Uganda is one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world. Home to the longest river in the world, the tallest mountain range in Africa, and the largest lake in the continent, Uganda is an epic country with plenty of places you can admire. Popular for its safaris and safari lodges, Uganda also has a total of 60 protected land spaces, and it remains one of the safest places in Africa in spite of its controversial political past. From great plains to glaciers, Uganda is a dynamic landscape that hails back to the unmistakable beauty of nature. Rich wildlife is also very apparent with the number of different animals in national parks in Uganda and the number of tourists that come to marvel at its natural beauty. Finding accommodation is not a problem with the best hotels and cozy vacation rentals all over the country.
If you’re looking to embrace Mother Nature in her fullest glory, then be sure to check out our top national parks in Uganda.
1. Queen Elizabeth National Park
The breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park is close to 2000 sq km (772 sq mi) and home to hundreds of brilliantly coloured birds. Definitely one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations, the Queen Elizabeth National Park has an incredibly diverse ecosystem with sprawling savannas, lush forests, and even marshy wetlands. Visitors may even pose for a picture next to the markers indicating the equatorial line itself! The park’s rich cultural history is also a rare opportunity to interact with locals and indulge in native dance, music and storytelling.
3 Days Group Safari To Queen Elizabeth Park In Uganda.
Duration: 3 days
2. Kibale National Park (from USD 761.0)
Perched on the raised Ford Portal plateau, Kibale National Park is famous for its unique chimpanzee tracking experience. Spend the day under the knitted green canopy of leaves as you trace the lush forest floor for signs of one of the 13 species of chimpanzees which inhabit this breathtaking park. Home to the native Batoro people of the Kingdom of Toro, a short trip to the local village will reap a fascinating understanding of one of the ancient kingdoms of the Great Lakes region.
Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park Guided Hiking Day Trip
Duration: 1 day
3. Kidepo Valley National Park
Notable for being one of the finest natural views in Africa, Kidepo Valley National Park is nestled among the arid valleys of Uganda’s borders and is home to about 475 species of birds and 77 mammals. Located in the wild frontier of Karamoja, the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park is definitely a long and tedious one, but it’s most definitely worth undertaking for a mere glimpse of the sprawling savannah bordered by the rugged mountains in the far distance. The Kidepo and Narus rivers become oases in dry seasons, acting as watering holes for visitors to marvel at the herds of game gathering around.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Address: Kaabong, Uganda
Website: Kidepo Valley National Park
Opening hours: 24 Hours
Price: Free
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4. Semuliki National Park
The only true tropical lowland forest in all of East Africa, Semuliki National Park once formed a lakebed for over seven million years with forests that survived even the ice age. Sprawled along the Semliki Valley, the Semuliki National Park is also close to four ethnic groups — Bwamba farmers, Batwa hunter-gatherers, Batuku cattle rearers, and the Bakonjo who cultivate the mountains — with thatched huts and African oil palms dotting the region. While the park’s diverse wildlife have inhabited the region for over 25,000 years, there is evidence that older natural activities have taken place here. Hot springs come forth from the earth’s underbelly, hinting at the existence of powerful underground forces which have been moulding the rift valley for millions of years.
Semuliki National Park
Address: Plot 16 Kyebambe, Fort Portal, Uganda
Website: Semuliki National Park
Opening hours: 24 Hours
Price: Free
5. Mount Elgon National Park
Located on the border between Kenya and Uganda, Mt. Elgon of the Mount Elgon National Park is one of the oldest volcanoes and landforms in Uganda, as well as the fourth tallest peak in the region. The volcano’s summit is a respite from the blazing earth below, hence, there exists plenty of flora and fauna at higher altitudes. A conserved area and UNESCO reserve, Mt. Elgon’s magnificence lies not in the views at the top, but rather in the calm wilderness of the deserted moorlands as you descend the huge caldera.
Mount Elgon National Park
Address: Uganda
Website: Mount Elgon National Park
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (Daily)
Price: 26 USD for adults; 17 USD for children
6. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (from USD 1.0)
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is home to some of the most ancient forests in Africa and nearly 300 mountain gorillas — nearly half of the world’s population. Believed to be more than 25,000 years old, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is incredibly diverse, with around 400 plant species. The towns of Nkuringo and Bakiga nearby also offer an interesting opportunity to discover local Batwa Pygmy people’s culture and the unique rustic workshops and crafts stalls. Famous for the experience of tracking gorillas through the misty mountains, book a tour now for one of the premier wildlife experiences in the world!
3 day Gorilla Tracking Tour to Bwindi National Park
Duration: 3 days
7. Lake Mburo National Park (from USD 410.0)
Lake Mburo National Park may the smallest savannah park in Uganda, but its location along a highway makes it incredibly accessible and a great taster of the region’s rich wildlife for those short on time. Lake Mburo is part of 14 lakes that compose a sprawling wetland system linked by a swamp. The park is also the only location in Uganda where antelopes, elands and impalas can be spotted, along with a great variety of other animal species like zebras and buffalos. A fifth of the park’s entrance fees is also used to support local projects such as the construction of schools and clinics.
Lake Mburo National Park Safari Day Tour from Kampala
Duration: 1 day
8. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (from USD 1362.0)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park considered the smallest national park in Uganda, was formed to protect the precious mountain gorillas which inhabit the lush forests within. It remains a crucial habitat for the golden monkey, which is endangered. Mgahinga is also home to the indigenous Batwa pygmies, a tribe of hunter-gatherers whose vast ancient knowledge of the forest is unparalleled. The park’s most iconic feature remains the three conical volcanoes that form part of the Virunga Range and are a stunning landmark standing proudly along the horizon.
Mountain Gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
Duration: 2 days
9. Murchison Falls National Park (from USD 1.0)
Murchison Falls National Park is named after the Murchison Falls found along the majestic Nile River. As the roaring waters rain down the 43m (141ft) cliff, the sprays of droplets are illuminated into a stunning rainbow, rendering the gorgeous waterfall into a picture-perfect postcard. The rest of the Nile flows calmly through the savannah, attracting throngs of hippos and buffaloes to its placid shores. Perfect for a river safari, book a tour now for an unforgettable expedition through the rivers of time.
2-Day Murchison Falls National Park Rhino Sanctuary Safari
Duration: 2 days
10. Kyambura Game Reserve
Home to many primates, specifically chimpanzees, the Kyambura Game Reserve is a hidden treasure within the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The reserve was created as a buffer so the animals within the reserve have easy access to the Kyambura Gorge for drinking water during the summer months. Enjoy the sight of chimpanzees climbing up and down the trees, making it easy to take pictures. Other primates also populate the reserve such as vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue colobus monkeys, and many more. You’ll also get treated to the sight of butterflies and made bird species in the reserve.
Kyambura Game Reserve
Address: Uganda
Website: Kyambura Game Reserve
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 7am - 6pm; Sat: 7:30am - 7pm
11. Mount Otzi Forest Reserve
Situated on an escarpment overlooking the confluence of River Achwa and the White Nile, the Mount Otzi Forest Reserve is a very interesting place with a very rich wildlife. The forest is home to over 260 tree species with woodlands, grasslands, and bushland, dotting the forest. The National Forest Authority Department has named it an Important Biodiversity Conservation Area seeing as, aside from the trees and plants, it houses 168 bird species and a population of chimpanzees. Mostly thanks to the forest not being as popular as other reserves, the forest has remained mostly untouched and is continuously thriving.
Mount Otzi Forest Reserve
Address: Moyo District, West Nile Region, Uganda
Website: Mount Otzi Forest Reserve
12. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Thought to be the source of the Nile, this park is close to 1,000 sq km (386 sq mi) and is considered one of the largest parks in Uganda. It is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to the third tallest mountain in Africa. Housing hundreds of wildlife species, the mountain transitions from bamboo, forests, and colorful mosses into giant trees and snowy peaks. Peppered with lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is an immensely captivating space akin to a scene from a movie.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Address: Bundibugyo, Kasese, Uganda
Website: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (Daily)
Price: Free
Africa’s wild frontier
Uganda is undoubtedly a stunning location with a dynamic landscape. Only here can you be amazed by the stark transition from a merciless savannah to wet marshlands, rugged mountains and verdant forests. Not only is the wildlife exotic in their magnificence, but the native culture and heritage is incredibly rich and unique, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that stimulates all your carnal senses, bringing you back to the spiritual core of your being and the wonder of human existence.
Frequently asked questions about national parks in Uganda
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