Need to spot a lion, the world’s greatest Apes, the fascinating landscape, or the rare chimps; National parks are their homes; a region of wild and untouched nature; most visited in the world. Be it for a honeymoon vacation, student field studies, research, summer holiday, relaxation or family retreat. They are so isolated from any sort of pollution and interruptions, possessing the freshest air for human and animal consumption.
Spread across all the regions in the country; north, east, south and west; national parks are undoubtedly the most valuable assets of Uganda’s tourism sector; We take you through an impressive selection of all the eco-regions in Uganda; a nation located in east Africa; gifted by nature after a perfect recovery from its dark past. All national parks are safe, and accessible, with quality accommodation facilities, a wealth of wildlife and fairly good roads, marked by amazing vegetation and scattered homesteads.
In counting, there are 10 national parks in the country; each unique, with variety of flora and fauna and managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This figure can either increase or decrease depending on the conservation efforts, presence of wildlife and many more factors.
Below are a selection of Uganda’s national parks, their location, uniqueness and the prime attraction.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Popularly known for gorilla trekking, it’s no doubt that you’ve got to visit this place. Found within in the south west of Uganda along Albertine rift valley, this park is one of the oldest dating back for over 25,000 years.
It’s always covered with mist as it harbors numerous plant species of about 400 and vegetation which favors the gorillas’ stay. Over 500 gorillas are estimated to reside here, this is almost half of the world’s total population.
Alongside gorillas there are 120 mammals and about 350 bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Established in 1954, this is one of the largest and oldest parks in the country occupying over three districts. It’s also one of Uganda’s most visited parks. You can tell by the variety of features within this park.
It has diverse eco systems such as savanna, humid forests, lakes and wetlands which make it a suitable habitant to almost all animals within the savanna.
The ten primate species can be found here and over 600 bird species have been confirmed to lie within this area. You can enjoy game drives and also there are lodges setup just within the park that you get to wake up within the wild.
Lakes such as Kazinga channel and Lake Katwe where salt is mined are found within this park. It’s filled with adventure.
Murchison Falls National Park
The largest park in Uganda spanning 3,840 square kilometers. This park has amazing falls that are a must see and are part of the river Nile. Explore over 451 bird species and 76 mammals within the park.
Mgahinga National Park (where gold meets silver)
One of the newest parks, Mgahinga Gorilla national park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, at the foothills of the Virunga chain of a mountain, and neighboring the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the cheerful Golden monkeys, besides the other primates and forest mammals.
Here visitors engage in gorilla trekking and Golden monkey trekking/habituation, birding and the Batwa cultural adventure.
Mount Elgon National Park (world’s largest caldera)
The only park in Eastern Uganda, offering the best opportunity of mountain hiking and sippi Falls hike; Birding and cultural adventure are also included in the list of activities you may engage in. It is the list visited park in the country, yet with a wide range of flora and fauna, your eyes may need.
Semuliki National Park (True Birders haven)
Arguably every birder’s Choice; semiliki national park in western Uganda is a leading birding paradise in Uganda, and one of the best in Africa. Over 40% of the countries rare bird species are found here year-round. The other attraction this destination prides in is the variety of mammals, the magical Sempaya hot springs, and the unique landscape.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
This park is situated in western Uganda, with the main attractions being the giant snowcapped mountain Rwenzori and the rare three-horned chameleons. Hiking is the main activity here and takes about 5-7 days to reach the highest point, Margherita at 5,109m above sea level.
All national parks in Uganda are open for visitors all year round, with the best months of visiting being June to October, and December to February. Your trip can combine more than a destination, and last from one day to multiple number of days.
