How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

Planning a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park? Situated in the southwest of Uganda, this wildlife-rich park is one of the country’s most visited destinations and a key highlight of any Ugandan safari. Originally called Kazinga National Park when it was established in 1952, it was renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II after her visit to Uganda.

Covering 420 square kilometers, the park is home to diverse ecosystems, iconic wildlife, and some of the most scenic landscapes in East Africa. Fortunately, it’s also easily accessible by both road and air.

Getting There by Road

Queen Elizabeth National Park lies approximately 392–399 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Thanks to a network of well-maintained public roads, it’s one of the most reachable national parks in the country—ideal for both independent travelers and those on organized tours.

Most travelers arrive via one of two main routes:

• Kampala–Mubende–Fort Portal–Kasese route

• Kampala–Masaka–Mbarara–Bushenyi route

Each road offers scenic views, from rolling hills and rural farmlands to forest reserves and crater lakes. Depending on where you plan to stay within or near the park, you can select the route that best aligns with your travel itinerary.

If you’re starting your journey from Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo, the park can be accessed via the Ntungamo–Kasese road (from Rwanda) or the Fort Portal–Mpondwe road (from DRC).

Key Access Points and Safari Hubs

Several entry points and small towns provide convenient gateways into the park:

• Kikorongo junction, Katunguru, and Kyambura are popular for accommodation and safari activities, especially game drives and chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge.

• Ishasha Sector, located in the park’s south, is famous for its tree-climbing lions and serves as a direct access point from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda.

• Roads within the park lead to stunning attractions like Lake Katwe, Mweya Peninsula, Mukungu Fishing Village, Kahendero Fishing Village, and the route to Congo via Kanungu—all without needing to pay an entrance fee if you’re just passing through.

Public and Private Transport Options

Visitors can reach the park via:

• Public buses from Kampala (typically 59-seaters) that stop in towns like Kasese, Kikorongo, Katunguru, and Kyambura.

• Shared taxis (matatus) and private hires available from major district centers such as Fort Portal, Kasese, Mbarara, or Bushenyi.

• Private safari vehicles operated by trusted tour operators like Trek Africa Expeditions, offering guided tours with pick-ups from any location in Uganda or neighboring countries.

Which transport option you choose will depend on where you plan to stay before your safari. For example, if your overnight stop is in Kasese or Kikorongo, you might prefer traveling via Fort Portal. Those staying in Kyambura or Katunguru may find the Mbarara route more convenient.

Travelers coming from other Ugandan parks such as Murchison Falls National Park, Semuliki National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, or Kibale Forest National Park can connect through the Fort Portal–Kasese road. From the south, the park links seamlessly with Lake Mburo, Bwindi, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Need help arranging your ride? Contact us to organize transfers, taxis, or private hires to and from the park.

Arriving by Air

For travelers short on time or looking for convenience, flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park are available from Entebbe International Airport. These scheduled or charter flights take about one hour and land at either Mweya Airstrip or Kasese Airstrip, both offering close access to the park’s main attractions.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Often called the “Pearl of Africa,” Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. With over 95 species of mammals and more than 600 bird species, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy once you arrive:

Game Drives

Explore the park’s rich savannah landscapes on an early morning or evening game drive and spot iconic animals like lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, and antelope species like Uganda kobs and topis.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Dive into the lush forest of Kyambura Gorge for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to encounter wild chimpanzees. This guided experience typically lasts two to three hours and is led by expert rangers.

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

A boat safari on the Kazinga Channel is one of the park’s most relaxing and rewarding experiences. Get close to pods of hippos, herds of buffalo, basking crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species lining the water’s edge.

Birdwatching and Nature Walks

With half of Uganda’s bird species recorded in this region, Queen Elizabeth is one of the best spots for birdwatching in Uganda. Guided nature walks are available for those who want to explore on foot and discover the park’s smaller wonders—think butterflies, reptiles, and rare forest birds.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

From luxury lodges to mid-range and budget-friendly options, the park offers a wide range of accommodations. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Mweya Safari Lodge

• Kyambura Gorge Lodge

• Kazinga Channel Safari Lodge

• The Bush Lodge

• Buffalo Safari Resort

These lodges provide comfortable bases for your wildlife adventures, complete with sweeping views, local cuisine, and easy access to the park’s main attractions.

When to Visit

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open year-round, though the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are generally the best times for wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around water sources, making sightings more predictable.

That said, visiting in the off-season can offer quieter experiences, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching.

Ready to start planning your safari? Trek Africa Expeditions can help you craft the perfect itinerary, whether you’re interested in game drives, boat cruises, chimp trekking, or a combination of Uganda’s top national parks.

Let Queen Elizabeth National Park be your next great adventure.