Kasenyi Plains is one of the most scenic sectors of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It lies in the northeastern part of the park, within Kasese District’s Rwenzururu sub-region. The plains sit along the western shores of Lake George, close to where the Kazinga Channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward. By road, Kasenyi is approximately 48 km (30 miles) southeast of Kasese town, making it accessible for day trips and multi-day safaris.
A Brief History of Kasenyi Plains
Queen Elizabeth National Park was first gazetted as Kazinga Channel National Park in 1952. Following a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954, it was renamed in her honor. Historically, Kasenyi Plains has been vital for wildlife, particularly the Uganda kob, which breeds on these open savannahs. This, in turn, attracts lions, making the plains a hotspot for predator sightings. Today, Kasenyi Plains is one of the park’s most visited sectors, offering exceptional wildlife viewing.
Wildlife and Birdlife in Kasenyi Plains
The open savannah of Kasenyi Plains supports a variety of wildlife:
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Big cats: lions, leopards, hyenas
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Herbivores: Uganda kobs, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, antelopes
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Other mammals: wild pigs, rodents
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting species such as the Grey Crown Crane, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Red-throated Spurfowl, Palm-nut Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Striped Kingfisher, and more.
Top Attractions in Kasenyi Plains
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Kazinga Channel: This 32 km waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George. Boat cruises twice daily provide opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and over 100 bird species, including flamingoes and shoebills.
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Kasenyi Fishing Village: Visitors can experience traditional fishing methods, sample fresh fish, and watch wildlife along the lakeshore.
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Lake Bunyampaka & Lake George: These freshwater lakes are surrounded by papyrus swamps, providing habitat for sitatungas, waterbucks, hippos, and crocodiles.
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Kasenyi Airport: Many flying safaris land here, and wildlife is often visible near the airstrip.
Activities in Kasenyi Plains
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Game Drives: Guided drives across the open savannah showcase lions, leopards, hyenas, and herds of Uganda kobs.
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Boat Cruises: Enjoy scenic cruises on Kazinga Channel and spot hippos, elephants, and a variety of waterbirds.
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Birdwatching & Photography: The plains’ open landscape is perfect for capturing stunning wildlife and bird shots.
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Community Walks: Interact with locals, learn about their traditions, and engage in daily activities to experience the culture of the region.
Accessibility
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By Air: Kasenyi Plains can be reached by flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. Charter or scheduled flights land at Kasenyi or Kasese Airport within 1.5 hours.
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By Road: The journey from Kampala takes approximately 5–6 hours on well-maintained roads.
Accommodation Options
Visitors can choose from luxury lodges, mid-range accommodations, or budget-friendly options:
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Elephant Plains Lodge
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Elephant Hub Lodge
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Kasenyi Safari Camp
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Ihamba Lakeside Lodge
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Jacana Safari Lodge
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Simba Safari Lodge
Best Time to Visit
Kasenyi Plains can be visited year-round. However, the dry season (December–February and June–September) offers the best conditions. Roads are easier to navigate, vegetation is short for clear wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities are optimal.
