Lion Tracking Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park : Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and visited wildlife conservation area. The park lies in the western part of Uganda in the districts of Kamwenge, Rukingiri, Rubirizi and Kasese. The park is one of the savannah Parks found in Kasese district in Western Uganda, it spreads to the western arm of the Great Rift Valley. More so, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda Kob, baboon, and many species of birds. With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the park includes the southern Ishasha area with its tree climbing lions and Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda. Additionally, this park is one of the best places to encounter lions in Africa housing around 200 lions rove through its savannahs and woodlands. With Queen Elizabeth National Park housing the largest population of the tree climbing lions in the world. The tree climbing lions are found in the Ishasha sector of the park which is located in the southern sector of the park.
Queen Elizabeth is the only national park in Uganda that offers lion tracking as an activity. The activity is only open at the northern sector -Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lion tracking is one of the highlights to a Uganda safari. This activity offers tourists an opportunity to get close to the lions in their natural habitat unlike standard game drives.
Lion tracking adventures in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer a unique opportunity to get up close to these majestic predators in their natural environment. The experience typically begins early in the morning when visitors set out with experienced guides who are well-versed in lion behavior and the park’s ecology.
The excitement of discovering the lions is a highlight of the tracking adventure. Once the guides receive information about a pride’s location, they carefully navigate the rugged terrain to get closer. Observe the beauty of the African landscape as you travel, listening to the sounds of nature around you. When you finally catch sight of the lions, it’s a heart-stopping moment. Watching them rest, groom, or interact with one another gives a rare insight into their social structure and behavior. Each sighting creates a sense of connection to the wild, reminding you of the beauty and rawness of nature.
During the tracking experience, you may encounter various other wildlife species, enhancing the adventure significantly. You’ll also have the chance to encounter with a variety of wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, Uganda Kob as well as various bird species.
Are there other exciting safari adventure things in can combine with Lion Tracking adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Yes! Tourist while on a Lion Tracking adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park have a variety of exciting other activities to embark on while on a safari adventure. Some of the safari adventure things includes
Game drives
Game drives through the park offer an exciting opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. During your game drive tour, you’ll have the chance to see variety of wildlife species such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Warthogs, Hippos and many others. These drives are best in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active, ensuring unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Bird watching
Bird watching is another incredible experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. With over 600 species recorded, it attracts bird lovers from around the world. During your birdwatching excursion, you’ll have an opportunity to sight different bird species such as Speckled tinker bird, Yellow- backed weaver, Pied kingfisher, Wattled plover, open billed stork, African Jacana, African green pigeon, Black-headed batis, Long- tailed Cormorant, yellow warbler, Black bee-eater, African Emerald Cuckoo, Purple headed starling among others.
Boat cruise along Kazinga Channel
A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a relaxing way to enjoy the park’s beauty from a different perspective. While on your boat trip, you may have the chance to see herds of elephant, buffalos and antelopes, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee tracking is also a must do on your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This can be done in Kyambura Gorge which is within the park. while on your guided chimpanzee trekking experience, you’ll trek through lush forests to find these playful primates in their natural environment. Observing them interact is a truly magical experience, adding a sense of adventure to your safari. The Chimpanzee permit for Kyambura costs $100 per person Non-Foreign Residents, $ 80 Per person Foreign Residents and UGX 50,0000 per person for east Africa citizens. This permit is cheaper compared to other chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda.
Cultural and Community Encounters
Cultural and community encounters add another layer of richness to your safari. During your visit here, you may opt to visit Lake Katwe Mines and witness how the local communities are harnessing park resource to earn a living. For those who wants to witness the culture of the people living area the park, the Kasoga community is the best for you. During your cultural visit here, you’ll have he chance to learn the firsthand information about the importance and disadvantages pf living near the park and how they have managed to co-exist peacefully with wildlife. You will also enjoy the cultural encounters and traditional dances. There are also craft villages where you can buy souvenirs as you support the locals
