Page 27 - July-Sept 2024 Edition

Birding with each other over fresh meat. In the forest
QENP is a fantastic place for those interested regions of the park, you can expect to see
in birds. The park is one of the best birding the African Green Broadbill, Black Bee-Eater
sites in Africa because of the diversity of and various species of Sunbirds, Woodpeckers
habitats. The park has 612 bird species which and Barbets. When on safari in the grasslands
is the second highest population of any park you might see the national bird of Uganda,
on the continent. The parks rivers, lakes and the Grey Crowned Crane as well as Bustards,
the Kazinga Channel are where you will find Lapwings and Hornbills. There are also several
waterbirds like the African Fish Eagle, African migratory species that pass through the park
Skimmer, and various species of Kingfisher and can be seen during certain months of
and Pelicans. A private boat hire can take the year. One of these migratory species is
you to the far ends of Lake George to find the the lesser flamingo which can be seen in Lake
legendary Shoebill Stork, the papyrus wetlands Munyanyange, a small saline crater lake next
enroute is where you can find the elusive to Lake Katwe and Lake Bunyampaka in the
Papyrus Gonelek. Soaring in the skies you’ll find Kasenyi Plains. Walking tours can be done
Raptors, Martial Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Bataleur in both locations to get close to these large,
and several species of Vultures. The latter you elegant birds with distinctive pink plumage.
may see swooping down onto a kill, squabbling

Exploring QENP
The Equator
Uganda is one of 13 countries in the world through which the equator crosses. That equator line
runs through QENP and is a good photo opportunity. Currently the equator markers are under
renovation, however a simple road sign marks the location and there is plenty of space to pull off
the road. In the absence of the equator markers, an ingenious local man has printed a photo
of the original markers on a large banner giving people a photo opportunity as the renovation
is conducted. He erects the banner daily and can also demonstrate the Coriolis effect showing
which way water circles as it flows out of a drain. Some people speculate whether the experiment
is rigged and how the effect can be so strong just several metres either side of the equator but no
matter what you believe to be true, it’s a fun activity for children and curious adults.

Kasenyi Plains
Safari drives are the most popular activity in QENP, and the Kasenyi Plains is the main destination for
both morning and afternoon trips. The plains consist of savannah grasslands dotted with Euphorbia
trees and attracts large herds of the national animal of Uganda, an antelope called the Ugandan
kob. Other antelope like waterbuck and bushbuck inhabit the plains alongside warthog, buffalo,
hippo, and elephant. The antelope and buffalo attract predators such as lion and leopard which
are generally the most sought-after carnivores for safari goers. The leopard and lion of this area like
to climb in the Euphorbia trees, there are lots to look in, but it’s worth scanning. Many wonder how
the cats manage to climb in the Euphorbia trees, also known as Candelabra trees, as they look
prickly like a cactus, but they are in fact a succulent, so they don’t have any sharp spines.
At the end of your morning safari, it’s worth visiting Lake Bunyampaka a salt crater lake in the east
end of the Kasenyi plains. Here you’ll find a curio market, toilets and vendors selling coffee, tea,
drinks and rolex. If you are not familiar with the Ugandan rolex, it’s not an expensive wristwatch,
but a popular street food. It’s made with a chapati filled with eggs, and vegetables (that can vary
from tomatoes, onions, and cabbage) and then rolled up. The name rolex comes from ‘rolled
eggs’, if you haven’t had one, it’s worth a try.
25 25