When is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National park in Uganda -When to go? – Dry or Wet Season?
When is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park? – is from June to August January, February, August, and September. The Peak Season is in June and July and the low season is March to May and October to December which is the wet season. The best weather conditions would be the dry season of June to September and the worst weather conditions is the wet season running from March to May.
The dry season of June, July, August, September, January, and February are the drier months of the year. During this time the animals are much easier to sport because they are drawn to the water sources. It is peak season, especially in June and July so there will be quite a several tourists in the National Park but never an overwhelming crowd though. This is the best time to go on game safaris and view wildlife, take guided walks and go on Chimpanzee tracking expeditions.
You will need warm clothes for the early morning game viewing safaris and the nights because it tends to get cold. The wet season months of October, November, December, March, April, and May mark the rainy season. During this time the scenery in and around the National Park is extremely beautiful. The vegetation is green and lush and captures the true picture of the tropics. There are migratory bird species from Europe and Northern Africa in the National Park during this season which makes it the best to go bird watching.
However it is also the low season for the National Park,. so Warm clothes and rain gear are a necessity during this time. Queen Elizabeth National Park covers an area of 1978 square kilometers and is located on the Great Rift Valley floor between two lakes of George and Edward. It has several habitats that are home to about 95 species of mammals and 620 bird species and this gives it a very diverse wildlife population. The scenery covers everything from lush vegetation to lakes, to wildlife and rising mountains beyond the National Park boundary. The vegetation can be summed up into 5 types; forest, bushy grassland, grassland, swamp vegetation/lakeshore, and acacia woodland. The resident animals here include; Uganda kobs, Elephants, Warthogs, Leopards, Hyenas, Chimpanzees, the famous tree-climbing Lions and so much more. We hope that the above information has answered all your questions about when is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National park.
Packing list for Queen Elizabeth National Park
With your excitement about your upcoming wildlife safari to Uganda, Great Adventure Safaris can help you book accommodation and your Queen Elizabeth Park tour answer your questions on ‘What you should include in your packing list?’ It is essential to have clear answers to this question and be updated on the things you may need as you prepare for your Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Here are some of the essentials to carry with you:-
Travel Documents and cash:
Make sure you have a stamped visa and a passport that is valid for six months and ready for inspection by concerned authorities to avoid any embarrassment 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 in your hand baggage, check-in luggage, and digital copies in your phone.
It’s also advisable to carry hard cash with you especially when in remote areas where at one point or another, you will have to transact, pay fees or give tips. The US dollar is preferred but it’s also wise to change to the local Uganda shillings.
Clothes and outfit:
Unlike urban town tours, a rural Uganda safari tour is different. You don’t have to break the bank to get the latest trend in town. All you need to do is to get back to your wardrobe at home and select from the collection you already have if you wish to cut on cost and save time. A Queen Elizabeth National Park safari may involve a whole day of game drives, boat cruises, nature walks, and even Chimpanzee tracking which could make you get all sweaty, dirty, and stained clothes.
Normally the mornings and evenings are always cold and so adding up layers can keep you warm enough. You simply remove them off as the hot afternoon sun looms. Never forget to carry with you a waterproof rain jacket or light fleece to keep you warm and dry as rains are expected at any time of the year in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Neutral and dull-colored lightweight long sleeves and collared shirts especially those induced with insect repellents are highly recommended. Come with knee-zipped trousers, brimmed or floppy hats along 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 that are stylish enough for a ride through the Queen Elizabeth National Park open Savannah.
Footwear:
Unlike over the ankle, bulky hiking boots used for Mountain Gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park has relatively low-lying plains and so light, breathable waterproof runners and sneakers are good enough to keep you comfortable through the day walking around the National Park. They are cheaper and take a smaller space in your pack. Carry along quick-to-dry synthetic material and breathable stockings. You can also include sandals and dressing shoes.
Insect repellent:
Mosquitos 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 restrooms regularly help keep away these blood-hungry insects. Insecticides treated nets are also recommended to supplement these repellents guaranteeing you safety from Malaria and other insect-transmitted diseases.
Carry interesting books:
While busy schedules and trips will keep you busy with limited time to complete any book, there will always come that hour free of any activity. These free hours can get boring but to keep continuous moments of enjoyment, carrying an interesting novel, journals, magazines, and biography books can help keep you in a great mood.
