3 Equator days in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Where Nature Reigns Supreme!

A Tapestry of Terrain: Imagine a canvas stretching over 2,000 square kilometers—that’s Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). Nestled between Lake Edward and Lake George, it’s a living mosaic of volcanic craters, grassy plains, and tropical forests. As you explore, the landscape shifts—rolling hills, savannahs, and the iconic Kazinga Channel connecting the lakes. Each turn reveals a new chapter in this natural saga.

Wildlife Extravaganza: QENP is a wildlife theater where the stars take center stage. Lions, leopards, and tree-climbing lions (yes, they defy gravity!) roam freely. Elephants parade, buffalos graze, and hippos bask in the sun along the channel. Birdsong fills the air—over 600 bird species call this park home.

Lions of Ishasha: The Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its infrequent tree-climbing lions. These big cats defy gravity by lounging on the branches of candelabra trees. Imagine spotting a lion draped over a limb, surveying the savannah below. Ishasha is one of the two places in the world where you can witness this remarkable behavior.

Queen’s Pavilion – Equator Monument: The Queen’s Pavilion stands near the northern entrance to the Crater Drive. It’s a historical landmark within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you’ll find the Uganda Equator Monument, marking the world’s main latitude. Stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere.

Equator Crossing:

The Uganda Equator features a beautiful photo spot along with souvenir shops. Feeling 3% lighter at the equator? It’s due to the reduced gravitational force.

Channel Chronicles: The Kazinga Channel is the lifeblood of QENP. Watch it flow—a watery highway for wildlife. Crocodiles sunbathe on its banks, while elephants wade through its shallows. Take a boat safari—your front-row seat to the drama. Hippos yawn, fish eagles dive, and the channel becomes a living storybook.

Volcanic Legacy: Beneath your feet lie ancient volcanic craters. The Katwe Explosion Craters tell tales of fiery eruptions long past. Now they’re lush with vegetation, home to antelope and warthogs.

Climb the Kyambura Gorge—a hidden treasure. Descend into its depths, and you might find chimpanzees swinging through the trees.

Cultural Threads: Meet the Basongora—the indigenous people who once roamed these lands. Their history intertwines with the park’s creation, colonial evictions, and resilience. Listen to their stories, witness their dances, and learn how they’ve adapted to coexist with the wild.

Sunset Serenade: As the sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains, the savannah blushes. The golden hour paints the landscape—a masterpiece in warm hues. Sip a sundowner, breathe in the wildness, and let Queen Elizabeth National Park etch itself into your soul.

So, dear traveler, pack your curiosity and set sail for QENP. It’s more than a park; it’s a symphony of life, a gallery of wonders.