Uganda has received a welcome boost as the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) officially lifted its travel restrictions on Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park on 02 December 2025.

This change reinforces Uganda’s position as a safe and reliable destination for wildlife tourism and offers renewed optimism for tour operators, conservationists, and communities who depend on safaris to Uganda.

With improved stability and global recognition, travellers can once again explore these remarkable parks with peace of mind.

History of the Travel Restriction 

The previous advisory was issued due to isolated regional security incidents that occurred in October 2023 when two tourists and one Ugandan guide were killed by alleged ADF rebels. Over the past months, Uganda strengthened:

• Patrols in and around protected areas
• Community engagement strategies
• Tourism security coordination
• Park monitoring and ranger presence

These improvements created the conditions for the lifting of the advisory.

Understanding the Updated FCDO Notice

The FCDO advisory influences travel decisions for thousands of British travellers. When a travel warning is lifted, it means:

• A destination is considered safe to visit
• Travel insurance becomes easier to secure
• Tourism activities can operate normally in the said destinations
• Confidence in local safety measures has improved

By reopening travel to Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki, the UK confirms Uganda’s strong commitment to visitor safety.

Why Is the Advisory Removal Important? 

For Travellers

• Greater confidence when booking trips to Uganda
• Improved access to travel insurance
• Reassurance of safe safari experiences in Uganda

For Tour Operators

• Revival of previously paused Uganda safari bookings
• Stronger tourism arrivals to Uganda
• Enhanced business stability

For Communities

• Increased employment opportunities
• Income from tourism grows
• Funding for conservation and cultural projects increases

Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited protected area, known for its rich array of wildlife, stunning vistas, and diverse ecosystems. It is a favourite stop for those seeking Uganda safari tours, offering memorable encounters with African wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

It is perfectly situated in Southwestern Uganda, and covers about 1,978 km², and was established in 1952 to protect wild fauna in its ecosystems, i.e., savannahs, crater lakes, marshlands, and forests.

KEY SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NP, UGANDA 

Set within the Albertine Rift, the park is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse regions that supports wildlife like elephants, hippos, lions, including tree-climbing lions, leopards, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Uganda kobs, and other antelopes, plus about 600+ bird species seen during Uganda birding tours or wildlife safaris.

Other things to see include the unique flora, Kyambura Gorge, Kazinga Channel, etc.

KEY SAFARI ACTIVITIES DONE IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NP, UGANDA 

The top fun activities done by tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth NP include.

• Wildlife Game Drives: Explore Kasenyi and Mweya to see lions, elephants, hyenas, and more.
• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: View large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and waterbirds along the channel connecting Lakes George and Edward.
• Look for Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions: A rare wildlife spectacle where lions rest in fig trees during the day.
• Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking: A deep forest gorge offering a thrilling primate tracking experience.
• Crater Lake Drive: Dozens of volcanic craters provide scenic viewpoints and excellent photography opportunities.

UGANDA SAFARI ACCOMMODATION IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK 

Some of the available accommodation options in Queen Elizabeth NP for every budget are.

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge
• Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge
• Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages, Mweya Hostels

Such diversity makes Queen Elizabeth ideal for safaris in Uganda, Africa.

BEST TIME TO VISIT UGANDA’S QUEEN ELIZABETH GAME PARK 

Year-round travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park is rewarding, yet the dry seasons—June to August and December to February—offer the finest wildlife viewing and trekking opportunities, with animals more visible and easily spotted around shrinking water points.

Semuliki National Park 

Semuliki National Park offers a unique rainforest experience, shaped by the Congo Basin. It is rich in hot springs, primate species, and rare birdlife — ideal for travellers seeking a blend of adventure and tranquillity while on Uganda tours.

This park is nestled in the Bundibugyo region and spans ~220 km² of a Congo-style tropical rainforest. Semuliki protects one of the last remaining lowland tropical forests in East Africa.

KEY SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS IN SEMULIKI NP, UGANDA 

Some of the wildlife species visitors can spot in Semuliki while on a Uganda trip include forest elephants, forest buffaloes, chimpanzees, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, 441+ bird species, and unique forest reptiles.

Others include Sempaya hot springs, unique flora, etc.

KEY SAFARI ACTIVITIES DONE IN SEMULIKI NP, UGANDA 

These can be seen by tourists partaking in activities in Semuliki NP, such as.

• Exploring the Sempaya Hot Springs: These geothermal springs shoot hot water and steam into the air. Visitors often enjoy boiling eggs in the bubbling pools.
• Primate Walks: Semuliki is home to multiple primate species, making it perfect for forest nature walks.
• Birdwatching: The park hosts forest birds rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa.
• Cultural Visits: Experience local traditions from Batwa communities who have lived near the forest for generations.

UGANDA SAFARI ACCOMMODATION IN SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK 

Some of the available Uganda safari accommodation in Semuliki NP that travelers can choose from include:

• Semuliki Safari Lodge (luxury)
• Ntoroko Game Lodge (mid-range)
• Budget lodges and guesthouses in Bundibugyo and Fort Portal

BEST TIME TO VISIT UGANDA’S SEMULIKI GAME PARK 

Semuliki National Park can be visited any time, yet June–August and December–February stand out as the finest months. Dry weather transforms muddy trails into pleasant walking routes, makes reaching the steaming hot springs straightforward, and boosts chances of spotting rare birds and primates along the Semuliki River.

More Information to Consider When Planning Uganda Travel to Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki National Parks 

How to Get There? 

QUEEN ELIZABETH NP

• By Road: 6–7 hours from Kampala via Mbarara or Fort Portal
• By Air: Flights to Mweya or Kasese airstrips

SEMULIKI NP

• By Road: 5–6 hours via Kampala–Fort Portal Road
• By Air: Charter flights into Fort Portal or Semuliki Airstrip

Additional Travel Tips

• Use reliable and licensed tour operators
• Carry hiking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent
• Follow ranger instructions at all times
• Best months for travel: June–August and December–February

Uganda Tour Operators Offering Safaris 

Numerous companies in the country now run trips to both parks, including:

1. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Safari Uganda Safaris
4. Gorilla Safaris and Tours
5. A Uganda Safari
6. Africa Safaris Tours
7. Uganda Birding Safaris
8. Gorilla Trekking Uganda
9. Kampala City Tour
10. Self-Drive Car Hire Rentals Uganda
11. Car Hire Rentals Uganda Kampala

Popular Uganda Safari Itineraries Involving Queen Elizabeth Park and Semuliki National Park 

Common packages include:

• 3 Days Queen Elizabeth NP Tour
• 4 Days Semuliki Hot Springs & Primate Walk
• 5 Days Queen Elizabeth & Semuliki Safari
• 7–10 Day Western Uganda Adventure

These can be extended to include Uganda gorilla trekking, gorilla trekking in Uganda, and Uganda gorilla tours.

Other Parks to Combine with Semuliki and Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Travellers often combine these parks with:

• Kibale National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

These combinations create unforgettable safaris in Uganda Africa.

Conclusion

The UK’s decision to lift restrictions on Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki National Park signals renewed trust in Uganda’s safety and tourism strength. These parks offer exceptional wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, and natural beauty — making them perfect for travellers seeking authentic Uganda safari tours.

With stability restored and visitor confidence rising, now is the best time to explore Uganda’s incredible western tourism circuit.

Email us now and let us tailor the best Uganda tour package for you to explore these parks and create lasting memories!