How to get to Queen Elizabeth National park
How to get to Queen Elizabeth National park, a renowned wildlife reserve located in western Uganda. It spans diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, forests, and lakeshores, offering a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, as well as other iconic species like elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy activities such as game drives, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge, and nature walks. With its scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is accessible by both road and air. Here’s how to get there:
By Road:
From Kampala: The most common route is to drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, covering a distance of about 376 kilometers (234 miles).
Follow the Kampala-Mbarara highway (also known as the Masaka-Kasese road) southwest out of Kampala.
Pass through towns such as Masaka, Mbarara, and Bushenyi.
After Bushenyi, continue on the road towards Kasese.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Kasese town.
Follow signs indicating the direction to the park entrance.
From other locations: If you’re coming from areas like Fort Portal, Kabale, or Kisoro, you can also drive to the park via nearby connecting roads.
Meanwhile, the Park in Uganda has several entry points or gates that provide access to different sections.
The main gates include:
Kasenyi Gate (Main Gate):
Located in the northern part of the park.
Accessible via the Kasenyi-Kasese Road.
This gate is one of the primary entrances to the park for visitors coming from Kasese town or Fort Portal.
Facilities such as park offices, ranger stations, and visitor information centers are available at Kasenyi Gate.
Katunguru Gate:
Situated in the central part of the park.
Accessible via the Katunguru-Ishaka Road.
This gate provides entry to the park for visitors coming from Ishaka or Bushenyi towns.
It offers access to areas like the Kazinga Channel and Mweya Peninsula.
Ishasha Gate:
Located in the southern part of the park.
Accessible via the Katunguru-Ishasha Road.
This gate is specifically known for its access to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Visitors coming from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Kisoro may use this gate to enter Queen Elizabeth National Park.
These gates facilitate access to various sections of Queen Elizabeth National Park, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and attractions. Depending on your itinerary and planned activities, you may enter the park through one of these gates and begin your safari adventure.
By Air:
The nearest airstrip to the park is Kasese Airfield. Charter flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airfield through various airlines and tour operators.
Alternatively, you can fly to Kihihi Airstrip near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mweya Airstrip within the park itself if you’re booking a safari package that includes air transfers.
Once you arrive at the park, you can access various areas within Queen Elizabeth National Park, including Mweya Peninsula, Ishasha sector, Kyambura Gorge, and Kazinga Channel, where you can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, nature walks, and other activities.
Before your trip, it’s recommended to check road conditions, especially during the rainy season, and make necessary arrangements for transportation and accommodations, whether you’re driving or flying.