Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most iconic and diverse wildlife reserves, located in the southwestern part of the country, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1952 and spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers, the park is named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Uganda in 1954. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which include savannahs, wetlands, forests, and the famous Kazinga Channel that links Lake Edward and Lake George. This diverse range of ecosystems supports a wide variety of wildlife, including over 95 mammal species, more than 606 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to see iconic African species such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos. It is also famous for its unique tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and provides fantastic opportunities for bird watching, with a rich variety of species in its wetlands and forests. The park also offers visitors the chance to experience activities like game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural interactions with local communities. With its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and wide range of activities, Queen Elizabeth National Park is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s top travel destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Birding In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park is exceptional due to the park’s wide range of ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakes, which create diverse habitats for an impressive array of bird species. With over 606 bird species recorded including 11 species of global conservation concern that call this park home, the park is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Its wetlands, particularly the Kazinga Channel, provide prime spots for waterfowl, including the Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, and Papyrus Gonolek.

The park’s forests, such as Maramagambo Forest, are home to forest-dwelling species like White-tailed Blue Flycatchers and various hornbills. Its savannah and grasslands support birds like the Crowned Crane and Secretary bird. Queen Elizabeth also attracts numerous migratory species, making it a year-round birding haven. The combination of diverse habitats, wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands ensures a rich birding experience with opportunities to observe both common and rare species.

Birding Destinations in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  1. Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is one of the best birding hotspots in the park. It attracts a wide variety of water birds such as African Fish Eagle, Pink-backed Pelican, Great White Egret, and Malachite Kingfisher. You may also spot Papyrus Gonolek and Blue-headed Coucal in the reeds and wetlands.

  1. Mweya Peninsula

The peninsula offers a combination of forest, grassland, and wetland birding. Species commonly seen here include White-headed Barbet, Forest Flycatcher, Grey Crowned Crane, and Hamerkop. The Mweya area is also a good spot for spotting raptors like the Bateleur Eagle and Yellow-billed Kite.

  1. Ishasha Sector

The Ishasha sector is known for its tree-climbing lions is also an excellent birding area, especially for species like the White-winged Warbler, Shoebill Stork, Long-tailed Cisticola, and Black-headed Gonolek. The region also offers a chance to see some of Uganda’s more elusive bird species, including the African Skimmer and Bubal Harrier.

  1. Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura Gorge is a unique birding location within the park, offering a chance to explore forest species in a more enclosed environment. Birds found here include Blue Turaco, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Chubb’s Cisticola. The gorge is also home to several primate species, adding an extra layer of excitement to birding.

  1. Lake Edward & Lake George Shores

The shores of Lake Edward and Lake George are popular for a variety of waterfowl, including Greater Flamingo, African Spoonbill, Woolly-necked Stork, and Pelicans. In addition, the lakeside areas offer great birding for species like the African Jacana and various species of Herons and Kingfishers.

  1. Katunguru Bridge Area

The Katunguru Bridge area, located near the entrance to the park, is a rich birding site with a variety of water birds and marshland species. Common sightings include the Yellow-billed Stork, often seen wading in the shallow waters, the striking African Jacana, which is typically found in the reed beds, and a range of Kingfishers such as the Malachite Kingfisher and Pied Kingfisher. Additionally, the area is home to numerous waterfowl, herons, and various species of waders and shorebirds.

  1. Katwe Area

Katwe is known for its salt pans, where large flocks of Greater Flamingos and Lesser Black-backed Gulls can be seen feeding on the algae and brine shrimp found in the saline flats. The area also attracts White-headed Vultures, often seen soaring overhead, and various species of waders, such as the Ruff and Black-winged Stilt. This location is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers interested in viewing large concentrations of both migratory and resident water birds.

  1. Lake Kikorongo

Lake Kikorongo is another prime birding spot within the park, with diverse wetland habitats offering excellent opportunities for spotting a variety of bird species. The African Fish Eagle, with its distinctive call and impressive size, is often seen perched along the lakeshore or soaring overhead. The White-faced Whistling Duck is common in the area, and a wide range of Herons such as the Great Egret, Grey Heron, and Little Egret can be seen hunting along the water’s edge. The lake also attracts numerous waterfowl, including Pygmy Geese, White-necked Cormorants, and African Jacanas in the reed beds.

  1. Kasenyi Area

The Kasenyi area is a prime location for spotting a variety of savanna and wetland species. The Secretary bird, known for its striking appearance and long legs, can often be seen hunting in the open grasslands. The area is also famous for sightings of the Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird, often spotted in the wetlands or open plains. The Yellow-throated Longclaw, a colorful species of grassland bird, is common in the area, along with other grassland species like the Red-collared Widowbird and Wattled Lapwing. Additionally, Marabou Storks and a variety of raptors, including the African Hawk Eagle, can frequently be spotted soaring above the savanna.

  1. Maramagambo Forest

Maramagambo Forest offers a more secluded birding experience with forest species such as Blue-headed Coucal, African Broadbill, Black-throated Apalis, and Yellow-spotted Barbet. The forest is also home to a variety of primates and the rare Bat Hawk.

Notable Birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

  • Shoebill – Occasionally spotted in the park’s wetlands, a rare and highly sought-after bird.
  • African Fish Eagle – A majestic bird commonly seen near lakes and rivers.
  • Great White Pelican – Found along the shores of Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel.
  • Papyrus Gonolek – A striking bird often found in the papyrus swamps.
  • Black-headed Heron and Western Cattle Egret – Common in the wetlands and grasslands.
  • Fluff tails, Kingfishers, Hornbills, and Cranes – These species are frequently seen in the park’s varied habitats.

 Other notable bird species in the park include Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, White-winged Terns, Swamp Fly-catcher, Grey-capped Warbler, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Collard Pranticole, African Jacana, Pin-tailed Whydah, Martial Eagle, Gabon and Slender-tailed Nightjars, the lovely Black-headed Gonolek, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Common Squacco Heron, African Skimmer, African Fish Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Sedge Warbler, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Canary, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, African Mourning Dove, African Open-billed Stork, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Yellow-billed, open-billed and Marabou Storks, Egyptian Goose, among others

Other Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  1. Game Drives
     Explore the park’s vast savannah and woodlands to spot wildlife like lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and various antelope species. The famous Ishasha sector is renowned for its tree-climbing lions.
  2. Boat Safaris
    The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, offers boat safaris that provide close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
  3. Nature Walks
    Guided walks allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s ecosystems, focusing on smaller wildlife, plants, and birdlife. The Maramagambo Forest is an excellent spot for walking safaris.
  4. Chimpanzee Tracking
    The Park is also home to Kyambura gorge, where visitors can track and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, offering a unique wildlife experience.
  5. Cultural Visits
     Visitors can engage with local communities like the Banyankole, Bakiga, and Basongora for cultural insights and experiences.

Best Time for Bird watching

Dry season (June to September and December to February) is the most popular time for birding, as most birds are easier to spot, and the roads are more accessible.

The wet season (March to May and October to November) brings lush vegetation, and migratory species are present, making it another excellent time for bird watching.

How to Get To Queen Elizabeth National Park

 By Road:

  • From Kampala: The park is about a 5-6 hour drive (420 km) southwest via the Mbarara-Kabale road. You can also take the Mbarara-Ishaka road for a shorter route.

By Air:

  • Charter Flights: You can take a charter flight to Mweya Airstrip or Kasenyi Airstrip from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airstrip (near Kampala). This takes about 1-1.5 hours.

Tips for Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Hire a local guide: A knowledgeable guide can significantly enhance your birding experience by helping you identify species and locate rarer birds.
  • Bring binoculars and a good field guide: The park is vast, and birding can be challenging without the right equipment.
  • Respect wildlife: Remember that Queen Elizabeth is a protected area, so respect wildlife and follow park regulations.
  • Time your visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for bird watching in the park when bird activity is highest.

Where to Stay In Queen Elizabeth National Park

  1. Mweya Safari Lodge

 Offering panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel, this lodge features spacious rooms, a pool, spa, and fine dining. Ideal for a luxurious stay with easy access to game drives and boat safaris.

  1. Kyambura Gorge Lodge

 A boutique eco-lodge with stylish bandas and beautiful views of the savannah. It’s perfect for an intimate, luxury experience with chimpanzee trekking nearby.

  1. Ishasha Wilderness Camp

 Comfortable tented accommodations in the heart of tree-climbing lion territory, with excellent game drive opportunities and a cozy atmosphere.

  1. Simba Safari Camp

 A budget-friendly lodge offering stunning views and comfortable tents, ideal for game drives and bird watching.

  1. Bush Lodge

Affordable safari tents with great wildlife viewing opportunities and personal service.

  1. Kasenyi Safari Camp

 A budget-friendly camp offering simple safari tents and easy access to the park’s main wildlife areas.

Conclusion

Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only a top birding destination but also offers a wide range of activities that provide a comprehensive wildlife experience, from game drives and boat safaris to cultural interactions and chimpanzee tracking. Its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.