#Queen Elizabeth National Park


#Queen Elizabeth National Park BLOGS


14 Aug, 2025 | By Kalibbala Arnold


REPITILES IN UGANDA

OVERVIEWA wide variety of reptiles, such as crocodiles, snakes, lizards, chameleons, tortoises, andterrapins, can be found in Uganda. Various chameleons, Nile monitor lizards, and Nile crocodilesare among the most often seen reptiles in Uganda. Although they exist, tourists on safaris areless likely to observe snakes.The four orders of living conventional reptiles are Rhynchocephalia, Squamata, Crocodilia, andTestudines. The Reptile Database contains information on over 12,000 extant reptilian species.Herpetolog is the study of the traditional reptilian orders, usually in conjunction with the studyof contemporary amphibians and ossicones safaris has got your back.1. The Nile crocodilesThese are only a handful of the most amazing reptiles that Uganda has to offer. They live inbodies of water and eat fish and certain types of mammals. You will have the opportunity to seethese amazing animals if you are on safari with Ossicones safaris in Uganda, especially if you aretaking a boat tour. They are primarily found in the Nile at Murchison Falls National Park, theKazinga Channel coastlines at Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo.Monitor lizardsDuring a game drive or launch cruise in Uganda, you can see both savanna and aquatic monitors.The Kazinga Channel is the primary habitat for aquatic monitor lizards, while Murchison Falls isthe perfect location for savanna and water monitor lizards on the Nile. Sometimes confused forlittle crocodiles, the savanna monitor lizards can grow to a length of two meters and arefrequently sighted. 2. SnakesUganda is home to numerous snake species, including the gabon viper, black mamba, puffadder, and rock python. They usually feed on large rodents, small mammals, and othercreatures. They can be seen close to the bat cave in the Maramagambo woodland of QueenElizabeth National Park.The Gabon viper, the largest African viper, is weighty, about two meters long, and has a blackand brown skin pattern with a touch of gold. This species is mostly found in Ugandan jungles.Black mambas are the deadliest snakes; they attack when they are assaulted. Eastern Uganda iswhere they are mostly found. Other snakes include the green mamba, boom slang, green treesnake, mole snake, and snakes that eat eggs.Although tourists rarely see it, the puff adder is one of the most prevalent snakes in Uganda. It istypically found in savannah parks and primarily eats rodents, but if it feels threatened, it willattack a human.The largest snake in Africa is the rock python. Its skin is mottled and gold on black, and it istypically more than five meters long. Although they are not poisonous, they will strangle theirvictim to death. They round the prey with their bodies, consuming it whole. They can then takea nap for up to two months. They might murder a tiny child and eat small antelopes and hugerodents. A bat cave in Queen Elizabeth National Park's Maramagambo forest is the ideal locationto find rock pythons.Black Mambas: According to reports, numerous individuals have been murdered by theextremely deadly black mamba snake. They move far more quickly than people do, and theytypically only attack when they are attacked. Contrary to what their name implies, they are notblack, but the inside of their mouth is. The eastern region of Uganda is where they are primarilyfound.Although they are venomous, green mambas are not as violent as black mambas. They aretypically found in bushes, trees, and occasionally even people's roofs.The largest African viper is the Gabon Viper. It is more than two meters long, heavy, and has apattern of brown and black skin with a hint of gold. An ideal blend for hiding in Uganda's woods.Boom Slang: Boom Slang is a non-fang tree snake that is extremely poisonous while not beingaggressive. In Uganda, no fatalities from this snake have been reported. 3. ChameleonsJackson's chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii)Uganda is home to a variety of chameleons. In particular, the three-horned chameleons can beseen while strolling in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Among them is the flap-necked chameleon, which is found in forested and savanna grasslands. The graceful chameleonhas a white stripe and is yellow and green in colour. The giant chameleon has yellow stripes andis large and dark green in colour. Types of chameleons include: The Flap-Necked Chameleon: typically found in woodland and savannah regions. They are brightand green, about 15 cm long, but under some circumstances, they can double in size and turntan or brown.The Graceful Chameleon: It is green and yellow in hue, with a white stripe running along itssides..Giant Chameleon: It has a little horn, yellow stripes, and is large and dark green in colour. Itconsumes insects and tiny reptiles.House geckos, tortoises, and terrapins are just a few of the reptiles that can be seen during asafari with ossicones safaris in Uganda. BEST PLACES TO SPOT REPTILES IN UGANDAThe Entebbe Reptile Village and Murchison Falls National Park are great places to see reptiles inUganda. While Murchison Falls is well-known for its Nile crocodiles at the base of the falls, theEntebbe Reptile Village provides up-close interactions with a variety of reptiles, includingsnakes, lizards, and crocodiles. Another place to see snakes, agama lizards, and monitor lizards isNgamba Island, which is also home to chimpanzees.Murchison Falls National Park is home to monitor lizards, a variety of snakes, and Nilecrocodiles.Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and other reptiles can be found at Queen Elizabeth NationalPark.A wide range of reptile species can be found in Kidepo Valley National Park.Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve: A place where reptiles may be seen. CONCLUSIONOssicones Safaris has you covered with the unveiled experience as Nature Uganda continues tofind unexpected amphibian and reptilian species while conducting surveys in isolated regions ofthe nation.

16 Aug, 2025 | By Kalibbala Arnold


BEST ACTIVITIES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

OVERVIEWThe approximate area of QENP is 1,978 square kilometres (764 sq mi). African elephant, African buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog, Nile crocodile, leopard, spotted hyena, chimpanzee, and lion are among the park's many species. There are more than 600 bird species and 95 animal species in the park overall. The Rukungiri District's Ishasha area is well-known for its tree-climbing lions, many of whom have black manes. Samuel John Mwandha, executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, said in 2020 that the park's wildlife has been growing during the previous five years.Visitors can engage in a variety of thrilling activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. To see the variety of animals, such as lions, buffaloes, hippos, and elephants, game drives are a must. Unique vistas of wildlife like buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of bird species can be seen during boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel. Another well-liked activity is chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge. Follow the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha area for a one-of-a-kind experience.  BEST 7 ACTIVITIES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK1. Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel.One of the most well-liked methods of park exploration is by boat safari. The wildlife in the Kazinga Channel is abundant. It links Lake Edward and Lake George, and as it cruises, its distinctive biodiverse combination is revealed.The Kazinga channel banks are lined with hippos, buffaloes in herds, elephants and the unending beauty of the Ishasha plains. You get to see the exceptional beauty of the diverse array of plants and animals the channel has along its borders from a whole new angle while on the intimate trip with no more than ten passengers.Boat safaris on the Kazinga channel are an exciting experience that one should not miss at Queen Elizabeth Safari Park because of the expansive scenery, first-rate guide tours on the voyage, and the best infotainment available. 2. Safari Game Drives.Safari game drives are among the top activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park and offer an exciting chance to see animals. They are facilitated by park guides and comfortable, well-spaced, open-roof vehicles with clear windows.You can take pictures of the many animals in their natural settings while touring the park in luxury during these game drives. Short stops are made to discuss and provide information about the animals being seen as the game drives get closer to it.You can learn about the eco systems outside of a classroom by doing this with the help of the tour guides on board. How awesome is this with ossicones safaris? Well, as cool as travelling across the Kasenyi plains and seeing its notably open Savannah, which offers the chance to see wildlife, including the lions that climb trees.Touring the Mweya Peninsula during a safari game drive offers breathtaking scenery and an up-close look at the Kazinga Channel. Safari game drives are among the most popular activities since the tour operators are considerate of the customers' interests in wildlife. 3. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge.Only morning and afternoon sessions are available for chimpanzee trekking, and each session may accommodate no more than eight tourists. For all nature lovers, following these intelligent monkeys in their native, verdant forest environments under the guidance of knowledgeable experts is a well-rounded experience.Because chimpanzees are noisy and have remarkably coordinated vocalisations, there is an 85% probability of seeing one in the Valley of Apes. When given peace, chimpanzees are gregarious creatures, therefore they don't appear to be as boring as we may imagine.Have you ever been hugged by a chimp? If not, your list of activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park should include chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura. When the proper procedure is followed, tracking chimpanzees is easier on paper than it is on the ground.Before the journey begins, park rangers register visitors and give them an overview of the tracking adventure. They find the chimpanzees and guide visitors in their study of these gregarious creatures. 4. Lion Tracking.One of the most exciting things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park is tracking lions, which is not only an amazing experience but also a very tense situation. For those who are animal enthusiasts, this exhilarating trip across the park's many landscapes offers a special kind of experience.Under the direction of certified tour operators and knowledgeable experts, lion tracking is typically conducted in the early morning and late afternoon. These trackers follow radio collars to direct them directly to the lions' position in the Ishasha area.Lions travel in groups of four to twenty, which suggests that very few people participate in the tracking process. This is done to keep them from being scared away and, more critically, to keep them from being stressed. A memorable and responsible wildlife experience requires adherence to park regulations, a focus on safety, and respect for the animals and their surroundings. Game drives, walking safaris, and even specialised lion tracking trips organised by lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park are included in this list.Insights about lion behaviour in ecosystems and the difficulties they encounter are shared through Lion Tracking at Queen Elizabeth Park. Visitors delve deeply into the idea of these creatures, developing an understanding of the significance of protecting these species and their environments.Wildlife protection is directly aided by taking part in the thrilling lion tracking expedition in Ishasha. This occurs because the money raised from this trip is used for community-based conservation initiatives, park upkeep, and anti-poaching activities. 5. Nature Walks and Guided Bush Walks.Tour guides lead this exhilarating adventure and describe the plants and animals seen along the way. The hikes are well-known for passing through the Kyambura Gorge, the Maragambo Forest, the Ishasha Plains, and the Mweya Peninsula.The high definition view of the exciting wildlife, including chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge, tree-climbing lions in the Ishsha sector, the dense vegetation in the Maramagambo forest, crocodiles and hippos along the Kazinga channel, and many other exciting animals, is guaranteed on these walks.The trails provide a place on the scenery for animals like the saddle-billed stork and the endangered white-tailed lark on the Kazinga Channel's coasts.  The adventure you need may be found in nature hikes and escorted bush walks. Bush guided experiences are a little different from nature walks in that they are more intensive and involve more wild insights, sounds, and scents, as well as encounters with the bush in its natural habitat. At Queen Elizabeth National Park, you won't want to miss this private, unique experience either.Safety tips for these walks include staying in sight of the tour guides at all times, following the designated routes, and saving the excitement for late-night conversations. Keep in mind that straying puts you in unimaginable danger by upsetting wildlife.      5. Hot Air Balloon Safaris.This is a very wonderful experience! You are given to a panoramic view of the park's actual landscape as the balloon slowly rises. A unique viewpoint for seeing wildlife in its natural environment is offered by the aerial perspective.Typically, there are little more than eight passengers on the aircraft, along with a tour guide and onboard entertainment. The sun rising and setting with its rays in all the vibrant colours of the spectrum is without a doubt one of the adventure's highlights.Since buffaloes and elephants are adept at maintaining their numbers in the most efficient ways possible, the aerial image of them trekking in their herds is just breathtaking. Another thrill that every visitor should include on their list of things to do in Queen Elizabeth Park is riding in a hot air balloon. 6. Visiting Katwe Salt Mines.Here, you may observe the time-consuming process of extracting salt from the shallow Crater Lakes. The travel tours provide guidance on this. Communities have always engaged in the activity of extracting salt. For Native Americans, it is extremely significant. Here is a simple summary of how much heritage and tradition matter.This practice is an important component of the key aspect that has been passed down from generation to generation. Participating in salt mining as a native shows tenacity and flexibility to a custom that is deeply ingrained in the culture.Economic means of livelihood.Many families in the area make their living from the extraction of salt. Because it supports the livelihoods of people engaged in the extraction process, its economic significance cannot be emphasised.A visit offers a greater comprehension of the cultural heritage and fabric of the towns surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Park in addition to a view into the commercial side of salt mining. 7. Birding From the deep tropical forest of Kyambura Gorge to the wetland habitats of Lakes Edward and George, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide variety of bird life.Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts the most extensive list of bird species of any East African protected area, with over 600 species identified.Notable crittersMore than 150 bird species, including the endangered saddle-billed stork and the African jacana, can be found in the marshes of Lake George, a birder's paradise.Because of their abundant biodiversity, Lake George's wetlands were named Uganda's first Ramsar site in March 1988. Lake Edward has seen multiple sightings of the lesser flamingo.The Kazinga Channel is home to numerous different water bird species, such as the yellow-billed stork, African Fish Eagle, and African skimmer.The African finfoot, blue-headed bee-eater, martial eagle, and white-tailed lark can all be found in Kyambura Gorge. Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.Seasonal variations might affect the time of year when one experiences wildlife and sees the species. The wet and dry seasons are the two seasonal shifts that Queen Elizabeth National Park experiences throughout the year. December, January, February, June, July, August, and September are the months with the highest percentage of dry weather.March, April, May, October, and November are the wet seasons. During the dry season, it is easier to spot animals during safari drives, nature walks, and other sighting techniques since they are seen congregating around water sources.The birth of newborn animals, particularly carnivores, is another spectacle of the dry season. If your family is a fan of young cubs, take them to the park during the dry season for an experience they won't soon forget. Although it is clear that the majority of birds breed and fly around with great vigour and gallantry during the wet season, it is somewhat less adventurous than the dry season. ACCOMODATIONS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARKSituated in the eastern section of the park, adjacent to the Kyambura Gorge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge is rapidly becoming as one of Uganda's top lodging choices. Its location makes it the ideal starting point for boat safaris, game drives, and monkey trekking.Mweya Safari Lodge holds a prominent position in this area. Established more than 30 years ago as a government facility, this big hotel is a heritage property. Although it's not as cosy as other smaller houses, the central location is unbeatable. Ideal for getting to boat trips on the Kazinga Channel.Even though additional lodges are being built, this is still the most peaceful location with the least amount of human activity. The well-known favourite here is Ishasha Wilderness Camp, a beautifully cosy and discreetly designed camp on the banks of the Ishasha River, which serves as the natural boundary between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. What Big Five Animals Are Found in Queen Elizabeth?Lions – including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha sector.Leopards – though more elusive, they are present in the park.Elephants – large herds roam the savannah and along the Kazinga Channel.African Buffaloes – very common and found in big numbers across the park. The only one missing from the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth is the rhinoceros. Rhinos were once present in Uganda but were wiped out in the 1980s. Today, they can only be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary near Murchison Falls, not in QENP. “From the mighty elephants to the iconic tree-climbing lions, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to 4 of Africa’s Big Five. 🦁🐘🐃🐆 Only the rhino is missing—but the adventure here is full and wild! 🌍✨Catch up with these animals with us Ossicones Safari Uganda - Tour & Travel