Chimp Tracking and Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most diverse and rewarding safari destinations in East Africa. Located in western Uganda, the park is famous for its rich wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and exciting safari activities. Visitors to this park can enjoy both classic African wildlife safaris and chimpanzee tracking experiences within the same region. A Chimp Tracking and Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Uganda’s savannah plains, tropical forests, crater lakes, and wetlands while encountering a wide range of animals and bird species.

Below is a detailed guide to chimpanzee tracking and wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Overview of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second largest national park and one of the most visited wildlife destinations in the country. The park covers about 1,978 square kilometers and stretches from the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to the shores of Lake Edward and Lake George.

The park is known for its incredible biodiversity, hosting more than 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, making it one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Africa.

The landscape of the park is extremely diverse and includes:

• Open savannah plains

• Tropical forests

• Crater lakes

• Wetlands

• River channels

This diversity of ecosystems supports a wide range of wildlife and makes every safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park unique.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

One of the most exciting activities near Queen Elizabeth National Park is chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. This spectacular gorge is often referred to as the “Valley of Apes.”

Kyambura Gorge is a deep forested valley carved by the Kyambura River and surrounded by open savannah. The contrast between the lush forest inside the gorge and the dry plains above it creates a dramatic landscape.

The gorge is home to a small but habituated community of chimpanzees that visitors can track with the help of experienced ranger guides.

Chimpanzee tracking here involves hiking down steep trails into the gorge while searching for the chimpanzee group. Once they are located, visitors can spend one hour observing them as they move through the forest canopy, feed on fruits, groom one another, and communicate with loud calls.

Although the chimpanzee population in Kyambura Gorge is smaller than in other parks, the trekking experience is very rewarding because of the unique scenery and the thrill of finding chimpanzees hidden within this underground forest.

Other Primates Found in Kyambura Gorge

Apart from chimpanzees, Kyambura Gorge also hosts several other primate species. Visitors trekking in the gorge may encounter:

• Black-and-white colobus monkeys

• Red-tailed monkeys

• Olive baboons

• Vervet monkeys

The gorge is also home to forest birds, butterflies, and small mammals, making the trek a fascinating nature experience even before the chimpanzees are located.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

One of the main highlights of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park is the opportunity to enjoy exciting game drives across its vast savannah plains.

Game drives usually take place in the Kasenyi Plains, an area known for its high concentration of wildlife. Early morning and evening game drives provide the best chances to see animals when they are most active.

Animals commonly seen during game drives include:

• Lions

• Elephants

• Buffaloes

• Uganda kobs

• Warthogs

• Hyenas

• Leopards

Predators such as lions are often spotted hunting antelopes in the open grasslands, making the Kasenyi Plains one of the best places for wildlife photography.

Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

Another remarkable wildlife experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park is visiting the Ishasha sector to see the famous tree-climbing lions.

The Ishasha sector is located in the southern part of the park and is well known for lions that spend much of their time resting in large fig trees. This unusual behavior makes Ishasha one of the few places in Africa where tree-climbing lions can be seen regularly.

Game drives in Ishasha often reveal lions lounging on tree branches while scanning the plains for prey below.

Apart from lions, Ishasha is also home to:

• Topis

• Buffaloes

• Elephants

• Various antelope species

The quiet and remote nature of the Ishasha sector makes it a favorite destination for travelers seeking a more exclusive safari experience.

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

One of the most popular safari activities in the park is the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. It is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.

During the boat cruise, visitors can see:

• Large groups of hippos in the water

• Nile crocodiles along the banks

• Buffaloes and elephants drinking from the channel

• Numerous water birds

The boat cruise offers excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities because animals often gather near the water during the heat of the day.

Birdwatching Opportunities

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Africa. With over 600 bird species recorded, the park attracts birdwatchers from around the world.

Some of the bird species commonly seen in the park include:

• African fish eagle

• Grey crowned crane

• Saddle-billed stork

• African skimmer

• Pelicans

• Kingfishers

Birdwatching can be done during game drives, boat cruises, or nature walks around the park.

Scenic Landscapes and Crater Lakes

In addition to wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also famous for its scenic beauty. The park features a chain of volcanic crater lakes surrounded by green hills and forested slopes.

These crater lakes provide spectacular viewpoints where visitors can stop to take photographs and enjoy the peaceful landscape.

The views of the distant Rwenzori Mountains also add to the park’s dramatic scenery, especially during clear mornings.

Best Time for Chimp Tracking and Wildlife Viewing

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited throughout the year, but some seasons offer better wildlife viewing conditions.

The best time for safaris is during the dry seasons:

• June to September

• December to February

During these months, wildlife is easier to spot because animals gather around water sources and vegetation is less dense.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is also easier during the dry months when forest trails are less slippery.

However, the rainy seasons bring lush green landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Accommodation Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different travel budgets.

Visitors can choose from:

• Luxury safari lodges with stunning views

• Comfortable mid-range lodges

• Budget camps and guesthouses

Many lodges are located near wildlife areas, allowing guests to enjoy beautiful views of the savannah and sometimes even see animals near the lodge.

Some accommodations overlook the Kazinga Channel, offering spectacular sunset views and opportunities to observe wildlife along the water.

Combining Queen Elizabeth with Other Safari Destinations

Many travelers combine a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park with other famous safari destinations in Uganda.

Popular safari combinations include:

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls National Park

These combined itineraries allow visitors to experience the full diversity of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes.

Book Your Safari With Us

Chimpanzee tracking and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer one of the most exciting safari experiences in Uganda. From trekking through the hidden forests of Kyambura Gorge in search of chimpanzees to exploring the savannah plains filled with lions, elephants, and buffaloes, every moment in this park is filled with adventure. The boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel and the chance to see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha make the experience even more special. Book your safari with us and let our expert team plan an unforgettable journey through one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. For more information or to start planning your trip, contact us at info@kenlinktours.com or inquiries@kenlinktours.com.