Journey through Queen Elisabeth NP
Emmanuel Van Heygen
Today our course was set for Isasha through the vast landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the serene waters of the Kazinga Channel. As we left Maramagambo’s embrace, the dawn chorus serenaded us—a cacophony of birds, each lending its voice to the symphony of the wild. We ventured onto a path where every turn promised the unexpected. The terrain gradually transformed from the dark, damp undergrowth of the forest to the sunlit savannahs, punctuated by acacia trees that stood like sentinels in the morning haze.
Overlooking the vast expanse of Queen Elizabeth NP, the distant silhouettes of the Rwenzori Mountains rise, adding depth and majesty to an already breathtaking landscape
Queen Elizabeth’s Majesty
Upon entering Queen Elizabeth National Park, the landscape opened up, revealing a panorama that seemed to stretch into eternity. There were herds of Uganda kob grazing, their elegant forms outlined against the golden grass, while in the distance, the playful silhouettes of elephants signaled their presence.
Stretching as far as the eye can see, the boundless savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park paints a timeless tableau of wild Africa
The Kazinga Channel: Nature’s Conduit
Our first major destination was the Kazinga Channel, a serene body of water connecting Lake George to Lake Edward. This natural waterway is more than just a geographic marvel—it’s a lifeline for countless species. As we approached its banks, the sheer abundance of life was overwhelming. Hippos lounged lazily in the shallows, their giant forms almost submerged, save for the occasional flick of an ear or a snort of breath. Birds of all sizes and colors flitted about—kingfishers diving for a meal, while storks stood still as statues, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The Kazinga Channel: A tranquil waterway teeming with life, bridging the vast landscapes of Queen Elizabeth NP and offering a unique vantage point into the heart of wild Africa
A Close Encounter on Water
We chose to traverse the channel by boat, allowing us a closer look at the inhabitants of this watery world. Crocodiles, masters of stealth, lay on the muddy banks, their eyes betraying their presence. Buffalo came to quench their thirst, their imposing forms casting ripples across the still waters. And every so often, a lone elephant would make its way to the water’s edge, its trunk working like a siphon as it drank and sprayed the cooling liquid.
Where water meets land, a symphony of nature unfolds: the banks of the Kazinga Channel teem with life, each creature playing its part in the ever-evolving story of this aquatic haven
Realm of Crocodiles and Hippos
In the heart of the Kazinga Channel, an intricate relationship between two of Africa’s iconic creatures unfolds. Crocodiles, with their armor-like scales, lay sunbathing on the channel’s banks, their deceptively lazy demeanor belying the lightning-fast strike capability they possess. Their jaws, a death trap, have witnessed countless tales of survival and domination.
Adjacent to them, the seemingly gentle hippos submerge almost entirely, with just their eyes and nostrils peeking out from the water’s surface. Despite their bulk and serene appearance, they are agile in water and command respect from other inhabitants of the channel. Their powerful jaws can crunch through the toughest vegetation, and they are known to be fiercely protective of their territory. The dynamic between the crocodiles and hippos is a delicate balance, with each respecting the other’s domain.
On the sun-drenched banks of the Kazinga Channel, ancient crocodiles and mighty hippos coexist, each claiming its space in a delicate balance of power and grace
Venturing South: The Call of Ishasha
Yet, as is the nature of expeditions, we moved on, carrying the essence of Kazinga within us. The landscape started to morph again as we ventured south. The grasslands rose into gentle hills, and the air grew cooler. We were approaching Ishasha, the less-trodden gem of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Golden hues drape Queen Elizabeth NP, with the sun casting its serene farewell, as the shadows of Ishasha draw near
Emmanuel Van Heygen
“Upon entering Queen Elizabeth National Park, the landscape opened up, revealing a panorama that seemed to stretch into eternity.”
As the thickets rustled with anticipation, a majestic tusker emerged, its grandeur illuminated by the sun's rays, becoming the embodiment of the wilderness' timeless spirit
Amidst the vast expanse of the golden savannah, playful Uganda Kob frolic, their agile moves painting a scene of joy and freedom
The Kazinga Channel, a natural lifeline, seamlessly weaves together the tranquil waters of Lake George with the deeper mysteries of Lake Edward, creating a bustling aquatic highway teeming with diverse life
Elephants and buffalo stand side by side, an impressive display of Africa's majestic giants, gracing the banks of the Kazinga Channel
A majestic hippo ambles gracefully along the water's edge, each step rippling the serene surface
A Marabou stork, wings outstretched, captured in a fleeting moment of graceful flight
An African fish eagle, perched majestically atop a tree, surveys its waters with keen eyes
As the African sun blazed overhead, a solitary crocodile stretched out along the bank of the channel, its ancient scales reflecting the light
Amidst nature's fierce residents, humans too find a place, coexisting alongside the formidable creatures of the banks
Uganda Journals
Bigodi Swamps
In the heart of Uganda, the Bigodi swamps stand not just as a geographical landmark but as a beacon of life's astounding diversity and tenacity. It is a testament to the delicate balance of ecosystems – a living, breathing ode to the wonders of our natural world.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Deep within the heart of Bwindi's verdant labyrinth, amidst layers of ancient green, the chameleons—nature's unparalleled artisans—paint dynamic portraits of adaptation and intrigue. Trioceros johnstonii, with its colossal horns and intricate color patterns, stands as a testament to nature's boundless creativity.
Kibale Forest
Kibale's Forest ancient trees, elusive chameleons, playful primates, and myriad other life forms, Kibale extends an invitation — not just to explore but to connect, reflect, and be reborn in its embrace.
Maramagambo Forest
A silent guardian of nature's mysteries lies deep within southwestern Uganda: the Maramagambo Forest. As dawn caresses its verdant canopy, the forest awakens in a medley of chirps, croaks, and rustling leaves, telling tales that span eons.
On the border with Congo
With every sunrise, Ishasha unraveled its multifaceted nature. From the commanding lions and the regal elephants to the chameleons' subtle artistry, each tale was a testament to the wilderness's undying spirit.
Rwenzori Mountains
To venture into the Ruwenzoris is to embark on an odyssey of self-discovery and wonder. From the moment one sets foot on the damp, moss-covered forest floor, there’s an overwhelming feeling of stepping back in time.
