Exploring the Mweya Peninsula Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mweya Peninsula is one of the sectors of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a popular tourist destination in Uganda. It sits in the Rwenzururu sub-region of Kasese district. Positioned on the northern bank of the Kazinga Channel, it links Lake George and Lake Edward in the Western Rift Valley. Interestingly, it lies between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, splitting Lake Edward.

Located about 55 kilometers southwest of Kasese and approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, Mweya Peninsula is easily accessible by road. Historically, it was inhabited over 50,000 years ago. The first explorer to reach Mweya was Stanley in July 1889. Back then, the area was filled with huts and livestock. However, in 1891, when Fredrick Lugard arrived, he found the huts destroyed, likely due to previous events.

Initially, Mweya Peninsula was closed off due to the Rinderpest outbreak, a disease affecting cattle. Later, in 1952, it was established as a wildlife park and renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park after a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. Today, Mweya Peninsula has a population of over 400 people, mainly in its tourist area.

The landscape of Mweya Peninsula is characterized by grasslands and dense vegetation, dominated by candelabra trees and thorny bushes. It offers picturesque views and is home to various wildlife. The park features well-maintained game drive tracks, such as the Channel Track and routes to Katunguru Gate and Kabatoro Gate. Visitors are advised to hire professional guides, as navigating the area can be challenging.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species, including leopards and lions. Additionally, it holds cultural and historical significance, adding to its allure as a must-visit destination.

Attractions in Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Peninsula is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with its diverse attractions. Its dense vegetation shelters a variety of mammals, including leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, elephants, antelopes, and more. The forests of Maramagambo are particularly rich in wildlife, offering sightings of creatures like leopards and giant forest hogs. Additionally, primate species like blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons inhabit the Maramagambo forest. For those interested in nocturnal animals, Mweya Peninsula is an ideal spot, especially for observing leopards. Reptiles such as Nile crocodiles and snakes like pythons also call this area home. Moreover, bird enthusiasts can enjoy spotting over 100 bird species, including African skimmers, flamingos, and papyrus gonoleks.

Wildlife in Mweya Peninsula

The wildlife in Mweya Peninsula thrives within its dense vegetation. Various mammal species, including leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, elephants, antelopes, and bush pigs, find refuge here. The forests of Maramagambo are home to diverse primate species like blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, pottos, and white and black monkeys. Notably, Mweya Peninsula also hosts mongoose and reptiles like Nile crocodiles and snakes such as pythons. Birdwatchers can delight in observing over 100 bird species, including African skimmers, flamingos, and papyrus gonoleks.

Maramagambo Forest

Located in Bushenyi district, Maramagambo Forest is renowned for its bat experience and is home to various primate and animal species. Visitors can encounter vervets, African buffaloes, bush pigs, pygmy antelopes, and giant forest hogs. Nature walks through this forest offer opportunities to appreciate its biodiversity.

Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer-long freshwater channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George, is a prominent feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Named after Queen Victoria’s son, King Edward VII, and her successor, King George V, the channel is a hub for wildlife tourism. Visitors can spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, antelopes, elephants, buffaloes, and over 100 bird species, including greater flamingos and shoebills.

Activities in Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Peninsula offers a plethora of activities for tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Twice daily, visitors can embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, providing captivating views of the park’s scenery and wildlife. Operated by both the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Mweya Safari Lodge, the cruise offers sightings of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, waterbucks, flamingos, and shoebills. Tourists can choose between the comfort of the Sunbird, a ten-seater boat, or the luxury of the Kingfisher, a twelve-seater boat with refreshments and canopies. Each trip lasts approximately two hours and costs around $30 per person.

Game Drives

Game drives in Mweya Peninsula, conducted twice daily during the early morning and late afternoon, offer opportunities to witness the park’s diverse wildlife. Despite the challenges posed by dense vegetation, booking with Journeys Uganda ensures tourists receive knowledgeable guides who navigate the best trails for optimal wildlife viewing. Expect sightings of hyenas, leopards, warthogs, and more during these drives.

Mongoose Tracking

With over 400 mongooses inhabiting Mweya Peninsula, tourists can engage in mongoose tracking, a unique and active adventure. Accompanied by professional guides and researchers, visitors learn about mongoose behavior and characteristics during this three-hour activity. Along the way, tourists may also encounter other attractions such as animals and birds.

Community Tours

Tourists can participate in community walks to nearby villages like Mweya Village, engaging with locals and experiencing their daily lives. These tours offer insights into local cultures, lifestyles, and traditions, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Forest Nature Walks

Exploring the forests through guided nature walks allows visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s flora, fauna, and attractions. Trained guides lead participants along designated trails, offering opportunities to observe different bird species and animals while learning about the area’s biodiversity.