The Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and Packing List
What is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park? With all eyes focused on observing the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest, it is easy to forget that a five hour drive to the opposite side offers you a more diversified wildlife experience. Queen Elizabeth National Park is arguably Uganda’s most popular and visited wildlife conservation area. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife wonderland with many attractions that will leave you with nothing else but the feeling of having had the best safari ever. The park is a paradise for several wildlife species because of the lush green vegetation and savannah plains.
Apart from game drives in the savanna, the Maramagambo forest and Kyambura gorge add value to visitors by allowing them see several primate or bird species. Queen Elizabeth National Park is strategically located within the equator and East African Rift Valley. That means fertile grounds, food and the perfect home to numerous wildlife species. Travelers can spot tree climbing lions, Leopards, Zebras Elephants, Hippopotamus, Buffaloes, Antelopes, crocodiles, chimpanzees and Flamingos that are unique to the area among many more. Moreover, the park is surrounded by other forest and wildlife reserves such as the Kalinzu forest reserve or the Kigezi wildlife reserve. This allows Travelers to do several activities like game drives, nature walks, birding and boat cruises within the area before proceeding for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is not so far away. You might want to check out our 2 days wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a quick tour of the park.
How are the accommodation facilities in Queen Elizabeth National Park? There are many accommodation facilities in the park. They are categorized as luxury, mid-range or budget facilities. Most offer self-contained rooms with great food regardless of the category. Some of them include Ishasha wilderness camp, Marafiki safari lodge, Ihamba lakeside safari lodge, bush lodge and Mweya safari lodge.
So what is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and what do you need to pack? Before we go to that, you might be interested in our 5 Days Queen Elizabeth safari package.
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located along the Equator and this gives it a warm temperature which tends to stay stable for most of the year. During the day, temperatures are as high and drop at night. There are two rainy and dry seasons. These two seasons lead to what is known as the High and Low Travel seasons within the Uganda tourism sector. Wildlife viewing is done throughout the year at Queen 
Elizabeth National Park. If you are planning on registering for something like our 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari, then the best time for visiting is arguably during the dry season (High travel season) which occurs in the months of January, February, June, July, August and September. The worst weather conditions occur during the rainy months of March to May and October to November. The heavy rains in the Low season make access to the park a challenge as the roads get muddy and more slippery. Let’s look at the High and Low seasons in more detail to come at a conclusion.
High season: This presents the best weather conditions for an African Safaris. It is made up of warm temperatures typical of the dry season. It runs through the months of December to February and June to September. These months are excellent for Chimpanzee trekking and spotting baboons at the Kyambura Gorge. The park has shorter and thinner vegetation and the roads are passable because there is less mud. It becomes much easier to watch grazing herds of antelopes or lions even from far off distances. Game drives become wonderful as animals are drawn to the specific water bodies.
However, this season also comes with its challenges. The Park has more visitors and can appear crowded on some days. The lodges are more expensive and fully booked during this time of the year. This season of the year is also characterized by strong and hazy winds that make wildlife viewing hard on some days. It’s recommended that visitors to the park carry sunglasses while on game drives. Visitors are also advised to travel with heavy clothing as it tends to be cold especially in the morning hours.
N.B: Despite being a dry season, rain is expected in the park at any time of the year. You may be interested in our 4 days safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park package.
Low season: The low season coincides with the rainy months of March to May and October to September. Drizzles are common during the day while thunderstorms appear in the afternoon hours. Despite having beautiful scenery with green vegetation, the season is mainly known for its slippery and muddy conditions that make it hard to drive through the park. Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest is quite challenging during the low season.
However the season has its advantages and game drives still go on during this time. Th animals tend to spread to all parts of the park because of plentiful grass. Bird watching becomes more exciting due to the availability of migratory birds from North Africa and Europe. The park has a fewer number of visitors allowing a more personalized experience with the animals. Travelers get to explore the park more through quiet nature walks. If you are interested in lion tracking, then this is probably the best time to go. Visitors can expect to get discounts from many of the lodges around. There is more information from our article about the best season to visit Africa on a safari. You might want to check out our 6 Days Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth Safari package.
Packing list for Queen Elizabeth National Park
Are you excited about your upcoming Uganda wildlife safari? Perhaps you have already selected your travel company, booked accommodation, informed your family about your Queen Elizabeth Park tour but are still wondering what to pack. It is important to know the things you may need pack as you prepare for a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here are some of the essentials to carry along:-
Travel Documents and cash: Before thinking of anything else to carry along, these are the essentials to have with you throughout your time in Uganda. Make sure you have a stamped visa and a passport that is valid for six months, Be ready for inspection by concerned authorities to avoid any embarrassing scenes and inconveniences. You might also need to come with emergency contact documents of your next of kin, travel insurance, travel directories, detailed contacts of your tour operators and medical documents showing vaccination records. It’s recommended that you make at least three copies of your travel documents. One copy should be in your hand baggage, another in your check-in luggage and digital copies in your phone.
It’s also advisable to carry hard cash with you to be use while traveling in remote areas. That is because at one point or another, you will have to transact or give tip. The cash can be in US dollar but it’s also wise to change to the local Uganda shillings. Acquire a money belt that you can fasten around the waist.
Clothes and outfit: Unlike in urban town tours, a safari in rural Uganda is all different. You don’t have to break the bank to get the latest trends in town. All you need to do is go back to your own wardrobe at home and select from the collection you already have. This will help you cut on cost and save time. A Queen Elizabeth safari may involve a whole day of game drives, boat cruises, nature walks and even chimpanzee tracking. These activities could make you get all sweaty, dirty and with stained cloths. It is 
important to consult with your tour operator about the expected weather during the time you are planning your safari. This will give you a clear idea of what to carry and leave out. Comfortable, loose fitting army colored green and brownish clothes are recommended.
Irrespective of the particular season and weather, the mornings and evenings are always cold and so adding up layers can keep you warm enough. When it gets too hot during the day, you simply remove them off. Never forget to carry with you a waterproof rain jacket or light fleece to keep you warm and dry because the rains come when unexpected at any time of the year in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Neutral and dull colored light weight long sleeve and collared shirts are highly recommended. Travel with knee zipped trousers, brimmed or floppy hats along with sunglasses to help protect you from the intense heat from the sun and also guard against mosquitoes and bugs. Ladies can bring along sports bras which are stylist enough for a ride through the Queen Elizabeth Park Savannah.
N.B: Ladies should endeavor to keep descent and respectful when traveling in remote areas of Uganda. Many local/rural Ugandan customs restrict women from wearing clothes that reveal too much thigh and shoulders. A decent dress code is important if you plan on visiting public places like worship centers and markets with locals. Ugandans in the capital Kampala and some larger districts are carefree and don’t care what you put on.
Footwear: Queen Elizabeth National Park has low lying plains. You don’t need special hiking footwear used for gorilla trekking. Light waterproof runners and sneakers are good enough to keep you comfortable through day walks around the park. They are cheaper and take a smaller space in your pack. Carry along breathable stockings. You can also include sandals and dressing shoes.
Electronics: Don’t forget to carry along your smart phones, laptops, headphones, alarm clocks, a camera, iPad, a pair of binoculars, Flashlights, converters and portable charging cells. A calculator may prove helpful for currency calculations. A zoom lens camera is essential for a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You don’t want to let some special animal sights go without being captured for your memory. Carry extra battery supplies and SD cards to ensure constant photographic shots. Don’t forget a lens cleaning cloth. Android tablets and iPads will keep you entertained but can also be used for social media updates and are good back up for pictures. They may also help you keep in touch with family and friends back at home. Remember to travel with a good pair of binoculars capable lenses for distant wildlife viewing and bird watching. Apart from your phone, it’s important to acquire a local simcard just in case of emergencies
A rechargeable Flash light is an essential item on your Queen Elizabeth packing list. Queen Elizabeth national park is located in a rural area and so are the hotels. Power may not be as constant as it is in the urban centers. Most lodges usually supplement hydro electricity power with the use of solar and generators. When hydro-electricity doesn’t return, solar power may be turned off late at midnight leaving you in darkness. To have a constant supply of light in the tents and lodges, one needs a strong torch with solar rechargeable batteries.
Electronic gadgets are prone to destruction by dust and rain. It is therefore important to carry along water proof bags with a zip. Along with zip lock bags, pack a collapsible waterproof day pack. This is much lighter and allows you to walk comfortably. Porters can be hired to help with the heavier backpacks. Backpacks help in carrying electronics like camera, Flashlights, pocket money, phones, tablets, hand cleaners, toilet papers, bottled water and any other item you would like to carry.
Insect repellent: Mosquito and Tsetse flies are not only known for their disease causing ability but are also irritating and have nasty stings. Sprays applied both on skin, clothes and in rest rooms regularly help keep away these blood hungry insects. Insecticide treated nets are also recommended to supplement these repellents and guarantee your safety from insect transmitted diseases.
Laundry and personal hygiene: It shouldn’t be a surprise when you don’t find running water and a toilet in some budget lodges. You might find that the shower and sink are inside the lodge rooms while the toilets are out or the other way round. Having a hand sanitizer gel and wipes are essential. A bar of soap is cheaper compared to shower gels from the local groceries and will help you clean stains and dirt from your clothes. Try to do the laundry by yourself when it comes to underwear and more private clothes. It is considered a taboo by some locals to wash another persons undergarments or stockings. Do not forget to carry with you some rolls of toilet paper. You should have roles everywhere you go. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, Deodorants, lip balm, hand lotion, shampoo, hairbrush and other feminine hygiene supplies.
Preventive medicines: Consulting your medical personnel and having medical checkups or vaccinations is important when preparing for your Queen Elizabeth Safari. This establishes your 
readiness and fitness to participate fully in all activities. You will also know if it is right to go for the trip and if there are any medical prescriptions you need. While on your safari, you may fall victim to illness such as headaches, diarrhea, sore throat, ingestion, heartburn, malaria and any other bacterial infections. Precautionary medicines such as Malaria prophylaxis, Antidiarrheals, Coartem, bug sprays, sunscreen, pain-killers, moisturizers, antiseptic lotion, eye drops, cold/flu medications, motion sickness pills are essentials to include in your packing list. For those on prescription glasses, it`s always recommended to carry one or two more in case of damages.
First Aid kit: This is important for minor and major injuries you may get while on your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. A basic kit should at least have rubbing alcohol, scissors, bandages, tweezers and scissors. It’s also important you include medications such as immodium for diarrhea, throat lozenges, aspirin and cold medicine. Include sunscreen and antihistamine for reactions to insect bites.
Carry interesting books: While a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park will keep you busy with limited time to complete any book, there will always be an hour of no activity. These free hours can get boring and the only option is to read an interesting novel, journals, magazines or biography books to keep you in great mood.
Give back to the community: Don’t be surprised if your tour van is at some point surrounded by local children from the different stoppage points before and after your Queen Elizabeth tour. These pale looking rural children will be waving out their hands and crying out to you for help with their most immediate needs. They may expect books, pens, clothes, candy, shoes and so on. Pack some gifts or handouts just in case.
N.B: Please note that these are recommendations of what we think should make your Queen Elizabeth tour as comfortable as possible. You don’t have to come with all of these items. Try to identify what is really necessary and important from the list depending on your own needs. Many of these Items can be got from Uganda and even at the park itself.