Exciting game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park: This park is among the most popular destinations in Uganda, nestled in the western region across Kamwenge, Kasese, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri districts. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a vibrant sanctuary teeming with diverse wildlife, featuring the iconic big four mammals: buffaloes, elephants, lions, and leopards. In addition to these majestic creatures, the park is alive with other animals such as waterbucks, Uganda kobs, warthogs, topi, bushbucks, hippos, and a variety of primates including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. With over 600 bird species soaring through the skies, this park is a true celebration of nature’s wonders.
Embarking on a game drive or wildlife viewing expedition is among the premier attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, visitors can delve into the park’s wonders from the comfort of a 4WD pop-up safari vehicle, accompanied by a skilled driver guide. Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park take place in the Kasenyi plains, Mweya peninsula, or Ishasha sector. These thrilling excursions can be enjoyed either very early in the morning when the animals are most lively or in the afternoon. On the game drives, you will encounter a thrilling array of wildlife, including elephants, waterbucks, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards, bush bucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, and hyenas, among others.
Queen Elizabeth National Park invites visitors to embark on thrilling night game drives, where they can delve into the park’s mysteries under the stars. Accompanied by armed ranger guides and equipped with spotlight torches, tourists will have the chance to witness the fascinating nocturnal animals that come alive after dark. As the sun sets and the night game drive begins around 6:00 or 7:00 pm, you will embark on an exhilarating journey to witness the enchanting world of nocturnal creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, serval cats, civets, hyenas, jackals, genets, bush babies, and hippos, all waiting to be discovered in the shadows.
Optimal moments for embarking on game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be enjoyed year-round, but the ideal time is during the dry season in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During these months, the park experiences minimal rainfall, making access roads and game drive tracks dry and easily navigable.
Pricing for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is free of charge, but tourists will need to pay the park entrance fees: 40 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 30 USD per person for foreign residents, and 20,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
The cost for a night game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is 30 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 20 USD per person for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens when using a private vehicle. If you opt for a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) vehicle, the fees are 40 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 35 USD per person for foreign residents, and 40,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. Only vehicles that are pre-registered will embark on night game drives, and the use of UWA guides is essential for these adventures.
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth Nocturnal Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth
Additional experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park
In addition to thrilling game drives, Queen Elizabeth National Park presents a plethora of activities for tourists to immerse themselves in during their safari. Experience the excitement of a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can witness impressive gatherings of hippos and Nile crocodiles in their natural habitat. Engage in a guided nature walk that brings you face-to-face with a variety of wildlife species. Delight in bird watching, where you can observe an array of bird species. For a truly unforgettable experience, embark on chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, allowing you to spend an hour with these fascinating creatures, among other adventures.
Options for accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a diverse array of accommodation options, catering to every type of traveler. From budget-friendly spots to luxurious retreats, you can find the perfect place to rest during your safari. Notable lodges include Elephant Plains Lodge, Aardvark Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, and many more, each providing a unique experience amidst the stunning landscapes.
How to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in the western part of Uganda and can be reached by road. You will journey from Kampala through Masaka, Mbarara, or Mubende to Fort Portal, eventually arriving at the park headquarters. This adventure takes approximately 6 to 7 hours in a safari vehicle.
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be reached by air, allowing you to book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya or Kasese airstrips, followed by a road connection to the park headquarters.
Accessing Queen Elizabeth National Park from Murchison Falls National Park takes about a 7-hour drive, while the journey from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is around 5 hours. If you are coming from Kibale Forest National Park, it will take approximately 3 hours to reach your destination.
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be paired with thrilling activities in Murchison Falls National Park, including sport fishing, exhilarating game drives, a scenic drive to the top of the falls, a captivating Nile Delta boat cruise, or a serene boat ride to the bottom of the falls, as well as chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, among other exciting options. If you are looking for details about game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, feel free to reach out to us!