NEWEST NATIONAL PARKS IN UGANDA 2025: A GAME-CHANGER FOR CONSERVATION AND TOURISM

Uganda expanded its conservation efforts in September 2025, adding six new national parks to its portfolio, bringing the total to 16.

This transformative move, approved by the Ugandan Cabinet, elevates former forest and wildlife reserves to full national park status under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The initiative strengthens biodiversity protection, tackles threats like illegal logging and human-wildlife conflict, and positions Uganda as a premier safari destination.

These new parks—Bukaleba, Echuya, Kyambura, Kigezi, Toro, and Katonga—offer diverse ecosystems, from lakeside forests to montane landscapes, promising unforgettable experiences for travelers while advancing Uganda’s Vision 2040 for sustainable development.

The Six New National Parks: A Detailed Guide 

Below is a comprehensive overview of Uganda’s newly gazetted national parks, including their locations, ecosystems, wildlife, and activities for travelers planning a 2025 Uganda safari.

Bukaleba National Park

Located along Lake Victoria’s shores in Mayuge District, near Jinja (East Africa’s adventure capital), Bukaleba spans 9,500 hectares of tropical forests and wetlands. Once a colonial timber plantation, it’s now a biodiversity hotspot hosting over 100 bird species, monkeys, and antelopes.

Its upgrade to national park status protects its fragile lakeside ecosystem from agricultural encroachment and illegal logging.

Activities: Enjoy birdwatching, boat safaris on Lake Victoria, guided forest walks, regulated fishing, and photography tours. Its proximity to Jinja allows combo trips with adventure activities like white-water rafting.

Echuya National Park 

Nestled in Kisoro and Rubanda Districts near the Rwanda-DRC border, Echuya’s 37,000 hectares of montane and bamboo forests are a haven for rare primates like blue monkeys and over 150 bird species, including the endangered Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. Its 2025 elevation from a 1939 forest reserve safeguards this Albertine Rift gem and boosts eco-tourism near Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Activities: Primate tracking, birdwatching, hiking through misty forests, and cultural tours with Batwa communities offer immersive experiences.

Kyambura National Park 

Adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Rubirizi District, Kyambura’s 15,700 hectares center on the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, a sunken forest along the Kyambura River. Previously a wildlife reserve, it’s now a standalone park protecting its “lost” chimpanzee population, 13 primate species, forest elephants, and birds.

Activities: Chimpanzee tracking (permits ~$200 USD), primate walks, birdwatching, gorge hiking, and community visits make it a must-visit for primate enthusiasts.

Kigezi National Park

Spanning 25,000 hectares in western Uganda, Kigezi’s savannah plains and wetlands serve as a migratory corridor near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upgraded from a 1950s wildlife reserve, it supports elephants, Uganda Kob, leopards, and Batwa cultural sites.

Activities: Game drives, hill hiking, birdwatching, cultural tours with Batwa guides, and wetland walks offer diverse safari experiences.

Toro National Park 

Located near the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Albert in Ntoroko and Kabarole Districts, Toro’s 20,000 hectares blend savannah and forest, hosting elephants, buffalo, leopards, and over 200 bird species. Elevated from the 1920s Toro-Semliki Game Reserve, it protects migratory routes and complements Rwenzori trekking.

Activities: Game drives, guided bush walks, wildlife viewing hides, birdwatching, and community-led conservation projects.

Katonga National Park

Covering 42,800 hectares in Kyenjojo and Kamwenge Districts near Lake George, Katonga’s wetlands and grasslands were upgraded from a 1964 game reserve to protect hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and antelopes.

Activities: Boat safaris, hippo and crocodile spotting, walking trails, birdwatching, canoeing, and photography expeditions highlight its serene, less-visited appeal.

Why Uganda’s New National Parks Are Important?

The creation of these parks is a strategic milestone with far-reaching benefits:

• Conservation Boost: Stronger legal protections under the Uganda Wildlife Act safeguard endangered species like chimpanzees, forest elephants, and rare birds, while preserving critical habitats in the Albertine Rift and Lake Victoria basin.
• Tourism Growth: The parks diversify Uganda’s safari offerings, complementing its world-renowned gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. Expect a surge in multispecies safaris and unique eco-tourism experiences.
• Community and Economic Impact: Enhanced Park infrastructure and revenue-sharing schemes create jobs (rangers, guides, hospitality) and support local communities, reducing human-wildlife conflict through buffer zones and sustainable practices.
• Global Alignment: The expansion aligns with global goals to protect 30% of land by 2030, reinforcing Uganda’s role as East Africa’s biodiversity gem.

Benefits for Tourists, Uganda, and Conservation 

• For Tourists: These parks offer less-crowded, diverse experiences—chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura, boat safaris in Katonga, or cultural tours in Echuya. Self-drive safaris in Kigezi and Toro, plus extended circuits with existing parks, cater to private travelers.
• For Uganda: Increased tourism revenue, job creation, and community revenue-sharing schemes boost the economy, aligning with Vision 2040’s green growth goals.
• For Conservation: Enhanced protections safeguard ecosystems and species, supporting global biodiversity targets.

Uganda’s Original 10 National Parks 

Before 2025, Uganda’s 10 national parks were global treasures:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable NP: In Southwestern Uganda, a UNESCO site, home to half the world’s mountain gorillas, found in 25 habituated gorilla families, offering gorilla trekking and birdwatching.
2. Queen Elizabeth NP: Western Uganda, known for tree-climbing lions, over 600 birds, Kazinga Channel cruises, and chimpanzee tracking.
3. Murchison Falls NP: Northwestern Uganda, featuring the Nile’s dramatic falls, with game drives and boat safaris.
4. Kidepo Valley NP: Remote northeastern savannah with cheetahs and ostriches, ideal for game drives and Karamojong cultural tours, considered by CNN Travel as one of the top 3 remote parks in East Africa.
5. Lake Mburo NP: Western Uganda, compact park with Burchell zebras and Impalas and offering walking safaris close to Kampala.
6. Mgahinga Gorilla NP: Found in the Virunga Mountains, offering gorilla and golden monkey trekking.
7. Kibale NP: Western Uganda, the “primate capital” with 1,500 chimpanzees and offering chimp habituation, trekking, and remarkable forest walks.
8. Rwenzori Mountains NP: UNESCO site with Mount Stanley, offering mountaineering and glacier hikes.
9. Semuliki NP: Found in the Albertine Rift, known for Sempaya hot springs and birdwatching expeditions.
10. Mount Elgon NP: At the Uganda-Kenya border, with the world’s largest mountain caldera, ideal for hiking and cave exploration (Kitum).

Guidelines for Planning Your 2025 Uganda Safari

• Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) for optimal wildlife viewing. Book permits early via UWA, especially for Kyambura’s chimpanzees.
• Access and Fees: Expect Park entry fees of $40–$70 USD for foreigners, with special permits for tracking (~$200 USD). New trails and lodges will roll out in late 2025–early 2026.
• Sustainability Tip: Choose low-impact, community-focused tours to support conservation and local livelihoods.
• How to Book: Visit the UWA website or contact licensed tour operators for updates and itineraries.

Conclusion

Uganda’s six new national parks mark a new era for conservation and eco-tourism. From Bukaleba’s lakeside forests to Katonga’s wetlands, these parks offer thrilling adventures in untamed wilderness. Combined with Uganda’s original 10 parks, they solidify the “Pearl of Africa” as a must-visit destination.

Plan your 2025 safari in Uganda now to explore these biodiversity gems and support sustainable travel!