Animals to See in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is a haven for wildlife lovers, providing a diverse array of animal species and activities that attract tourists from around the world. Animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park range from the famous tree-climbing lions to the endangered chimpanzees of Chambura Gorge. This unique park, with its vast savannahs, wetlands, and forests, is home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it a premier destination for safaris and wildlife viewing in East Africa.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The park’s varied landscapes support a rich collection of animals that thrive in different habitats. Visitors can enjoy thrilling game drives, boat safaris, and walking tours, all while spotting animals in their natural environments.

Big Five Animals in Queen Elizabeth

Although not all of the “Big Five” are present, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to four of the five: elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes.

Elephants: These majestic giants roam freely in the park, often seen in large herds near Kazinga Channel or during game drives on the Kasenyi Plains. Elephants in Queen Elizabeth are some of the most photographed animals, especially when they gather by water sources.
Lions: The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are found in the Ishasha sector. These lions are unique in that they often climb fig trees to rest, escaping the heat and biting insects. Observing these majestic creatures is a highlight for many safari-goers.
Leopards: Leopards are elusive but can be spotted in the parks thick forests, especially during night game drives. Their stealthy nature makes them a challenge to see, but lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of one on a hunt.
Buffaloes: Massive herds of buffaloes can be found throughout the park, particularly in the Kasenyi Plains. These animals are often seen grazing alongside other herbivores, offering excellent photographic opportunities.

Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

One of the most fascinating animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the tree-climbing lion. While lions are typically ground dwellers, the lions of the Ishasha sector are known for their unusual behavior of climbing and resting in trees. Its a rare spectacle and is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see lions in trees. The sight of these powerful predators perched high in the branches is an unforgettable experience.

The tree-climbing lions are believed to climb trees for various reasons, including to escape the heat on the ground, avoid insect bites, and get a better vantage point for spotting prey. These lions primarily feed on Uganda Kob, a type of antelope that is abundant in the park.

Primates in Queen Elizabeth: Chimpanzee Tracking in Chambura Gorge

Another key attraction for visitors is the opportunity to engage in chimpanzee tracking in Chambura Gorge. Often called the “Valley of Apes,” Chambura Gorge is a rich tropical forest that is home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees. Tracking these intelligent animals in their natural habitat is a thrilling adventure. The chimpanzees here are part of a habituated group, meaning they are accustomed to human presence, making sightings more frequent and rewarding.

The trek through Chambura Gorge is challenging yet rewarding, as visitors walk through the dense forest, listening to the calls of chimpanzees and observing them swinging from tree to tree. In addition to chimpanzees, the gorge is also home to other primates such as colobus monkeys, baboons, and vervet monkeys.

Other Mammals in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Beyond the big names, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of other mammal species, including antelopes, warthogs, and hippos.

Uganda Kobs: These graceful antelopes are commonly seen grazing in the open savannahs. They are a primary food source for the park’s predators, including lions and leopards. The males are easily recognizable by their elegant spiral horns.
Hippos: The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa. A boat safari along the channel offers close-up views of these enormous animals, often seen lounging in the water or grazing on the banks.
Warthogs: These quirky animals are a common sight throughout the park, often spotted grazing in the plains or near water sources. Their distinctive tusks and playful behavior make them a favorite among visitors.
Giant Forest Hogs: These large pigs are less commonly seen but are present in the parks forested areas. They are the largest wild pigs in Africa and can be quite impressive when spotted.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Apart from observing animals in Queen Elizabeth, there are a variety of activities that visitors can engage in to fully experience the parks wonders.

Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular way to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. They offer a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, and antelopes. The Kasenyi Plains, Mweya Peninsula, and Ishasha sector are the prime areas for game drives.

Kasenyi Plains: This area is particularly famous for its large herds of Uganda Kob and the lions that prey on them. Visitors are almost guaranteed to see a lion hunting or resting during early morning or late afternoon game drives.
Ishasha Sector: This is the place to see the iconic tree-climbing lions, as well as other animals like elephants and buffaloes. The landscape here is more wooded, making it a different experience from the open savannah of Kasenyi.

Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

A boat safari along the Kazinga Channel is a must-do activity when visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel boasts the highest concentration of hippos in Africa, as well as crocodiles and various bird species. During the boat ride, visitors can see animals gathering along the waters edge to drink, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Hippos: As mentioned earlier, the Kazinga Channel is home to numerous hippos. These animals spend most of their time submerged in water to keep cool, only surfacing occasionally for air.
Crocodiles: Nile crocodiles can also be seen basking on the banks of the channel, waiting for their next meal to come close.

Birdwatching

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 600 bird species recorded in the area. The diversity of habitats, including wetlands, savannahs, and forests, supports a wide variety of birdlife.

Shoebill Stork: One of the most sought-after birds in the park is the shoebill stork. This rare bird can be seen in the swamps around Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel.
Kingfishers: Several species of kingfishers can be spotted along the Kazinga Channel, diving for fish in the water.
Flamingos: During the dry season, flamingos can be seen in the salt lakes of the park, particularly in the Katwe area.

Guided Nature Walks

For those who want a more intimate experience with the wildlife, guided nature walks are available in the Maramagambo Forest and along the Kyambura Gorge. These walks offer the chance to see smaller animals, insects, and plants that are often missed during game drives.

Exploring Katwe Salt Lakes

Visitors can also explore the Katwe Salt Lakes, where traditional salt mining has been practiced for centuries. This unique cultural experience offers insight into the livelihoods of the local communities that live around the park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Ugandas most diverse and captivating national parks, offering visitors an unparalleled wildlife experience. From the iconic tree-climbing lions in Ishasha to the chimpanzees of Chambura Gorge and the rich birdlife along the Kazinga Channel, the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park make it a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts. Whether youre on a game drive, a boat safari, or tracking chimpanzees, the parks abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes promise an unforgettable adventure.