Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15–40 | $50–120 |
| Food | $8–15 | $15–35 |
| Transport | $10–25 | $30–60 |
| Park Fees | $40 | $40 |
| Activities | $20–50 | $50–100 |
| Daily Total | $40–100 | $145–355 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Park Fees
- Park entry: $40 per person per day for foreign non-residents (UWA)
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise: $30 per person. Chimpanzee tracking: $50 per person
- Vehicle entry: additional fee per vehicle. Game drive guides can be arranged through UWA
Health & Safety
- Malaria is present — take antimalarials and use DEET-based repellent, especially near the channel and in forested areas
- Never leave your vehicle during game drives unless instructed by your guide. Hippos and buffalo are particularly dangerous
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential — the nearest hospital is in Kasese (1–2 hours from most park locations)
Getting Around
- A 4WD vehicle is essential for park roads, especially in wet season and the Ishasha sector
- From Kampala: 6–7 hours via Fort Portal or Mbarara. From Bwindi: 3–4 hours via Ishasha
- Domestic flights to Kasese airstrip (Aerolink Uganda) reduce the drive to under 1 hour to the park gate
Connectivity
- MTN has the best coverage but signal is weak in parts of the park, especially Ishasha and Maramagambo Forest
- WiFi available at larger lodges but speed and reliability vary. Download offline maps before entering the park
- Carry a fully charged phone and portable power bank — charging facilities at budget accommodation may be limited
Money
- Bring sufficient USD cash — there are no ATMs in the park. The nearest ATMs are in Kasese or Mbarara
- Park fees can be paid in USD or UGX. Lodges generally prefer USD for accommodation
- Budget $10–20 per day for tips to guides, boat drivers, and camp staff
Packing Tips
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown) for game drives. Avoid white and bright colours
- Binoculars are essential — much of the wildlife is viewed at distance across the savannah
- Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent for boat cruises. A warm layer for early morning game drives — the park can be cool before dawn
Cultural tips
Respect Wildlife Distance
Never approach wildlife on foot. Maintain safe distances during game drives — your guide knows the limits. Hippos, buffalo, and elephants are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any predator. The animals are wild, not attractions.
Conservation Context
Queen Elizabeth NP sits in a region of complex human-wildlife conflict. Communities around the park face crop raiding by elephants and livestock predation by lions. Revenue sharing from tourism helps, but the balance is delicate. Your visit supports this conservation effort.
Photography Ethics
Do not use flash photography near animals. Do not call or make noises to attract wildlife attention. Never throw food or litter to attract animals. These behaviours habituate wildlife to humans in dangerous ways.
Local Communities
The park borders fishing communities on Lake Edward and farming communities around the crater lakes. Engage respectfully, buy local produce, and remember that the park's existence affects their daily lives in complex ways.
Support Local Guides
Hire local guides for walks, drives, and boat trips. Their knowledge is extraordinary and their income depends directly on tourism. Tips are expected and appreciated — budget $10–20 per day per guide.
Wildlife Patience
Safari is about patience. The best encounters come to those who wait quietly. Do not pressure your guide to drive faster or closer. The savannah reveals its secrets slowly — embrace the pace of the African bush.
