To the south of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park contains a diversity of ecosystems including acacia grassland, papyrus swamp, tropical forest, (seasonally) flamingo-lined volcanic crater lakes – and magnificent scenery.
This park has the greatest variety of mammals and birds of any protected area in Uganda. You should see elephant, the shy sitatunga and great herds of Uganda kob. Black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s, red-tailed and blue monkeys are among the primates. The park’s twenty species of predator include the vociferous spotted hyena and it is the best place in Uganda to seek leopard. Among the 568 bird species recorded are the black-headed gonolek, the beautiful black bee-eater, lowland akalat and swamp flycatcher.
The southern part of the park, Ishasha, is best known for its population of tree-climbing lions. Maramagambo Forest, where guided walks are offered, contains chimpanzees which are seasonally present, depending on the availability of wild figs and other fruit. There is an abundance of forest birds. Mweya, the park’s northern sector, offers excellent game viewing. A launch cruise down the Kazinga Channel is an opportunity to see elephant, hippo, waterbuck, bushbuck and waterbirds galore, including the occasional shoebill.
We recommend a four night stay in this wonderful park, with two nights in the Mweya area, and two in the Ishasha sector.