Best Uganda National Parks

Looking for Best Uganda National Parks? Yes, Uganda is a country with no coastline and it is one of the smallest countries of the East African countries. Despite its small size, Uganda is blessing gifted with several splendid creatures which are so interesting to watch by the visitors who are on the Ugandan safaris.   Because of its cream safaris coupled with the gorilla trekking safaris and the beautiful sceneries of the waters, Uganda was described as the pearl of Africa by church hill. We know that most of the visitors in Uganda come to see the wildlife animals in the natural habitat without seeing those that stay within the zoo as it is in most of the European countries. By its location, Uganda is found in eastern Africa crossed by the equator and this has made the country with a favorable tropical climate which has proven to be so conducive for the visitors who have explored Uganda before. The type of climate experienced by Uganda has favored the conditions for the growth and well-being of the flora and fauna.  The changes within the earth’s crust due to the tectonic movements have led to the formation of different geographical features in Uganda including the volcanic and the block mountain features such as the Ruwenzori block mountains,  and the Virunga mountains, Elgon that do Uganda possess. What is most important and interesting about the Uganda safari is the wildlife protected within the ten national parks and several wildlife reserves which we have at Africa adventure vacations arrange and sell all that the tourists need for the satisfaction of the clients and all these combined make Uganda the best tourism destination.

National parks are spreading almost all parts of Uganda for example in the western region, there is Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale forest national park, Semuliki national park, and Rwenzori mountains national park. While in south-western Uganda, there are Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in the eastern region of the country has Mountain Elgon national park, in the north-eastern of Uganda, there are Murchison falls national park and Kidepo national park, and Lake Mburo national park in the central parts of Uganda. Uganda features ten  national parks and more than eleven  wildlife game reserves

National parks in Uganda feature unique wildlife animal species and several primates like chimpanzees, baboons, mountain gorillas, bushbabies plus over 13 monkey species. Uganda also has big 5 animals which include leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Other common wild animals are zebras, giraffes, warthog, hyenas, cheetah, jackal, and different antelope species. The country hosts over 600 bird species and it is among the top birding destinations on the earth. But the most popular tourist attraction which attracts most of the tourists in the country is mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Almost half of the few remaining populations of mountain gorillas are live in Uganda. The rest are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. If you’re interested in visiting all the national parks of Uganda, you need to spend at least 15 days.

Bwindi Impenetrable national park- The ultimate gorilla experience

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is among the best top destinations not only in Africa but the entire world because of the increased primate tourism. If you are planning a gorilla safari in Africa do not miss out to visit the Bwindi forest. This forest is located on the hill of Kigezi in the southwestern region of Uganda. The park is a natural habitat for half of the few remaining mountain gorillas on the earth. A permit for gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest costs 700USD per person compared to that one of Rwanda which goes for 1500USD per person. There is 17 habituated gorilla group and they are found in 4 sectors within the park that is Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Buhoma sectors. Although gorilla trekking is the major activity that attracts most of the tourists to visit the park there are also other tourist attractions such as birds, forest elephants, monkeys, chimpanzees, butterflies, and flowers. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is also among the best place for bird watching in Africa. Bwindi forest gives you a big chance to spot both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees which is not common in others tourist destinations.  However, chimps in the forest are not yet habituated like gorillas so they are not open to tourism. You can see them when tracking gorillas or on a nature walk. While visiting the Bwindi forest, you can spare time and visit the Batwa community for an amazing cultural experience, these people are live just outside near the park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National park- Where gold meets silver

Mgahinga gorilla national park is among the top national parks in the southwestern corner of Uganda. On the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo of the west by Virunga national park and Rwanda to the south of volcanoes national park and Congo, it is covering an area of 33.7km2. Mgahinga national park is the smallest park in Uganda with various attractions including the rare primates to see on the earth such as golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, which attracts most of the tourist in Uganda.  Mgahinga national park also covers 3 northern slopes of Virunga Volcanoes that is Mt. Gahinga which is at an elevation of 3,474 meters, Mt. Sabinyo at 3645m, and Mt. Muhavura. Gorilla trekking is the main activity in the park but there are also other attractions which include; bird watching, golden monkey tracking, and others. Mgahinga gorilla national park provides a wonderful atmosphere and conditions for endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga offers the best Batwa cultural experience. While visiting the Batwa people, you will learn more about them like their lifestyle and how they managed to survive inside the forest.

Kibale forest national park- The primate capital of the world

The western region of Uganda is where Kibale forest national is found. This tropical rainforest has a high concentration of several primate species in Africa. The park has 13 primate species which include the unique endangered chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, red-tailed monkey, baboons, grey-cheeked, De-Brazza monkey. The chimpanzees are the most common attractions which attract most of the tourists in Kibale forest national park for chimpanzee trekking Uganda. Chimpanzees are one of the great apes others are gorillas, humans, and orangutans. Chimpanzees are the most intelligent primates and they can use tools and they take care of one another, this is why they are considered to be the closest relatives to humans. You can also do a community tour to Bigodi where tourists go to look at several projects for orphans, widows when they are taught to make bangles, bags, necklaces, shoes, and others that you can buy for remembrance.

Murchison falls national park- The world’s most powerful waterfall

Murchison falls National Park is the oldest, largest, and most visited conservation area in Uganda. It consists of woodlands, savannah grasslands, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, and Budongo forest reserve. The northern region of Uganda is where this park is found, which takes about 6 hours from the capital Kampala. Murchison falls National Park is among the most visited destinations not only in Uganda but in East Africa. It has a high concentration of mammals. This park is also a part of the big 5 national parks in Africa if combined with the nearby Ziwa rhino sanctuary on your itinerary. Other wildlife animals to see in the park are hyenas, giraffes, bush pigs, and eland with various bird species. Besides wildlife viewing, there are also Murchison falls where it derived its name, you can do a boat cruise along the River Nile and chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo forest.  A boat cruise is one of the tourist attractions which attracts most of the tourists in the park, as it gives you a chance to view savannah animals and aquatic mammals as well as the various bird species.

Kidepo national park- True African wilderness

Kidepo national park is among the top destinations in Uganda for wildlife safari. It is found in the northeastern region of Uganda on the border between South Sudan and Kenya. It is considered a real African wilderness due to its short savannah grassland which attracts most of the tourists to see wildlife animals. Kidepo national park is one of the less-visited national parks in Uganda, this is why it has remained charming, unspoiled as well as less crowded. Kidepo national park has been recognized by CNN worldwide as the best place for wildlife viewing in Africa.

These are some of the wildlife animals to see while on a wildlife safari at Kidepo national park which includes the ostriches, lions, giraffes, elephants, foxes, buffaloes, cheetahs, bat-eared, jackals, and zebras. This is the only park in Uganda where one can see the ostriches and wild dogs. The Karamojong and Ik people live near the park. These two tribal groups are taken as primitive but love and value their culture. The lifestyle of Karimojong people resembles the Masai people in Kenya. Both Karimojong and Masai people are nomadic pastoralists and they have the same housing structure. Kidepo national park is home to wildlife animals as well as the Karimojong and Ik people.

Lake Mburo national park- Whispers of the wild

Lake Mburo national park is among the newest national parks in Uganda. It became a game reserve in 1983 but later turned into a national park in 1993. Lake Mburo national park covering an area of 260 square kilometers, hence one of the smallest savannah parks in Uganda. 2% of the park consists of lakes and wetlands. Lake Mburo national park is among the most visited wildlife park in Uganda. It is also the nearest national park to the capital city of Uganda along the Mbarara highway. Lake Mburo has the smallest savannah but is blessed with a lot of wildlife species like hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, zebras, impalas, and over 350 bird species. Activities to do while at Lake Mburo national park are nature walks, horseback riding, boat rides, quad biking, and game drive. Lake Mburo national park has an amazing experience that cannot be found elsewhere in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth national park- The medley of wonders.

Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the best destinations in the western region of Uganda. its landscape cannot find in any other national parks in Uganda… Queen Elizabeth national park is also one of the national parks to attract visitors in Uganda. The park is popularly known for its incredible variety of wildlife and it has an amazing landscape like an underground forest to crater lakes, the savannah plains. There are many tourist attractions in the park including Kyambura Gorge, Crater lakes, Maramagambo forest, Kazinga channel, Lake George, and Edward. The park is also home to rare tree-climbing lions and these big cats are only found here in Uganda, other areas to find them are Kruger national park in South Africa, Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Activities to do while at Queen Elizabeth national park are a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel, bird watching in Maramagambo forest, game drives, and chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest.

Mount Elgon national park- The world’s largest mountain caldera

In the eastern region of Uganda is where Mountain Elgon national park is found and at the border of Uganda and Kenya. Mountain Elgon national park offers wildlife viewing and mountain climbing which makes it different from other national parks in the country. Mountain Elgon is known as a home of elephants, bushbuck, buffaloes, civets, and small primates. Mountain Elgon is the second tallest volcanic mountain in Uganda and the 8th peak in Africa. The mountain has rich volcanic soils in the areas around the park, which favors the growth of bananas and Arabica coffee. The most tourist attraction in the park is hiking the largest caldera in the whole world. Another activity to do around the park is visiting amazing waterfalls which are known as Sipi falls. These falls are beautiful to watch and it is the most visited site by local tourists.

Rwenzori mountains national park- The mystical challenge

The Rwenzori Mountains are the largest blocks not only in Uganda but in Africa and the 3rd highest mountain in Africa. The Rwenzori Mountains is also one of the destinations which attract most of the tourist to visit Uganda with a purpose of reaching the snow-capped Margherita peak. Completing three summits takes about 9-10 days. While hiking the mountain, you will see beautiful views of lakes, vegetation, and rivers. You can also see wild cats, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, civets, red-tailed monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, and various bird species on the slopes of the mountain.

Semuliki National park- The true birders’ haven

Semuliki national park was gazetted as a game reserve in 1932 and turned into a national park in 199. With an area covering 220 square kilometers. This amazing park is located in the Bundibugyo district in Bwamba County of the Western region of Uganda. Semuliki national park stretches to the great Ituri forest of Congo, this is the reason why the park has creatures that cannot be found anywhere in Uganda. There are over 53 mammal species and about 400 bird species. Therefore, Semuliki national park is also the best place for bird lovers. The park has the most interesting hot springs which are known as Sempaya. The spring gushes out hot water from the ground and the local people use it for cooking bananas, eggs, and cassava. A tour to Semuliki national park is incomplete without visiting Sempaya hot springs.