Flying Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Flying Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

For travelers seeking a quicker, more convenient way to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park, a flying safari is the perfect option. Scheduled flights will take you directly to the park, located in the southwestern region of Uganda near the Rwenzori Mountains and Kibale Forest National Park. As one of the top wildlife destinations in East Africa, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must-visit for anyone exploring Uganda. Home to the “Big 4” (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos) and over 600 bird species, this park offers breathtaking wildlife experiences, scenic landscapes, and amazing photography opportunities, especially with its sprawling savannahs and crater lakes.

Top activities at Queen Elizabeth National Park include thrilling game drives, a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, community visits, birdwatching, and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. If time permits, make sure to explore the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park, where you can witness the famous tree-climbing lions and more wildlife.

What to Do and See in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, providing an unforgettable wildlife experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the best things to do:

Game Drives – Kansenyi Plains and Mweya Sector

The Kansenyi Plains and Mweya Sector are ideal for game drives, giving you the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife. The landscape, dotted with Uganda’s unique Euphorbia or “candelabra” trees, is framed by scenic crater lakes and mountain ranges, creating a stunning backdrop as you explore the park’s wildlife.

Game Drives – Ishasha Sector

In the Ishasha Sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. This area is also rich in other wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for game viewing.

Boat Cruise – Kazinga Channel

A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is often the highlight of a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On the cruise, you’ll see herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, along with warthogs, hippos, and crocodiles lounging on the shores. The channel is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to a variety of bird species, including migratory birds. The cruise offers a picturesque view of the Mweya Peninsula and gives you a glimpse of life in the local fishing villages along the banks.

Cultural Tour

During your wildlife safari, take time to visit Lake Katwe, where the local communities use natural resources from the park to make a living through traditional salt mining. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few places where wildlife coexists peacefully with humans. For an enriching cultural experience, you can join the Kasoga Community Experience Project, where locals share their stories about living near the park. You’ll also enjoy cultural encounters, traditional dances, and learn how the community has adapted to live harmoniously alongside wildlife.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the top activities you can enjoy in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with Kyambura Gorge being the prime spot for this adventure. Tracking is available both in the morning and afternoon, and we can arrange your permits and organize the trek based on your itinerary and preferences. To fully experience all that Queen Elizabeth National Park has to offer, we recommend spending more time in the park to create lasting memories. Contact us via email, and we’ll provide all the details, tailoring your trip to suit your interests.

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 600 bird species, making it one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. You’ll find a wide variety of birds, including Albertine Rift endemics, water birds, and savannah species. Many of these birds can be spotted on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel or during game drives. Some notable birds include the Collared Pratincole, Palm-nut Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Shoebill Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary Bird, and many more.

Airlines Flying to Queen Elizabeth National Park

For those who prefer flying, daily scheduled flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park are available. Domestic airlines like AeroLink Uganda and Fly Uganda offer flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airfield to Kasese Airstrip. From Kasese, it’s a short 30-minute drive to your lodge in the park, depending on where you’re staying.

To reach Queen Elizabeth National Park by air, you can fly into the Kasese/Mweya, Mbarara, or Kihihi airstrips. We recommend flying to Kasese/Mweya for the shortest drive to the park, ensuring you arrive early and enjoy more time at your lodge. Be sure to book your lodge transfer in advance to avoid being stranded upon arrival.

How Long is the Flight from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The flight from Entebbe to Kasese/Mweya Airstrip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From there, it’s a short road transfer of about 10 to 30 minutes to your lodge, depending on its location. In total, the journey from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by air. AeroLink operates three daily flights to Kasese/Mweya: morning, mid-morning, and afternoon.

• Morning flight: Departs Entebbe at 7:00 am, arrives at 10:05 am, with return at 10:20 am, landing in Entebbe at 11:25 am.
• Mid-morning flight: Departs at 10:15 am, arriving at 12:05 pm, with return at 12:20 pm, arriving in Entebbe at 1:30 pm (except for April, May, and November).
• Afternoon flight: Departs at 12:00 pm, arriving at 2:15 pm, with return at 2:20 pm, arriving in Entebbe at 4:15 pm.

Flight schedules may vary depending on aircraft routing, but you can always contact us to find the best option for your travel dates.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Before starting your flying safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, we recommend spending a night in Entebbe or Kampala. This helps avoid any risk of missing your flight due to unforeseen circumstances, such as lost luggage or missed connections.

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a range of accommodations from budget to luxury:

• Budget: Pumba Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge (around $90–$100 per person per night).
• Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge, Bush Lodge (around $100–$200 per person per night).
• Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mazike Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge (around $200–$400 per person per night).

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the best times to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. During these months, wildlife viewing is excellent, and game drives are particularly rewarding. However, the park is open year-round, and you’ll still enjoy great wildlife sightings during the wetter months.

Why Book Your Flying Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we make booking your flying safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park a seamless experience. Our team of expert consultants is dedicated to providing excellent service and ensuring customer satisfaction. From securing your flights and accommodations to planning your park activities, we are here to handle all the details.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews and see what our happy clients have to say. With Excursia Adventures, you can be confident in a well-organized and memorable safari experience. Contact us today, and let us help you plan the perfect Uganda safari holiday!