Early in the 20th century, Winston Churchill was struck by the natural beauty of Uganda. So enthralled was he, that he extolled Uganda using these now famous words, “Uganda is from end to end one beautiful garden…The pearl of Africa.”
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one outstanding beauty, spreading across more than 1,900 square kilometers of virtually untouched land, endowed with lush vegetation and rich wildlife. Every where you look you are rewarded with a breath taking view of the grand designs of Mother Nature.
A total of 95 mammal species has been recorded here, the highest for any Ugandan national park. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope species, as well as elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons and chimpanzee. A total of 547 confirmed and 15 unconfirmed bird species have been recorded in Queen Elizabeth.
This is one of the highest totals in the world and is truly remarkable for such a relatively small reserve. Species recorded include the Shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors, including several falcons and eagles.
The park is shadowed by the legendary mist capped mountains of the moon, which can be seen at the horizon on a clear day. It boasts of more than 100 crater lakes, flocked by numerous bird including flamingoes, and two beautiful, scenic fresh water lakes namely Lake Edward and Lake George not forgetting the spectacular Kazinga channel.
The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel between Lake George and Edward is a memorable way to view the abundant game like schools of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes to mention a few, and to see the astounding number of bird species. Explore the Kyambura gorge and enjoy chimp tracking listening to the story behind the tropical forest as songs of hundreds of birds, punctuated by calls of monkeys resound around you. The Maramagambo forest is spectacular for trekking, and the mysterious blue lake will take your breath away. The bat cave is also exciting and you may have the chance of seeing a python enjoying its meal.
The park is also endowed with quite a number of picturesque crater lakes just perfect for a scenic drive. A visit to Lake Katwe salt pans is educational as well as adventurous. Watch the locals mine salt right from the lake, and learn about the triumphs and hardships of the industry. A visit to the Bakonzo Culture Association will be entertaining as well as educational. Enjoy the dances, story telling and crafts available.
Take a dip in the luxurious swimming pools, and feel the toasty African sun slipping up your back to warm you and dry you up, as you appreciate the beautiful African sunset. Enjoy finger licking cuisine by candle light and then watch the moon rise while sipping drinks at the traditional African- designed bars. Sleeping at Queen Elizabeth NP is also an adventure. The pleasure of going to sleep while listening to the wild is almost sensual. Accommodation is lavish and extremely comfortable. Retire as you listen to the nocturnal animals begin to stir and roam right outside your door.