1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable NP is one of the most renowned Uganda national parks and a UNESCO natural world heritage site famous for mountain gorilla trekking safaris.
Bwindi Forest National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Kisoro District sits at the edge of the Great Rift Valley and was first made available for tourism in April 1993. It covers an area of 321 kilometer square and it ranges from an altitude between 1,160m to 2,607m above sea level.
Safari Attractions/Things to See at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The rich ecosystem of Bwindi in Southwest Uganda dates back 25,000 years, and it has about 400 plant species, 120 mammal species, 350 species of beautiful birds, including all 24 Albertine Rift endemics, and 200 tree species creating one of Africa’s dense forests, 88 moth species, 310 butterfly species, frog species, and 51 reptile species.
The critically endangered Mountain Gorillas are its main attraction, as the impenetrable forest national park protects about 459 of the gentle giants, which is almost half of their population remaining in the world (1063). Thus, making gorilla treks/Gorilla trekking the major safari activity of the impenetrable forest national park will contribute to their conservation effort.
Other than the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, the protected area also protects different primate species that are easily seen on a nature walk for example
- Monkeys
- Chimpanzees
- Olive Baboons
You will also encounter other highlights and attractions in and around the impenetrable forest national park for example over 350 bird species, including the most sought-after Albertine Rift endemics like the
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Rwenzori Batis
- Handsome Francolin
- Collared Apalis, among others
Wild animals to see in the protected area include
- Elephants
- Duikers
- Bush Pigs
- Buffaloes
- Antelopes
Safari Activities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Therefore, Bwindi National Park is the ultimate destination to experience different safaris in Uganda, like mountain gorilla trekking safaris, bird watching safaris, game viewing tours, scenic nature walk tours, and Batwa visits. All these help in the conservation efforts of wildlife, especially the animals.
Almost all safari activities at Bwindi Forest National Park occur in the dense forests of four sectors/ecological zones of the protected area, which are the Buhoma sector, the Nkuringo region, the Rushaga section, and the Ruhija sector.
Safari activities in these ecological zones can best be done in the dry seasons, as the wet season makes the tracks much harder to navigate through.
Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On your visit to the park, you will discover various accommodations that spread within the four sectors of the park.
Budget Lodges in Bwindi
- Trekkers Tavern Cottages
- Kisoro Travelers Rest
- Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite
- Bwindi View Bandas
- Nshongi Gorilla Resort
Midrange Lodges in Bwindi
- Gorilla Mist Camp
- Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
- Haven Lodge Buhoma
- Agandi Lodge
- Silverback Lodge
Luxury Lodges in Bwindi
- Buhoma Lodge
- Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese District in southwestern Uganda is known as the most popular national park of the country and the second largest after Murchison Falls National Park. The safari destination covers an area of 1,978km² and rises at an altitude of 1,300m above sea level, marked by the Katwe explosion craters.
The national park was designated in 1952 as Kazinga National Park but was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1954 to commemorate the visit of the Queen of England to the country.
Safari Attractions/Things to See at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Southwest Uganda boasts a rich number of abundant wildlife, like over 95 mammal species, including 20 carnivores the tree climbing Lions and more than 600 bird species.
Its diverse ecosystem covers freshwater lakes, crater lakes, extensive savannah plains, humid tropical forests, and swamps that are home to various wildlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also a Man and Biosphere Reserve, with different local communities living within the protected area.
Discover the different wildlife of Queen Elizabeth NP in areas such as the
- Kasenyi Plains
- Ishasha Sector
- Maramagambo Forest
- Kazinga Channel
- Katwe Area
- Near the Lake Katwe evaporation pans
Safari Activities at Queen Elizabeth National Park
The major safaris/activities at QENP include wildlife safaris and community visits through incredible activities such as
- Game drives
- Boat cruises or canoe rides at the boat landing
- Tracking tree climbing Lions on the acacia trees
- Bird watching
- Nature walks in the Maramagambo tropical forests
- Rhino census
- Community walks
- Visiting the Lake Katwe evaporation pans
Queen Elizabeth National Park Lodges | Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park
QENP boasts many lodges ranging from luxury, and midrange to budget. Below, we look at these amazing safari lodges.
Budget Lodges in QENP
- Mweya Hostel
- Simba Safari Lodge
- Craters Campsite and Country Lodge
- Pumba Safari Cottages
- Kyambura Tented Camp
Midrange Lodges in QENP
- Enganzi Safari Camp
- Marafiki Safari Lodge
- Ishasha Jungle Lodge
- Buffalo Safari Lodge
- Kasenyi Safari Camp
Luxury Lodges in QENP
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Jacana Safari Lodge
- Elephants Plains Lodge
- Kyambura Game Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
3. Murchison Falls National Park

This protected area in Masindi Uganda, Northwestern Uganda, is the oldest and largest of the Uganda national parks. It was designated in 1952, covers an area of 3,840 km2, and sits at an altitude of 127m above sea level. The protected area is on the Northern end of the Albertine Rift and gives amazing wildlife views for travelers to the country.
It is unique as its waterfalls flow from the Victoria Nile of the Nile River, squeezing through an eight-meter gorge and falling thunderously in the Devil’s Cauldron. The Ugandan Victoria Nile also divides this protected area into the North and the Southern Hemispheres, flows across the Rift Valley floor and pours its water into Lake Albert.
Attractions or Things to See at Murchison Falls National Park
Various habitats cover the plains of the protected area, including savannah, acacia trees, Borassus palms, and the riverine woodland in the northern part of the park, while the Southern areas are dominated by the forest and woodland plantations.
Thus, they provide habitat for various wildlife animals, including over 144 mammal species, 51 reptile species, 51 amphibian species, and more than 556 bird species.
Some of the various wildlife animals to watch on the plains of the protected area, known to be among the richest of the Uganda national parks include,
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Rhinos
- Leopards, among others.
The most common species of birds to watch in the protected area are the endangered rare Shoebill stork near the Albert Delta, while others include the Secretary Bird, White Crested Turaco, Giant King Fisher, and Osprey, among others.
Safari Activities at Murchison Falls National Park
You will enjoy various safaris and activities in this protected area for example
- Game Drives
- Visiting the top of the falls
- Nature Walks
- Boat Cruises on the Nile River
- Bird watching
Some renowned visitors to Murchison Falls NP include Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, and various British Royals.
Lodges in Murchison Falls National Park | Murchison Falls National Park Accommodation
There are many places to stay in Murchison Falls NP ranging from budget, midrange, and luxury.
Budget Lodges in Murchison Falls NP
- Red Chilli Rest Camp
- Heritage Safari Lodge
- New Court View Hotel
- Hornbill Bush Lodge
- New Court View Hotel
Midrange Lodges in Murchison Falls NP
- Murchison River Lodge
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Fort Murchison Lodge
- Twiga Safari Lodge
- Kabalega Wilderness Lodge
Luxury Lodges in Murchison Falls NP
- Chobe Safari Lodge
- Nile Safari Lodge
- Paraa Safari Lodge
4. Kibale Forest Park
Kibale Forest NP, also known as the primate capital of the world, is famous for outstanding Chimp tracking safaris in Uganda.
The Kibale Forest NP in Kabarole District, Western Uganda, covers an area of 321 kilometers square and rises at an altitude of between 1,160m to 2,607m above sea level.
The most famous activity at Kibale Forest NP is chimpanzee tracking, which has occurred at the Kanyanchu Visitor Center since 1993. The Chimp tracking adventure has always been an excellent experience in Kibale Forest.
Attractions/Things to See at Kibale Forest NP
There are about 1,500 Chimpanzee species in Kibale Forest Park out of the estimated 5000 in the country.
There is a 90% chance of finding the Chimpanzees in their natural habitat and it takes about 2 to five hours to find a habituated Chimpanzee group.
Other than the famous Chimpanzees, Kibale Forest Park is also home to 12 other primates, including monkeys and baboons. There are also over 120 mammal species in this protected area and about 370 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Safari Activities at Kibale Forest NP
Therefore, prepare for the best safari experience as you go to visit the protected area. You will participate in various activities, such as
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Chimpanzee Habituation
- Nature Walks
- Bird watching
- Community Visits in homesteads with many hut-building materials
Accommodation in Kibale National Park | Kibale National Park Accommodation
Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park/Kibale National Park includes budget, midrange, and luxury, as seen below.
Budget Accommodation in Kibale NP
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
- Rwenzori View Guest House
- Nyinabulitwa Country Resort
- Rwetera Safari Lodge
- Lake Nyamirima Cottages
Midrange Accommodation in Kibale NP
- Kibale Forest Camp
- Turaco Treetops
- Isunga Lodge
Luxury Accommodation in Kibale NP
- Primate Lodge
- Aramaga Safari Lodge
- Kyaninga Safari Lodge
- Crater Lodge
- Papaya Lake Lodge
5. Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is defined as a true African wilderness in northeastern Uganda near South Sudan. It is comprised of two seasonal rivers, which are the Kidepo and the Narus Rivers.
Kidepo is found in a secluded location, and its great wilderness is comprised of an open savannah plain, seasonal vegetation, and oases that provide food and water for the animals.
The Kidepo Valley National Park, an isolated national park that covers an area of 1,442-kilometer square and sits at an altitude between 914m and 2,750m is found in the Karamoja district and was gazzetted a national park in 1962.
Attractions/ Things to See at Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park – the isolated national park in Northern Uganda, protects over 77 mammal species and over 476 bird species that find a home in the beautiful, ragged and extensive golden landscapes. It is also the only protected area where you will see the common ostrich. The birds to see at Kidepo Valley National Park include
- Little Green Bee-eater
- Secretary Bird
- various Eagles
- Pelicans
- Egrets, among others.
Local communities are living in and around Kidepo Valley National Park for example, the Karamojong and the IK people, a hunter-gatherer group that are threatened due to their few population.
Other animals to see in Kidepo Valley National Park include
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Lions
- Antelopes, and various other species
- Wild Dogs which sometimes cross from South Sudan
Safari Activities at Kidepo Valley National Park
Common safaris and activities at Kidepo Valley National Park include
- Safari game rides
- Bird watching
- Nature walks
- Community visits
Kidepo National Park Accommodation | Hotels in Kidepo National Park | Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park
Lodges in Kidepo NP range from budget, midrange, and luxury, and below, you can choose your most preferred destination.
Budget Lodges in Kidepo NP
- Zebra Safari Lodge
- Apoka Rest Camp
- Nagusokopire and Kakine Camp Sites
Midrange Lodges in Kidepo NP
- Adere Safari Lodge
- Kidepo Savannah lodge
- Nga Moru Wilderness Camp
Luxury Lodges in Kidepo NP
- Apoka Safari Lodge
6. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest savannah national park in Uganda but with a rich in wildlife for promoting the country’s tourism sector.
The protected area is nearest to Kampala City in Nyabushozi County in Kiruhura District and it connects the city to the western parts of the country. Lake Mburo Safari Park covers an area of 370 kilometers square and it was gazetted as a national park in 1983.
The diverse ecosystem in this protected area covers the forests and the savannahs.
Attractions/Things to See at Lake Mburo National Park
20% of the land in Lake Mburo NP is wetland, as it harbors 5 lakes and others surrounding it.
The destination protects over 315 bird species, including the
- Ruppell’s Starling
- Southern Ground Hornbill
- Black Bellied Bustard
- Black-Throated Barbet
- Mosque Swallow
- Bare-Faced Go Away Bird, among others.
Other wildlife animals for example the
- Buffaloes
- Zebras
- Topis
- Hyenas
- Hippos
- Leopards
- Elands
- Reedbucks
- Defassa Waterbuck, among others.
Safari Activities at Lake Mburo National Park
The various safaris and activities to enjoy at the destination, which is among the Savannah, Uganda, national parks.
- Game Drives
- Boat Cruises
- Nature Walks
- Bird watching
- Community Visits
- Sport Fishing
- Cycling Tours
Accommodation at Lake Mburo National Park
Below, we look at the different lodges to book for your tour at the safari destination.
Budget Lodges in Lake Mburo, NP
- Leopard Rest Camp
- Rwonyo Rest Camp
Midrange Lodges in Lake Mburo NP
- Mantana Tented Camp
- Acadia Cottages
- Mpogo Safari lodge
Luxury Lodges in Lake Mburo NP
- Kigambira Safari Lodge
- Mihingo Lodge
- Mburo Safari Lodge
7. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of the national parks in Uganda, found in Kisoro District, Southwestern Uganda, and with a size of 33.7-kilometer square. It is famous and the only one of the Uganda national parks where to experience the Golden Monkeys in Uganda.
The destination is also well known for protecting one Gorilla family that you can visit during your Gorilla treks in the country.
In 1991 Mgahinga National Park was declared a national protected area and consequently, the local Batwa who originally lived in the forests were sent away from the forests and given land around it.
This destination sits at an altitude between 2,227m to 4,127m above sea level since it is known to be around the Virunga Conservation Area, which also protects the Virunga Mountains.
However, it is also part of the Virunga conservation area and the Virunga Mountains, which spans three two other Uganda national parks which are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This area boasts a massif of 8 mountains which are both dormant and active.
Attractions/Things to See at the Gorilla National Park
Travelers get the chance to experience the natural beauty of meeting both the Mountain Gorillas and the Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga, one of Uganda’s national parks. Additionally, Mgahinga National Park also has amazing birding adventures as you will be led to experience over 180 species of birds, 14 of which are Albertine Rift Endemics like the Kivu Ground Thrush.
Get to explore over 76 Mammal species in the park area counting the
- Buffaloes
- Giant Forest Hog
- Bush Pigs
- Elephants, among others
Safari Activities at Mgahinga National Park
Therefore, be ready to experience the very best adventures in the park area through the different safaris and activities for example.
- Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris
- Golden Monkey trekking adventures
- Volcano hiking safaris at the Virunga mountains
- Bird watching experiences
- Batwa community visits
- Nature walk tours, among others.
Accommodation at Mgahinga National Park
Different accommodation lodges are present for you to stay in at Mgahinga NP as seen below.
Budget Lodges in Mgahinga NP
- Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Midrange Lodges in Mgahinga NP
- Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Lake Chahafi Resort
- Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Luxury Lodges in Mgahinga NP
- Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge
- Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge
8. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a wonder, known to many as the Mountains of the Moon. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is found in Bundibugyo District and it spans an area of about 996 kilometer square.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Western Uganda has the highest altitude in the country at the Margherita Peak which rises to 5109 meters above sea level.
In 1991, Rwenzori Mountains National Park was formed, in 1994, it was declared a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site, and in 2008, this Uganda safari destination was made into a Ramsar site.
The main attraction at the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is the Rwenzori Mountains, thus making mountain hiking the most common safari and activity of the destination. Ms Beryl, at the age of 78 was the oldest person to reach the Margherita peak in 2010.
Attractions at Mount Rwenzori National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park has a plethora of other highlights and attractions and a natural beauty to explore, as it is rich in some of the most endangered and endemic animals and birds.
The Rwenzori Mountains Park boasts over 70 mammal species and over 217 species of birds, 19 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift for example the:
- Rwenzori Double-Collared Sunbird
- Rwenzori Batis
- Red Faced Woodland Warbler, among others
In case a traveler finds it challenging to hike the mountains then they can opt to enjoy village tours to the neighboring Bakonzo villages or do nature walks.
Safari Activities at Mount Rwenzori National Park
Thus, the major safari activities in the Rwenzori National Park include
- Mountain Hiking
- Birding
- Community Visits
Accommodation at Mount Rwenzori NP
Mount Rwenzori NP has three categories of accommodation that is budget, midrange, and luxury.
Budget Lodges at Mount Rwenzori NP
- Rwenzori Trekkers Hostel
- Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite
- Mihunga Safari Lodge
- Ruboni Community Camp
- Rwenzori International Hotel
Midrange Lodges at Mount Rwenzori NP
- Sandton Hotel Kasese
- Hotel Margherita
Luxury Lodges at Mount Rwenzori NP
- The Equator Snow Lodge
9. Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is a vast plain, holding Mount Elgon as its main attraction, found on the Kenya Uganda border.
Mount Elgon National Park, which is found in Eastern Uganda, a secluded location in Mbale District, has an area of 1,121 square kilometers.
Mount Elgon is believed to have been at one point the highest mountain in Africa but with the continuous soil erosion over the years, its altitude reduced to about 4321m to Wagagi Peak. This makes it the fourth-highest peak in East Africa and the 8th in Africa.
It is also believed that it is among Uganda’s oldest physical features, which first erupted about 24 million years ago. Mt Elgon also has the largest volcanic base or Mountain Caldera in the world, spanning 4,000 square kilometers.
Mount Elgon National Park is a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve as it also has the Sabiny and the Bagisu living around its slopes.
Things to See/Safari Attractions at Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is one of the richest Uganda national parks with various fauna and flora to experience during your trip to the country.
Mt Elgon National Park protects about 300 species of birds, counting the rare and endangered Lammergeyer. Some of the common mammals of the safari destination include the
- Antelopes
- Black and White Colobus Monkeys
- Blue Monkeys
- Elephants
Safari Activities at Mt Elgon National Park
Expect to explore the safari destination through various activities, such as
- Mountain Hiking
- Nature Walks
- Birding
- Cave Visits, among others.
Accommodation at Mount Elgon NP
The different accommodation facilities at Mount Elgon NP include the following range from budget where you may find a hut building, midrange, and luxury.
Budget Lodges in Mt Elgon NP
- Noah’s Ark Hotel
- Mountain Elgon View Hotel
- Crow’s Nest Camp
- Lacam Lodge
- Masha Hotel
Midrange Lodges in Mt Elgon NP
- Rafiki Lodge Sipi
- Mbale Resort Hotel
- Kayegi Hotel Mbale
- Wash and Wills Hotel Mbale
Luxury Lodges in Mt Elgon NP
- Mountain Elgon Hotel and Spa
- Sipi River Lodge
10. Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is also known as a birder’s haven and it is found in Bundibugyo District. The Semuliki National Park sits at an altitude of between 670m to 760m above sea level.
In 1932, the place was made a reserve and in 1993 it was declared a national park thus one of the Uganda national parks/national parks in Uganda to be established.
Semuliki National Park is on the floor of the Semuliki Valley west of the Rwenzori Mountains. It carries a rich biodiversity of the Ituru Forest in the Congo Basin which is known as one of the oldest forests in Africa that has survived since the last ice age that occurred about 12,000 to 18,000 years ago.
Attractions/Things to See at Semuliki National Park
Although Semuliki National Park has over 120 mammal species, it is more famous for its large number of unique species of birds, which is over 441, and the Sempaya hot springs. The safari destination protects the endangered Albertine Rift endemics and some Congo Biome species.
This bird list includes Guinea Congo Forest biome species like the
- Congo Serpent Eagle
- Spot-breasted Ibis
- Chestnut Flaned Goshwak, among others.
Also, the safari destination protects 12 species of beautiful birds that have a limited distribution within the country.
There are also about 300 butterflies, inclusive of 46 Forest Swallowtail species and 235 species of moth.
Additionally, Semuliki National Park protects the beautiful hot springs that are part of the features that formed the Rift Valley about 14 million years ago.
Enjoy the exploration into the lives of the Batwa people who also once lived in the forests of the destination but were later evicted from the forest. By meeting them, you will get to understand their way of life and how much they have adjusted to the outside world.
Safari Activities at Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park will therefore give you the chance to explore various safaris and activities, such as
- Bird Watching
- Nature Walks
- Visiting the Sempaya Hot Springs
Accommodation at Semuliki NP
Below, we look at the different accommodation facilities to stay in at Semuliki NP.
Budget Lodges at Semuliki NP
- Semuliki River Camp
- Rwenzori View Guesthouse
- Bamuga Campsite
- Kirumia Guesthouse
Midrange Lodges at Semuliki NP
- Ntoroko Game Lodge
- Mountains of the Moon
- Kluges Guest Farm
Luxury Lodges at Semuliki NP
- Semuliki Safari Lodge
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda National Parks
How Many National Parks are in Uganda?
There are 10 Uganda national parks and they include
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kibale Forest Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Mount Rwenzori National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
What is the Most Visited National Park in Uganda? | Which Park is Most Visited in Uganda?
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese, Western Uganda, is ranked the most visited protected area in the country.
What’s the Largest National Park in Uganda? | Which is the Largest National Park in Uganda?
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area in Uganda, covering an area of 3,893 square kilometers (1,483 square miles).
Which is the Biggest National Park in Uganda?
The biggest protected area in Uganda is Murchison Falls NP which covers an area of 3,893 square kilometers.
What is the Best wildlife park in Uganda?
Among the 10 Uganda national parks that the country boasts, a number of them rank in the category of the best and most beautiful national parks visited in the country. These include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Kidepo National Park, and Murchison Falls NP.
What is the Smallest National Park in Uganda?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of the Uganda national parks/national parks in Uganda, covering an area of 33.7 km2.
Which Game Park in Uganda is famous for Mountain Gorillas?
Bwindi NP is a Ugandan national park famous for mountain gorillas. The protected area has about 45% (459) of the total number of gorillas remaining in the world (1,063), spread through Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, there are also gorillas to see in one of the other Uganda national parks at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Uganda National Parks?
The Uganda national parks can best be visited in the dry season of the year, which runs from around December through February and June to September. This is when tracks are dry and the animals often gather around the water sources in large numbers thus making their view much clearer and easier.
However, the Uganda national parks can also be visited in the wet season, from around March to May and October through November. The wet season has fewer travelers, thus lesser congestion, and most lodges give discounts.
Conclusively, Uganda is a remarkable safari destination, with 10 Uganda national parks to visit among the various protected areas of the country. Among these are savannah, forest, and mountainous Uganda national parks that protect unique wildlife species in their natural habitat. Discover these Uganda national parks during your safari to Uganda for an unforgettable experience in the country.