Uganda has a total of 10 national parks located in the east, south-west and the north. Kidepo Valley National Park is in the north; Mountain Elgon National Park is in the east; Murchison Falls National Park is in the northwest. Those in the west include Kibale Forest National Park, Semiliki National Park, Mount Rwenzori National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; and Lake Mburo National Park.

Visit Uganda for an up-close encounter with among others the African Big 5 cats notably; the lions, leopards, African elephants, cape Buffaloes; and the Rhinos.

You will be interested in River Nile; the longest river on earth; Lake Victoria which is the largest lake in Africa; the most sought-after Mountain Gorillas; the chimpanzees; and more. Lost in choosing which of the ten national parks to visit; this guide is here for you!

Sights and sounds of the world in the 5 top national parks in Uganda. It is a visit to the wild, with a variety of flora and fauna; eye-catching sceneries, water bodies, and nice weather. Uganda located in East Africa is neighbored by the Republic of Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, South Sudan and the Republic of Kenya.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Located in the southwestern part of Uganda; this is home to the largest concentration of the sought-after Mountain Gorillas. These Apes possess over 98% human gene resemblance. The park has over 19 families, habituated in four sectors notably; Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.

After paying for a trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority; a body managing all national parks in Uganda. This is a premier destination, and a must-visit; a true Jungle with some of the most unique plants in the world.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park seats 330.8 330.8sqkm of montane rainforest. It was established in 1991 to protect primates, birds, plants and lots more.

Murchison Fall National Park.

This is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, with the most powerful waterfall in the world- Murchison Falls. The park features chimpanzees in the Budongo forest, the Nile water, a variety of wildlife and four of the Big5 cats.

Murchison Falls National Park is located on the northern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley in north northwestern part of Uganda. It is about 305 km from Kampala capital city; the country’s capital city. The northern and southern part is bisected by the Victoria Nile.

The northern part of the park is where game drives, hot air balloons and more take place. The southern part is for Boat cruising to the bottom of the falls and the top of the falls Hike. In 1952, the conservation was upgraded to a national park status, to conserve the wildlife.

The present-day destination is home to over 114 mammals; over 556 bird species, 51 Amphibians, and over 51 reptiles.

Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Home to the tree-climbing lions; this is one of the most visited destinations in Uganda. It is located in the western part of Uganda; covering over 1978sqkm. The park which was established in about 1952 has an abundance of wildlife including 4 of the Big 5 cats notably; the African Buffalo, lions, elephants, elephants, and leopards.

There are over 600 bird species, 95 mammals; the chimpanzees, and more. Safari activities at the park include game drives in the designated areas, a Boat cruise at Kazinga channels, lion tracking, nature walks, cultural tours, photography, and bird watching.

There are lots of surprises, flora and fauna to identify in the second-largest national park in the country.

Kidepo Valley National Park.

True African wilderness; Kidepo valley National Park is the most isolated yet one of the most enriched national parks in the African continent. It is located in the north, neighbouring South Sudan and about 5kma from the republic of Kenya.

This unspoilt savannah grassland was gazetted in 1962 and harbors over 75 mammal species, 470 bird species, and a stunning landscape. Activities at the park include; game drives where you may spot among others the lions, elephants, zebras, warthogs, Rothschild giraffes, elands and more; Hiking among others Mount Murungole, Bird watching with the ostrich being the highlight; camping, and more. Because of the distance, we advise clients to save time by taking a chartered flight to the destination.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only national park in Uganda where gold meets silver. The park was established in 1991 in the southwestern part of Uganda, at the feet of the vast Virunga chain of mountains which sprawls through three countries notably; Uganda, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Activities here include; Gorilla trekking which is only done in the Continent of Africa; Guided Nature walk; Batwa walk; Gorilla Habituation experience and the Batwa cultural experience.

Best time to Visit Uganda.

Uganda welcomes visitors all year round. The destinations of activities throughout the week, with the animals, birds, primates, and the different attractions present. However in consideration of weather; December to early March, and June to September are often dry or with less rain, thus creating a perfect atmosphere for activities.

Birding is best done in November, April and May when there is migration and there is rain. Discounts are often enjoyed in the low travel Seasons of March to May and late September to November.

What to Pack for a Uganda Safari? 

We understand how packing for a safari is a big challenge to most travelers thus we recommend only carrying what is needed for the journey. A waterproof hiking, a hut to protect the head, hand gloves, water, long-sleeved shirts, long relaxed trousers, insecticides, long stockings, a professional camera for photography, binoculars to watch distant attractions, all the relevant safari documents, and more.

In conclusion, explore the five most visited safari destinations. You can combine all the destinations in a single trip, or have a selection of independent destinations as per your interest. Book your trip at least six months In advance for the most memorable safari experience in the “pearl of Africa”-Uganda.