ANIMALS
AND BIRDS
The
wide bio-diversity of habitats means that Queen
Elizabeth National Park contains the most astonishing
number of species - almost 100 types of mammal
and 606 different birds! The Kasinga Channel
alone is said to contain the world's largest
concentration of hippos, but interestingly enough
not many crocodiles! Other wildlife includes
warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope,
giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda
kob, topi, waterbuck, elephant and leopard.
There are no giraffe, zebra, impala or rhino.
Kyambura (or Chambura)
Gorge on the north-east boundary of the park,
is real Tarzan territory with thick treetop
canopies and vines dangling down to the soft
forest floor. The terrain comes complete with
chimpanzees who crash about and chatter high
up in the branches. If they don't feel like
being seen, they just keep one step ahead of
the out-of-breath terrestrial visitors.
The Maramagambo
Forest, south of the Kasinga Channel is also
home to large numbers of chimps, plus a number
of other monkey species.
Some rare and odd
birds inhabit this park and keen birders come
from all over the world to clock up a sighting
of the peculiar, pouting shoebill (or whale-headed)
stork. This giant bird stands 4-foot high (more
than 1 metre) and wears a rather timid expression.
This and a myriad of other birds and animals
are best viewed from a boat on the Kasinga Channel.
SEASONS
Dry
Season: June to September is the driest
time when most animals remain near water, but
be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms at any
time. The hot dry time is January to February
and is a good time to visit. Dry season temperatures
average 80°F (25°C).
Rainy Season: It rains anytime
from October to December and March to May when
many roads become impassible.
QUEEN
ELIZABETH SPECIALITIES
• Sunset over the water
• Warthogs and hippos mowing the lawn
at Mweya Lodge
• Boat ride on the Kasinga Channel
• Chimpanzees in Kyambura (Chambura) Gorge
• Beautifully positioned safari lodges
FACTS
The
park covers 770 miles ² (1995 km²).
Road access from Uganda's capital city of Kampala
is 206 miles (420km).
There is a landing strip at Mweya lodge for
light aircraft or a larger airstrip at Kasese
town.
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