Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the most interesting areas in Queen Elizabeth national park – which is the second largest national park in Uganda after Murchsion falls national park. The open savannah of Kasenyi plains is a home to diverse wildlife species. Because of an abundance of wildlife, the plains have been visited by many while on Uganda safaris thus making Queen Elizabeth national park as the most visited national park in Uganda.
The Kasenyi plains are located in Queen Elizabeth national park. These plains are between the two sectors of the parks, with the Ishasha sector in the south, an area prominent for the tree climbing lions and the plains in the north, an area known for wildlife viewing.
These plains are most referred to as the Mweya plains. These are located in western Uganda, Kasese district in Rwenzururu Sub County. Kasenyi plains are located northeast of Queen Elizabeth national park, west of Lake George.
Wildlife species
The savannah plains of the Kasenyi sector have enabled the existence of the many wildlife species in the plains. It has a number of trails that are used for game driving including; Janet track, Elizabeth track and many more other travels leading and guiding through. With a huge number of the Uganda Kobs mainly seen in their breeding area and also making it the best grounds for hunting them by the predators. The kobs prefer these plains to view their predators from afar and run away. This has also attracted lions to hurt down antelopes, which are their main source of prey on the plains.
Four of the Big5 wildlife can be while on a game drive in these open savannah plains. The animals include; buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, bush backs, lions, bush pigs, elephants, and many more
With its location near Lake George, a visit to the plains has a rewarding view of the lake. Its location favors the exploration of the Kazinga channel with the numerous mammals and birds that live around the water channel.
The 32meters water channel links Lake Edward and Lake Gorge. The Kazinga channel is among the highlights of a visit to the plains of Queen Elizabeth national park. The channel attracts vast wildlife that are experience while on a drive through the Kasenyi plains. The mammals such as the antelopes, and elephants quenching their thirst in the water channel. This gives a chance to view these mammals, together with the Nile crocodiles and the hippos.
Besides the game drives in the plains, a boat-cruise on the Kazinga channel is a rewarding activity to engage in.
The Kasenyi fishing site enhances every traveler’s t to the plains. A visit t the fishing site avails an opportunity to interact with the local fishermen and natives who live around the area. A taste of the fish fresh from the lakes is a mouthwatering venture that every tourist should not miss out on.
Other sightings
Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by other touristic attractions that can be enjoyed should one choose to spend time here. Lakes that include Gorge, Edward the shores and marshes of these lakes home to wildlife such as the water bucks, and the swamp-dwelling Sitatunga to mention but a few. Lake Bunyampaka and the islands of Akika, Irangara, and kankurango can also be visited.
Part of the kasenyi plains, is the Kasoga community located is located south west r of the kasenyi sector. The community offers various activities to the tourists these include; canoeing, community walks that immerses one in the local lifestyle and culture, birding experiences; where 150 bird-species can be sighted and also fishing trips.
How to get to there
Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth national park is located in western Uganda. From Kampala to the park a road transfer is 414 km which is approximately a 6-7 hours’ drive using the Mubende fort portal high way. Kasese town to the Kasenyi plains it is 49 kilometers south-east of the town.
The plains of Kasenyi can be accessed by air from Entebbe International airport landing in Kasese airstrip OR Mweya airstrip. An air transfer to the Kasenyi plains is the fasting mean to the reach the plains with only 1:50 minutes use
Where to stay in Kasenyi plains
There are hardly no accommodations inside Kasenyi plains except for only one lodge called Kasenyi safari lodge. Other accommodations are close to the sector ranging from budget, midrange to luxury. These include; Elephant plains lodge, Simba safari camp, Elephant Hub Lodge, Buffalo safari lodge, Bush Lodge and so many other lodges.
