Short Trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park are some of the amazing experiences that you should look up to on a Uganda trip. These trips may vary from 2 days to 5 days, exploring Uganda’s most popular park – Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whether you are in Uganda for a conference or on a short time, do not waste any minute. Escape to the true wilderness of Africa and witness magical species, including the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda at the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is the second in Uganda. The park was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park. In 1953, after the visit of Queen Elizabeth of England, it was named Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is dominated by savannah vegetation and forms part of the East Africa Rift Valley. The lesser portion of the park’s total land is forests, including a valley known as Kyambura Gorge. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth National Park has several craters and water bodies. Some of the water bodies in this park include Lake George, Lake Edward, River Ishasha, Lake Katwe, and Lake Munyanyange.
Generally, short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park give you a chance to explore many physical features and wildlife. Some of the animals in this park include lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, kobs, waterbucks, and many others.
Activities done on short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are several activities one can do on short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park. These include;
Game drives
Are you a passionate lover of sitting in a 4×4 safari vehicle and seeing wildlife at a distance? Short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park are the deal-breakers for you. Game drives involve following designated tracks in the park and looking out for wild animals. The Janet Track is one of the common and rich trails to explore during a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our expert safari guides will help you spot rare species like lions, antelopes, warthogs, leopards, and many more. Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are done in the morning and afternoon. Book a short tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park and create everlasting memories.
Tracking animals
Tracking wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one thing that can be done on short tours. Unlike game drives, tracking involves spending more time and sometimes going off the beaten path in search of a particular animal species. Some of the commonly tracked animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park include lions, mongooses, hippos, and chimpanzees. Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is mainly done in the Ishasha Sector. This sector is closer to the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where mountain gorilla trekking is done.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is done in Kyambura Gorge. This gorge is also known as “The Valley of Apes”. More so, it offers an amazing adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Unlike many other chimpanzee destinations, Kyambura chimps can be tracked in the shortest time possible. The reserve is home to several chimpanzee species available for trekking. These chimps were well habituated and offer an amazing experience to tourists on short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
To see chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, travelers are supposed to book chimpanzee trekking permits. A permit is a legal document that allows travelers to see and interact with chimpanzees. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge costs USD 100 for foreign nonresidents. Foreign nonresidents buy chimp permits at USD 50. Lastly, East African residents pay Ugx 50,000 for chimp permits in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Please note that the above-mentioned prices do not include park entrance fees.
Boat cruise excursion on Kazinga Channel
This is another interesting activity that one can do on short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Boat Cruise excursions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are mainly done on Kazinga Channel, Lake Edward, and Lake Gorge. A boat ride experience involves the use of motorized boats while seeing many animals. Some of the animals encountered during a boat cruise excursion include elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles.
Nature walks
Nature walks are better than doing nothing in Uganda. One of the best places to explore on a walk in Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park. A typical nature walk in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a close encounter with wildlife. Nature walks are done under the guidance of an experienced ranger guide. His or her role is to ensure your safety in the wilderness. A nature walk in this park will introduce you to animals like buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and leopards.
How much does a short trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park cost?
One does not have to break the bank to take short trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whether you are an avid spender or a budget traveler, a short trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park is possible. Prices of any trips vary depending on factors like the mode of transport, accommodation options, and activities done. A typical 3 days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari costs between $1200 to $2500 per person. Our team of experts is always available to tailor your trip to fit your budget. Reach out to us now and start planning.
Where can I stay for a short trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Are you planning a short trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park and wondering where to stay? Accommodation should be none of your worries since the park has multiple accommodation facilities. Whether you need a luxury stay or a budget accommodation facility, Queen Elizabeth National Park has got your needs covered. The park is dotted with several accommodation facilities that are situated within and around the park. Some of these accommodation facilities include Mweya Safari Lodge, Kingfisher Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Twin Lakes Lodge, and Ihamba Cottages.
Overall, spare 3 or 2 days and explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park can easily be accessed from Kampala (Entebbe International Airport) or Kigali, Rwanda. You do not have to have many days to enjoy this park. Hop on the safari vehicle now and make your safari dreams come true on a short trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
