Uganda was dubbed as the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Church Hill because of its incredible diversity and staggering beauty and all can be explored on a Uganda Safari Trip. Uganda is home to an array of national parks and reserves that offer wildlife experience unlike any other in the world, and a range of breathtaking varying landscapes. From dense tropical rainforests teeming with endangered species such as mountain gorillas to expansive savannahs rich in biodiversity, there is so much to be explored.
In this blog we list and detail the top national parks and reserves to visit in Uganda.
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Tucked away in the southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular and most visited national park in Uganda spanning approximately 321 square kilometers (199 square miles) of lush, mountainous terrain. The park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 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 to incredible gorilla encounters, visitors can explore the park’s rich biodiversity including over 350 bird species and over 100 mammals, making it second only to Queen Victoria National Park in mammal numbers.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when the trails are more navigable.
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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Nestled in the Virunga Mountains in Southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda spanning approximately 33.7 square kilometers. However, its small size has nothing to do with remarkable biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes it shelters. The park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys thus the nickname “a place where Silver Meets Gold”.
In addition to the incredible gorilla encounters, visitors can track the rare golden monkeys, hike the scenic Virunga Volcanoes Peaks, and immerse themselves in the culture of the Batwa people.
The best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on a Uganda Safari is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February, when trails are more accessible.
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Murchison Falls National Park
At a size of 3,840 square kilometers, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda situated 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 centerpiece.
Murchison Falls National Park habitats, range from woodland savannahs to riverine forests, supporting a wide array of wildlife, including four of the African Big 5, rhinos can be found and trekked at the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Game drives in the savannah plains gives you opportunities to observe several wildlife species including elephants, buffaloes, elands, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards and several bird species. Boat cruses along the Nile offer astounding views of the falls and opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species on the water surface. The period from December to February is considered the best time to visit, offering excellent wildlife viewing and more favorable weather conditions for water activities.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spanning approximately 1,978 square kilometers, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest protected area in the country. 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.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is notably famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector, whose rare ability to scale the trees offers a truly unique and unforgettable wildlife encounter. The park also boasts exceptional bird watching, with over 600 species recorded.
Uganda safari activities to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park include game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and guided nature walks. Th e ideal time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from January to February and June to July, as animals are more concentrated around water sources.
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Kibale National Park
Africa’s primate capital, Kibale National Park also known as Kibale National Park is renowned for its high primate density, boasting 13 species, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda and Africa – over 1,500 individuals. Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda and home to 795 square kilometers of tropical rainforest.
Chimpanzee trekking is a major highlight of a Uganda Safari to Kibale Forest National Park, 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 National Park supports a rich diversity of birds, butterflies, and other mammals such as African forest elephants and even leopards, which you can see resting on tree branches. The best 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.
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Lake Mburo National Park
Located in western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is the closest national park to Uganda’s capital Kampala, spanning approximately 370 square kilometers of rolling acacia woodlands, open savannah, and wetlands.
Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda and regardless of its small size, the park is known for its rich wildlife, including zebras, elands, and impalas and over 350 bird species. Unlike other Uganda National Parks, 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 hours’ drive) makes it an excellent stop for those seeking a short yet rewarding wildlife experience. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February, when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.
Top National Parks and Reserves to Visit in Uganda In conclusion – Uganda’s national parks and reserves offers a medley of experiences, from incredible wildlife encounters to immersive cultural interactions with tribes such as Batwa, who can be visited around Bwindi and Mgahinga. Whether you are 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.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Uganda? – With our years of organising exploration journeys to every corner of Uganda, ensuring first-hand knowledge and expertise. Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to create a tailor-made Uganda itinerary that perfectly matches your travel dreams.
Whether you are interested in gorilla trekking adventures, breathtakingly landscapes or rich cultural experiences. We will craft a journey just for you.