How To Get To Queen Elizabeth National Park – Access/Transport Means

There are various routes and different means of how to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park on your Uganda safari. You can either reach the park by road or by air from different airports and airstrips.

Queen Elizabeth National Park lies along geographic coordinates 00°08′14″S 30°02′28″E, and is located in South Western Uganda. Therefore, for any tourist coming for a safari to Uganda to visit Queen Elizabeth park, the geographic coordinates can be their primary point of direction.

One of the routes by road is from Kampala via Fort Portal and then to Kasese District. The alternative route is from Kampala via Mbarara, Bushenyi then to Kasese District.

These routes to the most famous destination for safaris in Uganda will take you through the peaceful countryside. You will pass by quiet homesteads and villages by the roadside filled with lush flora and beautiful distant physical features. These include mountains, green vegetation, the rift valley, and amazing craters, especially when connecting from another park or tourist destination.

Upon arrival, you will enter the park through any of the 3 entry gates which are the Kabatooro gate, Katunguru gate, and the Ishasha gate.

Kabatooro, the main gate to the park is 6km on the South of Mweya Peninsular near the Katwe salt lake. Katunguru gate is in the North Eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Ishasha gate is in the South. It is especially used by visitors connecting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

There is also a Crater entrance gate in the North Eastern part of the park, near the Mbarara-Fort Portal highway and the Kasese equator.

Note:

By air to Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are chattered planes that leave Entebbe to Kasese before you can connect to the park by road. However, some planes land on the airstrips of the park from where you continue to your safari.

Some of the airstrips around the Park are Mweya Airstrip and Kasese Airstrip in the North, and the Ishaha Airstrip in the South.

Domestic flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park include Aerolink Uganda, Air Uganda, and Bar Aviation.

Consequently, travelers on Uganda tours and safaris can approach the Park from different destinations. These are national parks, districts, or other countries more so if they are following a safari itinerary.

Queen Elizabeth National Park neighbors various national parks like Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale National Park, and Virunga National Park.

Let us see the various possible routes to use while getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda.

Entebbe To Queen Elizabeth National Park | How To Get To The Park From Entebbe

By Road from Entebbe via A109

This is presently the fastest route to use as you go to the Park. The route has tolls and therefore, less traffic.

It will take you about 6 hours and 35 minutes to arrive at the park using this road.

Your longest journey will mostly be from the A109 to Kasese which takes about 6 hours.

1. From Kampala Road, you will head South East toward Gowers road.
2. A109 to Kasese will take about 6 hours on an estimated distance of 390km.
3. When you reach Kasese, you will then arrive at your destination in minutes.

By Road from Entebbe via Mbarara-Masaka Rd and Mbarara – Kasese Rd

This route involves traveling by ferry and it will take about 400km for about 7 hours.

By Air from Entebbe Airport

It takes a flight of 1 hour and 30 minutes from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip.

Upon reaching the airstrip, you can connect to the park by road when you are either picked up by your guide or your lodge pick-up service.

Kampala To Queen Elizabeth National Park | How To Get To The Park From Kampala

By Road From Kampala Via A109

This route is the fastest due to the conditions of traffic and it takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes on an estimated distance of 371km.

By following the Northern Bypass, you will connect from A109 to Kasese and then drive to the Park.

By Road From Kampala Via A109 And Fort Portal-Mpondwe Rd/A109

It takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes on this route on an approximated distance of 371km to reach your destination.

From Mawanda Rd and Gayaza -Kampala Rd to Bombo Rd, you will follow A109 to Kasese District.

By Road From Kampala Via Masaka Rd, Mbarara-Masaka Rd And Mbarara Kasese Rd

This route has tolls and it will take you about 7 hours on a distance of about 422km to arrive at to the Park.

From the Kampala-Northern bypass highway, you will follow Masaka Road, Mbarara-Masaka Road, and Mbarara-Kasese Road.

Kigali To Queen Elizabeth National Park | How To Get To Queen Elizabeth Park Uganda From Kigali

There are three ways in which you can travel from Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park either by road or by air.

1. One of the routes is from Kigali to Kabale-Mbarara Road then to Kasese District and it will take about 6 hours. This is the most recommended option for tourists on a safari in Uganda.
2. However, you can also choose to drive from Kigali through Kabale-Mbarara Road from where you will get a flight from Mbarara to Kasese District. This will take about 6 hours and 20 minutes.
3. Alternatively, you can also drive from Kibale Northwards into the Park. This route takes about 4 hours at a distance of 277.3km.

Distance Between Queen Elizabeth National Park And Other Destinations | How To Get To Queen Elizabeth Park Uganda From Neighboring National Parks Or Destinations

Guidelines To Follow

On your safaris in Uganda, most especially as you take a road trip to safari Queen Elizabeth Park, kindly take note of the following precautions.

1. If you are driving yourself, it is better that you drive during the day. This is not just for safety precautions but to also give you enough rest as await your safari activities for the next day.
2. Along the road, read and follow the road signs for safety and to keep on the right track.
3. Do not drive while you are drunk so that you avoid accidents.
4. If you suspect that you are not sure of the routes to follow while driving, hire an expert driver to drive you to the park. This is however sorted for tourists traveling through a tour company.
5. Avoid over speeding and drive at the recommended speed.
6. Check the car’s mechanical condition before driving it to a park, or else you risk getting a car breakdown on the way with no one to help you.
7. If you are to hire a car, get from a reputable car hiring company to be safe and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get To Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. What is the cheapest way to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Using a bus is the cheapest way to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park. A bus from Kampala to Kasese is the cheapest means for you.

Alternatively, you can also hire a car especially if you are in large groups. This will be way cheaper.

2. What is the fastest way to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The fastest way to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park is by booking a flight. This takes about one hour if you are leaving from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield.

3. Which airlines fly to Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Aerolink, Bar aviation, and Air Uganda make daily reserved flights from Entebbe to Mweya airstrip and Kasese airstrip.

4. What are the different airstrips in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The different airstrips in the Park are the

1. Kasese airstrip in the North of the Park.
2. Mweya airstrip in the North of the Park
3. Ishasha is in the Southern part of the Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a dependable destination for your Uganda safari holidays. Getting there is one of the great ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Uganda along your way to the medley of wonders!