Travel Update: UK Government Lifts Advisory for Queen Elizabeth National Park (Dec 2025)
- Phil Nolan
- Dec 3
- 2 min read
Date: 3 December 2025
Category: Travel News / Safety
Great News for Uganda Tourism: FCDO Updates Travel Advice
We are delighted to share a significant and positive update for travellers planning their Uganda safari in 2025 and 2026.
As of 2 December 2025, the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Uganda. Most notably, they no longer advise against all but essential travel to:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (famous for tree-climbing lions).
Semuliki National Park (a birding haven).
The area immediately south-west of Kasese town.
This is a major vote of confidence in the security measures implemented by the Ugandan authorities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in this region.
What This Update Means for Your Safari Planning
For our clients from the UK and around the world, this update provides three critical assurances:
Peace of Mind: It validates that the enhanced security protocols in Uganda's key tourist hubs are working effectively.
Full Insurance Validity: Many travel insurance policies rely on FCDO advice to determine their coverage. This change ensures that standard travel insurance is fully valid for trips to these iconic parks.
Open Access: It confirms that the full Western Circuit - combining Gorillas in Bwindi with the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park - is open, accessible, and continues to be ready for visitors.
Safety Remains Our #1 Priority
While this is fantastic news for Uganda's toursim sector, we always aim to avoid complacency. At Wildlife Adventure Safaris, your safety is our absolute top priority. We continue to operate with our rigorous Safety First protocols, which go above and beyond standard requirements:
Expert Local Guides: Our driver-guides are not just wildlife experts; they are trained in safety protocols and maintain real-time communication with park rangers and our HQ, whilst in the field.
UWA Ranger Escorts: As standard practice, our game drives in specific areas are accompanied by armed UWA rangers for added security, communication and wildlife expertise.
Monitoring: Our operational team in Kampala, led by our CEO and Head Guide, Peter Nsubuga and our Managing Director, Phil Nolan (based in Dubai), combine seamlessly to monitor local and international developments.
Context & Transparency: A Note on the Western Region
The FCDO advice acknowledges recent localised security incidents in Kasese and Bundibugyo (November 2025). The Ugandan security forces have deployed significant resources to these areas, and arrests have been made.
We want to reassure you that tourist areas are heavily protected. We adhere to all advice from local security agencies and adjust our operational posture based on the most recent updates.
Ready to Explore? The Western Circuit is Waiting
With Queen Elizabeth National Park officially being given the green light by the UK government, now is the perfect time to book that Bucket List Adventure to Uganda or Rwanda that you've been dreaming of.
Combine the thrill of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi with the open savanna of Queen Elizabeth National Park - knowing you are in safe, expert hands.
Take a look at some of our itineraries, which are immediately bookable here.
If you'd like some more detailed advice and support, don't hesitate to contact us: contact@wildlifeadventureuganda.com
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