Uganda’s tourism sector has received a major boost and news in this festive season after the United Kingdom officially cleared travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park.
The update from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced on the 2nd of December 2025, marks a positive turning point for travellers planning safaris to Uganda, and offers renewed confidence for tour operators, conservation teams, and local communities living around these two famous conservation areas.
With safety restrictions lifted, tourists can now enjoy wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, and nature experiences without hesitation — making this the perfect time to plan a safari to Uganda.
Both parks previously appeared on the FCDO list due to isolated regional security concerns caused by the October 2023 killings of two tourists and a Ugandan guide by alleged ADF rebels.
However, Uganda has since strengthened park protection, enhanced tourism security patrols, and increased coordination with local communities.
With stability restored, the UK has confidently cleared travel to both destinations.
The FCDO advisory is a trusted information source for international travellers, especially UK citizens. When travel warnings are lifted:
By clearing travel to Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki, the UK government recognizes these areas as safe, stable, and well-managed for tourism.
For Tourists
For Tour Operators
For Government & Communities
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited safari destination, known for its diverse wildlife, tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel boat cruises, and its stunning scenery of lakes, forests, open savannah, and volcanic features. It is one of the top highlights for anyone planning Uganda safari tours or safaris in Uganda Africa.
This safari destination, nestled in the southwestern region of Uganda and covering 1,978 km², was established in 1952, and it has unique landscapes that comprise savannah grasslands, crater lakes, wetlands, and forests.
The park stretches between Lakes Edward and George and is part of the greater Albertine Rift ecosystem, home to unique species found nowhere else on the planet.
When we talk about wildlife, Queen Elizabeth hosts more than:
Birdwatching here is exceptional, making it one of Africa’s richest birding destinations.
Morning and evening game drives through Kasenyi plains and Mweya Peninsula offer excellent chances to see lions, elephants, antelopes, and leopards.
The Kazinga Channel is one of Africa’s top wildlife hotspots. On a 2-hour cruise, you’ll see hundreds of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife at close range.
The Ishasha sector is world-famous for lions that climb fig trees to escape heat — a rare behavior seen in very few places globally.
A lush, forested gorge home to a small but exciting population of chimpanzees.
Queen Elizabeth has over 30 volcanic craters, perfect for photography and scenic viewing.
Although Queen Elizabeth National Park welcomes visitors throughout the year, the dry periods of June–August and December–February stand out as the best times, providing superior game viewing and comfortable trekking conditions as animals flock to permanent water sources.
The park offers a range of options, including:
Located in western Uganda, Semuliki National Park is a unique tropical lowland forest offering a different safari experience from the savannah parks. Its warm temperatures, lush vegetation, and rich wildlife make it a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Nestled in the Bundibugyo District, this park spans ~220 km², and is covered in an Ituri-style Congo forest landscape where hot springs, primates, rare birds, and forest walks are seen and done.
Semuliki protects one of Africa’s oldest rainforest ecosystems, part of the great Congo Basin.
When we talk about wildlife, Semuliki NP is home to:
A must-visit feature with both male and female hot springs. Visitors can watch water shoot upwards and even boil eggs in the bubbling pools.
A guided nature walk with chances to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and mangabeys.
Semuliki is one of Uganda’s best birding parks with rare species such as Nkulengu rail, Congo serpent eagle, and many forest birds.
The Batwa communities around the park offer rich cultural storytelling and dance performances.
Though open year-round, Semuliki National Park is best explored during the dry periods of June–August and December–February. Lower precipitation keeps trails manageable, ensures pleasant treks to the bubbling Sempaya hot springs, and improves visibility of forest-dwelling wildlife gathering around permanent streams and rivers.
Options include:
Uganda Travel Tips (H3)
Most Ugandan tour companies now include both parks in their itineraries, and some of these include:
Popular Uganda safari packages they have available now include.
These itineraries can also include Uganda gorilla trekking, gorilla trekking in Uganda, and Uganda gorilla tours in Bwindi.
Combining destinations enhances Uganda safari tours and allows visitors to see a full range of wildlife and landscapes.
Conclusion
The UK’s decision to lift travel restrictions for Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki National Park is a major win for Uganda’s tourism industry.
It restores confidence among international travellers, strengthens local livelihoods, and supports conservation work.
With breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, cultural richness, and improved safety, both parks are once again top choices for anyone planning unforgettable safaris to Uganda or safaris in Uganda Africa.
Now is the perfect time to explore the Pearl of Africa. Don’t miss out on the fun, call us now and let us tailor the best package for you to explore these parks!
Robert
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