National Parks in Uganda

Take a tour of one of the most renowned national parks in Uganda, popular for its mind blowing scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. If you are a bird watcher, this is an absolute haven with over 500 different species of birds that can be found here. The park also features two beautiful waterways such as Lake George and Lake Katwe Crater that can be explored by boat. It is a must visit for any wildlife enthusiast as the park boasts large mammals that roam the forests in their natural splendour.

1. Highlights:

• Wildlife viewing
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Bird watching
• Lion tracking
• Game drives
• Boat cruises

2. Location:

Located in the western region of Uganda flanked by the Kamwenge, Kasese, Rukingiri, and Rubirizi districts

3. Best time to visit:

June to September and December to February

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportYou have to first reach Kampala that is about 49 km from the airport and then drive down the remaining 410 km to the park through the Mbarara-Masaka highway

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Nearly 500 different species of birds
• Lions, African leopards, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, Hippos, elephants, and more
• Primates like chimpanzees

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Uganda

Visit one of the most enchanting Uganda national parks that is known for its density which sometimes seems impenetrable. Soak in the lush greenery of the region that is home to the majestic mountain gorillas. Revel in the incredible biodiversity that the park has as you head deeper into the mountains for a chance to see the primates closer to their natural habitat.

1. Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking
• Gorilla habituation
• Bird watching
• Nature guided walks

2. Location:

Located in western Uganda

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to September and December to February

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportYou have to first reach Kampala and then drive to park in about 9 hours

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Over 500 species of plants
• Mountain gorillas
• Over 100 mammals including primates, chimpanzees, elephants
• Several bird and butterfly species

Must Read: Things to Do in Uganda

Located in beautiful forested lands, this is one of the most picturesque Uganda national parks that covers hills and valleys as well. You can witness a wide variety of primates here swinging from the branches which is also the main attraction of this park. It attracts several visitors who simply come to gaze at these fun creatures including chimpanzees and the red colobus monkeys which are protected by the park. If you are interested in bird watching also, this park is a great place to visit.

1. Highlights:

• Chimpanzee safaris
• Chimpanzee habituation
• Hiking and nature walks
• Guided forest walks
• Visiting the Bigodi Wetland sanctuary
• Birdwatching

2. Location:

Located along the western edge of Uganda

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to September and December to February

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportDrive via A109 to reach in about 6 hours

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Home to a large number of endangered chimpanzees, red colobus monkey, olive baboon, grey cheeked mangabey, and other primates
• There are some mammals like duiker, bush pigs, African golden cats, leopards, mongooses
• It has certain endangered timber species of trees like Cordia Millenii as well as other shrubs and herbs

Also Check: Uganda Safari Lodges

Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the majestic Murchison waterfalls, one of the main attractions here, that gives this park its name. Counted among the biggest national parks in Uganda, you will find a large number of visitors here to see the Nile waters spurt out violently and dramatically in a misty spray out or narrow crevices between the rocks. Where the river widens out you can see a variety of wildlife that call the park home.

1. Highlights:

• Boat cruises on the Nile
• Exploring the Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves
• Game drives
• Birding
• Wildlife viewing
• White water rafting
• Nature walks and hiking

2. Location:

Located in the Masindi district in the west of Uganda

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to September and December to February

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportYou can drive from the airport to the park in about 4 hours by using the Karuma Falls bridge to cross the River Nile

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Aquatic mammals like crocodiles, water bucks, hippos
• Buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, lions, chimpanzees, nearly 400 bird species, four of the big five animals
• Filled with savanna and woodland

This is one of the famous national parks in Uganda located in the rugged and isolated terrains of the country. Discover the wild beauty of this secluded park that has also helped protect and preserve the vast beautiful plains and savanna here. This is a massive park where you can encounter over 70 species of mammals and more than 400 bird species. You can also witness the towering Mount Morungole that offers breathtaking views of the park.

1. Highlights:

• Camping in the park
• Birding
• Wildlife viewing

2. Location:

Located in the far north of the country on the border with South Sudan

3. Best Time to Visit:

November to February

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportDrive via Kampala - Entebbe Expy to reach in about an hour

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Elephants, giraffes, and lions can be seen alongside large herds of zebras
• This is the only park with cheetahs in the country as well as the highest buffalo population
• Birds like Hoopoe, Nubian woodpeckers, mosque swallow, and others

Visit one of the most popular Uganda national parks that houses a wide variety of amazing wildlife despite its small size. The park also features several lakes within it, the most prominent being the Lake Mburo that lends it its name. You can also cruise down this serene lake on a boat and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere around you. The wetlands and waterways in the area give visitors a lot of crocodile sightings and you can also see several hippos basking by the water’s edge.

1. Highlights:

• The park is home to a variety of wildlife such as leopards, buffaloes and zebras
• You can go on a boating cruise or even a horseback riding safari across the park
• Take a walking tour to the salt lick area where several animals gather to enjoy the salty soil

2. Location:

Located in the Kiruhura District in the western part of Uganda

3. Best Time to Visit:

Between December and February, and between June and August

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportDrive via Masaka Rd and Mbarara-Masaka Rd to reach in about 4-5 hours

5. Flora and Fauna:

• More than 350 bird species can be found here including brown parrots, crested francolins and much more
• Leopards, hyenas, and giraffes are the main inhabitants of the park
• Flora mostly comprises on savanna woodlands along with forested gorges

Get enchanted by the remarkable landscapes and awe-inspiring natural beauty when you visit one of the most wonderful national parks in Uganda. The exquisite landscapes at this scenic park makes it perfect for trekking and nature walks. The mountain range in the backdrop gives the place a picturesque beauty and the several waterfalls cascading down the mountain sides simply take your breath away.

1. Highlights:

• Trekking Mount Rwenzori up to the Margherita Peak
• Wildlife viewing
• Bird watching
• Cultural experience
• Nature guided walks

2. Location:

Located in western Uganda in the district of Kasese

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to September and December to February

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportDrive down to Kampala and then to the park in about 5-6 hours

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Over 200 bird species
• Mammals, amphibians, reptiles such as bush bucks, elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, and much more
• Primates like blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white Colobus monkeys, and more

Despite being among the smallest national parks in Uganda, you will find a wide range of activities to do and things to see here. The beauty of the park is primarily owed to the three volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains that also give great hiking opportunities to visitors. Witness the largest hordes of gorillas that call these lush forests home. You can also learn much about the local Batwa community who live here.

1. Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking
• Mountain climbing at Mount Muhavura, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga
• Bird watching
• Nature walks and hiking
• Cultural encounters

2. Location:

Located in south west Uganda near the borders of Congo and Rwanda

3. Best Time to Visit:

March to May and September to November

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportDrive via Masaka, Kabale, Mbarara, or Kisoro to the park

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Golden monkeys and mountain gorillas
• Mammals like buffaloes, giant forest hogs, elephants, leopards, bushbacks, spotted hyenas
• Nearly 184 bird species

Running right through the border area of Kenya and Uganda, this famed park is named after Mount Elgon in the area. Considered one of the most picturesque Uganda national parks, you can go trekking to the long extinct volcano of Mount Elgon. You can explore the magnificent area further by going down into the caldera along majestic waterfalls, hot springs, gorges, and deep cliff faces. The ancient cave paintings and exotic wildlife here make this park a must visit.

1. Highlights:

• Trekking to the Wagagai peak on Mount Elgon
• Exploring the largest calderas in the world
• Hiking and picnicking near Sipi waterfalls
• Camping
• Visiting the caves such as Kitum, Ngwarisha, and several others

2. Location:

Lies within the Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda in the Mbale district

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to September and December to February

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportYou can fly to Kisumu then take the travel to Mount Elgon by road

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Home to more than 250 species of birds
• Wildlife includes buffaloes, monkeys, elephants, bushbucks, small antelopes, giant forest hogs.

Explore one of the top Uganda national parks known for its rich biodiversity, abundant flora and fauna. The dense forest undergrowth attracts a variety of different species of birds in this park. Witness the breathtaking scenery here when the rays on the sun reflect off the Semuliki River that flows right through the heart of the park. The stunning sights of the Sempaya hot springs that bubble up from between fissures in the ground is something you should not miss.

1. Highlights:

• Hiking tours for breathtaking views of the Ruwenzori Mountains and Congo
• Witnessing a wide range of wildlife and birds
• Fishing in the Semliki River

2. Location:

Located in the west of the country on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

3. Best Time to Visit:

December to February and from June to August

4. How to Reach:

From Entebbe International AirportDrive via Masaka to Fort Portal in about 4-5 hours

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Nearly 441 species of birds such as the exclusive Guinea-Congo Biome birds
• Mammals like pygmy antelope, queer water chevrotains, flying squirrels, galago, buffaloes
• Primates such as monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons
• Moist evergreen to semi forest vegetation