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Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda |
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Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western arm of the great East African Rift valley. It covers
an area of 2000 square kilometers, bordered to the north by the 'Mountains of
the Moon' (Rwenzori Mountain ranges), and to the west by Lake
Edward. The park has a range of habitat types and so provides
opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. The safari around the park is
provided in three different forms so as to give you the greatest opportunity
not only to enjoy the stunning scenery in and around the park, but also to see
the most of the wildlife available. The safaris include game drives, launch
trips, and guided walks.
Magnificent herds of
elephants trekking in the savannahs, Hippos lazing in muddy wallows, and
Buffaloes grazing on the grassy plains, as well as prides of lions resting
after a heavy mid-day meal, a variety of antelope and a host of other species
of mammals, birds, and reptiles including the Nile crocodile are a must see in
the game drive. A drive to Isasha on the southern part of the park takes
you to one of the only two sites in the world where you can see tree climbing
Lions.
The Maramagambo
forest is home to over 380 bird species and therefore a must for bird lovers.
Several primate species including the rare L'Hoest monkey, and many butterfly
species can also be sighted. Another walk takes you to the eastern corner of
the park to the Kyambura Gorge. The three hour walk in this absolutely
beautiful gorge offers opportunity to see several primate species including the
endangered chimpanzee.
The Launch is a two hour
trip up the Kazinga channel where you can see thousands of hippos,
flocks of pelicans, and occasionally a herd or two of elephants. On very rare
occasions lions or leopards may be sited quenching their thirst along the banks.
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