Queen Elizabeth National Park is among the diversely protected areas in East Africa situated in the western part of Uganda between Lake Edward and Lake George covering an area of 1,978 square kilometers including many ecosystems, open savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, tropical forests, wetlands, and crater lake vegetation. The Park also inhabits more than 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, making the park one of the richest wildlife habitats in Africa.

Vegetation around the Park

1. Savannah Grasslands

Savannah grasslands are the dominant vegetation type in Queen Elizabeth National Park and this comprises of ecosystems which include; tall grasses mixed with scattered trees and shrubs.

Characteristics

Open landscapes dominated by grasses

Scattered drought-resistant trees

Seasonal growth depending on rainfall

Supports large grazing animals

Common grass species here include; Themeda triandra (red oat grass), Hyparrhenia species, Pennisetum grasses as you watch wildlife animals like herbivore i.e the Uganda kob, African buffalo, African elephant, Topi, Predators like the African lion. This vegetation is common in areas i.e the Kaseny plains, which are famous for game drives.

2. Acacia Woodlands

Acacia woodlands are another important vegetation zone in the park which includes; scattered trees dominated by acacia species, which are well adapted to dry environments. The common trees in this section are Acacia sieberiana, Acacia gerrardii, Acacia hockii. They include; small leaves and thorns which help reduce water loss and protect them from grazing animals. They offer Shade for animals, Nesting areas for birds, Food for browsing herbivores with wildlife animals like the African bush elephant, Common warthog, Bushbuck as well as bird species like the African fish eagle, Grey crowned crane.

3. Tropical Forest Vegetation

Although the park is mostly savannah, it also contains patches of tropical forest vegetation particularly in the southern sector and along the border with the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The important forest within the park is the Maramagambo Forest which features tropical Forest Vegetation, Dense tree canopy, High humidity, Rich biodiversity, Multi-layered plant structure.

The trees can grow over 30 meters tall forming a thick canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Some of the tree species you watch include; Ficus species (fig trees), Prunus Africana, Albizia species and wildlife animals in the forest like the Chimpanzees, Black-and-white colobus, Vervet monkeys, butterflies, reptiles and rare birds.

4. Wetland and Riverine Vegetation

Wetlands are common around the Kazinga Channel which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. These are surrounded by wetland vegetation inclusive of plants i.e Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), Reeds, Aquatic grasses. The wildlife animals you watch include; Hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, birdlife like the Shoebill and numerous migratory birds.

5. Crater Lake Vegetation

Queen Elizabeth National Park contains dozens of volcanic crater lakes, especially in the Katwe region. The vegetation includes; Salt-tolerant plants, Short grasses, Shrubs adapted to mineral-rich soils. These plants survive in harsh conditions caused by volcanic soils and high mineral content.

6. Bush and Shrub Vegetation

Bush and Shrub Vegetation are very many in the Park providing shelter for small animals like African hare, African civet.