Choose the area first, then the bed
The park is large, so your base decides what you reach easily. Travelers think of five areas: Mweya on the Kazinga Channel, Kasenyi for game drives, Ishasha in the south, the Kyambura Gorge and the Maramagambo Forest. These are travel areas, not official districts.
This guide describes areas, not individual properties, and it does not sell rooms. Private lodges and camps set their own rates, so ask each one for a dated quote that says what it covers. UWA runs accommodation at Mweya and camping at Mweya and Ishasha. Check the current availability with UWA before you plan around it.
Queen Elizabeth National Park accommodation by area
What each area is known for, and what to ask.
| Area | Known for | Ask before you book |
|---|---|---|
| Mweya | The Kazinga Channel, the marina, the museum and the visitor information centre. UWA accommodation and camping | Distance to the boat landing and to the game drive area |
| Kasenyi | The area used for game drives | Early starts and the transfer from your bed |
| Ishasha | The southern sector with the tree-climbing lions. UWA camping | Transfer from Mweya, the border situation and the current advice |
| Kyambura | Access to the gorge | The meeting time for tracking and the transfer |
| Maramagambo | The forest area | Guided walks and how you reach the trailhead |
| Katunguru | A community tied to the park | Distance to the gates and the nearest services |
For most first visits, a base near Mweya keeps the boat trip within reach. Add Ishasha as a second stop if you want the southern sector. Ask about distances, since the speed limit in the park is 40 km/h.
Three questions that decide your base
What is the main event?
If it is the boat trip, look at Mweya. If it is the tree-climbing lions, look at Ishasha. If it is chimpanzee tracking in the gorge, look at Kyambura. Plan the rest around that.
How many nights?
Two or three nights in one area keep the driving down. Changing areas every night adds long transfers.
Park bed or private lodge?
UWA beds and camping are simple and have fixed rates. Private lodges set their own rates and services, so compare the quotes line by line.
Our pick: a trip with lodging included
This 6-day trip includes lodging with full board, so you do not have to book lodges yourself.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Safaris with accommodation
Guided safaris in the Queen Elizabeth area, with live prices and availability. Check which accommodation each one includes and where it is.
Queen Elizabeth National Park lodges: what to check
The same bed can cost very different amounts depending on what the price covers.
The rate and its season
Ask for a quote with dates and what it includes: meals, drinks, transfers, game drives and park fees. Do not compare a room-only rate with a full-board rate.
Park fees on top
The park entry fee is charged per 24 hours: $40 for an adult foreign non-resident and UGX 20,000 for an East African citizen in the tariff for July 2024 to December 2026. A car costs $40 per 24 hours. See park fees and ask whether your package includes them.
Distance to the gate
Park gates are open 07:00 to 19:00 and the speed limit is 40 km/h. A bed outside the park can mean an early start. Check the current gate hours.
Ishasha and the border
Ishasha lies close to the border with DR Congo, and the German Foreign Office advises particular caution for Queen Elizabeth. Read your own government's current advice and ask your host for current information.
Book early for the busiest months
Reserve ahead for the drier months. The weather page shows when they fall.
Budget options: dormitory and camping
UWA offers simple accommodation. The rates are from the tariff for July 2024 to December 2026.
| Option | Rate |
|---|---|
| Dormitory, adult | UGX 25,000 |
| Dormitory, school group member | UGX 5,000 |
| Dormitory, child | UGX 10,000 |
| Camping, per person and night | $30 to $40 for foreign visitors, UGX 40,000 for East Africans |
Camping and fires are allowed only at designated places. Check the current rates and what is free before you book. Compare camping with a dormitory bed on price and confirm availability with UWA before you go.
Other areas of the park
The Kazinga Channel and Ishasha each have their own guide. The Kazinga Channel page covers the boat trip from Mweya, and Ishasha covers the tree-climbing lions. If you plan a mountain stop, look at Kasese.
Queen Elizabeth accommodation: frequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Choose the area that matches your plan. Mweya suits the Kazinga Channel, Kasenyi the game drives, Ishasha the southern sector and Kyambura the gorge. Ask about distances, since the speed limit in the park is 40 km/h.
Can I camp in the park?
UWA offers camping at Mweya and Ishasha. Camping and fires are allowed only at designated places. Check current availability with UWA.
How much does a bed cost?
A UWA dormitory bed for an adult costs UGX 25,000. Private lodges set their own rates, so ask for a dated quote and what it includes.
Do I pay the park fee on top of my room?
The entry fee is charged per 24 hours, $40 for an adult foreign non-resident in the tariff for July 2024 to December 2026. Ask whether your package includes it.
Is it better to sleep inside or outside the park?
Inside the park you start closer to the game drives. Outside, check the gate hours and the distance. Park gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00.