Birdwatching at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Video by Fanny Martinez

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• published: 24 Jun 2016
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Queen Elizabeth national park When a park is named after a Queen, you know it is no ordinary destination. This prolific wildlife real estate offers 1,978km2 of the wildest land in East Africa including a vast savannah dotted with wild acacia trees, imposing mountains, vibrant wetlands and tens of scenic crater lakes. However, its biggest claim is a healthy population of the big five exclusive of the rhino. Of these, the tree climbing lions which are found in its south are a must see. Where else do you get to see lions jumping from one branch to another with so much ease like monkeys? The park which is located in the Western arm of the East African Rift Valley also boasts of a gorge and a river channel. At these two spots which are locally known as Kyambura gorge and Kazinga channel, one gets the real feel of perfection in beauty. Kyambura Gorge A gorge as you might know is just another fancy word for a sunken forest in a wide valley. In the particular case of Kyambura, the valley is 100 meters deep. Save for the roar of a River and the tweeting of crickets, it is absolute silence down there, probably more silent than a grave. While many prefer to call it the valley of apes as it is home to over 3 chimpanzee families, there is a lot more to see in the gorge than just the subtle primates. Such includes gigantic tropical trees, beautiful flowers, unique chains of spider webs, a variety of birds, colourful butterflies and different species of monkeys. A nature walk here happens so fast. While one might expect to spend hours walking in vain to see the chimps, they get a better feel of the forest with every tick of the clock. Kazinga Channel On the map of Uganda, Kazinga Channel is that thin strip of water that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. A boat cruise here treats one to abundant wildlife they might not have seen during their game drive. Such include elephants, buffaloes, water bucks, elephants, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, birds and monkeys. It is hard to leave this place without catching sight of at least 150 bird species especially those that prey on fish like the eagle, kingfishers. Accommodation Mweya safari lodge, River Ishaha lodge, Savannah Resort Hotel, Kingfisher lodge Kichwamba, jacana Safari lodge, Tembo safari lodge. Tours to Queen Elizabeth Want to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, Undiscovered Uganda Adventures is always more than happy to tailor a tour for you.