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Queen Elizabeth National Park

is Uganda’s most popular savannah reserve and has the widest variety of wildlife of any Ugandan park. The variety of habitats includes grassland savannah, forests, wetlands and lakes. This provides the setting for an extensive range of large mammals and primates. Four of the Big Five are present (rhino are absent) and chimp tracking is available.

Scenery

The park is set against a backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Additional scenic points are Kazinga Channel between Lake Edward and Lake George and at least 10 crater lakes. The most accessible part of the park is open savannah, but large forest areas are open to the public. These include the forested Kyambura Gorge and the extensive Maramagambo forest in the southeast.

Weather And Climate

The climate in Queen Elizabeth National Park is warm. Temperatures remain uniform through the year. Daytime temperatures rise to around 29°C/84°F and slowly fall to around 17°C/63°F at night. Queen Elizabeth NP doesn’t have a real Dry season, so there is always potential for rain. Rain happens less from mid-December through February, with June and July having the least rain.

Dry seasons–January to February & June to July

  • January & February – Rain should still be expected even though this time of year enjoys dry weather, in general. Rains can even happen for days at a time.
  • 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.

 

Wet seasons–March to May & August to December

  • March, April & May – Rain peaks in April during this time of increased rainfall. 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 trails used for chimp tracking get slippery.
  • August, September, October, November & December – This time of year is similar to March through May, with rain peaking in November.

Best Time to Visit – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open all year long, but wildlife viewing is at its best from January to February and June to July (the Dry seasons). However, this scenic park is at its most beautiful in the Wet seasons from March to May and August to December. April, May, October and November are very wet months and during that time, the rain might interfere with your safari.

Best Time January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)
High Season June to September (There are many visitors in Uganda as this is a premium time for gorilla trekking)
Low Season April, May, October and November (There are fewer people in the park)
Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)
Worst Weather April, May and September to November (High rainfall, some roads become impassable)

January to February & June to July –Dry Seasons

  • Wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation thins and animals gather around water sources
  • Drier trails make chimp trekking easier
  • Sunny days are plentiful
  • The best time for birding is late May to September
  • Views aren’t as good due to the hazy air

March to May & August to December –Wet Seasons

  • You will see a decent amount of wildlife year-round
  • The landscape is beautiful and green
  • Migratory birds can be spotted from November to April
  • Roads may become inaccessible after heavy rains and forest trails get slippery
  • Afternoon thunderstorms should be expected, and it might drizzle for days at a time