How to Fly to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Entebbe
Flying to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Flying to Queen Elizabeth National Park is the fastest way to start your safari. You avoid long road journeys and arrive with more time for wildlife activities. This beautiful park sits in western Uganda, famous for its big game, tree-climbing lions, and rich birdlife. Many travellers choose flights for comfort and convenience, especially if they have limited time. With a short flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, you can reach the park’s airstrips and transfer to your lodge.
Two domestic airlines, AeroLink Uganda and Fly Uganda, operate scheduled flights to the park. They offer different departure times, allowing you to choose what fits your travel plans. Most flights land at Kasese or Mweya Airstrip, the closest to the park. From here, you take a short road transfer to your lodge, which usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes. Other airstrips such as Mbarara or Kihihi are also available depending on the route and season.
Domestic Flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Daily flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi connect you to the park in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. AeroLink Uganda operates three main flight schedules each day: morning, mid-morning, and afternoon. The closest landing point, Kasese or Mweya Airstrip, offers the shortest drive to most lodges.
The morning flight departs Entebbe at 7:00 am and lands at Kasese or Mweya around 10:05 am. Return flights leave at 10:20 am and reach Entebbe at 11:25 am. Mid-morning flights depart at 10:15 am and arrive at 15:05 pm, with return departures at 15:20 pm. However, mid-morning flights do not run in April, May, and November. The afternoon flight leaves at 15:00 pm and arrives at 14:15 pm, returning at 14:20 pm and reaching Entebbe at 16:15 pm. Flight times may change depending on aircraft routing, so it is important to confirm before booking.
Airstrip Options
Your choice of airstrip can save time. The Kasese and Mweya airstrips are the most convenient because they are closest to the park. From these points, a short road transfer brings you to your lodge. This transfer usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on where you stay.
Mbarara and Kihihi airstrips are also options, but they require longer drives. These may be useful if certain flights are unavailable for your travel dates. When booking, always request Kasese or Mweya as your preferred arrival point. Iconic Africa Safaris arranges the best combination of flight and transfer for your comfort.
Total Travel Time by Air
Flying to Queen Elizabeth National Park greatly reduces travel hours. A typical journey from Entebbe to Kasese or Mweya takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Adding a short lodge transfer means your total travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Top Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game Drives in Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha Sector
Game drives are a great way to see the park’s wildlife. The Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha Sector are known for large herds of buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and warthogs. You may also see lions, including the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, as well as leopards and hyenas. With over 600 bird species, you can enjoy birdwatching as you drive. Morning game drives offer the best chance to see active animals.
Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is another highlight. This 40-kilometre waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George. From the boat, you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes along the banks. Birdlife is also abundant here, with species such as kingfishers, fish eagles, and pelicans. The calm water and close views make this experience special.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge offers a unique forest experience within the park. Here, you can track habituated chimpanzees with a guide. Walking through the lush gorge, you may also spot other primates such as red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus. This activity combines wildlife viewing with the thrill of trekking through a forested valley.
Nature Walks in Maramagambo Forest
Maramagambo Forest is perfect for guided nature walks. Highlights include visiting the Bat Cave, where fruit bats roost, and seeing the Blue Lake. You may encounter forest elephants, monkeys, and colourful butterflies along the way. The forest’s fresh air and rich plant life add to the experience.
Bird and Wildlife Watching
With over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a paradise for bird lovers. You can see them during game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks. Species range from large waterbirds to small forest songbirds. Combined with sightings of mammals, this makes the park a great destination for both birders and general wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. During these months, wildlife gathers around water sources, making them easier to spot. Roads and trails are also drier and more accessible.
The wet seasons of March to May and September to November bring lush green scenery and more bird activity. However, some flights, especially the mid-morning schedules, may not operate daily in certain wet months. If you plan to fly, check flight availability early.
Why Book with Iconic Africa Safaris
Booking your flight and safari with Iconic Africa Safaris makes travel easy. We handle your flight reservations, transfers, and lodge arrangements. We also help you choose the best activity schedule based on your arrival time. Our experience ensures that you enjoy a smooth journey from Entebbe to the park. With our planning, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks.
