Queen Elizabeth National Park is in Western Uganda. The park covers an area of over 774 sq miles between Lake Edward and Lake George, around the Kasinge Channel connecting the two.
The park has a wide variety of terrain, including volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical forest. The Kasinga Channel has the largest concentration of hippos in the world!
This park is like a more concentrated version of East African parks as far as animals are concerned, although, unless the mist-shrouded Ruwenzori Mountains are visible, there are less splendid vistas than you will find elsewhere.
The Ugandan Kob is an endemic antelope, and is on the coat of arms along with the crested crane, look out for it on the currency!
The park was established in 1954. It has had a couple of name changes during its existence, although it has returned to its original colonial name, having been called the Rwenzori National Park for some time.
Volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical forest.
Fees vary for Ugandan citizens and foreigners; for an non-citizen, the fee for one night is US$25, for two nights it is $35 and for three nights and over it is $50. (changed to $30 per 24 hr -Feb 2009)
There is a wide range of animals living in the park. The Ishasha Rivier camp area is particular worth a visit, with elephants living in the immediate vicinity, and lions which are renowned for sleeping in fig trees.
- Drive among volcanic crater lakes on the south edge of the Ruwenzoris. Tsetse flies have been a problem, so ask before setting off.
Drive among volcanic crater lakes on the south edge of the Ruwenzoris. Tsetse flies have been a problem, so ask before setting off.