From open savannah to rainforest, from dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward, it is little wonder that Queen Elizabeth national park (1978sq km) boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world and in Uganda as a country.
Almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species makes this superb safari territory, with elephant, a profusion of hippos, the elusive giant forest hog and handsome Uganda kob all regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula – which also boasts a marvelous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. Nearby, the remote Ishasha Sector is famed for its tree-climbing lions, the Kyambura Gorge harbours habituated chimps, the Imaramagambo Forest is home to an alluring selection of forest monkeys and birds, and flocks of flamingo are resident on the crater lakes.
What to do:
Exciting launch trips on the spectacular Kazinga Channel offer great game viewing and birding for the avid birder, as do game and birding drives around Mweya. There is also chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge and guided walks in Maramagambo Forest. There is fruitful birding along the trails to the crater lakes.
Where to stay:
For the up market tourist, there is Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, and Katara Lodge. There is also Kingfisher Lodge Kichwamba, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Ihamba Lodge. For the budget traveler, there is MWeya Students’ Hostels, and Simba Safari Camp. For the campers there are several options in and around Mweya. There is also cheap accommodation in Kasese.