Top National Parks and Reserves to Visit in Uganda

Top Uganda National Parks & Reserves

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nestled in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans approximately 321 square kilometres (199 square miles) of lush, mountainous terrain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its dense tropical rainforest, which provides sanctuary to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it the top destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Beyond gorilla encounters, visitors can explore the park's rich biodiversity, including over 350 bird species and over 100 mammals, making it second to Queen Victoria National Park in mammal numbers. The optimal time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when trails are more navigable.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Tucked into the Virunga Mountains in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park spans approximately 33.7 square kilometres (20.9 square miles), making it Uganda's smallest national park. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in remarkable biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offering an intimate and less crowded trekking experience compared to Bwindi.

Beyond gorilla trekking, visitors can track the rare golden monkeys, hike the scenic volcanic peaks of the Virungas, and immerse themselves in Batwa cultural experiences. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when trails are more accessible.

3. Murchison Falls National Park

Spanning 3,840 majestic square kilometres (2386 square miles), Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls National Park, lies in the northwestern part of the country. The mighty Nile River bisects the park, dramatically plunging 45 meters over the Murchison Falls, creating a spectacular centrepiece. Murchison's habitats, range from woodland savannahs to riverine forests, supporting a wide array of wildlife, including four of the Big 5 – rhinos can be found at the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Boat cruises along the Nile offer astounding views of the falls and opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species on the water's surface. The period from December to February is considered the best time to visit, offering excellent wildlife viewing and more favourable weather conditions for water activities.

“Uganda isn't called the “Pearl of Africa” for nothing—this place is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, incredible wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Imagine trekking through the misty forests of Bwindi to see mountain gorillas up close, or spotting tree-climbing lions lounging in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Murchison Falls will leave you speechless with its breath-taking waterfall and abundant wildlife, while Kibale Forest is a dream for primate lovers, home to the highest concentration of chimpanzees in East Africa. Whether you’re cruising down the Nile, hiking through lush rainforests, or searching for the rare shoebill stork, Uganda is an adventure waiting to happen!”
Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert

4. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Approximately 400 kilometres (249 miles) from Kampala lies Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda– the country’s second-largest protected area, covering about 1,978 square kilometres. The park is home to savannahs, wetlands, and lakes, which all contribute to its astounding beauty and support a rich variety of wildlife, including the country's largest lion, elephant, buffalo and hippo populations.

Notably, the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, whose rare ability to scale trees offers a truly unique and unforgettable wildlife encounter. Queen Elizabeth also boasts exceptional birdwatching, with over 600 species recorded. Activities include game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and guided nature walks. The dry seasons, from January to February and June to July, are ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources.

5. Kibale National Park

A trekking haven, Kibale is renowned for its high primate density, boasting 13 species, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda and Africa (over 1,500 of them). Kibale is situated in western Uganda and home to 795 square kilometres (494 square miles) of tropical rainforest. Chimpanzee trekking is a major highlight, offering visitors the chance to observe these rare primates in their natural habitat, uninterrupted, and in complete isolation.

In addition to a rich primate population, Kibale supports a rich diversity of birds, butterflies, and other mammals such as African Forest Elephants and even leopards, who can be seen resting on tree branches. The optimal time for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, when trails are less muddy, and sightings are more frequent.

6. Lake Mburo National Park

Located in western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park covers approximately 370 square kilometres (229 square miles) of rolling acacia woodlands, open savannah, and wetlands. As Uganda's smallest savannah park, it is known for its rich wildlife, including zebras, elands, impalas, and over 350 bird species.

Unlike other national parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo offers unique safari activities such as guided walking safaris, horseback safaris, and boat cruises on the lake, providing close-up views of hippos and crocodiles. The park's proximity to Kampala (just a 4-hour drive) makes it an excellent stop for those seeking a short yet rewarding wildlife experience. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.

Uganda’s national parks and reserves offer a medley of experiences, from thrilling wildlife encounters to immersive cultural interactions with tribes such as Batwa, who can be seen in Kibale. Whether you’re seeking the adrenaline rush of tracking mountain gorillas or the serene beauty of unspoiled landscapes, Uganda’s protected areas provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable safari adventure.

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