Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is located in southwestern Uganda, spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. Situated approximately 400 kilometers (about 250 miles) southwest of Kampala, the capital city, the park is accessible via a six-hour drive from Kampala through the Mbarara-Masaka highway. It lies between Lake George to the northeast and Lake Edward to the southwest, with the Kazinga Channel connecting the two lakes flowing through its expanse.

Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and later renamed in 1954 following a visit by Queen Elizabeth II, the park covers an area of 1,978 square kilometers (764 square miles). The landscape is characterized by rolling plains, volcanic craters, and diverse habitats, including savannahs, wetlands, and forests. This varied terrain supports a rich array of wildlife, making QENP one of Uganda's most popular tourist destinations.

The park is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species. Notable inhabitants include African elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. Visitors can engage in activities such as game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, and nature walks, all contributing to its reputation as a "Medley of Wonders."