Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a remarkable wildlife sanctuary located in the southwestern region of Uganda. Spanning over 1,978 square kilometers, the park is one of Uganda’s most renowned and diverse national parks. The park’s stunning landscape encompasses a rich mosaic of ecosystems, ranging from dense savannah plains and lush wetlands to crater lakes and sprawling forests. This diverse environment provides a haven for an extraordinary array of wildlife, making Queen Elizabeth National Park a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.
Home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, the park boasts over 95 mammal species and more than 600 species of birds. Among its inhabitants are iconic African animals, such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and hippos, as well as rare species like the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the Ugandan kob, a striking antelope found in abundance here. Let’s take a deeper dive into the animals in Queen Elizabeth national park.
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animals in Queen elizabeth national park in detail
Lions:
The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha are a unique and fascinating phenomenon found in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Unlike most lions that prefer to stay on the ground, these particular lions have developed the behavior of climbing and resting in the branches of large fig and cactus trees.
The reason behind this unusual behavior is not entirely clear, but there are several theories as to why these lions have adapted to climbing trees. One possibility is that tree climbing allows them to escape the swarming tsetse flies commonly found in the region’s grasslands. The lions can avoid irritating and disease-carrying flies by seeking refuge in the trees. Another theory suggests that tree-climbing provides the lions with a vantage point to spot potential prey, such as antelope or buffalo, as well as other predators like hyenas or leopards.
Being elevated gives them a better view of the surrounding area, increasing their chances of successful hunting. The Kasenyi plains have a healthy population of lions. They are rarely seen climbing trees and can be seen majestically strolling across the open savanna.
Elephants:
Queen Elizabeth national park provides a suitable habitat for elephants, offering a range of ecosystems. These varied landscapes support a rich diversity of wildlife, and elephants are among the prominent species that thrive in the park.
They can be seen in the plains below the Kicwamba escarpments, the Kasenyi plains, and the Mweya peninsular. On your boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, you will enjoy close encounters in the safety of your boat as they quench their thirst in the afternoon heat.
Leopards:
These elusive and solitary creatures are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the early mornings, evenings, and nights. Leopards in Queen Elizabeth national park can be spotted seeking refuge in the low-hanging branches of the cactus trees that dominate the Kasenyi plains.
With the introduction of tracking programs, you can embark on an experiential game drive where you will be able to track the leopards through their GPS collar. This ensures encounters with these elusive predators on your African safari.
Hippos:
Queen Elizabeth national park has over 5000 hippos, the biggest hippo concentration in the world. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George to Lake Edward, is one of the prime locations to see hippos in their natural habitat. It’s a great spot for boat safaris, allowing visitors to observe hippos and other animals up close in and along the water’s edge.
Crocodiles:
The Nile crocodile is one of Africa’s largest and most aggressive freshwater predators. Within the park, visitors can often spot crocodiles along the shores of the Kazinga Channel and Lake George. During your boat cruises on the channel, you will enjoy close viewing encounters of big pods by the banks of the channel. These reptiles are known for their stealth and patience as they wait for the perfect moment to ambush their prey, which typically includes fish, birds, and other small mammals.
Antelopes:
The savanna plains in Queen Elizabeth national park are the perfect habitat for antelopes. The mating grounds in Kasenyi offer great viewing for these vast herds of antelopes. They include; Uganda Kob, waterbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, Topi(Ishasha), duiker, bushbuck and many more. Their increased numbers have played a big role in the nourishment of the big predator population.
Buffalo:
Commonly known as the “lion Killers”, buffaloes are one of the prominent animals in Queen Elizabeth national park. They live in big herds and are led by a dominant male. However, small herds of “looser males” (the ones that have been kicked out of the herd) can be spotted in defensive positions across the savanna and by the edges of the Kazinga channel. These can be seen during game drives and boat cruises.
Chimpanzees:
Kyambura Gorge (the hidden forest) is renowned for its rich biodiversity, harboring a variety of wildlife species. One of the main attractions in Kyambura Gorge is the chimpanzees. With over 80 chimpanzees, the gorge offers thrilling trekking encounters with man’s closest relative.
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National park:
For close and memorable interactions with the animals in Queen Elizabeth national park, here are some of the activities to embark on.
Game Drives:
Game drives are one of the best ways to explore the park and encounter its diverse wildlife. You can take morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives accompanied by experienced guides, who will help you spot a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes, and more.
Boat Safaris:
Taking a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel is a highlight of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, and it offers a unique opportunity to see a wide array of aquatic animals such as hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and various bird species.
Chimpanzee Trekking:
The park is also home to a population of chimpanzees, and you can participate in guided chimpanzee trekking to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The Kyambura Gorge is a popular spot for this activity.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
For a unique and breathtaking experience, you can opt for a hot air balloon safari over the park. This activity allows you to see the wildlife and landscapes from a different perspective, and the views are simply stunning.
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