Queen Elizabeth National Park has multiple entry gates and a layout that confuses first-time visitors. Knowing which gate to enter through, what to expect at the payment process, and how to orient yourself on arrival saves time and gets you onto the game circuit faster. This guide covers the practical entry logistics for self-drive visitors.
Main Entry Gates
- Katunguru Gate (central): The main gate for visitors heading to Mweya Peninsula — the park’s most popular zone. Located on the Mbarara–Kasese highway (A109). This is where most visitors enter. Fees payable by card or mobile money. UWA staff issue a park entry receipt and basic circuit map.
- Ishasha Gate (south): Entry point for the southern Ishasha sector (tree-climbing lions). Located on the Bwindi–Queen Elizabeth approach road from the south. If you are coming from Bwindi, entering via Ishasha and driving north through the park to Mweya is the logical sequence.
- Kasese Gate (north): Entry from Kasese town — used by visitors coming from Fort Portal or the Rwenzori Mountains.
Entry Fees (2024)
USD $45 per person per day + USD $30 per vehicle per day. Children under 5 are free; children 5–15 are USD $25 per day. Payment accepted: Visa, Mastercard, MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money. USD cash is accepted at some gates. The fee covers a 24-hour period from entry time — re-entering on the same day within this window does not incur additional charges.
What to Do Immediately After the Gate
After paying at Katunguru gate, drive northwest toward Mweya (18 km, 20 minutes on tarmac). At the UWA headquarters on Mweya Peninsula, you can:
- Book the Kazinga Channel boat trip (departs 9am and 2pm, USD $30 per person) — book same day or day before
- Hire a UWA ranger guide for the day (optional, USD $20–$30) for lion-finding assistance on the Kasenyi circuit
- Get an updated wildlife sighting report from the UWA desk — rangers know which areas held lions that morning
- Pick up a more detailed park map than the basic one issued at the gate
Park Rules
- Do not leave your vehicle during game drives unless at a designated viewpoint
- Maximum driving speed inside the park: 40 km/h on game circuits, 60 km/h on the main internal road
- Do not drive off the designated tracks
- No littering — take all rubbish with you
- No flash photography — particularly important during any primate encounter
- Do not feed wildlife — the baboon population at Mweya is habituated to humans and will aggressively approach vehicles if food is visible
- Return to your accommodation before dark — night driving is not permitted for self-drive visitors (night drives must be booked through lodges with a ranger)
Car Hire 4×4 Drive provides vehicles suitable for all Queen Elizabeth National Park circuits. Contact us for rental availability and arrival logistics planning.
