Queen Elisabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park was established in 1952 and is one of the oldest national parks in Africa. The QENP has a size of 1978 km² and is bordered on the west by Lake Edward and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To the north lies the Rwenzori Mountains, over 5000 meters high.
Plant and animal communities include diverse habitats such as open savanna, rainforest, dense papyrus swamps, cratered landscapes and lakes, and lake landscapes of the East African Rift Valley, Lake Edward, and Lake George. The QENP is particularly rich in species, with nearly 100 mammal species and over 600 different bird species.
The best developed area is around the visitor center on the Mweya Peninsula at the “Kazinga Channel”. There is also the Mwya Lodge of the same name. The “Kazinga Channel” is a natural connection between the two lakes Lake Edward with Lake George. At this place you can directly experience the drift of the East African Rift Valley. Boat trips along this natural waterway provide excellent viewing opportunities for hippos and pelicans, as well as migratory birds that spend the European winter here (guest birds).
Habituated chimpanzees as well as other primate species can be observed in the Kyambura Gorge located in the east of the park. In the Maramagambo forest you can find different species of monkeys and giant forest pigs. In the south of the park, in the “Ishasha area”, one can observe crowned cranes, the heraldic birds of Uganda and topis. There, for example, lions have the habit of climbing trees. The “Crater Area” is also interesting. This is interspersed with volcanic crater and salt lakes, some of which appear pink from a distance because of the high flamingo populations.
Other typical or known wildlife species of the QENP include Uganda kobs, African buffalo, elephants, lions, and zebra mongoose, as well as various kingfishers, African fish eagles, and Goliath herons.
