Uganda National Parks, Safaris and Wildlife Reserves

(Uganda, UG, East Africa)



Pay a visit to any Uganda national park and you are more than likely to spot some, if not all, of 'The Big Five' - that is to say, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions and, of course, leopards.

It is worth bearing in mind that some animals are better at camouflaging themselves than others, so making sure that you explore in expert company is critical to making the most of your stay.

Uganda safaris remain an ever-popular tourist activity. Nowadays, it is also possible to try out a new form of wildlife tourism, joining up with research groups as they track Ugandan wildlife in its natural habitat.


Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Address: Bundibugyo, Uganda, UG, Africa
The park was set up to protect the legendary 'Mountains of the Moon', which rise up along Uganda's border. The Rwenzori mountains, which were first put on the map by the famous explorer Henry Stanley, are definitely the park's biggest attraction, from their lower moss-carpeted slopes to their snowcapped peaks.

Hikers and mountaineers come here to tackle some very challenging treks indeed. Visitors can also keep an eye out for the 70-odd mammal species that can be found within the boundaries.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Murchison Falls National Park

Address: Amuru Lolim, Uganda, UG, Africa
If you are not sure which of Uganda's national parks to visit, the long-established Murchison Falls National Park is a good bet. It was created as a game reserve back in the 1920s and today, counts among the oldest of Uganda's conservation areas, visited by such notable figures from the past as Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt. The top attractions here include the Victoria Nile, the spectacular Murchison Falls themselves, and plentiful views of hippopotamuses and crocodiles. It is also possible to indulge in a spot of chimpanzee tracking.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Address: Kasese Fort Portal-Mpondwe Road, Uganda, UG, Africa
Located in the western part of Uganda, this park is a five- to six-hour drive from Kampala. It is known for its stunning views of Mount Rwenzori. Over 500 bird species can be found here, along with around 100 mammal species.

Many of the resident animals can be found roaming its grassland plains, making it possible to spot your favourites from the network of tracks that crisscross the plains. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is particularly well known for its tree climbing lions. One of the largest populations of hippos can also be found here. Sightseeing tends to focus on the Mweya Peninsula, the starting point of many a safari holiday.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Kibale Forest National Park

Address: Kabarole, Uganda, UG, Africa
The Kibale National Park is best known for having an extraordinarily high density of primates, one of the highest anywhere in Africa. Nearly 1,500 chimpanzees live here, along with less well-known primate species, including red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons and the endangered red colobus monkey.

The Kanyanchu River Camp is where most of the park's sightseeing activities are centred. Chimp tracking is a favourite activity with visiting tourists, when it is possible to watch the chimps 'de-nest' during the early hours of dawn. If you can tear yourself away from chimp-watching, you can also admire other wildlife species that inhabit the tropical forest here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Kidepo Valley National Park

Address: Kaabong, Karamoja, Uganda, UG, Africa
Visitors can expect to see zebras and buffalos, elephants and leopards. In fact, Kidepo Valley is widely regarded as being one of the most exciting parks in Uganda in terms of its proliferation of big game animals. The prime location for spotting big game in the park is the Narus Valley area. Kidepo is also famous for its plentiful variety of bird species, including birds of prey, such as the Egyptian Vulture and the Pygmy Falcon.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Address: Kanungu, Uganda, UG, Africa
Situated on the edge of the Rift Valley, Bwindi's mist-blanket hillsides certainly appear impenetrable. Amidst its rainforests are the park's most famous inhabitants, its mountain gorillas. Half of the world's population of mountain gorillas can be found here, and the park boasts several groups that are habituated to human visitors. As well as these fascinating creatures, there are plenty of other wildlife species to see here, including both baboons and elephants.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge