Kwezi Outdoors Ltd Logo

National Parks of Uganda

Iconic Mountain Gorillas, 1000+ Bird Species, Africa Big 5, Tropical Glaciers, Rich Biodiversity

Uganda's Magnificent Nature Reserves

Uganda has 10 amazingly diverse national parks, 12 Wildlife Reserves; 5 Community Wildlife Management Areas; and 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries. Some reserves like the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are well-known for their gentle residents – the mountain gorillas. From the misty tropical forest there a number of savanna parks where you get to tick off Africa’s Big 5 – and in Uganda case plus the 13 species of primates and over 1070 bird species.

From the savannah parks to the mountainous Rwenzori Mountains National Park, with its tropical glaciers, there is a lot waiting just for you. So, whether to choose to visit view wildlife, trek across glaciers, fish in the Nile, walk with zebras, and top it with golf – you will not be disappointed.

And more so, Uganda is not a mass-tourism destination. So your environmental footprint remains small, and your experience private and personal.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Over 40 percent of the world’s mountain gorillas call Bwindi home. Gorilla trekking to the 21 gorilla groups in this park is a once in a lifetime experience.

Kibale National Park

The number and diversity of primates in this park are the highest in the world, take part in the popular Kanyanchu Primate Walk.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

While it is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, the park is most famous for its big tree-climbing lions and leopards.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is famous for the world’s most powerful falls on the Nile River. Murchison Falls has signature rainbow as it squeezes through a 6-7 metre wide gap.

Kidepo Valley National Park

The few that visit Kidepo Valley National Park will testify to its magnificence, explore the Karamojong community tour, hike Mt. Morungole. This park is a haven for star-gazers – artificial light population is almost zero at night.

Lake Mburo National Park

It is famous for its big numbers of impala but has a wide range of animal species to see on a walking safari

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is renowned for its alpine landscapes, tropical glaciers, diverse ecosystem, and unique flora and fauna.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Among the park’s prominent features include the three conical extinct volcanoes that form part of the Virunga volcanic ranges.

Mount Elgon National Park

For thousands of years, a dormant giant has towered over the Uganda-Kenya border occupied by the native Bagisu tribe.

Semuliki National Park

Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs that have a rich cultural history, and interact with the Batuku cattle keepers inhabit the open plains.

Crowd-free National Parks in Uganda

Uganda’s national parks are special for several reasons, making them unique and attractive destinations for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The parks are often considered less crowded than other African safari destinations. This provides visitors a more intimate and authentic wildlife experience, away from large tourist crowds. 

1. Murchison Falls National Park:
– Location: Northern Uganda.
– Highlights: Murchison Falls, the Nile River, diverse wildlife including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, and lions. Big game sport fishing tours on the Nile River.

2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
– Location: Southwestern Uganda.
– Highlights: Home to endangered mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking, lush forests, and diverse bird species.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park:
– Location: Western Uganda.
– Highlights: Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector, Kazinga Channel with hippos and crocodiles, diverse birdlife.

4. Kibale National Park:
– Location: Western Uganda.
– Highlights: Chimpanzee tracking, 13 primate species, bird watching, butterflies, lush tropical rainforest.

5. Rwenzori Mountains National Park:
– Location: Western Uganda.
– Highlights: The “Mountains of the Moon,” glaciers, diverse flora and fauna, birding, and challenging trekking.

6. Semuliki National Park:
– Location: Western Uganda.
– Highlights: Hot springs, diverse bird species, and unique wildlife.

7. Lake Mburo National Park:
– Location: Western Uganda.
– Highlights: Zebras, impalas, and other wildlife, Lake Mburo, boat trips, birdwatching, sport fishing, and guided safari walks.

8. Kidepo Valley National Park:
– Location: Northeastern Uganda.
– Highlights: Remote and rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, including elephants, cheetahs, and ostriches.

9. Mount Elgon National Park:
– Location: Eastern Uganda.
– Highlights: Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls, one of the world’s largest calderas, diverse ecosystems, and birdwatching.

10. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
– Location: Southwestern Uganda.
– Highlights: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and volcanic landscapes.

These national parks showcase Uganda’s incredible biodiversity, from the iconic mountain gorillas to the diverse landscapes of savannas, rainforests, and mountains. When planning your safari, consider the best time to visit Uganda so you align your interests with the tour. 

10-Day Culture, and Wildlife Adventure in Uganda

Culture, Wildlife, and Adventure for all

3-Day Fly-in and Track Gorilla

Link up from Maasai Mara and track gorillas in Bwindi

10-Day Gorilla Trekking & Rafting Safari in Bwindi

Adventure for Africa Big 5, Gorilla Trekking, Rafting in Bwindi

8-Day Uganda Birding Highlight

With over 1000 bird species, this is a birder’s safari for growing your bird life list.

7-Day Fishing & Big 5 Safari

Bond on this trip as you bait monster fish in the Nile, and seek out Uganda’s great wildlife

7-Day Family Adventure Safari

Escape into Uganda’s wilderness, seek out the Big 5, cruise the Nile River, track chimpanzees