Adventure Guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western part of Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the country’s most visited parks, covering an area of approximately 1,978 square kilometers (764 square miles). The park is easily accessible from the town of Kasese, which is about 400 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.

The park is situated at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop to the landscape. It is bordered by Lake Edward to the west and Lake George to the north, with the Kazinga Channel linking the two lakes. The park’s strategic location between these lakes creates a rich diversity of habitats, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s vegetation is diverse, which contributes to the variety of wildlife found there. The park features savannah grasslands, tropical rainforests, wetlands, and lakeshores. The varied terrain provides habitats for a wide range of species. The savannah areas are home to large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and antelope, while the forests are home to primates such as chimpanzees and various bird species. The wetlands attract water birds, hippos, and crocodiles. The presence of the Kazinga Channel and the two lakes also supports abundant aquatic life, including fish and water birds.

The park has a rich history, both in terms of its wildlife and its human presence. Queen Elizabeth National Park was first established as a game reserve in 1952 and later upgraded to a national park in 1954. It was originally named the Kazinga National Park, but it was renamed in honor of a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. Over the years, the park has become a major tourist destination due to its impressive biodiversity and the variety of activities available, including game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee tracking.

Today, Queen Elizabeth National Park is recognized for its role in wildlife conservation and is an important part of Uganda’s tourism sector, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its beauty and wildlife.

Park Entrance Fees

When visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, all visitors must pay an entrance fee to access the park. The fees depend on your residency status. For foreign non-residents (FNR), the entrance fee is USD 40. Foreign residents (FR) pay a lower fee of USD 30, while East African citizens (EAC) enjoy the best rate at UGX 20,000.

Game Drives

One of the most popular activities in the park is going on a game drive. A game drive is a guided tour through the park where you can see various wild animals in their natural habitat.

For a guided game drive, foreign non-residents (FNR) pay USD 25 per guide, while foreign residents (FR) pay USD 20. For East African citizens (EAC), the cost is UGX 25,000.

If you prefer to explore the park on your own, you can go on a self-guided game drive. This means you won’t have a private tour guide or a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger guide with you, but it is still a safe and enjoyable way to explore. The cost for self-game drives is USD 10 for both FNR and FR visitors, and UGX 10,000 for EAC citizens.

Boat Launch Trip

A boat launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is another wonderful way to experience Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is famous for its large population of hippos and many bird species. During the launch trip, you will enjoy stunning views of the park and the animals that live near the water.

The cost for the boat trip is USD 30 for foreign non-residents (FNR) and USD 25 for foreign residents (FR). For East African citizens (EAC), the fee is UGX 30,000.

Bird Watching and Nature Walks

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a bird-watching paradise, home to over 600 species of birds. If you enjoy nature walks and observing birds in their natural environment, the park offers many opportunities. Nature walks are guided by experienced rangers who will help you spot different species of plants, animals, and birds.

For bird watching and nature walks, foreign non-residents (FNR) pay USD 25, foreign residents (FR) pay USD 20, and East African citizens (EAC) pay UGX 20,000.

Mongoose Sightseeing

If you’re interested in a unique wildlife experience, you can take part in a mongoose sightseeing activity. Mongoose are small, social animals that can be seen in groups, especially in the park’s open areas.

The cost for this experience is USD 30 for foreign non-residents (FNR), USD 25 for foreign residents (FR), and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens (EAC).

Hippo Census

The hippo census is a special activity where tourists can participate in counting the number of hippos in the park. This experience is a great way to learn more about the park’s wildlife conservation efforts and to enjoy the company of other visitors.

The cost for the hippo census is USD 100 for foreign non-residents (FNR), USD 80 for foreign residents (FR), and UGX 100,000 for East African citizens (EAC).

Experiential Tourism at Queen Elizabeth National Park

For those looking for a more in-depth and hands-on experience, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers unique experiential tourism activities. These activities allow visitors to be directly involved in wildlife conservation efforts and learn more about the park’s ecosystems. Some of the popular experiential tourism activities include predator tracking, mongoose sightings, and hippo census.

One of the most exciting experiential activities is lion tracking. This activity involves tracking lions in the wild, a thrilling way to observe one of Africa’s most powerful predators. During this experience, you will be guided by a professional tracker and learn about lion behavior, their habitat, and their role in the ecosystem.

The cost for lion tracking is USD 200 for foreign non-residents (FNR), USD 150 for foreign residents (FR), and UGX 200,000 for East African citizens (EAC). Please note that the lion tracking experience does not include a USD 10 community fee and a vehicle fee, which will be charged separately. To participate in this experience, prior booking is required.

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The ideal time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park largely depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. Uganda has two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season, which impact the park’s accessibility and wildlife viewing.

Dry Season (June to September and December to February)

The dry season is considered the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. During this time, the park experiences less rainfall, making game viewing more enjoyable. Animals tend to congregate around water sources, making it easier to spot them, especially during game drives or boat safaris. The dry weather also makes hiking and other outdoor activities more comfortable.

The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season, so you can expect more visitors, especially during the Christmas holidays and the summer months. The dry conditions are particularly favorable for spotting larger wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob.

Wet Season (March to May and October to November)

The wet season in Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by heavy rainfall, particularly from March to May and October to November. While the rain may make some roads difficult to navigate, it’s still possible to visit the park, though it’s less ideal for game viewing. The lush, green landscape is at its most vibrant, and birdwatching enthusiasts can take advantage of the season to spot migratory birds.

The wet season also offers fewer tourists, which means that you can enjoy a more peaceful, intimate experience in the park. Although game viewing may be a bit more challenging, animals are still present, and the park offers a unique atmosphere during this period.

Accessing Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is easily accessible by road from various major cities in Uganda, including Kampala, Entebbe, and Kigali in Rwanda. The park is located about 400 kilometers west of Kampala, a journey that takes approximately 6 to 7 hours by road.

By Road

The main access points to the park are through the northern and southern gates:

• Kasese Gate (Southern Entrance): The southern gate is closer to the popular Mweya Peninsula, known for its views over Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. This entrance is ideal if you’re planning to stay at one of the lodges near the Mweya area.
• Katunguru Gate (Eastern Entrance): Located on the eastern side of the park, this entrance is closer to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Most visitors opt for private safari vehicles or guided tours from tour operators. These can be arranged through companies like Iconic Africa Safaris, making your journey more convenient.

By Air

For those who prefer to avoid long road trips, there are domestic flights available from Entebbe or Kampala to airstrips near the park, including the Mweya airstrip and the Ishasha airstrip. This option is faster, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and is especially useful for those with limited time.

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to various budgets and preferences, from luxurious lodges to more affordable options.

Luxury Accommodation

• Mweya Safari Lodge: Located on the Mweya Peninsula, this lodge offers panoramic views of Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. It’s ideal for those seeking comfort and stunning views while staying close to the park’s main activities.
• Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Situated in the southern part of the park near the Ishasha sector, this camp is perfect for those looking for a more remote, exclusive experience. The camp is luxurious, offering tents with en-suite bathrooms, and is well-positioned for spotting tree-climbing lions.

Mid-Range Accommodation

• Katara Lodge: Nestled in the hills overlooking the park, Katara Lodge offers an affordable yet comfortable stay with beautiful views. It’s known for its high-quality service and intimate atmosphere.
• Engiri Game Lodge: Located near the park’s main entrance, Engiri is a great choice for those seeking comfort on a moderate budget. The lodge offers both tents and cottages with modern amenities.

Budget Accommodation

• Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge: A great budget-friendly option, this lodge is located near the park and offers simple but comfortable tents with great hospitality.
• Ishasha Wilderness Camp: For those staying in the southern part of the park, this affordable camp offers tented accommodation in a tranquil environment.