How to Get There
Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations, is located in the western part of the country, spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. Getting there is part of the adventure, with multiple scenic routes available depending on your starting point and interests.
From Kampala or Entebbe, the most common route is via Mbarara. This journey takes approximately 6–7 hours by road (about 420 km). Travelers head west along the well-paved Kampala–Masaka–Mbarara–Kasese highway, passing through lush countryside, banana plantations, and Lake Mburo National Park. It’s a great opportunity to stop for a break and enjoy a short wildlife drive or lunch in Mbarara before continuing to the park’s northern entrance near Kasese or the Katunguru gate.
Another popular route is from Fort Portal via Kibale National Park, a scenic 2–3 hour drive. This path is ideal for travelers who wish to combine chimp tracking in Kibale with a visit to Queen Elizabeth. The drive takes you through tea plantations, crater lakes, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
If you’re coming from the southern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Lake Bunyonyi, you can access the park through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. This route offers a more remote and adventurous experience, though roads may be rough during the rainy season.
For luxury travelers or those with limited time, chartered flights from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese airstrips are available, significantly reducing travel time.
Whichever route you choose, the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural encounters, and wildlife sightings, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari experience.