Uganda, the pearl of Africa boasts of ten national parks. Three of the ten national parks are primate national parks, two are mountainous National parks and five are savannah national parks. Here are the best five national parks to visit in Uganda this year.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Trekking through the dense foliage of this ancient rainforest, visitors have the unparalleled opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting a rich array of plant and animal species, including over 120 mammal species and 350 bird species. The Batwa cultural experience is also one of the most important activities to consider during your visit to the Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, and Rukungiri, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular savannah reserve. Named after Queen Elizabeth II, this park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including sprawling savannah plains, dense forests, and shimmering lakes.
Visitors can embark on game drives in the Ishasha sector, Kasenyi plains, and Mweya sector. Boat trips along the Kazinga Channel, and chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge. With its prolific wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience.
The park is also strategically located to connect to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Located near Uganda-South Sudan border, Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s remotest national park. Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife, Kidepo offers a truly wild safari experience.
Visitors can explore the park’s vast plains dotted with iconic African wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. Cultural encounters with the indigenous Karamojong people add a unique dimension to the Kidepo experience, offering insight into traditional ways of life in this remote region.
Murchison Falls National Park
Situated in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is named after the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the Nile River cascades through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular sight. This iconic park is Uganda’s largest protected area and offers a wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Visitors can embark on game drives across the vast savannah plains, cruise along the Nile to witness hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, and trek to the top of the falls for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Murchison Falls National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Kibale Forest National Park
For those seeking an immersive primate experience, Kibale Forest National Park is the ultimate destination. Located in western Uganda near Fort Portal City, this lush tropical rainforest is home to the highest concentration of primates in East Africa, including habituated chimpanzee communities available for trekking.
In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale is inhabited by 12 other primate species, making it a haven for primate enthusiasts. Guided forest walks, birding excursions, and cultural encounters with nearby communities enrich the Kibale experience, offering a holistic exploration of Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage.
Uganda’s national parks offer a wide scope of experiences, from thrilling wildlife encounters such as gorilla trekking to amazing landscapes such as the Kyambura Gorge. Whether you’re tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, cruising along the Nile in Murchison Falls, or trekking with chimpanzees in Kibale, each park promises an adventure of a lifetime. Before finalizing your travel plans, do not hesitate to contact Rwizi Expeditions to help you tailor your itinerary in a way that will capture most of the experiences that these national parks have to offer.