The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) lifts the travel advisory for Queen Elizabeth National Park and the nearby Semuliki National Park. The removal of this travel ban is a positive achievement that is expected to increase safaris to Uganda.

The travel restriction had been in effect for 2 years since its enactment on 17 October 2023, and the great news of its removal was welcomed by Uganda’s tourism sector.

This new update reflects the confidence of UK authorities in the safety and stability of Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki National Parks. This not only opens doors to these parks but also to other culturally significant parts of Uganda.

Uganda, the pearl of Africa, has so many hidden gems and so much beauty waiting to be explored, and the removal of the travel restrictions means more bookings for Uganda safari tours.  

The History of The Travel Ban on Queen Elizabeth NP and Semuliki National Park 

The travel bans on Queen Elizabeth NP and Semuliki NP were put on the two parks following the tragic event where two tourists and their tour guide were killed.

The two tourists were David Barlow, a British, and his South African wife Emmaretia Geyer, who were on a honeymoon, and their tour guide, Eric Alyai, a Ugandan.

These were killed in an attack made by an ADF rebel on 17 October 2023. It is alleged that David Barlow was shot and his wife and their tour guide were burnt in a safari car. Following this event, the UK government decided to put a travel ban in place to protect its citizens.

An Overview of Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is in western Uganda in the Kasese, Kamwenge, and Rubirizi districts, covering an area of about 1978 km². It is famed for its diverse wildlife, including the tree-climbing lions.

Things to See in Queen Elizabeth National Park 

• Stunning landscape, including the Mweya Peninsula, volcanic craters, and lakes like Katwe
• Over 95 mammal species, including African civets, leopards, warthogs, forest elephants, etc.
• Over 600 bird species, e.g., Congo serpent eagle, piping hornbill, red-billed dwarf, etc.
• Kazinga Channel
• Numerous plant species, e.g., Queen Elizabeth Rose, Candelabra Euphorbia, Ficus trees, etc.
• Omwani coffee plantation
• Local communities, e.g., Bakonzo, Basongora, and Banyabindi, etc.

Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Game drives to explore the park and see diverse wildlife
• Nature walks to observe some of the park’s flora and other species more closely
• Storytelling with the residents near the park
• Bird watching to see the numerous bird species
• Cultural tours for insights into the local traditions

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park 

The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the drier months (June to August and December to February). During this time, the roads leading to the park are dry, and the dry ground makes it easy to conduct outdoor activities like game drives, among others.

However, some tourists visit Queen Elizabeth NP during the wet season, especially birders, those interested in low crowds, and those with a low budget.

An Overview of Semuliki National Park 

Semuliki National Park is situated in the Bundibugyo District in western Uganda, nestled in the Albertine Rift Valley, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This park was established in, and it covers an area of about 220 km².

Things To See in Semuliki National Park

• Semuliki River
• Sempaya hot springs
• Numerous primate species, including olive baboons, Dent’s mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, etc.
• Other wildlife species, including forest elephants, warthogs, forest buffalo, etc.
• Over 400 bird species, including the great blue turaco, red-billed dwarf, black dwarf, piping hornbill, etc.
• Over 336 tree species, including Cynometra alexandri, Cordia millenii, Lovoa swynnertonii, etc.

Things To Do at Semuliki National Park

Interesting things to do include

• Visiting the Sempaya hot springs
• Nature walks
• Game drives to spot different animal species
• Primate tracking to see species like vervet monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, etc.
• Game viewing
• Bird watching to see numerous bird species, among others.

Best Time to Visit Semuliki National Park

The best time to visit Semuliki National Park is during the dry season (June to August and December to February).

During this time, many wildlife species gather around the water points, making game viewing easy.

However, some tourists can visit the park during the wet season (March to May and September to November), especially those interested in fewer crowds, low budgeters, and birders.

The Industry Leaders’ Role

The removal of the travel bans on UK travelers from visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park followed ongoing dialogue within the tourism sector.

The dialogues were between stakeholders from the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) and those from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, discussing how the previous advisory affected the tourism industry and the economy.

Tourism advisors like Jon Danks, the former CEO of ATTA, welcomed this exciting news. He reported on how he had travelled to Uganda several times and praised the hospitality of Ugandans.

Another travel expert, Lorraine Simpson, said, “For a country like Uganda, where tourism supports families, schools, conservation, and the entire community, the timing could not be better.”

She added that the new updates bring hope to the local guides, lodges, local businesses, and the entire village, who have all been waiting for travelers to return all this time.

She also commented on Uganda’s rare wildlife, the vibrant culture, and the welcoming people who promise lasting memories of a Uganda tour.

Immediate Impact of Lifting the Travel Advisory

• Renewed Bookings and Itinerary Adjustments: Tour operators are encouraged to actively review itineraries, update client communications, and adjust messaging to reflect that safaris and primate experiences in Queen Elizabeth NP and in Semuliki NP are fully open and insurable.
• Faster Recovery from the Decline: Experts anticipate a swifter-than-expected recovery in international arrivals from the UK to Queen Elizabeth NP and the neighbouring Semuliki NP, due to the improved safety and stability, which will attract many to take up a safari to Uganda.
• Anticipated Economic Benefits: The lifting of the advisory is expected to significantly increase foreign exchange earnings. Safari hotels, lodges, and camps expect to receive more visitors, and the incomes generated will breathe new life into local communities and businesses reliant on tourist income.
• Industrial Morale Boost: The industry morale improved significantly, with many providers hailing the news as a ‘game-changer.’ The lifting of the advisory alleviates the ‘shadow of insecurity’ that had previously idled lodges and tourism programs in the region.

Conclusion

The lifting of the UK travel advisory for Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park is expected to increase safaris in Uganda Africa, backed by enhanced regional security and stability. Secure your Uganda trip today and explore the many hidden gems awaiting discovery.