How Much Does It Cost to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Are you planning a thrilling safari adventure at Queen Elizabeth National Park? If you’re wondering about the costs involved, Trek Africa Expeditions offers comprehensive wildlife safari packages that cover everything from accommodation and transportation to meals and activity fees. Your total cost will depend on the duration of your stay and the activities you choose to enjoy. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a spectacular wildlife destination in Uganda that promises an unforgettable experience.

Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the Kasese district of Western Uganda, stretches across the western arm of the Great Rift Valley. It boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, buffaloes, Uganda kob, baboons, and various bird species. This park features both riverine and savannah habitats, with highlights such as the southern Ishasha area, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, and the northern Mweya sector, known for its stunning crater lakes and large flocks of flamingos.

Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

The Ishasha Sector is particularly famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. These majestic creatures can often be spotted lounging in the branches of fig trees, observing their primary prey, the Uganda kob, grazing below. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of leopards resting in the trees during your game drive.

Mweya Sector and More Attractions

The Mweya sector is a popular area for game drives, where visitors can spot a variety of wildlife. Beyond the animals, there are also intriguing sites to explore, including the Lake Katwe salt mines, crater lakes, Kyambura Gorge, and the Maramagambo Forest, which is home to chimpanzees and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Park Entrance Fees

The entrance fees for Queen Elizabeth National Park contribute to the overall cost of your visit. The fees are as follows:

• Non-foreign residents: USD 40 per person per day
• Foreign residents: USD 30 per person per day
• East African citizens: UGX 20,000 per person per day

These fees are payable at the park headquarters or the main office in Kampala. They grant you access to the park and the chance to enjoy all its incredible offerings.

Activity Costs

The activities you choose to partake in during your visit will also influence your total costs. Here are some popular activities and their respective fees:

Game Drives

• Day game drives with a park guide: USD 30 per person
• Night game drives: USD 40 per person
• Lion tracking experiences: USD 50 per person

Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you might see elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of birds, costs USD 30 for a public launch cruise. Private cruises are also available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

For those interested in chimpanzee tracking, permits for Kyambura Gorge are priced at USD 50 per person per trek. This experience allows you to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

Transportation Costs

The cost of transportation varies depending on the duration of your safari and the type of vehicle you choose. Vehicle hire typically ranges from USD 100 to 250 per day. Trek Africa Expeditions uses comfortable 4×4 vehicles with air conditioning for all-inclusive packages, ensuring a pleasant journey.

For those looking to save time, there are also internal flights available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to the park, with flight costs starting around USD 283 one way.

Cultural and Community Encounters

Embarking on a cultural visit is an unforgettable part of your budget wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. One captivating option is to explore Lake Katwe Salt Mines, where you’ll see firsthand how local communities utilize park resources to sustain their livelihoods. This experience highlights the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and humans, a testament to why the park is celebrated for its biodiversity.

For those keen on deeper community engagement, consider participating in the Kasoga Community Experience Project. Here, local residents share their unique stories about living near the park and how they’ve adapted to coexist peacefully with wildlife. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy cultural performances and traditional dances. Activities in this program typically range from $20.

Birding Adventures

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 600 bird species. Key birding spots include Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Forest, Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi Plains, and the Kazinga Channel. Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of species, including the African Jacana, Black-headed Batis, and the Long-tailed Cormorant, among many others. For avid birders, a guided birding tour costs approximately $80 per day.

Nature and Forest Walks

Guided nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer an excellent way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Led by experienced ranger guides, these walks provide a chance to see animals like elephants, mongoose, and giant forest hogs in their natural habitat. Walks often take place in scenic areas such as Mweya Peninsula, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. Nature walks are typically priced at $30 per person.

Accommodation Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets. Luxury lodges range from $250 to $800 per person per night. Notable options include Ishasha Wilderness Camp Lodge in the Ishasha sector and several choices in the Mweya sector, such as Kyambura Gorge Lodge and Mweya Safari Lodge.

For budget and mid-range travelers, lodges start from $150 per person per night. Affordable options include Ishasha Jungle Safari Lodge and Park View Lodge, with budget lodges starting at around $80 per person per night on a full-board meal plan. Your choice of accommodation and the number of nights you stay will significantly influence the total cost of your safari.

Transportation Costs in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transportation costs to Queen Elizabeth National Park vary based on your mode of travel, fuel, and vehicle hire. Daily flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Kasese or Kihihi Airstrips are available, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Flight prices start at $273.

Alternatively, a road trip from Entebbe or Kampala takes approximately 5 hours. While the journey may seem lengthy, it’s filled with scenic views and opportunities to stop along the way. We use comfortable 4×4 vehicles for transportation, ensuring a smooth ride. Safari van rentals start from $100 per day, while Land Cruiser rentals range from $150 to $250 per day.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions?

When you book your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park with Trek Africa Expeditions, you gain access to expertly organized trips tailored to your preferences. Our team comprises passionate Ugandans, both energetic young professionals and experienced managers, dedicated to providing authentic experiences. We are proud of our positive reviews on TripAdvisor, reflecting the satisfaction of our previous travelers.

Contact us today to learn more about the costs involved in visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park and let us help you create an unforgettable wildlife adventure!