The Top  10 National Parks in Uganda-Uganda Safari

The Top  10 National Parks in Uganda-Uganda Safari

The Top  10 National Parks in Uganda-Uganda Safari – Uganda is one of Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, offering an exceptional mix of landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife. From snow-capped mountains and dense tropical forests to open savannah plains and papyrus wetlands, Uganda’s national parks protect a remarkable range of ecosystems. Collectively, these parks are home to over 1,047 bird species, iconic primates such as mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and classic savannah wildlife.

Uganda Safari

Uganda’s National Parks

Uganda has more than 10 gazetted national parks, each offering distinct wildlife experiences. While some parks are dominated by savannah game, others are rich in forests, wetlands, and mountain ecosystems. This variety makes Uganda a top destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and primate enthusiasts.

1. Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is located in Kiruhura District in southwestern Uganda and covers about 260 square kilometers. It is one of the most accessible parks from Kampala, making it ideal for short safaris.

The park is known for large herds of zebras, buffaloes, topi, and diverse birdlife. Notably, it is the only national park in Uganda where impalas are found. Its compact size makes it perfect for walking safaris and boat cruises.

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and one of its most dramatic parks, covering over 3,800 square kilometers. It is located in northwestern Uganda and is bisected by the Victoria Nile.

The park is famous for the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge. Wildlife sightings commonly include giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles, making it a classic big-game safari destination.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited park in Uganda and lies in the southwestern part of the country. It covers approximately 1,900 square kilometers.

The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including crater lakes, savannah plains, forests, and the Kazinga Channel. It is particularly famous for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and has one of the highest bird species counts in Africa. Chimpanzee trekking is carried out in Kyambura Gorge.

4. Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda in Kaabong District, Kidepo Valley National Park spans about 1,400 square kilometers.

This park offers a true wilderness experience and is home to rare and unique wildlife. Visitors can expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, striped hyenas, ostriches, and large herds of buffaloes. Many species found here are rarely seen in other Ugandan parks.

5. Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is situated in Bundibugyo District in western Uganda and covers roughly 190 square kilometers. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Africa.

The park is rich in birdlife, with over 400 recorded species, and hosts mammals such as forest buffaloes, leopards, elephants, duikers, bushbabies, and various monkey species. Its lowland tropical forest links East and Central African ecosystems.

6. Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park lies on the Uganda–Kenya border and covers over 1,250 square kilometers, with the larger portion in Uganda.

Mount Elgon is one of Africa’s oldest volcanoes and offers spectacular scenery, including caves, waterfalls, and high-altitude moorlands. Wildlife includes small antelopes, buffaloes, forest monkeys, and a variety of bird species such as Jackson’s Francolin and the Tacazze sunbird.

7. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” is located in Kasese District in southwestern Uganda. The park covers nearly 1,000 square kilometers.

It is home to Africa’s third-highest peak, Mount Margherita, as well as glaciers, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Visitors may encounter forest elephants, duikers, and several primate species. The park also hosts over 89 bird species and offers world-class mountain trekking.

8. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering about 38 square kilometers. It is located in Kisoro District near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park includes three Virunga volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhabura. It is an important habitat for mountain gorillas and also offers golden monkey trekking and volcanic hiking experiences.

9. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in Kanungu District and is one of the most important conservation areas in Africa.

The park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is the primary destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. In addition to gorillas, Bwindi hosts chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and hundreds of bird and butterfly species. Strict permit regulations help protect these endangered primates.

10. Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is situated in western Uganda and covers about 780 square kilometers. It forms an important forest extension of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kibale is best known for its high concentration of habituated chimpanzees, making it the top destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Other wildlife includes red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, buffaloes, warthogs, duikers, and numerous bird species.

Why Visit Uganda’s National Parks

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda’s national parks offer unmatched diversity within a relatively small country. Whether you are interested in gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, classic savannah safaris, birdwatching, or mountain hiking, Uganda provides a complete and rewarding safari experience.

How to Book a Safari  In Uganda

Planning a safari to Uganda’s national parks is best done with experienced local experts. Chimp Homes Uganda Safaris offers customized and affordable safari packages to all of Uganda’s national parks, including gorilla and chimpanzee trekking tours.

Let Chimp Homes Uganda Safaris help you explore the very best of Uganda’s national parks with professionalism, local knowledge, and personalized service.

To book your safari or request a tailored itinerary:

Phone: +256 742 874045 / +256 703 903243

Email: info@chimphomesafaris.com

Gmail: chimphomesugandasafaris@gmail.com