Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park are open again for Brits who may take up a safari in Uganda Africa, after the UK government lifted the travel advisory against the areas on 2 December 2025, following a two-year restriction.
The travel ban has been removed following security improvements in the two parks after the tragic incident of the killing of two tourists and their guide on a trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The exciting news of removing the travel restriction for UK travelers to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park means that the sprawling savannahs, the famous tree-climbing lions, the unique Sempaya hot springs, and the rich biodiversity in the park await exploration.
Many tour operators are anticipating a strong return of visitors from the UK and other parts of the world, given the confidence created that all Uganda national parks are safe again.
The History of the Travel Advisory on Queen Elizabeth NP and Semuliki NP
On 17 October 2023, an ADF rebel carried out the attack on David Barlow, his South African wife Emmaretia Geyer, who were on their honeymoon, and their travel guide Eric Alyai.
The honeymooning couple was on a Uganda gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi National Park and other primate safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This travel advisory was declared by the FCDO and other bodies advising tourists from the UK against all but essential travel to QENP and Semuliki NP.
About Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s most visited national park, located in western Uganda in the Kasese, Kamwenge, and Rubirizi districts.
This park is famous for the tree-climbing lions and other diverse wildlife species, worth seeing on Uganda safari tours.
Tourist Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Over 95 mammal species, including tree-climbing lions, elephants, and others
- Over 600 bird species, including the great blue turaco, gray-crowned crane, martial eagle, etc.
- Vast savannah plains
- Kazinga Channel
- Local communities like the Bakonzo, among others.
Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Game drives to spot the diverse wildlife
- Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Guided nature walks
- Bird watching
- Visiting local communities for cultural encounters
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the short dry season (December to February) and the long dry season (June to September). During this time, numerous animals gather around waterholes, making it easy to spot them.
Some travelers can also visit the park during the wet season, especially those with a low budget, since during the low season, most of the safari services are offered at a discount. It is also the best time for birding.
About Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is Uganda’s lowland tropical rainforest, which is an extension of the Congo’s Ituri Forest. It is in Bwamba County in Bundibugyo District in western Uganda.
It covers an area of 220 km², and it is a prime destination for birding with rare Central African species.
Things to See in Semuliki National Park
- Numerous primates, including olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, etc.
- Other animal species, including forest elephants, sitatungas, warthogs, forest buffalo, etc.
- Over 440 bird species worth seeing on a Uganda birding safari
- Sempaya hot springs
- Semuliki River
Things to Do in Semuliki National Park
. Game drives
- Nature walks to connect with the environment
- Bird watching
- Visiting Sempaya hot springs
Best Time to Visit Semuliki National Park
The best time to visit Semuliki NP is during the two dry seasons, that is, from June to September and December to February, because during this time, vegetation thins, making it easy to spot wild animals, and the ground is dry, easing activities like game drives, among others.
However, some travelers visit the park during the wet season, especially those interested in birding and those interested in fewer crowds.
Factors That Facilitated the Lifting of the Travel Advisory
- Improved Security: The FCDO determined that the security situation in the area around Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park had improved enough to remove the essential travel restriction.
- High-Level Engagement: There were high levels of discussions that involved the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, the British High Commissioner, Lisa Chesney, and many other stakeholders, highlighting cooperative efforts.
- Intensive Advocacy: The Uganda tourism industry, led by influential figures like Amos Wekesa and other officials from the Uganda mission in the UK, actively lobbied for the change.
- Economic Impact: The lifting of the travel ban was seen as a “Christmas miracle” for Uganda’s tourism, allowing UK travelers to freely visit the country’s premier destinations when on safaris to Uganda.
- Positive Traveller Sentiment: The different industrial professionals, like Jon Dans, Lorraine Simpson, and others who had visited Uganda before, consistently praised the hospitality, high-quality lodges, and Uganda’s professional guides, which reinforced a perception of safety.
- The Economic Imperative: The travel advisory led to a reduction in bookings of up to 70%, according to some tour operators. This negative effect created a strong motivation for both governments to restore confidence and secure economic recovery.
What to Expect After the Lifting of the Travel Advisory for QENP and Semuliki NP?
- Increase in the number of visitors from the UK and other parts of the world, which directly translates to increased foreign exchange earnings and high occupancy for safari hotels, lodges, camps, and transportation services.
- With the restoration of confidence of UK travelers and those from other countries, there is expected increase in jobs created in transport, hospitality, and guiding services. This will further strengthen Uganda’s broader economic growth.
- Increased bookings. Uganda’s tourism industry anticipates an increase in bookings, particularly from the UK, one of Uganda’s top markets. This increase in bookings is expected for combined safaris in QENP, Semuliki NP, and other travel destinations.
- Ugandans should expect a resumption in the normal tour operations. Most of the tourism facilities, like lodges, roads, etc., can now operate their business fully. Tour operators can also resume planning and executing itineraries without any restrictions.
- Travelers from within and abroad on safaris in Uganda Africa, should expect a diverse range of tourist activities in QENP, Semuliki NP, and other parks, which may include game drives, bird watching, nature walks, and cultural tours, among others.
Conclusion
The removal of the travel restrictions on Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park confirms that all Ugandan parks are fully accessible. Contact us now to help you plan your memorable safari to Uganda.
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