Is Queen Elizabeth Park Safe for Tourists?
In 2022-2023 the Question was – How SAFE is it to visit Queen Elizabeth Park?
How SAFE is it to visit Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Uganda’s most famous National Parks? That question comes up time and
time again in the light of the kidnapping that made headlines all over the world of Kimberly Sue Endicott and her driver (set free 5-days later) in the southern Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth Park on April 2, 2019, as they were on a late afternoon Game Drive without a Ranger Escort (not required but recommended at that time)
Tourists to Uganda, Visitors to Queen Elizabeth Park are looking for a safe and secure experience. They are not Indiana Jones kind of Adventurist, and that is undoubtedly everyone involved in Ugandan Tourism would agree with, and that is what you find presently.
How SAFE is it to visit Queen Elizabeth Park? – Safe and Secure Visits to Queen Elizabeth Park are the norm and not the exception. The security level in Queen Elizabeth has been enhanced beyond what visitors see as they are on a Game Drive in Ishasha or the Kasenyi Plains, on a Boat Ride on the Kazinga Channel, or hiking down into the Kyambura Gorge or in Maramagambo Forest. It is that behind-the-scenes level of Security beyond what Rangers offer visitors, such as Patrols by the Ugandan Military, the added Security at the Border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and even overhead as Drones are employed.
How SAFE is it to visit Queen Elizabeth Park? – even President Yoweri K. Museveni visits Queen Elizabeth Park on Safari. He enjoys the Wilderness and the outdoors, and though he is in his 70s, he wants the park on foot, on a game drive, or a boat ride on Kazinga Channel; you can be sure he doe none of them without an armed escort. The armed guard is not just to protect one from Criminals but from wild animals such as charging Elephants or a carnivore such as lions or Leopards.
Your Safety and Security are on everyone’s mind; President Trump of the U.S. Tweeted that Uganda has to bring the kidnappers to Justice, a tweet that ruffled a few feathers. We have invited him to join us on a Safari in Uganda. On the other hand, President Museveni stated that Uganda’s Parks were safe for visitors and Ugandans alike.
Queen Elizabeth is one of the safest parks in Africa; if it changes, we will post it here. Always check our Facebook Page for the latest Safety and Security updates.
How SAFE is it to visit Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda
General National Parks Security Information that applies to Queen Elizabeth Park
National Park Security:
An armed ranger is with you on every game drive for your protection, and the same is true on every hike or nature walk.
Security in the National Parks is taken seriously. Uganda has even added a Tourism Police for added Security for visitors to the various parks, hotels, and places where tourists flock too.
Your well-being is on everyone’s mind, and Security in parks is practiced diligently in Uganda and Rwanda.
Tourism is a top income earner for Uganda; no one wants to jeopardize the goose that lays the golden egg.
Community awareness programs take place about the importance of Wildlife and coexistence with them. A portion of the entrance fees is also shared with surrounding communities.
How SAFE is it to visit Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda
Follow the Rules in Uganda’s National Parks and Preserves:
Parks are under the jurisdiction of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, gardens are well-regulated, and the rules are strictly enforced. Besides Uganda Wildlife Authority’s rules, we have added some of our own to keep you safe and secure on your Safari in Uganda.
- No movement on foot without an armed Ranger escort outside of the park; stay with your driver-guide
- No Driving in parks from 7:30 pm until 6:30 am.
- No, they are wandering away from a Lodge located in the park or at the edge of it. There are wild animals, plus it avoids contacting poachers.
- No Game Drives without an armed ranger on board the vehicle
- For all activities, have at least a copy of your passport in a daypack
- Boat Safaris, we encourage the use of a life vest.
- On a Family Safari, never let children be unattended.
- Dress for the occasion – gorilla, chimpanzee trek, hike, volcano climb – follow our suggestions. They are for your well-being.
- Use a porter whenever available such as for Gorilla Trekking
- Do not wear Camouflage clothing – it gets unnecessary attention and is not suggested.
- Sitting on top of vehicles during Game Drives is not allowed for your safety.
- Nocturnal Game Drives are only conducted with Uganda Wildlife Vehicles except where UWA authorizes a lodge to do so
Our Take on Queen Elizabeth Park Safety & Security:
How SAFE is it to visit Queen Elizabeth Park? Our aim is safety and Security on a memorable Safari in the Pearl of Africa. No one would take clients to a dangerous area; that would be utterly ridiculous. We live and work here and know the situation in every park regarding safety and Security.
Queen Elizabeth Park, at this time, is one of the safest parks in Africa. Queen Elizabeth Park and Security have been beefed up in all Ugandan Parks.
Uganda Wildlife Authority is working on adding a few things to Park Rules under Review.
Uganda is serious about Safety and Security beyond the headlines but in day-to-day practical steps that will keep Queen Elizabeth Park one of the best parks in Uganda to visit.
As Tour Operators, we follow and exceed the safety and security guidelines set forth by the Uganda Wildlife Authority on various activities such as game drives, where we always have an Uganda Wildlife Ranger on board.
