Location of  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western part of Uganda, and it spans across multiple districts. The main districts that contain parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park include:

• Kasese District
• Bushenyi District
• Rukungiri District

The park covers a diverse range of landscapes, including savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakes, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing and safaris in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most renowned national parks and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Here’s a more detailed elaboration on the park and the districts it covers:

Kasese District:

The majority of Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in Kasese District, which is in the western part of Uganda.

Kasese District is home to the park’s most famous attractions, including the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is a prime location for boat safaris and offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

The district also hosts the Ishasha sector of the park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, which can often be seen resting on tree branches.

Bushenyi District:

A portion of Queen Elizabeth National Park extends into Bushenyi District, which is located to the north of Kasese District.

This area of the park is known for its lush forests and diverse primate species, including chimpanzees and various monkey species.

The Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes,” is a prominent feature in this part of the park and offers opportunities for chimpanzee tracking.

Rukungiri District:

A smaller section of the park lies in Rukungiri District, which is situated to the northeast of Kasese District.

This area features the Maramagambo Forest, known for its underground bat cave, hiking trails, and opportunities to spot forest-dwelling wildlife and bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, as a whole, encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, including savannah grasslands, wetlands, forests, and volcanic features. It is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, such as elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, and over 600 bird species.

The park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing opportunities to witness Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat while exploring the different districts it spans across.

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is surrounded by several communities, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and way of life.

Here are some of the notable communities and villages that are situated around Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Kasese Town:

Kasese Town is the largest town near the park and serves as a gateway for many tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. It has various amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient base for travellers.

Katunguru Village:

Katunguru is a small village located at the entrance of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many tour operators and lodges are situated in and around Katunguru, making it a popular stopover for tourists.

Kikorongo Village:

Kikorongo is another village near the park, and it is known for its cultural experiences and community-based tourism initiatives. Visitors can interact with the local communities, learn about their traditions, and even participate in activities like traditional dance performances and craft demonstrations.

Rukungiri District:

To the northeast of the park, Rukungiri District is home to communities living near the Maramagambo Forest. These communities often engage in agriculture and may participate in tourism-related activities to generate income.

Ishasha Sector Communities:

In the Ishasha sector of the park, which is known for its tree-climbing lions, there are local communities living in the vicinity. These communities may be involved in agriculture and may offer cultural experiences for visitors interested in learning about their way of life.

Kyambura Gorge Communities:

Around Kyambura Gorge, where chimpanzee tracking is popular, there are communities living nearby. Some of these communities may participate in community tourism initiatives to provide visitors with insights into their culture and daily lives.

Kazinga Channel Fishing Communities:

Along the shores of the Kazinga Channel, there are fishing communities that rely on the channel’s waters for their livelihoods. Visitors can sometimes engage with these communities and learn about traditional fishing practices.

Tourism in and around Queen Elizabeth National Park often supports these local communities through various initiatives, including community-based tourism projects and revenue-sharing programs.

These efforts aim to create a positive impact by providing income opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting conservation awareness among the local populations while ensuring the sustainable development of the region.

Visitors interested in cultural experiences can engage with these communities to learn about their traditions and contribute to the local economy.