Jacob, Shaun & Kazinga Magic: The Queen Elizabeth Safari Every Ugandan Should Experience During UWA Open Park Days

By Frank Kamuntu

If you have always believed that Uganda’s national parks are destinations reserved for foreign tourists, think again.

From coming face-to-face with one of the world’s most famous lions to cruising alongside giant hippos and crocodiles, standing on the Equator, sharing evenings around a glowing campfire under African skies, and waking up to breathtaking savannahs teeming with wildlife, a team of journalists and influencers has returned from western Uganda with one message: every Ugandan deserves to experience the beauty hidden within their own country.

The unforgettable journey formed part of Week Two of the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s #UWAOpenParkDays campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging more Ugandans to discover the country’s extraordinary natural heritage.

The adventure began on Monday morning at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala before the team embarked on a scenic road trip westwards, making several stopovers to enjoy local cuisine, refreshments and capture Uganda’s picturesque landscapes before arriving at the spectacular Lake Mburo National Park.

Upon arrival, the visitors were warmly welcomed by the park’s Acting Chief Warden, Kwesiga Karamagi William, who introduced them to one of Uganda’s most accessible yet underrated wildlife destinations.

Karamagi described Lake Mburo as a park that combines breathtaking scenery with incredible wildlife encounters.

Home to graceful giraffes, vast herds of zebras, buffaloes, impalas, elands and many other species, the park offers visitors the rare opportunity to enjoy memorable game drives without travelling far from Kampala.

Perhaps even more encouraging for domestic tourists, he explained that visitors do not require expensive four-wheel-drive vehicles to enjoy the park.

“Our roads are well maintained and ordinary vehicles can comfortably access most parts of the park,” Karamagi said.

“Visitors can enjoy game drives, explore the lake, take unforgettable photographs with giraffes and simply enjoy one of Uganda’s friendliest national parks.”

From L.Mburo To Queen Elizabeth

The excitement only intensified as the team continued to Queen Elizabeth National Park, checking into the luxurious Acacia Wilderness Mweya, where warm hospitality immediately set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable wildlife experiences imaginable.

The lodge welcomed the visitors with exceptional service, delicious meals and refreshing beverages, providing the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness overlooking one of Uganda’s most spectacular landscapes.

But nothing could prepare the group for what awaited them the following morning.

Meeting Jacob, The Lion Who Refused To Give Up

As dawn broke over Queen Elizabeth National Park, the team had an opportunity to meet the Chief Warden, Mr. Frederick Eria Kisamean, and then embarked on an experiential lion tracking expedition which led them to Mr. Jacob, the most famous lion in Africa.

Known around the world as “the lion with nine lives,” Jacob has become a global conservation icon after surviving hardships that would have killed almost any other wild animal.

Years ago, he lost one of his hind legs after being trapped in a poacher’s snare. Thanks to the intervention of dedicated team from the Uganda Wildlife Authority who continue to monitor him using a satellite tracking collar, Jacob survived and continues to roam the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Then Came Shaun…

As if Jacob’s incredible story wasn’t enough, nature had another surprise in store.

The team was fortunate enough to encounter Shaun, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s best-known leopards.

Normally elusive and difficult to spot, Shaun emerged calmly from the wilderness, offering the influencers a rare opportunity to admire one of Africa’s most mysterious predators. His graceful movements, striking coat and quiet confidence left cameras clicking endlessly.

For seasoned wildlife enthusiasts, seeing a leopard in the wild is considered a privilege. For many first-time visitors on the trip, it became a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sailing On The ‘Mighty’ Kazinga Channel

The adventure continued with an unforgettable boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s greatest wildlife spectacles.

Every bend of the channel revealed another breathtaking scene.

Massive pods of hippos lazily occupied the waters while enormous nile crocodiles basked peacefully along the shores.

Families of elephants wandered to the water’s edge to drink and bathe as countless bird species filled the skies with colour and sound.

It was a vivid reminder that Uganda’s wildlife is not confined to television documentaries, it is alive, thriving and waiting to be explored.

Standing Between Two Hemispheres

The team also visited the iconic Kikorongo Equator Monument, where visitors can literally stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.

Beyond its geographical significance, the monument has become one of Uganda’s most photographed landmarks, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the fascinating blend of science, culture and tourism that makes Uganda unique.

Evenings To Remember At Acacia Wilderness Mweya

While the wildlife encounters stole the headlines, the evenings at Acacia Wilderness Mweya became equally unforgettable.

As darkness settled over Queen Elizabeth National Park, the lodge transformed into a peaceful sanctuary.

The warm glow of the campfire, cool evening breeze and sounds of the surrounding wilderness created the perfect atmosphere for relaxation after long days of exploration.

Conversations flowed effortlessly as the team shared stories and games beneath star-filled skies, surrounded by the tranquillity that only the African wilderness can offer.

Dinner became another highlight of the experience. Freshly prepared meals, beautifully presented and rich in flavour, reflected the very best of Uganda’s safari hospitality.

Every detail, from the attentive service to the serene natural setting, combined to create an experience that perfectly balanced adventure with comfort, leaving lasting memories for everyone in the group.

Local Communities Matter In Conservation

The team also visited the Buhingo III Women Group, one of the community groups supported by the Uganda Wildlife Authority around Queen Elizabeth National Park. Through tourism revenue generated by park visitors, the women have been equipped with skills to produce items such as beeswax jelly, liquid soap and other products, creating sustainable sources of income.

The visit highlighted how tourism benefits not only wildlife but also the people living near protected areas. By sharing park revenue with neighbouring communities, UWA is improving livelihoods while encouraging local residents to become active partners in conserving Uganda’s rich natural heritage.

A Perfect Stop Before Returning Home

On their journey back to Kampala, the team made another memorable stop at the world-class Kyangabi Crater Resort, a hidden gem overlooking the stunning crater lakes of western Uganda.

The resort impressed visitors with its elegant accommodation, beautiful gardens, exceptional cuisine, modern conference facilities, wellness amenities and breathtaking views that offer travellers yet another reason to extend their western Uganda adventure.

For those seeking relaxation after exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyangabi provides the perfect combination of luxury, serenity and natural beauty.

Uganda’s Greatest Wonders Are Waiting

Now, with #UWAOpenParkDays scheduled for September 25–27, when entry for both people and vehicles will be absolutely free, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is giving every Ugandan an opportunity to experience these unforgettable adventures firsthand.

Whether it is tracking lions, spotting leopards, photographing giraffes, cruising the Kazinga Channel, standing on the Equator or simply enjoying a peaceful evening around a campfire in the heart of the wilderness, Uganda’s national parks promise memories that last a lifetime.

Mark your calendars, we meet in one of the following parks from 25th – 27th September;

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park.

We Meet………!