When you lace up your running shoes for the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, you're not just in for an exhilarating race but also for an adventure through some of Uganda's most breathtaking landscapes. While you're in Kasese, make sure to carve out some time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gem of a park offers a perfect post-race retreat where you can unwind and connect with nature.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Covering nearly 2,000 square kilometers, the park boasts diverse ecosystems that range from sprawling savannas and dense forests to sparkling lakes and wetlands. This diversity provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience a variety of wildlife up close.
Special Offer for Marathon Participants
Marathon participants will receive a 50% discount on entry fees for persons and vehicles to Queen Elizabeth National Park from August 23-25, 2024, upon presentation of their race bibs. This exclusive offer allows runners to extend their adventure and explore the park's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife at a reduced cost.
Queen Elizabeth II and Kazinga National Park
The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park – sharing names with the channel at its center – and renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Queen Elizabeth’s first visit to Uganda was a sad and short one, when she made a stop-over at Entebbe Airport from Kenya in 1952 with The Duke of Edinburgh on their way to Britain when her father died, and her eventual accession as Queen of England at the age of 25. Her first official visit came in 1954, when she and Prince Philip came to Uganda as part of a Commonwealth tour. This visit included the opening of the Owen Falls Dam (now Nalubaale Dam) in Jinja and a tour of Kazinga National Park, which was later renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in her honor. During this visit, she met with various Ugandan leaders and experienced the country's rich culture through traditional dances and ceremonies.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Imagine spotting lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants grazing peacefully, and majestic antelopes leaping through the air. The park is home to over 95 mammal species, including the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector and numerous hippos basking in the sun along the Kazinga Channel. Bird watchers will also be delighted with over 600 bird species, making it one of the best birding destinations in Africa.
Adventure awaits!
For the adventurous spirit, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers exciting activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and guided nature walks. The Kazinga Channel boat safari is a highlight, providing a unique vantage point to see elephants, buffalo, and a myriad of birds. Game drives through the park's various sectors offer a chance to explore its vast landscapes and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the "Valley of Apes," is a stunning geographical feature located in the eastern parts of the park. This lush, verdant gorge, approximately 100 meters deep, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a small population of habituated chimpanzees, making it a popular destination for primate tracking. The gorge also supports other wildlife such as hippos, various bird species, and other primates like red-tailed monkeys and baboons. Besides its wildlife, Kyambura Gorge offers a unique and scenic landscape, characterized by a mix of tropical rainforest and savannah, providing visitors with breathtaking views and a memorable nature experience.
Want an experience out of the ordinary? Mountains Slayers Uganda are organizing a hike through Kyambura Gorge ahead of the marathon. Learn more here.
After the marathon, there's no better way to rejuvenate than by immersing yourself in the tranquility of the park. The scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains in the backdrop, the soothing sounds of nature, and the fresh air will help you recover and recharge. Whether you're staying at a luxury lodge or a budget-friendly campsite, the park's serene environment is perfect for relaxation and reflection.
All photos courtesy of Uganda Wildlife Authority
