Uganda currently has 10 National Parks that will give you a rare opportunity to come face to face with a diverse heritage of wildlife on the African continent.
Murchison Falls National Park
The country’s largest National Park – Murchison Falls – covers 3,480 sq km. At the Murchison Falls, the river Nile plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 40-metre drop. In the east, there is also the Karuma Falls, where the Nile runs over a breathtaking 23 km of rapids, presenting one of the most exciting white-water rafting experience in Africa. A cruise upstream the Nile to the Falls is pretty unforgettable. The park hosts a wide range of wildlife including elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamus, lions, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes and various species of birds.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of Uganda’s oldest national parks, home to a large array of wildlife (elephants, lions, hyaenas, hippos, etc.), with the famous “Kazinga Channel” trip, where you will see the largest number of hippos and birdlife in Uganda. The Queen Elizabeth National Park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO auspices. The park, in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, covers 1,978 sq. km and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps.
It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lion as well as the Uganda Kob, other antelope species, elephant, baboons, hippos, buffalo and chimpanzees. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of king fisher, and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingoes can be found. A favourite way to view the game is by launch trip on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward.
Lake Mburo National Park
This park covers 256 sq kms and is the only National Park to contain an entire lake. It has the largest number of impala and is only one of two parks that has zebra. (It is also the closest national park to Kampala.)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Situated near the beautiful Kisoro Town, overlooking Lakes Butunda and Bunyonyi. Mgahinga is one of two places in Uganda for gorilla viewing, however, this particular group move between DRC and Uganda so are not always viewable from this side. If they are around, gorilla permits are cheaper than Bwindi (the other site) a much less strenuous walk and quite often only a short walk away.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
It is 10 hours drive from Kampala and famous for gorilla trekking. As it’s name suggests “impenetrable”, a little harder trekking and gorilla permits are more expensive but well worth the visit. Permits available only through the UWA office.
Kibale Forest National Park
Home to the largest community of wild chimpanzees, Kanyanchu Tourist Centre is the flagship site for wild chimpanzee trekking. Kibale Forest has over 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee. A must!
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
It’s located on Mt Rwenzori, the second highest mountain in Africa. For those of you brave enough to climb the mountains, this is an amazing experience.
Mount Elgon National Park
For the adventurous climber, Mt Elgon is an extinct volcano and the 4th highest mountain in Africa and the 2nd highest peak in Uganda (4321m). The parks has magnificent waterfalls, caves, gorges and hot springs. Excellent for hiking with incredible views of Karamoja andenya.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Its not so accessible without a vehicle, and extremely remote in the very north of Uganda, bordering Sudan. It has a wonderful array of uninhabited wildlife, set in the picturesque Karamoja plains.