Queen Elizabeth National Park Safaris

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the ultimate safari destination in Uganda for those seeking a traditional wildlife experience. With 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, this park is a haven for nature lovers. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, the park features diverse landscapes ranging from open savannah, dense forests, and wetlands to rolling hills, lakes, and craters.

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Embark on a tailor-made safari for 3-4 days to take in the stunning vistas over the Kazinga Channel, spot chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, and search for tree-climbing lions on the Ishasha grasslands. Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park is incredibly abundant, with approximately 2,900 elephants, over 10,000 buffalo, and more than 150 lions that are commonly spotted. The park is also home to a troop of around 25 habituated chimpanzees, as well as rare antelope species such as bushbuck, Ugandan kob, and topi.

Leopards can occasionally be seen within the park, while over 600 hippos wallow in the waters. Engage in thrilling activities such as game drives, nature walks, and boat trips, or go for specialist wildlife research experiences and chimpanzee trekking. With its unparalleled natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is an attractive tourist destination in Uganda.

Wildlife in QENP

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, home to an abundance of wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling game drive and witness the spectacular wildlife in its natural habitat. The park is home to over 95 species of mammals, including the African elephant, buffalo, warthog, and several antelope species.

One of the park's most iconic attractions is the Ishasha region, located in the southern part of the park. Here, visitors can witness the rare and unique sight of tree-climbing lions. The Ishasha lions are known for their ability to climb trees and can often be seen lounging in the branches of large fig trees. This behavior is believed to be unique to this particular lion population, making it a must-see experience for any wildlife enthusiast.

Aside from the tree-climbing lions, the Ishasha region is also home to several other wildlife species, including buffalo, elephants, and several primate species such as baboons and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Visitors can enjoy a game drive in this region and witness the fascinating wildlife in action.

In addition to its abundant wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to several bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The park is home to over 600 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and pink-backed pelican. Visitors can take a bird-watching tour and observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During these months, the park is less rainy, and the roads are in better condition, making it easier to spot wildlife on game drives.

June to August is a particularly good time to visit for wildlife viewing as the grass is shorter, and animals tend to congregate around watering holes, making them easier to spot. You can also take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel during this time to see a variety of bird species, crocodiles, and hippos.

In December to February, the weather is warm and dry, and birding is especially good during this time as migratory bird species are present in the park. This is also a great time for chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge.

It's important to note that some areas of the park may be inaccessible during the rainy season, which runs from March to May and October to November. However, this can also be a good time to visit for those interested in birding, as the park is lush and green with plenty of migratory bird species.

Month-by-Month Guide to Weather

January:

The weather in January is warm and dry with average temperatures ranging between 23°C-29°C (73°F-84°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers with an average of 6 rainy days per month.

February:

February is also warm with average temperatures ranging between 23°C-30°C (73°F-86°F). The park receives some rain showers, with an average of 5 rainy days per month.

March:

March is one of the wettest months in Queen Elizabeth National Park with an average of 10 rainy days per month. Temperatures range between 23°C-30°C (73°F-86°F) and the humidity levels are high.

April:

April is another wet month with an average of 13 rainy days per month. Temperatures range between 23°C-30°C (73°F-86°F), but the park can get chilly in the mornings and evenings.

May:

May is the wettest month in Queen Elizabeth National Park with an average of 16 rainy days per month. Temperatures range between 22°C-29°C (72°F-84°F) and the humidity levels are high.

June:

June is a drier month with average temperatures ranging between 20°C-27°C (68°F-81°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers, with an average of 6 rainy days per month.

July:

July is a dry month with average temperatures ranging between 19°C-26°C (66°F-79°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers, with an average of 5 rainy days per month.

August:

August is another dry month with average temperatures ranging between 20°C-27°C (68°F-81°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers, with an average of 5 rainy days per month.

September:

September is a dry month with average temperatures ranging between 21°C-28°C (70°F-82°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers, with an average of 5 rainy days per month.

October:

October is a transition month with temperatures ranging between 21°C-29°C (70°F-84°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers, with an average of 6 rainy days per month.

November:

November is a relatively dry month with temperatures ranging between 22°C-30°C (72°F-86°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers, with an average of 7 rainy days per month.

December:

December is a dry month with average temperatures ranging between 23°C-30°C (73°F-86°F). The park experiences occasional rain showers, with an average of 6 rainy days per month.

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