How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your Ultimate Guide to Reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park

How to Reach Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nestled 392/399 kilometers to the west of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, lies the breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park. Among all national parks in Uganda, it stands as one of the most accessible, with a network of public roads crisscrossing its expanse, ensuring convenient access by various means of transport, be it private vehicles, motorcycles, or even bicycles.

To embark on your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala, you have two main routes at your disposal: the Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal road or the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara road. If you’re traveling from Rwanda, the Ntungamo-Kasese road is your gateway, while those arriving from Congo can take the Fort Portal-Mpondwe road.

The Fort Portal-Kasese-Mbarara road provides access to key locations within the park, such as Kikorongo junction, Katunguru, and Kyambura. These serve as renowned accommodation centers and starting points for thrilling wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and unforgettable chimp tracking adventures in Kyambura Game Reserve. The park features a web of other roads, including routes to Lake Katwe, Mukungu fishing village on Lake George, Kahendero fishing village on Lake George, and connections to Congo and Kanugu via Ishasha sector. Remarkably, all these roads grant access to the park without the need for park entrance fees.

Given this extensive road network, Queen Elizabeth National Park is accessible to travelers via a variety of road transport options. Common modes of public transport available on these routes include bus transport (typically accommodating 59 passengers), public shared taxis (seating up to 14 passengers), and private special hires, which can be arranged in neighboring district towns. Buses departing from downtown Kampala will stop at several key points, such as Kasese town, Kikorongo junction, Katunguru, or Kyambura.

Your choice of route and transportation will often depend on the location where you spend the night before embarking on your safari. Travelers staying in the Kasese or Kikorongo area are better served by buses traveling through the Mubende/Fort Portal road. Alternatively, they can opt for public taxis originating from Fort Portal, Kasese, Mbarara, or Bushenyi. Those staying in Katunguru and Kyampura areas may find it more convenient to utilize buses traveling through the Mbarara-Masaka road or take public taxis from Fort Portal, Kasese, Mbarara, or Bushenyi.

For travelers journeying from other northern national parks in Uganda, like Murchison Falls, Semuliki, Rwenzori, or Kibale, the most practical route involves connecting to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Fort Portal-Kasese road. Those arriving from the southern national parks, such as Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or even Rwanda, can conveniently reach Queen Elizabeth through the Mbarara-Katunguru road.

Should you require further information or assistance, including details on finding transportation options, arranging private hires, or pick-up services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to ensure your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park is as smooth as possible.

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park – A Jewel of Uganda’s Southwest

Queen Elizabeth National Park, a true jewel in the southwest of Uganda, beckons explorers with open arms. Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, it later adopted its current name following the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Uganda. Spanning an impressive 420 square kilometers by road, this natural wonder is just a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa.

This remarkable park plays host to a dazzling array of wildlife. With a rich tapestry of 95 mammal species and an astonishing bird list boasting 612 species, it offers a diverse range of ecosystems. From magnificent big cats like lions and leopards to the grandeur of elephants, hippos, warthogs, and a variety of primates, including chimpanzees and various monkey species, Queen Elizabeth National Park teems with life.

Game Drives: Unveil the Majesty of the Wild

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a celebrated wildlife haven and one of the world’s most renowned destinations for encountering untamed creatures. Embark on captivating game drives and witness the majesty of the African savannah. Marvel at the sight of lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and various antelope species, including the iconic Uganda kob, roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee Trekking: A Primate Adventure

Explore the secrets of the wild with an incredible chimpanzee trekking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Join an experienced ranger guide as you delve deep into the Kyambura Gorge, the main habitat of these fascinating primates. The two to three-hour trek promises thrilling encounters and unforgettable memories.

Boat Launch: A Water Safari Like No Other

Embark on a mesmerizing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, an oasis that draws a myriad of species seeking refreshment. Spend hours gliding along the channel’s waters and marvel at the hundreds of hippos that call it home. Watch as buffaloes graze along the shoreline while elephants make serene appearances. The Kazinga Channel boasts the highest concentration of hippos worldwide, and its waters teem with a dazzling array of water birds.

Nature Walks and Birding: Immerse Yourself in Nature

Queen Elizabeth National Park stands as a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to half of Uganda’s bird species. Immerse yourself in the splendors of nature with a rejuvenating nature walk, and don’t forget to look to the skies and treetops for stunning bird sightings. Enjoy the thrill of encountering wild animals on foot during your nature walk.

Reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park is a breeze, whether by road or air. You can choose to drive, taking in the beauty of Uganda’s landscape, complete with tea plantations that have earned the country its nickname, “the Pearl of Africa.” Alternatively, opt for a quick one-hour flight from Entebbe to the park.

Upon arrival, you’ll find a range of beautiful lodges and hotels, including Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Kazinga Channel Safari Lodge, The Bush Lodge, and Buffalo Safari Resort, to ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.

Queen Elizabeth National Park welcomes visitors throughout the year, but it’s particularly captivating during the high season months of January, March, June, August, September, and December. Trek Africa Expeditions is your trusted partner, offering guidance on how to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park and plan your wildlife safaris within its breathtaking confines.