Janet Track in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Janet track is among the many routes in the Queen Elizabeth National Park where game drives are done. The Janet track is located in the Kasenyi Sector of the park which is one of the most visited sectors of the park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park. After the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the park was named Queen Elizabeth National Park. When you take a game drive on the Janet track, you will see multiple wildlife. Some of the commonly seen animals in the Janet track include; lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, kobs, and many others.
The Geography of Janet Track in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Janet Track in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a scenic drive that offers a unique perspective on the diverse landscapes and wildlife within the park. The track is a well-maintained road that winds through the park, providing stunning views of the surrounding savannah, forests, and crater lakes. Additionally, Janet Track traverses various ecosystems, including open grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, each supporting a distinct array of wildlife. The track also offers glimpses of the Kazinga Channel, a narrow waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This channel is renowned for its abundance of hippos and crocodiles. Overall, the Janet Track provides a comprehensive safari experience within Queen Elizabeth National Park, showcasing the park’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Activities done on Janet Track in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Guided game drive
Janet Track is popularly known for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A typical game drive on the Janet Track starts at the Kasenyi Gate in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The game drives are usually done in the morning and afternoon. Once you are done with clearing with park authorities at the gate. You hop into a 4×4 safari vehicle. It is recommended that you use a stable land cruiser or any other safari car with a pop-up roof for scenic views.
A game drive on the Janet Track guarantees seeing many wild animals. This is where a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof comes into play. You need not to miss capturing such amazing moments. It will take no more time before you spot many animals on a game drive in the Janet Track of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Some of the commonly seen animals in the Janet Track include; elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The region is also a good place to see hundreds of bird species.
Nature walks
Nature walks are one of the activities that travelers can do on the Janet Track in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is done under the guidance of a ranger guide who will take you through the park and ensure your safety during the safari. In this walk, there are several wildlife encountered during the safaris including kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and many others.
Birding
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to several bird species that travelers can encounter. Multiple bird species can also be encountered during the visit to the Janet track. These species include the African fishing eagle, pied kingfisher, martial eagle, crested crane, Abyssian ground hornbill, and many others.
What other activities are done in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is another primate activity that one encounters on their safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Chimp trekking is done in Kyambura Gorge. The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in the Kyambura Gorge excludes the entrance fees. The permit costs USD 100 for foreign nonresidents, 50 USD for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX for East African residents. Chimpanzee trekking lasts for about 2 to 4 hours of the day upon which travelers will meet the chimpanzee.
Boat cruise experience on Kazinga Channel
This is done within the Kazinga channel, lake Edward, Mweya Peninsular, and Lake Edward. It is done using motorized boats that cruise around the lake to view the several wildlife. The activity lasts about 2 to 3 hours of the day and it is usually done in the afternoon hours of the day. On the boat cruise, there are several wildlife that travelers usually encounter including hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and many others.
Lion tracking
Did you know that you can track lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park? The park boosts many tree-climbing lions like those found in Lake Manyara National Park. Although these lions are easily seen in the Ishasha Sector, tree-climbing lions can be spotted in the Janet Track. Lion tracking usually takes more time than usual game drives. It involves following a particular pride of lions and learning about their behaviors. Initially, lion tracking was for researchers but it has been open for all tourists.
Camping
Camping is another activity that is usually carried out in the Mweya through the Katwe Kabatooro gate. This activity involves setting tents that travelers can stay in overnight. Several indoor games are usually played during the camping and also surrounding the fireplace of the camp.
Other game drive tracks in Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are several other tracks that travelers can use to see the wildlife, and some of these include; the Kaguta Track, Long Research Track, Old Mating Track, New Mating Track, Channel Drive Circuit, Crater Track, and Ishasha Sector
Where to stay in the Queen Elizabeth National Park?
While on the safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are several accommodation facilities that travelers can stay in. These facilities are rated midrange, budget, and high-end facilities that are situated around the park. They include; Kasenyi Plains Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, Bush Lodge, Bulbul Lodge, Buffalo Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Acacia Mweya Safari Lodge, Pumba Cottages, Tambura Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Elephant Hub, Twin Lakes Lodge, Park View Lodge, Ihamba Cottages, Little Elephant Camp, Marvin Motel, and many others.
Itinerary ideas to visit Janet Track in Queen Elizabeth National Park
If you are planning to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are several ideal safari packages you may choose from.
- 3 days Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 5 days of gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 10 days Uganda safari
- 15 days Uganda savannah safari
- 25 days East African Tour
What is the best time to take a game drive on the Janet Track in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
A game drive in Janet Track can be done any time of the year. However, the best time for clearer views is during the dry season (June to September and December to February). This is the time of the year when the park is dry and clear for scenic wildlife views. This does not render wet seasons the poor time of the year. They come with their advantages like less traffic in the park and lower prices.
