How exciting to hear the interesting news about the UK’s lifting the travel advisory for Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) and Semuliki National Park.
This travel advisory, in effect for a period of 2 years, restricted travelers from the UK from visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park during Uganda safari tours.
The travel ban was waived on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The lifting of the travel advisory for Queen Elizabeth NP is seen as a significant step towards restoring confidence in Uganda’s leading national park and its nearby Semuliki NP.
The FCDO no longer advises UK citizens against all essential travel to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park.
The History of Travel Advisory on Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki NP
The travel advisory was enacted on 17 October 2023 after the killing of a UK man, David Barlow, his South African wife, Emmaretia Geyer, and their Ugandan guide, Eric Ayai, inside Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The couple, who were on honeymoon, and their Ugandan guide were killed by an Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel. The victims were on a visit to see some primates in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
An Overview of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited national park, located in western Uganda in the Kasese, Rubirizi, and Kamwenge districts.
This park was first established as Kazinga National Park in 1952 and later as Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1954 to honour the visitation of Queen Elizabeth II of England to Uganda.
It covers an area of approximately 1,978 km² and is famous for being home to the tree-climbing lions, which can be spotted on a game drive in the Ishasha sector during a Uganda wildlife safari.
Things to See in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Numerous animal species, e.g., elephants, tree-climbing lions, warthogs, and antelopes, among others.
- Over 600 bird species, e.g., martial eagle, great blue turaco, fish eagle, and kingfisher, among others.
- Numerous plant species, e.g., Candelabra Euphorbia, Sycamore Fig trees, etc.
- Local communities, like the Basongora, Bakonzo, and Banyabindi, among others.
- Vast savannah plains
- Kazinga Channel
Things to Do at Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Interesting game drives
- Boat trips on the Kazinga channel
- Nature walks to see different wildlife more closely and connect with nature
- Bird watching to see some of the 600 bird species, among other interesting activities.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
The dry season (June to September and December to February) is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth NP when on a safari in Uganda. It is the prime time for peak game viewing, since many animals gather around water sources.
However, the rainy season is the prime time for those interested in fewer crowds, birding, and views of the lush scenery.
About Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is in Bundibugyo in western Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the Rwenzori mountains.
The park covers an area of 220 km², and it is famous for birding, which includes spotting the rare Central African species.
Tourist Attractions in Semuliki National Park
- Diverse animal species, including forest elephants, warthogs, forest buffalo, etc.
- About 10 primate species, including vervet monkeys and olive baboons, among others
- Over 440 bird species, including the Congo serpent eagle, piping hornbill, spot-breasted ibis, etc that are worth seeing on a Uganda birding safari.
- Sempaya hot springs (male and female)
- Semuliki River
- Diverse plant species
- Local tribes like the Batwa and the Bamba
Interesting Things to Do in Semuliki National Park
- Primate tracking to see numerous primate species.
- Game drives and nature walks to explore the park for its diverse wildlife species.
- Bird watching to see the diverse Albertine Rift endemic species and the central African species.
- Cultural encounters with the Batwa and Bamba for traditional insights.
- Engaging in the Nyaburogo Gorge hike
When to Visit Semuliki National Park?
The best time to visit Semuliki National Park is during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) for easier travel when on safaris to Uganda, providing drier trails and better wildlife viewing as animals gather at waterholes.
However, the park is open year-round, and even during the wet seasons (March–May, October–November), you’ll find fewer crowds and lush scenery, though expect muddy paths.
The Impact of the Travel Advisory on Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki NP
. The travel advisory created a negative perception of insecurity about Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki NP, which not only deterred travelers from the UK but also from other countries and regional markets.
- It negatively impacted local livelihoods for communities around QENP and Semuliki NP, since many of whom relied on tourism for income lost their jobs due to reduced visitor numbers.
- The restriction of travelers from visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki NP greatly affected bookings to these parks and for other safaris to Uganda. Many tour operators reported a drop of up to 70% in UK visitor numbers.
The Positive Impact of the Travel Advisory Lift on Uganda’s Tourism Industry
- Acceleration of Safari Bookings: The lifting of the advisory is a relief to Uganda’s tourism industry, and it is expected to accelerate bookings, especially for safaris in Uganda that combine wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth NP and Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Increased Visitor Number: According to the tour operators, UK visitor numbers dropped by 70%, but with the lifting of the travel advisory, the number of tourists coming for Uganda safaris is expected to accelerate, which will boost Uganda’s tourism industry.
- Creation of More Jobs: With the increase in visitor numbers, more jobs are expected to be created for locals who work in transportation, hospitality, guiding services, among others.
- Economic Boost: The increase in visitor numbers is expected to lead to increased foreign exchange earnings, which support a wide range of local jobs and businesses, including tour guiding, hotels, transport services, and handicraft production.
- Restored Travel Confidence: The removal of the warning against essential travel in Queen Elizabeth NP and Semuliki NP is a strong signal of the improved security in the park. This implies that the security concerns that previously deterred tourists were addressed.
- Improved International Image and Investment: The removal of the travel advisory rebrands Uganda as a safe country, which attracts more tourists to its top destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki NP.
Conclusion
There is no doubt of an increase in safaris in Uganda Africa, with the lifting of the travel advisory on Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki NP due to proven security and stability. Book your Uganda trip now to discover the hidden gems in the country’s top travel destinations.
