur from 6:30 am to 10:30 am when the animals are very active. This drive has the sun rising on you as you await the animals that are easy to sight at this time.

As you wait for the game drive to see Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife, you can have a snack or your preferred breakfast.

Morning game drives on the plains may first be cold, but as the golden sun rises, so does the temperature!

After your game drive, you can go back to your lodge for breakfast or preferably enjoy the bush breakfast as your vision explores the distant horizons.

Afternoon Game Drives take place from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm after your scrumptious lunch.

Like the morning game drive, the afternoon game drives are very rewarding as you get the chance to meet the wild animals in their active time.

Advantages of day game drives include

1. Most animals are diurnal. Therefore, it is easy for you to see them in the day game drives as you safari Queen Elizabeth National Park.
2. The day is the best time to do wildlife photography and videography.
3. It is also easy to view the beautiful Uganda landscape during the day.
4. You are also fresh and ready for an uninterrupted safari experience of the day!

Below is a list of some of the animals that you can see on your day game drive on your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park;

• Uganda Kobs
• African Bush Elephants
• Cape Buffaloes
• Warthogs
• Topis
• Sitatungas
• Water Bucks
• Tree-Climbing Lions
• Hyenas
• Leopard

While some of the over 600 bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park to see in your game drive during the day include

• Vultures
• Eagles
• Storks
• Turacos
• Grey Crowned Cranes
• Plovers
• Sunbirds

2. Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This occurs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and it allows you to view nocturnal animals. Guides use Red (UV) light to study the animals since it does not affect their eyes.

It is mandatory to have an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger during a night game drive because of the risks.

In your option to take a night game drive, you will see nocturnal animals like the

• Hippos
• Hyenas
• Lions
• Leopards
• Aardvarks
• Genets
• Civet Cats
• Bush Babies
• Jackals
• Serval cat

Hippos usually come out of the freshwater lakes and Kazinga Channel to graze in the night. Bush Babies are nocturnal primates while Leopards and Lions are also active at night since they are sometimes hunting.

Both the day and night game drives are very rewarding. However, the day game drives offer more in terms of seeing numerous animals, photography or videography, and the ability to clearly see beautiful views.

What Should You Bring On A Safari Game Drive?

Before your game drive, kindly be mindful to carry the following items. They will help you to have a beautiful extraordinary experience on your safari holiday to Uganda.

• Camera
• A pair of binoculars
• Snacks and a bottle of water for drinking
• A guide book
• Medicine
• Sunscreen lotion
• An insect repellant
• A warm sweater, scarf, and headsock
• Toiletries
• A Rain Jacket or Poncho
• Backpack

Let us see how each of these necessities will come in handy,

A good camera will help you to record safari videos or take photos to keep for future memories.

Your pair of binoculars will give you the perfect sightings of especially distant animals. In case you have gone for a night game drive, carry night vision binoculars.

You will eat your snack at a specified time when you get hungry during your journey. Your bottle of water will quench your thirst, especially during the afternoon game drive. It is important to have eco-friendly bottles and dishes to not litter the park.

A guidebook will help you to identify different animals and birds as you confirm them with your guide.

In case you have any allergies or health conditions, your medications are important to travel with even during a game drive activity.

When you go for especially the afternoon game drive, make sure that you have your sunscreen lotion to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

An insect repellent will do wonders at keeping you safe from insects.

Remember to carry a warm sweater, scarf, and headsock, especially if you are going for the morning and night game drive. You can remove it in case it gets warm, but just in case, keep these in mind.

Carry the necessary toiletries just in case you will need to empty your bowels in the bush!

A rain jacket or poncho will come in hand in case it rains.

As you have the things listed above, a backpack will help you to keep them safe.

How Should You Dress When Going For A Game Drive?

While going for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are no specific rules that limit your dressing. However, a fun-filled safari activity like a game drive will yield you more adventure and comfort when you mind the appropriate dressing for the occasion!

Make sure that you wear or carry

1. Long-sleeved shirts
2. Trousers
3. A hat
4. Sunglasses
5. Firm shoes

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help to protect your skin from insects or cuts from vegetation in case you encounter them.

A hat and sunglasses will protect your face and eyes from direct sunlight.

Wear firm comfortable shoes to be stable in your vehicle or when you step out after the game drive to walk.

Expert Guide On Safety Precautions To Follow When Doing Game Drives In Queen Elizabeth National Park?

These precautions are very important in keeping yourself and the animals safe, comfortable, and uninterrupted by each other’s presence. They include the following

1. Be keen on the instructions of your guide and ranger, and kindly follow them promptly.
2. Most importantly! Do not touch animals once you see them. This is dangerous as they may hurt or even kill you. Keep a distance of about 8 to 10 meters away from them.
3. More so, do not throw at the animals just because you want them to face you for the perfect photo! This is considered animal harassment and they can even attack you as a result!
4. Allow only and only the expert rangers to call the animals. You don’t know what you are saying!
5. Drive at the recommended speed while on a game drive; that is 40km/hr. When in the vehicle, keep your arms and legs inside.
6. Also, drive on the tracks to protect the habitat of the animals.
7. While driving, do not hoot or horn as it disrupts the peace of the animals.
8. Move with an armed ranger while on a self-game drive. And, make sure to not use abandoned tracks for you may get lost and be in danger.
9. Use red (UV) light while on a night game drive to not have the wild animals affected by it. Only rangers are allowed to use other types of light.
10. Keep your camera as well inside the car while taking wildlife pictures.
11. Silence and minimal sound are important whiles on a game drive to not stress the animals. This includes keeping your phone in silent mode.
12. Wear dull colors to not attract the attention of the animals.
13. Be calm while near the animals, but avoid making unnecessary movements. You never know what your movements mean to them!
14. Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks while on a safari game drive.
15. In case it rains, drive on unflooded tracks because flooded tracks may have a ditch that may get you stuck in the wild.
16. In case you carried a snack, keep it closed and while eating, keep windows closed. This is because some animals smell food from afar. Also, don’t try to feed the animals once you are near them!

Queen Elizabeth National Park is generally an ideal place to experience a Uganda luxury safari, more so, the adventurous game drives. Its rich biodiversity that hosts many wildlife species makes the activity very memorable! An experience like this can best be witnessed in the tropical African setting. Contact us for a free inquiry and book your game drive exploration today with the best Uganda safari company!

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is a game drive?

A game drive is a short leisurely journey in the wild to find and view wildlife in their natural habitat.

2. Why is it called a game drive?

The word “game” in zoology refers to a wild animal that exits in a protected area either for hunting or for recreation. In the case of Queen Elizabeth National Park, animals are protected for recreation and can only be hunted by their fellow animals (predators).

Therefore, it is called a game drive because you drive into the wild to see these animals (game).

3. What is the difference between a safari and a game drive?

The word “safari” derives from a Swahili word meaning “a long journey away from home”. Over time, the word now refers to a journey to East Africa to see wild animals in their habitation. On the other hand, a game drive is an excursion in the wild to see animals from their habitat.

4. What is the purpose of a game drive?

A game drive will bring you very close to the wild animals that you most likely only studied in school when you saw their pictures or videos. With a game drive, you view these animals from their natural habitats and see how they live their daily lives.

5. Can you self drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Yes, you can self drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. However, it is important that you move with an armed ranger for safety and guidance.

6. Can you go for a game drive in the rain?

You can go from a game drive under the rain. However, this will not yield as much as you would under a clear sky because,

• Animals look for shelter while it rains. This means they will hide in caves, holes, or under trees for safety.
• The weather may be uncomfortable for you as well as it may be cold.

You are therefore advised to go for a game drive when it is not raining. To have a greater chance of this experience, you can preferably visit the park during the dry season.

Other National Parks in Uganda with the best safari game drive experiences include

1. Murchison Falls National Park
2. Kidepo Valley National Park
3. Lake Mburo National Park

Other activities in Queen Elizabeth apart from the game drive include

• Boat cruise/ Launch trips
• Chimpanzee Trekking
• Lion Tracking
• Birding
• Nature Walks
• Mongoose Tracking
• Hippo Census
• Crater Lakes Tour
• Community visits and cultural encounters

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