Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda? If you're planning to go to Queen Elizabeth National Park, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  2. Important essentials for Queen Elizabeth National Park
  3. Activities for Queen Elizabeth National Park
  4. Queen Elizabeth National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Queen Elizabeth National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Queen Elizabeth National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Queen Elizabeth National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Queen Elizabeth National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Queen Elizabeth National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Queen Elizabeth National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Queen Elizabeth National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Queen Elizabeth National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Queen Elizabeth National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Queen Elizabeth National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Queen Elizabeth National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Based on the climate and weather in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda by month

January

If you visit Queen Elizabeth National Park during January, you might see that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to find the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

February

February in Queen Elizabeth National Park is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

March here is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you find the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

April

If you vacation in Queen Elizabeth National Park during April, you may notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

May in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you visit Queen Elizabeth National Park during June, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

July

If you are traveling to Queen Elizabeth National Park in July, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

August

In August, Queen Elizabeth National Park can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Queen Elizabeth National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the right type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

In October, Queen Elizabeth National Park is constantly hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Queen Elizabeth National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

November

In November, Queen Elizabeth National Park is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Queen Elizabeth National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

December

December here is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Queen Elizabeth National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

What to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in Uganda. Located in the western part of the country, it is a top tourist destination for visitors who want to experience Uganda's wildlife and natural beauty. Covering an area of over 1,900 square kilometers, the park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and hippos, among others. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

1. Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel is a 40-kilometer long natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. It is a prime location for game viewing, bird watching, and boat safaris. The channel is home to over 60 species of birds and a large number of hippos and crocodiles.

2. Ishasha Sector

The Ishasha Sector is located in the southern part of the park and is known for its tree-climbing lions. This is a unique behavior that is only observed in a few places in Africa. Visitors can take a game drive through the sector to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

3. Mweya Peninsula

The Mweya Peninsula is a scenic spot located at the northern end of the park. It offers panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel and the surrounding savannah plains. Visitors can enjoy the sunset over the channel and spot wildlife such as elephants and buffaloes.

4. Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura Gorge is a deep valley located in the eastern part of the park. It is home to a chimpanzee community that can be tracked by visitors. The hike through the valley is also a great opportunity to spot other primates and bird species.

5. Kasenyi Plains

The Kasenyi Plains are the ideal location for game drives and are home to large herds of buffaloes and elephants. It is also a great place to spot lions and leopards.

6. Bird Watching

With over 600 species of birds, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a bird watcher's paradise. The park is home to some of the rarest and most sought-after birds in Africa, including the shoebill stork, the African harrier-hawk, and the African finfoot.

7. Cultural experiences

Visitors can also enjoy cultural experiences in the park by visiting the local communities around the park. The Batwa people who are indigenous to the area offer a unique cultural experience that includes traditional dances and storytelling.

In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an exceptional experience to visitors seeking to explore Uganda's wildlife and cultural heritage. With its variety of flora and fauna, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and adventure activities, the park is a must-visit destination on any African safari.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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