Is Queen Elizabeth National Park Safe for Game Drives?

Is Queen Elizabeth National Park Safe for Game Drives?

For wildlife enthusiasts, Queen Elizabeth National Park ranks among the top national parks in Uganda for game drives. One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Is Queen Elizabeth National Park safe for game drives?” The answer is a resounding yes! The park offers a safe and thrilling experience, with a rich variety of wildlife waiting to be spotted.

Game drives are the main attraction in this beautiful national park, providing a unique opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat. You can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including buffalo, elephants, and the elusive lions (with a bit of luck). Other animals such as antelopes and warthogs are also frequently spotted. Our professional guides are well-versed in the park’s fauna and flora, ensuring you have a memorable experience while spotting animals and learning about the ecosystem.

About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nestled in the Kasese District in Western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a stunning savannah park that stretches across the western arm of the Great Rift Valley. The park is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and the unique Uganda kob, alongside a rich bird population.

The park features both riverine and savannah habitats, with the southern Ishasha sector known for its remarkable tree-climbing lions. Here, you can see these majestic lions lounging in the branches of fig trees, keeping a watchful eye on the grazing Uganda kobs below, their primary prey. Depending on your luck, you might even spot leopards resting in the trees.

The Mweya sector is the most popular area for game drives, offering visitors ample opportunities to view various animals. Beyond wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts stunning landscapes, including Lake Katwe salt mines, scenic crater lakes, the picturesque Kyambura Gorge, and the lush Maramagambo Forest. The breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains add to the park’s allure, attracting visitors from around the world.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are typically scheduled twice a day: early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Our specially equipped 4×4 vehicles, featuring pop-up roofs, provide an ideal vantage point for wildlife viewing. Highly trained driver-guides lead guests through the scenic tracks of Kasenyi and Mweya, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the park while spotting wildlife.

During these drives, you’ll have the chance to see some of the park’s most iconic species, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and hippos. The morning and afternoon game drives through Kasenyi, Ishasha, and the northern Kazinga plains will offer you unforgettable wildlife sightings.

Ensuring Your Safety

The game driving activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which prioritizes visitor safety. Armed rangers and tourism police are present to ensure a secure environment. Our driver-guides adhere to responsible driving practices and follow the park’s regulations.

Visitors are expected to respect the rules set by UWA to protect both wildlife and the environment. These rules include obeying speed limits, not driving off designated tracks (except in permitted areas for viewing big cats), and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere by avoiding loud noises or actions that could disturb the animals. Additionally, for your safety, visitors should remain inside their vehicles during the game drive.

With its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an exhilarating and safe environment for your game drive adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, you’ll be sure to create lasting memories in this stunning park.

What Is the Cost of Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

When planning your safari adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the first questions you might have is about the cost of game drives. To access the park, non-resident visitors are required to pay a park entrance fee of $40 per person. In addition to this, guided game drives cost $30 per person. This fee is paid to the Uganda Wildlife Authority at either the park headquarters or the main office.

Game drives are strategically scheduled to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, with early morning, late afternoon, and even night drives being essential for observing animals during their most active times.

Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxurious lodges to more budget-friendly choices. It’s important to select a lodge that fits your financial plan while also providing comfort and safety during your stay.

For those seeking luxury, options include Ishasha Wilderness Camp in the Ishasha sector, and in the Mweya sector, you can choose from Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Katara Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, or Mweya Safari Lodge.

If you’re looking for budget or mid-range lodges, consider staying at Ishasha Jungle Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Twin Lakes Lodge, Elephant Hab, or Park View Lodge. Your choice of accommodation can depend on the specific area of the park you plan to explore.

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park is straightforward, with daily flights available that take about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to either Kasese Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip. The drive from the airstrips to the park is brief, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you enter the park.

Alternatively, you can opt for a road trip, which takes approximately 5 hours from Entebbe or Kampala. While the journey may seem lengthy, it’s a scenic drive with plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the sights along the way. We use 4×4 vehicles for transportation, ensuring a comfortable and spacious ride, complete with a pop-up roof for optimal viewing and photography.

Why Book with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is a local tour operator based in Uganda, dedicated to providing life-changing experiences and sustainable tours across East Africa. Our team, made up of local Ugandans, is committed to delivering exceptional service. We are proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and are registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).

With our strong relationship with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), we facilitate the seamless booking of gorilla permits and trekking safaris. Our positive reviews on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings speak to our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Ready to plan your safari trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park? Contact us today to get started on an unforgettable adventure!