Uganda's breathtaking National Parks

From dense forests hiding mountain gorillas to savannas where lions climb trees, Uganda’s National Parks reveal why this country is known as the “Pearl of Africa.” Here is a list of the 10 National parks in Uganda

Jun 25, 2021 - 01:03
Feb 15, 2024 - 23:52
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Uganda's breathtaking National Parks

Uganda is a land gifted by nature. Winston Churchill called it ‘the Pearl of Africa’ which is perhaps an understatement considering its vast array of riches. The allure of adventure and discovery accompanies you as you travel around Uganda. A country of huge diversity, it is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and is a primate paradise.

Uganda is fortunate to have a network of 10 beautiful national parks. The 10 national parks and wildlife areas play host to Africa’s ‘Big 7’: lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, plus gorillas and chimpanzees. Here are the top experiences to enjoy in Uganda:

The undoubted main attraction has to be the mountain gorillas, for which Uganda is renowned. Viewing them up close in their natural habitat is simply awe-inspiring and certainly makes for unforgettable memories.

Here are the ten national parks in Uganda and what makes them special.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

With half of the world’s mountain gorilla population (around 480 according to the last census) and several endangered species coexisting in Bwindi, this national park is the perfect biodiversity hotspot for wildlife lovers, researchers, and photographers. It lies in southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.

READ MORE: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

2. Kibale National Park

This is undoubtedly the best place to see chimpanzees in the world.  If you are looking for chimpanzee tracking, this is the ideal place to visit. During your stay, you will witness firsthand the density and diversity of primates.

The variety of tree species on offer is in large part why so many types of primates call the area home, and birds too are prevalent throughout the park. With one of the largest primate populations in Africa, Kibale National Park is well worth a visit, and the scenery on display isn’t bad either!

READ MORE:  Kibale National Park

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Probably the best place in Uganda for game drives. Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park was named after the royal Queen Elizabeth II of England and was established in 1954. Come see two of the park’s main attractions: the tree-climbing lions and its volcanic features, like volcanic cones and deep craters.

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4. Lake Mburo National Park

Named after the largest of the five lakes in Uganda, Lake Mburo, this national park is one of the smallest in the country. The huge lake stretches away in the distance, and taking a boat trip on its tranquil waters is simply delightful.

Lake Mburo is the perfect scenery for photographers and bird enthusiasts. It is home to a variety of animals, including leopards, hippos, zebras, hyenas, impalas, and others.

READ MORE: Lake Mburo National Park

5. Murchison Falls National Park

If there is a national park with a bit of everything, Murchison Falls National Park is it. Open grassland, savannah, forest, hilly landscapes, and swamps are packed into a single national park. Murchison Falls is also the biggest national park in Uganda and home to countless species of flora and fauna.  It is spread over the land, from the shores of Lake Albert to the Nile. It is home to the mighty Murchison Falls, the most beautiful falls formed along the Nile.

READ MORE: Murchison Falls National Park

6. Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in the isolated Kaabong district in the extreme northern part of Uganda, a safari to this savanna park is worth the long journey through the Karamoja Region. 

Besides game viewing, which is incontrovertibly the main sightseer exertion that attracts tourists to Kidepo Valley National Park, tourists can actually engage in a cultural encounter to spice up the safari to this remote destination.

READ MORE: Kidepo valley National Park

7. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is the most scenic of all of Uganda’s national parks. Sitting high in the clouds, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a dense forest and a natural habitat for the rare mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkeys. A gorilla trek in Mgahinga is one of the most memorable adventures you can have in Uganda.

READ MORE: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

8. Mount Elgon National Park

Intersecting the border of Kenya and Uganda, Mount Elgon National Park is a large extinct volcano that protects a wide range of flora and fauna. This mountain is a significant watershed for a number of rivers, such as the Sipi River, which forms the renowned Sipi Falls.

READ MORE: Mount Elgon National Park

9. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of the only three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uganda. Experience hikes to the iced Magherita Peak, or opt for a shorter hike. There are breathtaking waterfalls, high glaciers, lakes, flora, and fauna.

Mountaineering is a popular attraction for visitors who loves the snow-capped peaks of mount Rwenzori, popularly known as the “mountains of the moon,” and mount Elgon

READ MORE: Rwenzori Mountains National Park

10. Semuliki National Park

Located in western Uganda, this park is home to the popular Sempaya Hotsprings, which attract most tourists. Unique birdlife is the core reason for birdwatchers to visit this park. However, the two hot springs, about a kilometer apart, make for an easy stopover for tourists with little time to spend. The male spring known as ‘Bintente’ set in a lush swampy clearing, the female spring, Nyasimbi, meaning the female ancestors,” is a boiling geyser that spurts bubbing water and steam up to two meters high. Local people used to cook their food in these boiling pools.

READ MORE: Semuliki National Park

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