Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in western Uganda, between Lake George and Lake Edward. It offers savannah landscapes, crater lakes, and classic Big Five game viewing. It’s also home to the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. The park is well connected by road and air, making access easy for both budget and luxury travelers.
Main Routes to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located about 400 kilometers from Kampala. It sits between two key towns—Kasese and Bushenyi. The park has several entry points, with Mweya Peninsula, Katunguru Gate, and Ishasha Sector among the most popular.
Option 1: By Road from Kampala or Entebbe
Driving from Kampala or Entebbe is the most popular way to reach the park. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours, depending on your final destination inside the park.
Route Options:
- Via Mbarara: This is the most direct and scenic route. You’ll pass through Masaka, Lake Mburo National Park, and Mbarara before reaching the Katunguru Gate.
- Via Fort Portal: This northern route goes through Mubende, Fort Portal, and Kasese, offering views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser is ideal for rough park roads, especially during the rainy season.
Option 2: By Air from Entebbe to Kasese or Mweya
For quicker access, book a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to:
- Kasese Airstrip: About 1 hour of flight time, followed by a 1-hour drive to Mweya.
- Mweya Airstrip: Located inside the park near the Mweya Safari Lodge.
Flights are operated by Aerolink Uganda and other local airlines. Schedule flights to match your safari start time.
Option 3: From Bwindi or Kibale
If you are coming from other national parks, road connections are available.
- From Bwindi (Ishasha sector): The drive to the Ishasha Gate takes about 2–3 hours. This route is great for those tracking gorillas first.
- From Kibale Forest: Drive through Fort Portal to the northern gate of the park in Kasese. This trip takes about 3–4 hours.
Pro Travel Tips
- Always carry your Uganda Wildlife Authority permit when entering the park.
- Use a professional driver-guide familiar with the park layout.
- Include stopovers at Lake Mburo, Rwenzori Mountains, or Crater Lakes.
Plan Your Safari Today
Queen Elizabeth National Park rewards every traveler with wildlife, scenery, and adventure. Whether you drive in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser or fly into Mweya Airstrip, the journey sets the stage for a memorable safari.
Book your safari, reserve your vehicle, and start exploring Queen Elizabeth today.