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Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Arguably one of the oldest “last Edens” on the African continent, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is a tantalizing glimpse of how the world once was. It contains some of the most pristine virgin forests remaining on the African continent. It is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, other primates, forest elephants, and hundreds of different bird species, reptiles, and other 120 mammal species. Heavily protected within this stunning “impenetrable” rainforest are about half of the last few mountain gorillas in the world. Feeding on healthy roots, leaves, and fruits from the park’s tree and fern species, the gorillas form a sublime backdrop amidst lush emerald green foliage and a kaleidoscopic fluttering of birds and butterflies. Dating back 25,000 years, the Bwindi forest is one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests believed to be a refuge for species during glaciations in the Pleistocene epoch. Trekking through this lush, abundant thicket is a captivating experience, made all the more spectacular when you silently come upon these majestic beauties. This is a spectacularly humbling experience that you will never forget.

Discover Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, covering 32,092 ha (321 sq km / 124 sq mi), is one of East Africa’s most significant areas, including Afromontane lowland forest extending to well within the montane forest belt. Located on the Albertine Rift Valley’s eastern edge, Bwindi sits on the southwestern edge of Uganda’s border with DR Congo, with a small part on the Congo side.

The Forest is believed to be a Pleistocene refugium Favourable area where species have survived periods of glaciation during the Pleistocene Era (2.5 million years ago). The park is a biodiversity hotspot with possibly the most important tree species for East Africa’s altitude.

It is also host to a rich fauna, including several endemic butterflies and one of the richest mammalian assemblages in Africa. Home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, the national park represents a conservation frontline as an isolated forest of outstanding biological richness surrounded by an agricultural landscape supporting one of the highest rural population densities in tropical Africa. Community benefits from mountain gorilla tracking and other ecotourism may be the only hope for this unique UNESCO site’s future conservation.

Bwindi’s diverse habitats range from 1,160 to 2,706 m (3,805 to 8,879 ft) in altitude. The habitats are located at the intersection of the Albertine, Congo Basin,  and Eastern Africa ecological zones. Its potential role as a Pleistocene refugium makes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the most crucial area in Uganda. Many wildlife species find it a comfortable home due to its exceptional diversity which includes many Albertine Rift endemics.

This forest is believed to be a mere remnant of a vast forest that once covered much of western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The park has the highest diversity of tree species (over 200 species including ten endemics) and ferns (some 104 species) in East Africa and may be the most critical forest in Africa for montane forest butterflies with 202 species (84% of the country’s total), including eight Albertine endemics.

The forest is very significant as a home to more than half of the critically endangered mountain gorilla population (more than 400). With over 347 species of forest birds recorded in the Park, at least 70 out of 78 montane forest bird species occurring in the Albertine Rift region are found in the forest, and 22 of the 36 endemics. Overall, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest hosts numerous globally threatened species, including high-profile mammals such as mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, l’Hoest’s monkey, and African elephant; birds such as African green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Turner’s Eremomela, Chapin’s flycatcher, and Shelley’s crimson-wing; and butterflies such as African giant swallowtail and Cream-banded swallowtail.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park's Vegetation
At an altitude of 1,190m to 2,607m, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is dense, ecological, and biologically rich with diverse species. Located at the edge of Kigezi Highlands, the park has variations of elevation that resulted in a dense population of trees, wildlife, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. Its topography is very rugged, with narrow valleys intersected by rivers and steep hills. The park has more than 220 tree species, 1,000 flowering plant species, and more than 100 fern species, including the threatened brown mahogany and Brazzeia long pedicellate.

The forest has a dense network of streams flowing to many rivers, including; Ivi, Munyaga, Ihihizo, Ishasha, and Ntengyere rivers, flowing into Lake Edward, Lakes Mutanda, and Bunyonyi.

Best Time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a tropical climate, with the environment and environment regulated by the forest. Annual mean temperature ranges from a minimum of 7 to 15 °C to a maximum of 20 to 27 °C. Its annual rainfall ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 mm. The rainy season occurs from March to April and from September to November. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park's forest vegetation has high amounts of evapotranspiration, increasing the rainfall around the region. The forest vegetation lessens soil erosion, and flooding and ensures that streams continue to flow in the dry season.

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open all year round, but the best times to visit are in the dry season from June to August and December to February. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park trails are drier and, therefore, less slippery. Photography is easier. The high season with many tourists coming in is from June to September, and booking permits in advance is advised. The low season is in March, April, May, October, and November, but this time, heavy rainfall makes trails hard to use, but the permits are discounted. You may track gorillas for a long, and the rain may interfere with taking photos. You may, however, find migratory birds at this time.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Wildlife
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park forest is very significant as a home to more than half of the critically endangered mountain gorilla population (more than 470). With over 347 species of forest birds recorded in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, at least 70 out of 78 montane forest bird species occurring in the Albertine Rift region make the forest their home, and 22 of the 36 endemics.

Overall, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest hosts numerous globally threatened species, including high-profile mammals such as mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, l’Hoest’s monkey, and African elephant; birds such as African green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Turner’s Eremomela, Chapin’s flycatcher, and Shelley’s crimson-wing; and butterflies such as African giant swallowtail and Cream-banded swallowtail.

Birding & Bird Species Found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 347 bird species. It is home to 24 of the total 25 Albertine Rift endemic bird species. Furthermore, Bwindi is the dwelling place for 76 of the 144 Guinea-Congo-forest biome bird species in Uganda.
The area also qualifies for the Afro-tropical-highland biome bird species with 68 of the total 86. The Lake Victoria biome has 4 of the 12 species.

Birds are very abundant and very easy to spot; several species connect in mixed-feeding flocks that are active all through the day. The main birding trails where birders can catch sight of these fantastic creatures are the Bamboo Zone, the Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija, and the Waterfall trail in Buhoma.

Some bird species include; Western Green Tinkerbird, African Wood Owl, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Fine-banded Woodpecker, etc.

Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The main attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is its mountain gorillas which generate much revenue for Uganda Wildlife Authority. The gorilla population is approximately 400 individuals, half of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas, with more than 100 habituated. Tourists wishing to track gorillas must first obtain a permit.

UWA and research authorities have habituated selected gorilla families to human presence. They control the number of visitors to prevent risks to the gorillas and degradation of the habitat. The gorillas seldom react to tourists. There are strict rules for tourists to minimize the risk of diseases passing from them to the gorillas.

Twelve habituated mountain gorilla groups are open to tourism in four different sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, all under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Buhoma Region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

1. Mubare group (named after the Mubare hills) was the first group habituated in 1991 and received its first tracking visitors in 1993.
2. Habinyanja group – This was habituated in 1997 and received tracking visitors in 1999.
3. Rushegura group – This was habituated in 2000 and received tourists in 2002. Split from the larger Habinyanja group. These gorilla families crisscross each other’s territories and co-exist peacefully.

Ruhija Region Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

1. Bitukura group- habituated in 2008
2. Oruzogo – habituated in 2011.

Rushaga Region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Eight families and two under habituation (48 permits and four habituation permits issued per day)

1. Nshongi group- This is the biggest habituated group in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with 25 members.
2. Mishaya group – following a family dispute, ten members of this group split from the biggest group, the Nshongi group.
3. Busingye group – led by Rumanzi silverback, from the Kahungye family, with 10 Members.
4. Bweeza group – habituated in 2011
5. Kahungye – reviewed as one of the best to track in this region, with 12 Members
6. Bikingi Gorilla family – habituate in 2012 with 18 members
7. Rwigi Gorilla Family – newly available for tracking and a break away from Kahungye with 10 members
8. Mucunguzi Gorilla family – a break away from the Bweza family with 10 members

Nkuringo Region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

3 Habituated gorilla families with 24 permits issued per day in the Nkuringo region.

1. Nkuringo Group has 19 members and is the most challenging hike, although worthwhile, as it is the most pleasing. Habituated in 2004.
2. Bushaho Group – its original members were part of Nkuringo and now with 8 members forage around the Bushaho area led by silverback Bahati.
3. Christmas Group – also started by a former member and son of Nkuringo, Christmas, with 9 members.

Booking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Gorilla Permits
Once you decide you want to have a gorilla tracking experience in the jungles of this pristine forest, your trusted travel agent, like ourselves at Ultimate Wild  Safaris, will book and arrange for your permit considering your itinerary dates. However, a lone traveler can book the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala (the only authority mandated to issue the gorilla permits) or check for availability in the information centers in Kisoro or Buhoma. Ensure you know which section of Bwindi you would like to track the gorillas (indicated on the permit, which is not transferable to another section) and book your accommodation accordingly.

You are, however, encouraged to book permits in advance, mainly permits for the high season (July- December) when most travelers flock to these parts of Africa to catch sight of the magnificent mountain gorilla.

How much is a gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$700 per person for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents pay US$600 per person, and East African residents pay UGX 250,000 per person.  Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda costs US$1,500 per person.

• East African Community citizen gorilla tracking permits reduced from UGX 250,000 to UGX 150,000
• Foreign Resident gorilla tracking permits were reduced from USD 600 to USD 300
• Foreign Non Resident gorilla tracking permit reduced from USD 700 to USD 400

A gorilla permit will allow an escorted excursion into the jungle with armed rangers and a guide, and you’ll be able to spend 60 minutes with a habituated mountain gorilla family once tracked and found. The gorilla habituation experience allows you 4 hours in the presence of a wild gorilla family that is semi-habituated.

No one can accurately determine the amount of time spent tracking a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It mostly depends on how early the gorillas woke up from their nests, where they were left by rangers the previous night, and how far they moved foraging. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest terrain is mountainous and dump and will require some physical energy from trackers, so be physically fit before hitting the jungle floor.

What to Pack for Gorilla Tracking Safari In Uganda, Rwanda, and Dr. Congo
When packing for your all-inclusive Uganda safari tour, consider how the weather will influence your choice. If your trip entails a chartered flight, you may be required to pack light since baggage is limited to 10 to 20 kg. Here’s a simple list of essential things to pack for hiking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

1. The gorilla trekking permit
2. Pack a decent rain jacket
3. Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and long socks
4. You’ll need gardening gloves
5. Trekking boots are your best friend
6. Pack a tin of Insect repellent
7. Snacks (keep the wrappings in your backpack, it’s illegal to eat near the gorillas and litter the pack)
8. Biodegradable tissue or toilet paper
9. Waterproof backpack and extra batteries

Other activities Around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Batwa Pygmy's Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The indigenous Batwa pygmies, evicted from the forest to protect the endangered gorilla, showcase an enacted cultural show in a small forest pocket. A Guide will escort you to see how the Batwa used to live upon trees! A hands-on historical and cultural demonstration will allow you to see the forest through the first people’s eyes, the Batwa Pygmy. They will describe their old way of life as hunter and gatherers, including honey gathering, basket weaving, cave-dwelling, and traditional dancing.

Canoeing At Lake Mutanda In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 
You will enjoy a dug-out canoe ride at Lake Mutanda on your way to or from Bwindi. This scenic lake has marvelous views of birds, Virunga ranges, papyrus swamps, and community interaction.

Community Walks In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 
You can walk around the rural community that lives around the forest’s border and understands their cultural aspects. They will explain their farming methods, perform cultural dances, introduce their traditional healers and blacksmiths, and the women would explain their weaving skills. You can purchase arts and crafts from the local people, which is an economic uplift for them. You will notice hard-working women tending to their gardens with babies on their backs. There are many community hospitals and schools that have been set up to assist the local community. These hospitals usually rely on donations from sponsors. At Nkuringo, you can visit and support community projects such as donating to a sewing machine, community hospital, primary school, water tank, and many more.

Nature Walks In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 
Bwindi Impenetrable forest is biologically rich and essential for conserving the Afromontane fauna, especially species endemic to the western rift valley’s mountains. You will marvel at the variety of 200 tree species. The rainforest jungle offers excellent bird watching for hikers that take the Buniga forest walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma.
Visit Queen Elizabeth  National Park For Wildlife Safari Tour
The main attraction that pulls in visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park is the large herbivore species, including hippopotamus, elephant, buffalo, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, and Topi. Most attractive and more than any savannah Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda can attract the large carnivore species in the park, including lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the Western Region of Uganda, spanning Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is approximately 400 kilometers (250 mi) by road southwest of Kampala, the capital city. It includes the Maramagambo Forest and Kigezi Game Reserve’s borders, Kyambura Game Reserve, Kibale National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Dr. Congo.

Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda (QENP), formerly known as Kazinga National Park, was established in 1952 but was renamed in 1954 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit. It lies on Africa’s Western Rift Valley floor, covering 1,978 sq km at an altitude of 884- 1,337m/2,900- 4,386ft.

You can enjoy a holistic experience in this splendid park with diverse habitats, including grassland, savannah, forests, wetlands, and lakes. The experience provides the setting of an extensive range of large mammals, primates, birds, and butterflies.

The park’s vegetation is a variety of flora and fauna but consists of small trees’ primary thickets, including acacias and evergreens. The park, however, has five levels of vegetation; bushy grassland, Acacia woodland, Lakeshore or swamp vegetation, and forest grassland.

The park is a habitat for over 95 mammal species with over 600 species of birds. Queen Elizabeth harbors four of the big 5 animals. The rhino is not present.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) Wildlife
The Queen Elizabeth National Park's grasslands harbor impressive wildlife species such as chimpanzees, leopards, lions, elephants, hippopotamuses, water buffaloes, waterbuck, Uganda kob, warthog, hyena, giant forest hog, and several types of antelopes, such as duiker, bushbuck, and reedbuck.

The Ishasha section has great viewing opportunities for topis and tree-climbing lions. The Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo forest provide favorable primate viewing experiences. The Kazinga Channel boat launch cruise takes you to Nile crocodile-infested banks, and you’re sure to see an amazing big game on the banks of the channel. Apart from the rhino, giraffes and zebra are also absent.

The best time to view wildlife is in the dry season (January to February and June to August) when wildlife concentrate near the river shores and waterholes.

Bird-life of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to more than 600 bird species. Notable species include; Hooded Vulture, Martial Eagle, Grey Kestrel, African Wattled Plover, Black-bellied Bustard, Black-lored Babbler, White-tailed Lark, Pink-backed Pelican, Black-crowned Tchagra, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Blue-naped Mousebird, Papyrus Canary, Pygmy Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, the lesser and greater Flamingo and many more.

Chimpanzee Tracking In Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kyambura gorge provides spectacular scenery for chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are several chimps habituated in this gorge. Chimps stay in groups (called troops) of about 30-80 members. Chimps usually chew on leaves and use them like a sponge to dip in water and suck out the moisture. They also use twigs to pick into termite holes and enjoy nuts, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Their vegetarian diet is usually supplemented by meat, like young antelopes or goats.

Observers have sometimes spotted the chimpanzee killing smaller primates like young baboons, blue monkeys, and Colombus monkeys and feasting on the carcasses. There isn’t any particular breeding season, and the females give birth every four-five years. They are quadrupedal, walking fast on their four limbs. They are swift climbers, setting their nests high in trees.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has several other primates found within its habitats, and these include:

• Black and white Colombus Monkey
• Blue monkeys
• Olive baboons
• Vervet monkeys
• Red-tailed monkeys

Chimpanzees are, by nature, a lot more aggressive, but conservation authorities have habituated the groups you’re permitted to visit. Aggression toward humans in that context is extremely rare, but you have to exercise caution when near chimps. These are some of the precautions to be observed while tracking chimps in QENP’s Kyambura gorge.

• Keep a safe distance from primates – Do not visit chimps when you are ill or with an infectious disease.
• Do not use flash photography
• Back away slowly if the animal approaches you
• In the forest, the path or trail does not belong to you. Never block the animal’s path.

Sectors in Queen Elizabeth National Park
1). The Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The peninsula is located on the northern bank of the impressive Kazinga Channel at the channel’s convergence with Lake Edward. The peninsula is the heart of sightseeing activities because it overlooks Katwe bay of Lake Edward. The Mweya peninsular with well-maintained tracks includes the Channel Track down to Katunguru gate and then across to Kabatoro gate. Kabatoro gate has a chunky ground cover with dense vegetation dominated by candelabra thorn that creates game-viewing challenges.

The park operates a 20-seater motorized boat that runs two trips a day. However, there can be more rides depending on the number of visitors. Expeditions set off from the landing stage beneath Mweya lodge. Make your booking at the visitor information center. The Mweya peninsula provides the best leopard-viewing opportunities.

2). The Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Kazinga channel is a broad, 32-kilometer-long natural channel connecting the two Lakes; Lake Gorge (which is to the east) and Lake Edward (west). On the Eastern side of the Kazinga Channel is Lake George, a tiny lake with an overall depth of 2.4 meters and 250 sq km. Streams flowing from the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains feed into the lake to create a massive water body. The outflow from Lake Gorge flows through this Kazinga Channel and drains west into the adjacent Lake Edward (which is among the main freshwater lakes in Uganda) which covers a total area of 2,000 sq km.

The shores of the channel, throughout the year, draw a large number of wild animals including birds, and reptiles. Kazinga channel host the largest population of hippos and plentiful Nile crocodiles.

The boat cruise is enriching for viewing wildlife that comes to the channel’s banks for water. The UWA-operated boat launch safari sets off at 11:00 am,  1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm local time. The launch begins at the Mweya peninsula, 20 km west of Kasese-Mbarara main road through Katunguru. There are special hire taxis available at the Katunguru trading center, charging around Ush30,000 or $10 to Mweya.

The channel has two parts; North Kazinga and Kasenyi. The lake’s shores attract a large concentration of mammals, birds, and reptiles all year round. The animals can be viewed well by the Nile cruise or probably at the entrance of Lake Edward. The most convenient and favorable place to spot the lions is within the eastern section of the Kasenyi plains. They prey on a large number of resident Uganda Kobs in that area.

3). Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes,” is located in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s far eastern corner. It covers 1 km across and about 100 meters deep. The gorge has a rich wildlife bio-diversity that comprises primates, wild animals, and birds. The fantastic canyon will marvel at you with the verdant, rich tropical rainforest right close to the Equator, crossing with tree canopies providing shade and cover from the harsh sunshine. There is an excellent assortment of plant life at the gorge.
Three salty crater lakes attract vast numbers of beautiful flamingos. Travelers can best explore the Gorge on foot; taking a nature walk will unveil the gorge’s natural beauty.

4). Maramagambo in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Maramagambo forest covers the Kichwamba escarpment all through to Lake Edward. The forest canopy shade is an ideal destination for hiking, nature walks, primate trekking, and birding. The walk can take 2 hours or even half a day where you can explore the beautiful crater lakes. The primates found here are Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, baboons, Red Tailed monkeys for Blue monkeys, and Vervet monkeys.  The forest is a habitat for nocturnal species; the Pottos and the bush babies.

The other major attraction is the impressive bat caves. You’ll find at the entrance a viewing center that will give you a vantage point to glimpse at pythons and bats that hide in the caves.

5). Kasenyi Plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kasenyi is located within the northeastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is 48 kilometers by road, southeast of Kasese. The open savannah plains are on the adjacent stunning Lake George’s western shores, just near the area where the Kazinga Channel confluences with this lake.

The open savannah region protects the highest number of game animals compared to any destination in Uganda. Lions converge on the plains to catch easy prey, providing Queen Elizabeth National Park’s best opportunities to see lion action. Kasenyi plains area also has numerous bird species like the yellow-throated long crow, red-throat spurfowls, and grey-crown cranes.

6). Katwe crater lake in in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Though many explosion craters are extinct, few still release sulfurous smells. The three significant concentrations are; Katwe Explosion Craters in QENP, Bunyaraguru Crater Field on the Kichwamba escarpment Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field close to Kibale National Park.

The Katwe explosion craters are situated north of the impressive Mweya Peninsula. The enormous Kyemengo Crater is the most alluring among the Katwe Explosion Craters. The craters in the past reduced Lake Edward to a poisonous mess. Unlike Volcanoes, Explosion Craters actually do not pile cones. They merely blow ash as well as rock to distances far away.

The craters are now breathtaking lakes, and many have smelled of sulfur in their waters. The crater lakes are exceptional viewpoints for nature walks and birding.

You can enjoy a spectacular Crater Drive, which presents distant sights of the stunning crater views, the Great Western Rift Valley plus its escarpments, Lake George, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the Kazinga Channel, and Lake Edward while on your way. Lake Kitagata can be seen, which is a lake fed by salty hot springs with no wildlife around.

7). Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Ishasha sector at the southwest rim section of QENP is notably known for its resident Tree climbing lions that are spotted hanging on branches of enormous fig trees. In contrast, the Uganda Kob (the primary food of these lions) graze in the plains. This section is only 2 hour drive from the Mweya Peninsula.

Ishasha is a very memorable destination with splendid sights of the King of the jungle perched up high on one of the enormous fig trees’ branches, lazily resting away as the day goes by. Besides, you can also come across buffalo herds, antelopes, elephants, and hippos. However, this is not always guaranteed as it majorly depends on the day you visit this part.

8). Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lake George is small and shallow and located in the western part of East Africa’s Rift Valley. Several inflows from the extensive mountain Rwenzori ranges such as Dura, Mpanga, Nsonge, Rumi, and Mubuku supply Lake George with its water.

Its outflow is into the Kazinga Channel that drains toward the adjacent Lake Edward. At 914m altitudes, the lake experiences two rainy seasons having rainfall peaks between May and October. The islands on this lake are Kankuranga, Iranqara, and Akika. The shores are dominated by papyrus reeds and swamps where you can catch a glimpse of the sitatunga antelope, rare Shoebill, and other birds.

9). The Equator and the Queen’s Pavilion in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda’s Equator provides a beautiful place for photo shooting. The northern entrance to Crater Drive quickly spots the Queen’s Pavilion. The pavilion, established in 1954, was renovated by the second visit of the Duke of Edinburgh in 2007 with better facilities.

Weather & Climate in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The climate in Queen Elizabeth National Park is warm. The landscape is beautiful and green. Temperatures remain stable year-round, being near the equator. Daytime temperatures rise to around 29°C/84°F and slowly fall to around 17°C/63°F at night.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open all year long, but wildlife viewing is best from January to February and June to July (the dry seasons) though there is always the potential for rain. However, this scenic park is most beautiful in the Wet seasons from March to May and August to December. Rain happens less during December through January, with June and July having the least rain. Wet seasons occur from March to May and from August to December.

Dry seasons are January to February and June to July in Queen Elizabeth National Park
January & February – Expect rainfall at any time, though this is generally a dry season. June & July – There is a slight potential for rain during these months, the driest months. Daytime temperatures average 29°C/84°F, and nighttime temperatures average 16°C/61°F. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water points and the vegetation thins. The trails are dry, making chimp trekking easier. Late May to September is the best time for birding.

Wet seasons are March to May and August to December in Queen Elizabeth National Park
March, April & May – Increased rainfall is in April. Temperatures are pleasant (around 29°C/84°F) in the later afternoon and cooler (17°C/63°F) in the morning. Roads can become impassable, and chimp trekking trails are slippery.

August, September, October & November– This time of year is similar to March through May, with rain peaking in November. There is plenty of wildlife to see and migratory birds. However, roads may become inaccessible after heavy rains, and forest trails get slippery. Afternoon thunderstorms should be expected, and it might drizzle.

The best time to visit  Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is in January/February and June to August during the dry season. 
The high Season, June to September, is a prime time for gorilla trekking, and there are many tourists in Uganda.

Community in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park gazetting has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities. There is rich culture found in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) with Toro, Banyaruguru found here. You will find crafts shops where you can get a souvenir and, in turn, help the community. The community engages in activities such as fishing, salt mining, and farming.

Safety Precautions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
It is recommended to take anti-malarial medication and apply mosquito repellent because there is a high risk of transition during the rainy season (March to May and October to December) in all parks apart from the high-altitude mountainous Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts, shoes, or boots because of the abundance of thorns and sharp twigs, and prevent bug bites.

Resist the temptation to jog or walk alone in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Wildlife is not confined to the park and roams freely around the lodges and camps, avoid venturing out of your lodge alone at night or dawn.

In 2008, there was a Marburg Virus infection at the bat caves in the Maramagambo forest. In collaboration with the American CDC, this has been controlled, and you can safely view the bats and pythons at the caves’ entrance.

Wildlife can be unpredictable, and you are advised to use your common sense and exercise caution and respect for the animals. Please observe all wildlife safety precautions and Queen Elizabeth National Park rules when enjoying your Africa safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These include but are not limited to:

• Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Be aware of your surrounding and stay alert.
• Stay in designated trails and tracks.
• The road does not belong to you. Animals always have the right of way.
• Do not honk in the park or at animals.
• Watch where you put your feet while walking in the bush.
• Never run away from a predator when confronted.
• Never walk between a hippo and water. It may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked.
• While camping, store food carefully to avoid attracting wildlife.

Getting To Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin by looking at the visa requirements for traveling to Uganda.

By Road from Kampala To Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Buses are found at the Baganda bus park and near Nakivubo stadium in Kampala.
• 6-hour drive from Kampala through Mbarara, Bushenyi is 420 kilometers.
• 6 hour drive from Kampala through Fort Portal to Kasese is 410 kilometers.

By Air To Queen Elizabeth National Park

– 60 minutes Charter flights from Entebbe International Airport to the Airstrip in Mweya, Kasese, or Ishasha.

Onward About Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ultimate Wild Safaris organizes small group tours and private tailor-made safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our track record for great safaris since 2007 has given us an edge in crafting unforgettable journeys. Tailor-make every trip to suit our guest’s style of travel. Talk to one of us to help you plan your savannah journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).