Uganda is home to some of Africa's most celebrated national parks, showcasing the rich biodiversity and natural beauty this country possesses. All play a crucial role in conservation efforts and offer visitors the opportunity to spend time with iconic species in their natural habitats while experiencing the true meaning of wilderness.
These national parks feature diverse ecosystems and varied biomes including lush rainforests, afro-montane woodlands, primary forests, vast savannahs, critically important wetlands and dramatic volcanic landscapes, providing homes for a wide variety of wildlife species, many of them that can't be found anywhere else on our planet.
Uganda's national parks are not only vital for the preservation of endangered species but also contribute to the ecotourism industry, providing sustainable income for local communities. The commitment to conservation and responsible tourism in these parks aligns with the broader global efforts to protect and appreciate the world's natural heritage.
Why visit: Bwindi is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, providing a great opportunity for gorilla trekking. The dense, mist-covered forest is also a haven for various bird species, butterflies, and other primates like the golden monkey. Hiking here is an absolute must.
Why visit: Murchison Falls is a narrow, 7m gap in the underlying bedrock where the Nile River has forced its way through, creating a breathtaking cascade. The park itself is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, offering the chance to see lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant, as well as crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife including the impressive shoebill stork.
Why visit: Known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat-based safaris along the Kazinga Channel, and perhaps see the legendary tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha region.
Why visit: Renowned for its high concentration of chimpanzees, Kibale Forest offers an immersive experience for primate lovers. Chimpanzee trekking allows visitors to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other primates and an array of bird species.
Why visit: A compact gem, this is the smallest of Uganda's savannah systems, interrupted by swampy wetlands that are home to more than 350 bird species, making Lake Mburo a hotspot for birding and photographic safaris alike. You'll find a variety of plains game as well as predators. Walking safaris are popular here.
Why visit: Also known as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains offer stunning landscapes, glacial peaks, and diverse ecosystems. Hiking and trekking opportunities abound, providing adventurers with a chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot.
Why visit: This remote and less-visited park is a hidden gem, known for its vast savannahs, unique landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Kidepo Valley National Park offers a chance to see large herds of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and more.
Why visit: Semuliki is East Africa's only region of lowland tropical rainforest and is a biodiversity hotspot with a unique blend of Central African and East African species. The park is known for its hot springs, birdwatching, and the chance to see the elusive and rare Semuliki Forest pygmy elephant.
Why visit: This massive solitary volcanic mountain is located on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya, and is home to a spectacular diversity of flora and fauna. Featuring dramatic topography of cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, hot springs, calderas and peaks, you'll find buffalos and elephants on its lower slopes as well as a variety of primates including black and white colobus monkeys. You can explore on foot, on guided game drives and on mountain bikes too.
Why visit: As its name implies, Mgahinga is home to some of the last mountain gorillas in the world and offers gorilla trekking experiences. The smallest national park in Uganda, at just short of 34 square kilometres, don't be fooled by its size as it offers unrivalled views of Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhavura - two spectacular volcanoes in the Virungas.
Why visit: Bwindi is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, providing a great opportunity for gorilla trekking. The dense, mist-covered forest is also a haven for various bird species, butterflies, and other primates like the golden monkey. Hiking here is an absolute must.
Why visit: Murchison Falls is a narrow 7m gap in the underlying bedrock where the Nile River has forced its way through, creating a breathtaking cascade. The park itself is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, offering the chance to see lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant, as well as crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife including the impressive shoebill stork.
Why visit: Known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat-based safaris along the Kazinga Channel, and perhaps see the legendary tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha region.
Why visit: Renowned for its high concentration of chimpanzees, Kibale Forest offers an immersive experience for primate lovers. Chimpanzee trekking allows visitors to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other primates and an array of bird species.
Why visit: A compact gem, this is the smallest of Uganda's savannah systems, interrupted by swampy wetlands that are home to more than 350 bird species, making Lake Mburo a hotspot for birding and photographic safaris alike. You'll find a variety of plains game as well as predators. Walking safaris are popular here.
Why visit: Also known as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains offer stunning landscapes, glacial peaks, and diverse ecosystems. Hiking and trekking opportunities abound, providing adventurers with a chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot.
Why visit: This remote and less-visited park is a hidden gem, known for its vast savannahs, unique landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Kidepo Valley National Park offers a chance to see large herds of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and more.
Why visit: Semuliki is East Africa's only region of lowland tropical rainforest and is a biodiversity hotspot with a unique blend of Central African and East African species. The park is known for its hot springs, birdwatching, and the chance to see the elusive and rare Semuliki Forest pygmy elephant.
Why visit: This massive solitary volcanic mountain is located on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya, and is home to a spectacular diversity of flora and fauna. Featuring dramatic topography of cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, hot springs, calderas and peaks, you'll find buffalos and elephants on its lower slopes as well as a variety of primates including black and white colobus monkeys. You can explore on foot, on guided game drives and on mountain bikes too.
Why visit: As its name implies, Mgahinga is home to some of the last mountain gorillas in the world and offers gorilla trekking experiences. The smallest national park in Uganda, at just short of 34 square kilometres, don't be fooled by its size as it offers unrivalled views of Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhavura - two spectacular volcanoes in the Virungas.
Plot 1459 Block 216, Agape Close
Off Ntinda Kiwatule Road
Kampala, Uganda