Queen Elizabeth National Park Entrance Fees: Latest Updates 2025

Discover the latest Queen Elizabeth National Park Entrance Fees in Uganda, including rates for foreign tourists, East African citizens, and vehicles. Learn how your payment supports conservation and community projects.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the country’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers across the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri, the park boasts a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, including savannah grasslands, wetlands, forests, and crater lakes.

Home to over 95 mammal species, 600 bird species, and iconic attractions like the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel, it’s no surprise that QENP draws thousands of visitors annually.

However, accessing this natural wonder comes at a cost: the entrance fee. This article delves into the details of the Queen Elizabeth National Park entrance fee, breaking down its structure, purpose, and implications for tourists and conservation efforts alike.

The Purpose of Queen Elizabeth National Park Entrance Fees

Entrance fees to Queen Elizabeth National Park are more than just a ticket price—they are a critical component of Uganda’s conservation strategy.

Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government body overseeing all national parks and reserves, these fees are often referred to as “conservation fees.”

The revenue generated supports a range of initiatives, including wildlife protection, habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, ranger salaries, and community development projects in areas surrounding the park.

Additionally, the funds contribute to infrastructure improvements, such as roads and visitor facilities, enhancing the tourism experience.

For visitors, the entrance fee is the gateway to an unforgettable safari experience, offering access to game drives, boat cruises, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge.

Understanding the fee structure is essential for planning a visit, as costs vary depending on visitor status, duration of stay, and additional services like vehicle entry or guided activities.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Entrance Fees Structure: Who Pays What?

The entrance fees to Queen Elizabeth National Park are categorized based on the visitor’s residency status, reflecting Uganda’s tiered pricing system designed to balance accessibility for locals with the economic realities of international tourism.

As of the latest updates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (valid through mid-2026), the standard daily entrance fees for individuals are as follows:

Category	Fee (Per Person, Per Day)
Foreign Non-Residents	USD 40
Foreign Residents	USD 30
East African Citizens	UGX 20,000 (approx. USD 5.40)

• Foreign Non-Residents: This category applies to international tourists who do not reside in Uganda or any East African Community (EAC) member states (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan). At USD 40 per day, this is the highest tier, reflecting the premium placed on Uganda’s wildlife tourism for global visitors.

• Foreign Residents: Individuals living in Uganda with a valid work permit of at least one year qualify for this rate of USD 30 per day. This discount acknowledges their contribution to the local economy while still charging a fee commensurate with international standards.

• East African Citizens: Nationals of EAC countries pay the lowest fee, UGX 20,000 (approximately USD 5.40, depending on exchange rates), making the park more accessible to regional visitors and encouraging domestic tourism.

  Age-Based Exemptions and Discounts

  Children also receive special consideration under the fee structure:

  • Children under 5 years old enter free of charge.

  • Children aged 5 to 15 years pay reduced rates:

    • Foreign Non-Residents: USD 20

    • Foreign Residents: USD 10

    • East African Citizens: UGX 5,000

  Individuals aged 15 and above are classified as adults and pay the full rate corresponding to their residency status. This age-based policy ensures that families can enjoy the park without excessive financial burden.

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  Validity of Entrance Fees

  A standard entrance fee is valid for 24 hours from the time of entry. Any stay beyond this period incurs an additional day’s fee.

  For example, if a foreign non-resident enters at 10:00 AM on April 4, 2025, their USD 40 fee covers them until 10:00 AM on April 5, 2025.

  Staying even an extra minute past this time requires payment for another day. This strict enforcement encourages visitors to plan their itineraries carefully.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Annual Entrance Fees: A Cost-Effective Option

For frequent visitors, such as expatriates living in Uganda or East African citizens, the UWA offers annual entrance passes.

These are particularly appealing to safari guides, tour operators, and families who visit multiple times a year.

Annual fees are not available to foreign non-residents, as they are tailored to those with a longer-term connection to the region. The annual fee structure is as follows:

Category	Fee (Annual)
Individual (Foreign Resident)	USD 350
Individual (EAC Citizen)	UGX 150,000
Couple (Foreign Resident)	USD 500
Couple (EAC Citizen)	UGX 200,000
Family, max 4 kids (Foreign Resident)	USD 700
Family, max 4 kids (EAC Citizen)	UGX 300,000
Corporate, 10 people (Foreign Resident)	USD 1,500
Corporate, 10 people (EAC Citizen)	UGX 2,500,000
Safari Guide (EAC Citizen)	UGX 100,000
Taxi Driver (EAC Citizen)	UGX 100,000

• Couples and Families: A “couple” refers to two adults, while a “family” includes two adults and up to four children under 15. These options offer significant savings for groups.
• Corporate Passes: Designed for organizations like tour companies or businesses hosting team-building retreats, these cover up to 10 individuals.
• Safari Guides and Taxi Drivers: These rates apply only to EAC citizens, reflecting their role in the tourism industry. Ugandan tour company drivers often enter free of charge if affiliated with a recognized operator.

Foreign residents must present a valid one-year work permit to qualify for annual passes, ensuring the system benefits those genuinely integrated into the local economy.

Vehicle and Motor Engine Fees

Beyond individual entrance fees, visitors bringing vehicles or other motorized transport into the park face additional charges. These fees are separate from personal entry costs and vary based on the vehicle type and registration status.

Vehicle Type	Foreign Registered (USD)	Uganda/EAC Registered (UGX)
Motorcycles	30	10,000
Saloon Cars	40	20,000
4×4 Vehicles	150	50,000

• Motorcycles: Popular among some local visitors, these are charged modestly.
• Saloon Cars: Standard passenger vehicles fall into this category.
• 4×4 Vehicles: Common for safari tours due to the park’s rugged terrain, these incur the highest fee for foreign-registered vehicles.

Aircraft landing fees also apply, ranging from USD 10 for gliders to USD 100 for helicopters, with corresponding rates in UGX for EAC-registered crafts.

Pilots staying less than two hours are exempt from personal entry fees, accommodating quick stopovers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Activity Fees: Beyond the Entrance

Entrance fees grant access to the park but do not cover specific activities like game drives, boat cruises, or chimpanzee tracking. These are charged separately, as outlined below:

Activity	Foreign Non-Resident (USD)	Foreign Resident (USD)	EAC Citizen (UGX)
Guided Game Drive (Day)	30	30	30,000
Boat Cruise	30	30	30,000
Chimpanzee Tracking	50	50	30,000
Guided Nature Walk	15	15	10,000

These fees are per person and reflect the added value of guided experiences. For example, a foreign non-resident family of four (two adults, two children aged 5–15) would pay USD 120 in entrance fees (40 x 2 + 20 x 2) plus USD 120 for a boat cruise (30 x 4), totaling USD 240 for a single day’s adventure.

Payment Methods and Practical Considerations

Since 2022, cash payments have been phased out at Queen Elizabeth National Park to reduce handling costs and improve efficiency.

Visitors must pay via mobile money platforms (e.g., MTN or Airtel Money) or Visa cards at the park gates, such as Kabatooro or Katungulu, or pre-pay at UWA headquarters in Kampala. Receipts must be retained and presented upon entry, ensuring smooth verification.

Identification is mandatory:

• Foreign non-residents: Valid passport.

• Foreign residents: Valid one-year work permit.

• EAC citizens: National ID or passport.

This verification process determines the applicable fee tier, preventing misclassification and ensuring fairness.

Special Discounts and Promotions

Occasionally, the UWA introduces promotional discounts to boost tourism. For instance, in July 2024, entrance fees were slashed by 50% for participants of the Rwenzori Marathon, a move praised on social platforms like X for making the park more accessible during major events. Such initiatives highlight the UWA’s flexibility in balancing revenue goals with public engagement.

The Broader Context: Conservation and Accessibility

The entrance fee structure reflects a delicate balance between funding conservation and maintaining accessibility.

At USD 40, the foreign non-resident fee aligns with international norms for premier wildlife destinations—comparable to Kenya’s Maasai Mara (USD 70-80) or Tanzania’s Serengeti (USD 60-70).

However, critics argue that even these rates may exclude budget-conscious travelers, particularly from developing nations. Conversely, the low UGX 20,000 fee for EAC citizens ensures that Ugandans and their neighbors can experience their natural heritage affordably.

Revenue from fees has tangible impacts. In recent years, it has supported anti-poaching efforts that reduced elephant poaching by 60% in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), according to UWA reports.

Community projects, such as schools and health centers in Rubirizi district, also benefit, fostering goodwill among locals who might otherwise view the park as a barrier to resources.

Planning Your Visit: Budgeting Tips

For a three-day visit, a foreign non-resident couple would pay:

• Entrance: USD 240 (40 x 2 x 3)

• Vehicle (4×4, foreign-registered): USD 450 (150 x 3)

• Boat Cruise: USD 60 (30 x 2)

• Total: USD 750

An EAC family of four (two adults, two kids) opting for an annual pass and a game drive would spend:

• Annual Pass: UGX 300,000

• Game Drive: UGX 120,000 (30,000 x 4)

• Total: UGX 420,000 (approx. USD 113)

Booking through a tour operator can streamline costs, often bundling fees with accommodation and transport.

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In conclusion, the Queen Elizabeth National Park Entrance Fees are a vital lifeline for its wildlife and ecosystems, ensuring that this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thrives for future generations.

While the tiered pricing caters to diverse visitors, it also underscores the park’s dual role as a global attraction and a local treasure.

Whether you’re a foreign adventurer or an East African explorer, understanding these fees equips you to plan a rewarding visit, knowing your contribution supports one of Uganda’s crown jewels.

As you step through the gates—be it Kabatooro or Katungulu—you’re not just paying a fee; you’re investing in a legacy of conservation and wonder.