Game Drive Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drive safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park provide an incredible opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of one of Uganda’s premier national parks. Here’s what you can expect from a game drive safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Wildlife viewing: Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and an abundance of birdlife. During your game drive, you’ll have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests, provide a rich variety of wildlife to observe.
Morning and evening drives: Game drives are typically conducted in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Morning drives offer the opportunity to witness the park awakening, with animals starting their daily activities. Evening drives often provide stunning sunset views and the chance to see predators becoming active for their nocturnal hunting.
Birdwatching: Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse birdlife, with over 600 species recorded. During the game drive, you can spot various colorful and unique bird species, including African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks, African skimmers, and numerous species of herons, kingfishers, and bee-eaters.
Scenic landscapes: In addition to the wildlife, the game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes. The vast savannah plains, rolling hills, crater lakes, and the picturesque Kazinga Channel create a stunning backdrop for your safari experience.
It’s recommended to book a game drive safari with a reputable tour operator or stay at one of the lodges within the park, as they can provide experienced guides and ensure a well-organized and enjoyable safari experience.
Best time for Game drive safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The best time for game drive safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons, which are from December to February and from June to September. These months offer more favorable weather conditions and make wildlife viewing more accessible. However, it’s important to note that game drives are possible throughout the year, and each season has its own unique aspects:
Dry season (December to February, June to September):
- Weather: The dry seasons are characterized by lower rainfall and drier conditions, making game drives more comfortable. The skies are generally clearer, providing better visibility for wildlife spotting and photography.
- Animal concentration: During the dry seasons, water sources become limited, causing animals to gather around remaining waterholes and rivers. This concentration of wildlife increases your chances of encountering a variety of species during your game drives.
Wet season (March to May, October to November):
- Lush greenery: The wet season brings ample rainfall, transforming the landscape into lush greenery. This creates a beautiful backdrop for your game drives and offers a different perspective of the park’s natural beauty.
- Birdwatching: The wet season is an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive, and breeding and nesting activities are in full swing. The park becomes a haven for numerous bird species.
It’s important to note that the wet season can sometimes make game drives more challenging due to muddy and slippery roads. However, with proper planning and a sturdy 4×4 vehicle, you can still have a rewarding safari experience.
To make the most of your game drives, it’s advisable to book your safari with a reputable tour operator or stay at lodges within the park. They can provide experienced guides, well-maintained vehicles, and up-to-date information on wildlife movements, ensuring an optimal game viewing experience.
Regardless of the season, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an incredible array of wildlife and stunning landscapes, making it a fantastic destination for game drive safaris throughout the year.
How to get to queen Elizabeth National Park by both Air and Road
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be accessed by both air and road. Here’s how you can reach the park using each mode of transportation:
By Air:
- Entebbe International Airport: Start your journey by arriving at Entebbe International Airport, the main international airport in Uganda.
- Domestic Flight: From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to either Kasese Airstrip or the nearby Mweya Airstrip. These flights are operated by domestic airlines such as Aerolink Uganda and Eagle Air. The flight duration is approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the routing and any stopovers.
- Transfer to the Park: Once you land at the airstrip, you can arrange for a transfer to your lodge or camp within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many lodges offer pick-up services from the airstrip, or you can book a private transfer in advance.
By Road:
- From Entebbe/Kampala: If you prefer a road trip, you can travel from Entebbe or Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The distance from Kampala to the park is approximately 400 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
- Route Options: There are two main routes to reach the park:
- Via Fort Portal: This route takes you through Fort Portal town, passing by beautiful tea plantations and the crater lakes region. From Fort Portal, you continue to the park’s northern entrance at Katunguru.
- Via Mbarara: This route takes you through Mbarara town, and you’ll pass by the scenic Lake Mburo National Park. From there, you continue to the park’s southern entrance at Ishasha.
- Private Vehicle or Public Transportation: You can hire a private vehicle with a driver/guide, which allows for flexibility and convenience. Alternatively, public transportation options such as buses and taxis are available from Kampala to Kasese or Mbarara. From there, you can arrange for further transportation to the park.
- Park Entrances: Queen Elizabeth National Park has several entrances, including Katunguru (north), Mweya (central), and Ishasha (south). The entrance you choose will depend on your preferred route and the location of your accommodation.
It’s advisable to plan your transportation in advance and check road conditions, especially during the rainy season when some roads may become more challenging to navigate. Working with us at Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd will help you to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
