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This is a wonderful national park, sometimes dubbed
'the Pearl of Africa or Switzerland of Africa'. Quite simply
this fertile equatorial area is especially scenic, with two
lakes connected by a channel overlooked by a high peninsula.
You will also find volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical
forest. As a result it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings
in the world.Hunting exhibits such as stuffed lions, leopard
skins, deer heads and elephants tusks may still be found adorning
some hotels and lodges, but the emphasis is certainly more on
shooting with a camera these days. Much of Uganda's wildlife
was poached out in the past, especially elephants, but now the
area is protected and elephants |
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numbers
are boosted by those entering the park from the Congo, where
poaching is still a problem.
When looking at some maps of Uganda, you may be forgiven for
being a little confused.
Several of the National Parks and lakes have changed their names
more than once since independence in 1962, and not all maps
have kept up with the changes.
For example the Queen Elizabeth National Park was called the
Ruwenzori National Park for many years until it returned to
its royal colonial name. Meanwhile the Ruwenzori Mountains to
the north of Queen Elizabeth N.P. were formed into the new Ruwenzori
National Park in 1991. Confused? You will be!
ANIMALS
AND BIRDS
The wide bio-diversity of habitats means that Queen Elizabeth
National Park contains the most astonishing number of species
- almost 100 types of mammal and 606 different birds! The Kasinga
Channel alone is said to contain the world's largest concentration
of hippos, but interestingly enough not many crocodiles! Other
wildlife includes warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic sitatunga
antelope, giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda kob, topi,
waterbuck, elephant and leopard. There are no giraffe, zebra,
impala or rhino.
Kyambura (or Chambura) Gorge on the north-east boundary of the
park, is real Tarzan territory with thick treetop canopies and
vines dangling down to the soft forest floor. The terrain comes
complete with chimpanzees who crash about and chatter high up
in the branches. If they don't feel like being seen, they just
keep one step ahead of the out-of-breath terrestrial visitors.
The Maramagambo Forest, south of the Kasinga Channel is also
home to large numbers of chimps, plus a number of other monkey
species. Some
rare and odd birds inhabit this park and keen birders come from
all over the world to clock up a sighting of the peculiar, pouting
shoebill (or whale-headed) stork. This giant bird stands 4-foot
high (more than 1 metre) and wears a rather timid expression.
This and a myriad of other birds and animals are best viewed
from a boat on the Kasinga Channel.
SEASONS
Dry Season: June to September is the driest time when most animals
remain near water, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms
at any time. The hot dry time is January to February and is
a good time to visit. Dry season temperatures average 80°F
(25°C).
Rainy Season: It rains anytime from October to December and
March to May when many roads become impassible.
QUEEN ELIZABETH SPECIALITIES
• Sunset over the water
• Warthogs and hippos mowing the lawn at Mweya Lodge
• Boat ride on the Kasinga Channel
• Chimpanzees in Kyambura (Chambura) Gorge
• Beautifully positioned safari lodges
Accommodation
Mweya Safari Lodge built on a peninsular and almost surrounded
by water has stunning views of this magnificent panorama. A
luxury lodge in the old style with a restaurant, bar, a terrace,
suit bedrooms, conference theatre and swimming pool. The bedrooms
are self contained with such comfort that one could ever need!
The lodge is located in the prime area for the park’s
attraction; it is the door gate for the entire of Queen Elizabeth
National Park. The
Jacana Safari Lodge is situated on the margin of Maramagambo
Forest close to Lake Nyamusingiri and Kyasanduka. The log cabins
built in an African way stretch from the woods up to the great
views of Lake Nyamusingiri and the forest. Above all, these
cabins are self contained. There is a restaurant, waterside
bar, swimming pool and offers a boat trip on Lake Nyamusingiri
which is encircled by a blanket of forest. |
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