Welcome to Uganda National Parks
The Uganda National Parks Planner is the ultimate resource to plan and experience undiscovered destinations in Uganda’s protected areas. Using this resource to plan your next Uganda safari, get road trip ideas and experience Uganda the way we do.
Uganda has more than 20 protected areas; 10 national parks, 12 game reserves and several wildlife sanctuaries. Most of Uganda’s national parks are still unexplored. The national parks of Uganda spread across the country offer a fascinating diversity of terrain, which hosts incredible wildlife.
Uganda’s national parks offer a unique opportunity to explore the country’s incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking, game drives, hiking, or bird watching, Uganda’s national parks have something to offer every nature lover. From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kidepo Valley National Park, each park offers a unique experience to visitors. So if you’re planning a trip to Uganda, be sure to include a visit to one (or more) of the country’s national parks on your itinerary.
Uganda National Parks is committed to sustainable tourism practices, and our experienced guides will provide you with educational and insightful information about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and its resident wildlife.
About Uganda
Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Where else but in this impossibly lush country can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippo and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla? Certainly, Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plains antelope. And this verdant biodiversity is further attested to by Uganda ‘s status as by far the smallest of the four African countries whose bird checklist tops over 1,000 mark!
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The country boasts over 10 national parks, each offering a unique experience to visitors. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to spotting the “Big Five” in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s national parks are a must-visit for any nature lover. In this article, we’ll explore Uganda’s national parks and highlight some of the must-see attractions in each. Uganda’s national parks have made the country, a great tourism destination in world attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is most famous for its endangered mountain gorillas. The park protects almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas within the sectors of Ruhijja, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Trekking through the dense rainforest to spend time with these gentle giants is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world. The park is also home to over 350 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Note: For one to go for the incredible gorilla trekking safari, he or she has to possess a trekking permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority through a licensed tour operator.
Murchison Falls National Park
Located in the northwestern part of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is defined by the mighty Nile River crashing through a narrow gorge before flowing into Lake Albert. Standing as the largest national park in Uganda, Murchison Falls offers classic safaris with lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and hippos, plus boat cruises to the base of the falls for spectacular views.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
In the southwestern part of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second-largest park in the country after Murchison Falls. The park is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, which includes open savannah, crater lakes, and rare tree-climbing lions. Also, the park offers an incredible boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, where travellers get an up-close encounter with aquatic animals; hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Kibale National Park
Often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to 13 primate species, though the most common one is the endangered chimpanzee. These apes can be seen during the chimpanzee tracking experience, which involves walking through the park’s rainforests with the guidance of the expert guides. Other primates to spot include: red-tailed monkey, red colobus, potto, L’Hoest’s monkey, and others. Apart from the primates, Kibale boasts rich forest ecosystems and birdlife.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Nicknamed the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzoris feature the highest point of Uganda – Margherita on Mount Stanley. The mountains provide dramatic alpine scenery, glaciers, and unique flora. Hiking is the major activity here, and it is known for being challenging but extremely rewarding for trekkers seeking a less-crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro.
Things to Do in Uganda National Parks
Uganda is a destination of different attractions, from trekking with gorillas in misty rainforests to feeling the rush of the Nile, or watching lions roam the savannah, to exploring vibrant cultural traditions. With its nickname as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda offers an adventurous and deeply enriching travel experience.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Done in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking experience is one of the best encounters in Uganda and East Africa at large. The activity involves hiking through the park’s rainforests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas, and once found, you will be allowed to spend a full hour in their presence. Bwindi protects 4 gorilla sectors – Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sectors, while Mgahinga has one gorilla family.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Mostly done in Kibale Forest National Park, chimpanzee tracking is another thrilling activity in Uganda. Just like gorilla trekking, the encounter starts with a pre-trek briefing at the park headquarters and later heads to the park’s forests by the guidance of the experienced rangers. Other parks where one can go for chimpanzee tracking include Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kyambura Gorge and Murchison Falls National Park – Budongo Forest.
Hiking and mountaineering adventures
For mountaineering lovers, Uganda is the best destination for your safari. The country is home to over 5 mountains, including the Rwenzori, the highest point in Uganda and the third highest on the African continent. Other mountains are Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls that offer rewarding trails for the hikers.