Overview
Known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ Uganda is home to ten national parks, each with a unique landscape, wildlife, and attractions. Uganda’s national parks offer unique experiences, from the iconic gorilla trekking in Bwindi to the savannah safaris of Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley. Whether it’s primate tracking, bird watching, mountain climbing, or engaging with local communities. Uganda’s national parks provide a diverse range of adventures, making it one of Africa’s most captivating wildlife destinations, from its wide range of species including the gentle giants in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga, over 1000 bird species with 27 endemics, and a diverse array of animals including the Big 5.
Uganda is home to mammals like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, mangabeys, pottos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, kobs, crocodiles, hippos, forest hogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, fish, duikers, and many more; birds like shoebill, grey-crowned crane, African fish eagle, African grey parrot, great blue turaco, Rwenzori turaco, red-throated alethe, blue-headed sunbird, green breasted pitta, African green broadbill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African jacana, papyrus gonolek, herons, barbets, warblers, flycatchers, bee-eaters and many more; unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and incredible wildlife experiences. Below is a look at Uganda’s national parks:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park found in the southwestern part of Uganda is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its ecological importance becoming popular to the world because of Gorilla trekking gazetted in 1991 covering 330km2. In 1932 two blocks of Bwindi were designated as Crown Forest Reserves. The Northern sector was known as the Kayonza Crown Forest and the Southern sector was known as the Kasatora Crown Forest. Ten years later in 1942, the two sections were combined to create the Impenetrable Crown Forest and in 1964 it was designated as an animal sanctuary to provide extra protection for gorillas and renamed the Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve.
Bwindi is old and biologically rich forest with diverse species including 120mammals with 10 primates like mountain gorillas, white and black colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, L’hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, pottos and galagos, African elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, sitatunga antelopes, jackals, golden cats, 350 bird species with 23 Albertine rift endemics namely green broadbills, black bee-eater, regal sunbird, bar-tailed trogon, black-billed turaco, Rwenzori batis, turaco, kingfisher, strange weaver, dusky twinspot, mountain oriole, mountain yellow warbler, purple-breasted sunbird, blue-headed sunbird and many more as well as 200 butterflies, bats, and rodents.
ACTIVITIES IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
This is the most popular activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where tourists trek deep into the forest on the quest to find mountain gorillas. This is done in the morning with a briefing from the ranger about how the trek will move, also an advance team is sent out earlier to help ease the process of tracking, and whatever information they get about the gorillas is relayed back to the ranger responsible for the team he is leading. Tracking is done by people 15 years and above with tracking permits given by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the booking is done in advance. An hour is given to the trackers for interacting, observing, and capturing beautiful moments. Other primates like monkeys and baboons with birds and plants can be viewed during the tracking.
Gorilla habituation in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
Habituation offers a unique opportunity to spend extended time with a gorilla family undergoing the habituation process. Unlike trekking, where visitors are limited to an hour with a fully habituated gorilla family, habituation allows up to 4hours in the presence of these beautiful gentle giants and is available in the Rushaga sector. Tourists get a face-to-face experience by joining researchers and studying the gorillas’ behaviors as they get familiar with the humans around them. The tourists are given 4hours to spend with the gorillas learning about their behaviors, watching what they do for a daily routine, and learning about the naming process.
Guided nature walks in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
These offer a way to experience the park’s amazing biodiversity away from gorilla trekking as the walks allow visitors to explore the different aspects of the forest’s rich ecosystem including the flora, fauna, and local cultures. Trails like Munyaga River, Waterfall River, Ivy River, Rushura Hill, and Mubwindi Swamp guided by expert guides with information as and when required by the visitors about the forest’s biodiversity provide for an amazing experience. During the walks, visitors will spot primates like black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and chimpanzees; birds like black bee-eaters, African green broadbills, Grauer’s broadbill, Rwenzori turaco, warblers, flycatchers, and many more; rich plant life and scenic views. This offers a more relaxed, educational experience compared to gorilla trekking and provides visitors with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of Uganda’s ecosystems, local communities, and conservation efforts.
Birding in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
Birding in Bwindi is exceptional as the forest is known for its diversity and density of species including the Albertine Rift endemics marking it a top birding destination. The park’s dense forest, varied altitudes, and rich ecosystems with trails like bamboo zone, Buhoma waterfall, and Mubwindi swamp trail offer perfect spots for viewing a wide array of rare and sought-after birds like African green broadbills, black bee-eater, regal sunbird, bar-tailed trogon, black-billed turaco, Rwenzori batis, turaco, kingfisher, strange weaver, dusky twinspot, mountain oriole, mountain yellow warbler, purple-breasted sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, handsome francolin, grauer’s broadbill and many more.
Community cultural tours in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
These are designed to foster an intimate understanding of the cultural heritage of the people living near the forest including the Batwa, Bakiga, and other local communities. Visitors have a chance to immerse themselves in these communities’ vibrant traditions, customs, and daily life through music, dance, drama, crafts, and storytelling. The community groups often create crafts and souvenirs whose sales support them and ensure the park’s conservation. These community cultural tours are a powerful way to connect with Uganda’s people, appreciate their resilience and traditions, and understand how local communities play a critical role in conserving Bwindi’s unique ecosystem.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park covers 33.7 km2, making it the smallest but most ecologically diverse national park located within the three Virunga Mountains: Muhabura meaning guide, Gahinga meaning pile of volcanic lava, Sabyinyo meaning the old man’s teeth, and also part of the Nile River. Mgahinga is an ideal destination for those looking to explore Uganda’s beautiful highlands and experience unique wildlife and cultural heritage.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with its varying altitudes contains ecosystems ranging from bamboo forests to montane woodlands and alpine zones, each supporting distinct species of plants and animals. The park has 79 mammals that are difficult to see due to the vegetation including buffaloes, elephants, African porcupines, antelopes, forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys with the endangered Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys as the main attractions; 180 bird species with 19 endemics like Rwenzori turaco, kivu ground thrush, Doherty’s bushshrike, handsome francolin, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, white starred robin, batis, olive pigeon, cape robin, strange weaver, regal sunbird, and many more, chameleons, lizards, tree frogs, butterflies, and insects.
ACTIVITIES IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Golden Monkey Tracking and Habituation in Mgahinga gorilla national park
This is a special experience that takes 30 minutes to 5hours offering visitors the opportunity to observe the endangered golden monkeys as these rare primates are found in the Virunga Mountains. Golden monkey tracking allows visitors to follow and observe these monkeys up close leaping from bamboo stems and foraging for bamboo shoots, fruits, and leaves; Golden Monkey Habituation Experience provides a deeper, immersive look into the lives of these fascinating animals like witnessing interactions, social hierarchies, and individual behaviors as the monkeys are highly active. Briefing happens at Ntebeko where guides provide important information for a smooth experience. The chance to spend time with these colorful, energetic primates amid the scenic bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains makes for a memorable adventure and a valuable contribution to the preservation of these beautiful animals.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Located within the beautiful Virunga Mountain range, Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, the only habituated gorilla family in the park. This is a popular activity where tourists get an hour with the gorilla family once located and observe them in their natural habitat starting with a briefing of the rules and regulations to be followed at the Ntebeko headquarters. This is a magical experience, allowing visitors to witness gorillas feeding, playing, grooming, and interacting with each other in their natural habitat. Trekking will take anywhere from 30 minutes to – 5hours depending on the location of the gorilla family and during the trek, other wildlife can be spotted like golden monkeys, birds, plants, and tree species.
Birding in Mgahinga gorilla national park
With over 180 bird species recorded, including several Albertine Rift endemics, Mgahinga offers excellent birdwatching opportunities within its unique montane, bamboo, and Afro-alpine ecosystems. The park has trails like gorge, buffalo, campground, and birding that make it a prime location for birdwatchers. Tourists can expect to spot birds like Ruwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, Shelley’s crimsonwing, kivu ground thrush, dusky crimsonwing, bushshrikes, olive woodpeckers, black-headed waxbill, cape robin-chat, and many more. Birding tourism also plays a key role in conserving Albertine Rift endemics, whose habitats are increasingly under threat.
Mountain Climbing in Mgahinga gorilla national park
The park has 3 dormant volcanoes where hikers can go hiking which are Mount Muhabura at 4,127 meters, Mount Gahinga at 3,474 meters, and Mount Sabyinyo at 3,669 meters. All these mountains can be summited in a day, with a beautiful view of all three countries when at Sabyinyo and creating a unique experience. Each mountain ascent passes through different ecological zones, starting with bamboo forests, moving into montane forests, and ending in Afro-alpine vegetation at the summits. During the hike one will also spot golden monkeys, buffaloes, bushbucks; birds like Rwenzori turaco, double-collared sunbirds, and others. It’s an experience that allows visitors to connect deeply with the park’s diverse ecosystems and appreciate the incredible vistas and biodiversity of the Virunga region.
The Batwa Trail Experience in Mgahinga gorilla national park
The Batwa are pygmies who lived in the forest for centuries as hunters and gatherers and depended on the forest for the basics like food, medicine, and shelter. They were displaced from the forests once the park was gazetted in 1991 and relocated outside the park. So the Batwa trail takes you back to a point when they still lived in the forest with activities like hunting, gathering skills, honey harvesting, and herbal medication and this normally ends with a visit to the Garama cave and some traditional music. This experience is led by the Batwa elders who share their traditional knowledge of forest survival skills, hunting skills, medicinal plants, and gathering. Garama cave was once their home and now the Batwa have learned to thrive away from the forest and actively participate in tourism as a source of income. This provides a meaningful connection to the people of the area and a glimpse into how conservation and tourism can work hand-in-hand with cultural preservation.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo National Park is a picturesque wildlife reserve located in the western part of Uganda, Kiruhura, approximately 240 kilometers from Kampala, and the capital city at 260 km2 with the smallest portion of Uganda’s savanna. Originally gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and later upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. Then during the reign of President Milton Obote, it was officially named a national park in 1983. The region was settled by Banyankole Bahima pastoralists who have Ankole cattle to date. The park lies with the rain shadows between Lake Victoria and the mountains of Rwenzori. Together with the 13 lakes the largest being Lake Mburo, it forms part of the 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp, and five of these lakes are within the park’s borders. Covered by an open savanna that supports the healthy population of buffaloes, warthogs, bush pigs, and hippos.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, topi, sitatunga, jackal, bush pigs, bushbucks, reedbuck, warthogs and hyenas. It is notable for being the only park in Uganda with impalas and for having the largest population of zebras in the country. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 350 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, grey crowned crane, malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, African wattled lapwig, black-headed gonolek, papyrus gonolek, yellow-breasted apalis, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, saddle-billed stork, black-billed bustard, blue-headed coucal, blue-breasted kingfisher, trilling cisticola, red-faced barbet and many more. The wetlands inhabit 20% of the park’s surface and the lakes in the park contain 6 different fish species tilapia, lungfish, mudfish, catfish, and tiger fish.
ACTIVITIES IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Game Drives in Lake Mburo national park
Is an activity at the park that can be conducted at different times of the day, however, the best time is in the morning. A tourist is expected to see animals like zebras, topics, road antelopes, leopards, hyenas, impalas, and buffaloes. Day drives allow you to see most animals and the Night drives a chance to see nocturnal animals like bush pigs, white-tailed mongooses, jackals, aardvarks, honey badgers, and porcupines, and if one is lucky they will spot leopards on the hunt or busy with a kill. Best enjoyed in the company of an experienced guide for both safety and a successful experience.
Fishing in Lake Mburo national park
The park’s five lakes offer excellent opportunities for fishing adventures including Lake Mburo. With 6 types of fish, tilapia is one of the species and most commonly caught fish along with lungfish, tigerfish, catfish, and mudfish available. Tourists are required to get fishing permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and carry their fishing equipment to enable them to enjoy the sport. Also, the fish caught especially tilapia can be prepared for the tourists to enjoy for a meal.
Birding in Lake Mburo national park
Lake Mburo National Park is a paradise for bird watching with over 350 species in a small protected area. Being the smallest savannah park doesn’t reduce the variety of birds for tourists to enjoy and or view as forest birds, savannah birds, and water birds. The common spots include the Warukiri swamp, Miriti swamps, and Rubanga forest with views of birds like herons, shoebills, grey hornbills, wood doves, brown parrots, grey woodpeckers, pelicans, white-winged warblers, crested francolin, Ross’s turaco, great cormorants, African finfoot, grey snipe, and many more and this is an activity also best done in the morning when the birds are actively embracing the new day.
Boat cruises in Lake Mburo national park
These are done on Lake Mburo with launch trips done in the morning and afternoons with the cruise itself lasting 2 hours allowing the guests to relax while viewing wildlife a little closer than they would in a car like hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, crocodiles, waterbucks, warthogs and more especially in the dry season as most animals come to the lake to drink water as well as view some birds like fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, African finfoot, kingfishers and rare shoebill. A boat safari on Lake Mburo allows you to explore the lake and its wildlife from the water.
Guided nature walks in Lake Mburo national park
Nature walks will take tourists to different parts of the park and these walks start at 7 am and take about 2 hours. The park is free of predators like lions which allows for these nature walks with a ranger guide at Rwonyo center. In the 2 hours a tourist is taken up by nature and different wildlife species examined habiting the premises of Lake Mburo National Park like hyenas, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and forest birds. Walks are a unique opportunity to track animals on foot and explore different habitats like acacia forests, grasslands, and swamps.
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park
This is an activity that is only done at Lake Mburo National Park in the whole of Uganda, a tourist will encounter the park at its best while riding a well-trained horse, beautiful experiences like getting close to herds of buffaloes, zebras and antelopes something rare and unique. Horseback riding is one of the trademarks of Lake Mburo National Park and offers a more intimate wildlife experience for both beginners and experienced riders.
Cycling in Lake Mburo national park
This is another activity found at Lake Mburo National Park that is custom-made for tourists regarding their interests and abilities. It is done with an experienced tour ranger to handle all questions raised by the tourists and ensure their safety. Cycling is done in the morning hours for one to be able to explore scenic trails and enjoy the thrill of riding alongside animals like antelopes and zebras. Biking offers a peaceful way to connect with the park’s natural beauty.
Community cultural visits in Lake Mburo national park
When the national park was gazetted, the communities living inside the park were asked to move out and settle in the nearby areas and the main tribes of these communities are the Bahima and Banyankole who are mainly cattle keepers with large herds. The wealth of a person or family in these communities is measured by how many cattle one owns, the bigger the number, the richer the person. Tourists visit the communities with a local guide and a game ranger who also chooses a family for these cultural visits. One is exposed to the way of living which includes grazing, milking, making ghee, and everything around milk as this is their main source of income.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth is located in western Uganda, spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, and Rukungiri which is 1,978km2 big with the bigger percentages of 50% in Bushenyi, 33% in Rukungiri and 11% in Kasese and 376km in distance by road from Kampala. Queen Elizabeth National Park also spans the equator line; monuments on either side of the road mark the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00. The park was founded or gazetted in 1952 as Kazinga National Park by combining the Lake George and Lake Edward Game Reserve. It was renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II to become Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park also has the famous Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer-long waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward, which offers a great way to view animals and birds up close.
Queen Elizabeth is home to 95 mammals, 600 bird species, and 10 primate species including the Chimpanzees. It also has a diverse ecosystem, which includes the sprawling savanna, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands making it the perfect habitat for wildlife available. Some of the animals include tree-climbing lions, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hippos, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, forest hogs, Uganda kobs, oribis, crocodiles, red-tailed monkeys, chimps, blue monkeys, plus bird species like grey crowned heron, shoebill stork, African finfoot, fish eagle, martial eagle, white-tailed lark, flamingos, green pigeons, robin-chat, warblers, and many more.
ACTIVITIES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth national park
This is a unique and thrilling experience that allows visitors to observe and learn about these iconic predators closely and is done in Kasenyi plains either in the morning or evening. With researchers Uganda Carnivore Program, visitors are driven around the plains tracking lions with radiation trackers which helps the process as the radio collars are placed on the necks of the lions. The experience takes 2-3 hours, and visitors can monitor and learn about the lions’ behaviors amongst the pride. Please note there is an additional tracking fee for guests 12 years and older. Lion tracking is an unparalleled experience, combining adventure with a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park
The park offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to explore Uganda’s diverse landscapes and observe a wide array of wildlife due to its large size and rich ecosystems with each sector offering distinct habitats and animal populations. Early morning drives are the best to catch predators like lions and leopards; as temperatures rise animals like elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes are seen near watering holes and shaded areas; and the night drives are a way to spot nocturnal animals including leopards, civets and genets and all this is done with an experienced guide. Kasenyi plains, Ishasha sector, and Mweya peninsula are some of the spots that enable this activity offering great views, tree-climbing lions, hippos, waterbucks, bushbucks, and bird species like fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, storks, and many more.
Chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth national park
This is an activity where a tourist will take a stroll through the forests to experience the site of primates. This is mainly done in the ‘Valley of Apes’, Kyambura Gorge and this gorge shows off a unique world to the tourist as they see these intelligent and social primates in their natural habitat. When tracking a tourist will see the chimpanzees in their comfort, swinging, eating, and playing, the tracking takes about 2-4hours with a guide and other primates like vervet monkeys, black and white monkeys, blue monkeys, Mona monkeys, olive baboons, grey checked mangabey monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys and red colobus monkeys with birds like the African finfoot, great blue turaco, black bee-eater and many more can also be sighted.
Birding in Queen Elizabeth national park
This is another one of the highlights for birders as the park has over 600 bird species making it one of the best bird watching destinations in Africa because of its diverse ecosystems ranging from savannahs and wetlands and lakes which create habitats for the wide variety of avian life. Spots like the Kazinga channel, Kasenyi plains, Ishasha sector, Kyambura gorge, and Maramagambo forest enable birders to spot various birds like pink-blacked pelicans, saddle-billed stork, yellow-billed stork, African jacana, martial eagle, African fish eagle, palm-nut vulture, shoebill, papyrus gonolek, white-winged tern, common cuckoo and many more with the help of an expert guide to provide any information about the whole activity.
Boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth national park
An activity done especially along the Kazinga Channel is one of the most popular activities in the park rich in wildlife and provides some of the best opportunities to observe animals and birds up close for 2 hours with an expert guide on board. A visitor can expect to see Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, antelopes, and occasionally lions and leopards near the banks especially during the dry season as animals are drawn near water. Bird species include African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, cormorants, storks, and the iconic African jacana.
Guided nature walks in Queen Elizabeth national park
This is an intimate way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and see wildlife, birds, and plants up close. Led by rangers, these walks provide a unique perspective on the park through trails like Maramagambo forest, Kyambura gorge, Mweya peninsular and Ishasha sector, a variety of animals including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, warthogs, mongoose, elephants, pythons, bats, hippos, antelopes, tree-climbing lions and birds like African fish eagles, pelicans, pied kingfishers, cormorants, flycatchers, African pitta and many more. Exploring on foot brings a unique sense of adventure and offers a chance to discover animal tracks, droppings, and other signs of wildlife that might be missed by a vehicle.
Community cultural tours in Queen Elizabeth national park
The park provides visitors with an enriching opportunity to engage with local cultures and support sustainable tourism initiatives by allowing travelers to learn about the lives of the people who inhabit the areas surrounding the park while promoting cultural exchange and community development. Activities like dance, drama, music, fire making, crafting, harvesting, and salt mining are available for tourists to partake along with other activities like lion tracking, bird watching, and chimpanzee tracking. Some of the known communities are the Kikorongo women’s communities, Omwani coffee plantation, Kabatoro community, Katwe Salt Lake community, and others.
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Kibale Forest National Park is found in western Uganda, at 766 km2, and stands at an altitude of 1590m above sea level in the districts of Kabarole and Kamwenge. Kibale forest is known for its rich biodiversity and dense primate population with a history that intertwines conservation efforts with local community development. Kibale forest is one of the last remaining forests that contain both lowland and montane forests primarily evergreen. Often called the “Primate Capital of the World” due to its incredible variety of primates Kibale Forest is home to 13 different species, including a large population of chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the rare Ugandan red colobus.
Kibale Forest National Park is home to 60 mammals, over 375 bird species with 6 endemics to the Albertine Rift area and 4 endemic to the forest, 250 butterflies, and 350 tree species. The park is considered a success story in terms of primate conservation and eco-tourism development. It continues to attract researchers, conservationists, and tourists worldwide. Through hardly seen; expect animals like buffaloes, serval cats, leopards, bush pigs, elephants, duikers, civet, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, sitatungas, warthogs, and more; birds like green-breasted pitta, dusky Crimsonwing, red-faced woodland warbler, black-capped apalis, colored apalis, blue-headed spinetail, masked apalis, nahan’s francolin, great blue turaco, little greenbul, flycatchers, kingfishers, pigeons, cuckoos and more. The forest’s rich biodiversity enables it to be home to all these species.
ACTIVITIES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale forest national park
This is when visitors join researchers and trackers as they work with wild chimpanzees, gradually getting them accustomed to human presence. The process aims at making the chimpanzees more comfortable around humans, allowing researchers to observe them in their natural habitat. With a guide, a research team and ranger tourists find the chimpanzees intended for habituation and once found they are given 4 hours with them. During these 4hours, visitors will observe how they look after their young ones, how they copulate, feed, hunt, patrol, and build their nests within their habitat, you are allowed to take pictures to keep the memory of the process.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park
Is one of the main activities in the park, and it involves walking and looking for the habituated chimpanzees in the forest which can take about 2-5hours depending on their location, and once found, tourists will be given an hour with them in their habitat to observe foraging, grooming, playing, and socializing within the group. Tourists are also allowed to take pictures of the experience and this is done in the presence of a ranger and guide to ensure smooth trekking and protect the primates. Visitors will encounter other primates like the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys; birds, butterflies, and diverse plant life add to the experience, making it more than just a chimp encounter.
Birding in Kibale forest national park
With the park boasting over 375 bird species, Kibale forest is a prime destination for bird enthusiasts as the diverse ecosystems of the tropical rainforests, wetlands, and wetlands provide ideal habitats for a variety of birds, from the colorful forest species to the rare migratory birds. Trails like the Bigodi wetland sanctuary, Sebitoli area, and Kanyanchu visitor center enable visitors to spot birds like the green-breasted pitta, African grey parrot, great blue turaco, white-naped pigeon, African pitta, Abyssinian ground-thrush, black bee-eater, purple-breasted sunbird, yellow-spotted barbet, white-bellied crested flycatcher, and many more. While birding visitors may also spot some monkeys, and mangabeys, combining the thrill of spotting rare birds with the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
Guided nature walks in Kibale forest national park
This is an excellent way to experience the park’s biodiversity up close, with expert guides offering insights into the forest’s rich ecology allowing visitors to explore beyond the famous chimpanzees. Nature walks in Kibale take visitors through the lush forest, where the dense vegetation is home to an array of wildlife, insects, and plant life through trails like the Bigodi wetland, Kanyanchu, Amabeere cave, and forest. Visitors will spot some monkeys, mangabeys, baboons, butterflies, frogs, and birds like great blue turaco, African grey parrot, black bee-eater, and many more. These walks provide a refreshing perspective on Kibale’s ecosystem beyond its famous primates, making it a memorable addition to any visit to the park.
Community cultural tours
The park provides an enriching opportunity to engage with the local cultures, learn about rural life, and understand the relationship between communities and conservation. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is one of the most popular community-led tourism projects that helps preserve and improve the standards of living in the area managed by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED). Accompanied by a local guide you will learn more about the different cultures, local medicines, and traditional life. Storytelling will be done by the community people, plus the history and issues being faced by the developing community will also be looked at and this normally takes about 2-3 hours.
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Mount Rwenzori is a range of mountains located at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the highest peak at 5,109 meters and the upper regions permanently glaciated. The park was gazetted in 1991 and was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1994 and a Ramsar site in 2008. Also known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’, it is the only mountain in East Africa not formed as a result of volcanic action at 1000 km2 in size with the third highest peak in Africa, after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes make the region one of the beautiful alpine areas in Africa including permanent glaciers near the equator though rapidly shrinking due to climate change. Labeled by Henry Stanley in 1988 as Ruwenzori a local name which means ‘Rain-Maker’ or ‘Cloud King’ when placed on the map.
Due to the region’s varied ecosystems from lowland tropical rainforests to high-altitude glaciers, the Rwenzori supports a unique mix of animal species, many of which are endemic to the area with a range of habitats. The area has 70 mammals including elephants, leopards, duiker, otters, colobus monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, and rock hyrax; Birds with 19 endemics like Rwenzori turaco, Shelley’s crimsonwing, honeyguide, double-collared sunbirds, strange weaver, black-eared ground thrush, strange weaver; reptiles and amphibians like three-horned chameleon, leopard gecko, frogs, toads, clawed frog, insects, butterflies and many more.
ACTIVITIES IN RWENZORI MAOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Mountain climbing in Rwenzori national park
This is a challenging and exhilarating adventure, renowned for its unique landscapes and high-altitude environment as the Rwenzori Mountains are famous for their rugged terrain, glaciers, and towering peaks, including Mount Stanley with the highest peak Margherita in Uganda. The mountains have trails like the Central circuit, Kilembe, Mahoma, Bulemba Ndio cultural, and Bukurungu that take between 6-10days for a visitor to the summit offering a beautiful and diverse ecosystem from rainforests to bamboo, alpine meadows, and glacial landscapes. Due to the challenging terrain, hiring experienced guides and porters is recommended and often mandatory to offer help to the climbers as and when needed. Visitors may spot mammals like blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, elephants, and leopards and birds like Rwenzori turaco, Shelley’s crimsonwing, honeyguide, double-collared sunbirds, strange weaver, black-eared ground thrush, strange weaver and many more.
Bird watching in Rwenzori national park
Bird watching in the park is rewarding as the park is home to over 200 bird species including rare and endemic species due to the unique ecosystems ranging from lowland tropical forests to high-altitude moorlands creating a habitat that attracts a wide variety of avian life. Tourists can spot birds like Rwenzori turaco, dwarf honeyguide, handsome francolin, stripe-breasted tit, Shelley’s crimsonwing, malachite sunbird, collared apalis, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, African emerald cuckoo, strange weaver, Ruwenzori batis and more through trails like the central circuit, Kilembe, and Bujuku.
Guided nature walks in Rwenzori national park
The walks offer visitors a way to experience the park’s remarkable biodiversity and scenic beauty at a slower, more immersive pace and are ideal for those who want to explore the park’s lower and middle elevations without committing to strenuous high-altitude climbs. Visitors can see breathtaking waterfalls, rolling hills, mountain ranges, and unique plant life such as giant lobelias, heathers, and groundsels that thrive in the higher altitudes. Visitors can expect to view some wildlife like monkeys, baboons, and elephants with birds like Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and the local Bakonzo communities.
Community cultural tours in Rwenzori national park
These provide an enriching experience that combines exploration of stunning landscapes with a dive into the local culture and traditions. It’s an opportunity to learn about the Bakonzo people, who have lived in the foothills of the Rwenzori for centuries and maintain a close relationship with the mountains they revere as sacred. Visitors are introduced to the Bakonzo customs, including traditional music, dance, storytelling, and spiritual practices related to the mountains, which they believe are the home of their gods. Plus crafting, blacksmithing, pottery, and traditional farming methods. This cultural exchange not only broadens perspectives but also helps preserve the heritage of the Bakonzo people and supports the sustainable development of the local communities.
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
Semuliki National Park is nestled in the Bundibugyo District, covering an area of about 220km2 whose terrain is mainly lowland tropical rainforest making it the only true lowland tropical forest in East Africa. The park lies within the Albertine Rift in the western arm and is rich in a variety of flora and fauna with species from both Central and East Africa. Semuliki was first a forest reserve in 1932 and was later gazetted as a national park in 1993, making it different from the Semuliki wildlife reserve adjacent to it, sitting within the larger Ituri Forest. This river, which forms part of the park’s western boundary, flows from Lake Edward to Lake Albert and is a tributary of the Nile. Its presence is essential for the biodiversity of the park and is a key element of the forest’s ecosystem.
Semuliki National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity with 53 mammal species like the buffaloes, elephants, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, de brazza’s monkeys, pottos, galagos, mangabeys, civets, warthogs, bushbucks, and many more; 0ver 400 bird species including Albertine endemics like Nkulengu rail, yellow-throated cuckoo, red-billed dwarfed hornbill, black-casqued wattled hornbill, red-rumped tinkerbird, African piculet, leaf-love, greenbuls, fire-crested alethe, bulbuls, and many more, numerous reptiles and amphibians.
ACTIVITES IN SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK
Wildlife viewing in Semliki national park
Is an experience that provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and observe the various animals that call it home. Visitors can encounter chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, de brazza’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, and many more with birds like the African green broadbill, greenbuls, kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles, red-throated alethe and many more. Whether you’re interested in primates, birds, or the overall ecosystem, the park provides ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Sempaya Hot Springs in Semliki national park
Visiting the hot springs is a captivating experience and one of the park’s top attractions as they are known for their geothermal activity, cultural significance, and scenic beauty. Located within the park, the male (Bitente) and female (Nyasimbi meaning female ancestors) hot springs are fueled by the geothermal activity beneath the Albertine Rift reaching high temperatures of 100C enabling a visitor to even boil an egg within a few minutes. The path to the hot springs leads through a tropical forest with a variety of flora and fauna, including monkeys, butterflies, and birds.
Birding in Semliki national park
The park is one of Africa’s premier birdwatching destinations with over 400 bird species recorded offering birders a chance to see both Central and East African species due to its location. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from riverine swamps and savannahs to lowland tropical forests, support a wide variety of bird species like African dwarf kingfisher, Nkulengu rail, piping hornbill, red-billed dwarf hornbill, white-crested hornbill, Congo serpent eagle, great blue turaco, Pel’s fishing owl, malimbes, forest francolin, ituri batis, starlings, sparrows, sunbirds, flycatchers, honeyguides and many more through trails Sempaya hot springs, Kirumia and Semuliki river area.
Chimpanzee tracking in Semliki national park
The chimpanzee population in Semuliki is less habituated than those in other Ugandan parks, meaning they are less accustomed to humans. This provides an authentic, wild experience but can also make sightings a bit more challenging. Led by knowledgeable guides who are familiar with chimpanzee behavior and the forest terrain as the trails wind through thick forest cover making it challenging due to the rugged terrain. Visitors will spot monkeys, baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and birds during the tracking away from chimpanzees. Unlike the more predictable encounters in highly habituated groups elsewhere, the raw and rugged nature of Semuliki’s chimp tracking offers a sense of discovery.
Guided nature walks in Semliki national park
Guided nature walks allow visitors to experience the park’s unique rainforest ecosystem through the Kirumia trail that ends up at the Semuliki River, the red monkey track that ensures visitors can spot the red-tailed monkeys and de brazza’s monkeys, and the Sempaya nature trail. With its diverse wildlife, unique flora, and cultural significance, each trail offers something different, from spotting rare primates and birds to exploring the mystical Sempaya Hot Springs. Nature walks allow visitors to appreciate the beauty of this remote park while supporting conservation and local communities
Community cultural tours in Semliki national park
This provides a rich and authentic experience, allowing visitors to engage with local cultures and learn about the traditions of the communities living near the park; including the Batwa, Bwamba, and Bakonzo people. This is done through music, dance, drama, storytelling, and crafting. Some tours include herbalist demonstrations where traditional healers share insights into their medicinal practices. The experience enriches visitors and provides valuable support to the communities, creating a positive impact beyond tourism and gaining insights into Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage and traditions.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest and largest protected area located in north-western Uganda at over 3,840 km2. Originally established as a game reserve in 1926, Murchison Falls became a national park in 1952. Together with Bungungu Wildlife Reserve at 501km2, Karuma Wildlife Reserve at 678km2, and Budongo Forest Reserve at 592km2, it forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area managed by both Uganda Wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority in the Albertine Rift Valley area straddling districts of Masindi, Buliisa, Nwoya, and Kiryandongo. Here, the Nile River crashes through a narrow 7-meter gorge and drops 43 meters, creating a stunning natural spectacle and a central attraction of the park.
The park is home to over 76 mammal species, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, waterbucks, warthogs, oribis, kobs, grey duikers, crocodiles and many more; over 450 bird species including the rare shoebill, grey-crowned crane, goliath heron, giant kingfisher, Abyssinian ground hornbill, nightjars, black-headed lapwing, back-bellied bustard, osprey, martial eagle, African jacana, bee-eaters, palm-nut vulture, sandpipers, coucals, Denham’s bustard, black-billed barbet, piapiac and many more; varying landscapes from savanna grasslands to the dense forests in the south including Budongo forest reserve. The diversity of supports various ecosystems that host a wide range of flora and fauna.
ACTIVITIES IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Game drives in Murchison Falls national park
Game drives are among the ways to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and a wide array of wildlife as the park is known for its savanna grasslands and dense populations of animals offering high chances of viewing. Visitors can expect to view lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, bushbucks, hyenas, genets; birds like the African fish eagle, shoebill, grey-crowned crane, African jacana, Abyssinian ground hornbill and many more with drives in the morning, late afternoon and night time. Different animals are spotted at different times of the day which will take about 3 hours. The park offers an exhilarating opportunity to experience Uganda’s rich wildlife in a stunning natural setting, and beautiful landscapes.
Boat safaris in Murchison Falls national park
These provide an unforgettable way to experience the park’s abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and, of course, the famous Murchison Falls. This allows visitors to get close to animals that gather along the riverbanks and in the water. Large groups of hippos and Nile crocodiles are almost guaranteed sightings, along with buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, antelopes, and other birds like the African fish eagle, shoebill, giant heron, pied kingfisher, saddle-billed stork, and many more taking about 3hours. The options are standard boat safaris, delta cruises, sunset, and private cruises with an expert guide aboard to ensure that all and any questions from visitors are well responded to.
Guided nature walks in Murchison Falls national park
Tourists get to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, diverse habitats, and abundant wildlife on foot allowing for a more immersive experience with closer encounters with the park’s natural environment. A hike to the top of the falls, Budongo forest, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, and Rabongo forest are some of the options visitors have to choose from. Tourists can expect to spot birds like the rare shoebill, African fish eagle, and goliath heron, animals like buffaloes, antelopes, and elephants, primates like chimpanzees, monkeys, and baboons, and spectacular views of the falls and the scenic views of the park.
Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison Falls national park
Chimpanzee tracking can be done in the Budongo forest reserve, located in the southern part of the park. The forest is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting a range of primates, birds, and plant species which makes it a prime location for chimpanzee tracking. Led by expert guides and rangers, visitors enter the forest in search of the primates and once found, they are given an hour to spend with them as they observe how the chimpanzees feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. Visitors may also encounter other primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons, and birds like chocolate-backed kingfisher, African dwarf kingfisher, and yellow-footed flycatcher.
Birding in Murchison Falls national park
With over 450 bird species, the park provides diverse habitats, from savannas and woodlands to riverine forests and the banks of the Nile River. The park has spots like the Nile River, Delta area, Budongo forest, and Kaniyo Pabidi will offer visitors enough avian life to the site. Expect birds like the rare shoebill, African fish eagles, goliath herons, African jacanas, pied kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, grey-crowned cranes, bee-eaters, ituri batis, flycatchers, yellow-billed barbet, Puvel’s illadopsis, white-thighed hornbill, and black-billed turaco and many more.
Community tours in Murchison Falls national park
These allow visitors to engage with local cultures, learn traditional ways of life, and contribute to sustainable tourism efforts through activities like crafting, music, drama, and cultural dances. Groups like The Boomu women’s group are the popular communities created to fight poverty, and malnutrition and ensure their girls are educated through things like basket weaving, cultivating, and making herbal medicine. The Mubako village which commonly depends on tourism to make ends meet is one of the places to visit in Murchison Falls National Park.
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon National Park, located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, is home to one of East Africa’s oldest and largest volcanic mountains, an extinct shield volcano that is thought to have erupted over 24 million years ago. The mountain straddles the border of Uganda and Kenya, with the largest part of the caldera lying in Uganda; the highest point being Wagagai at 4,321meters above sea level in Uganda and Sudek peak at 4,302meters on the Kenyan side. Mountain Elgon gives Mount Elgon national park its name covering 1,279km2 with 1,110km2 in Uganda and 169km2 in Kenya gazetted in 1992 and 1968 respectively; also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The park is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, caves, wildlife, and a variety of trekking routes. Mountain Elgon’s slopes transition through several ecological zones from montane forest, bamboo zones, and moorlands to afro-alpine zones; the mountain is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, with Sipi Falls on the Ugandan side being the most famous. The mountain is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including forest elephants, buffaloes, black and white colobus monkeys, antelopes, blue monkeys, bushbucks, hyenas, oribi, and more; 300 bird species including the endangered lammergeyer, hunter’s cisticola, hartlub’s turaco, Jackson’s spurfowl, tacazze sunbird, black-collared apalis, African blue fly-catcher, chin spot batis and many more. The forest elephants are unique as they are known to mine for salt inside the caves.
ACTIVITIES IN MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mountain climbing in Mt. Elgon national park
This is a major activity that offers an experience for hikers or climbers through the varied ecosystems, landscapes, and scenic points since Mount Elgon is relatively gentle. With diverse trails on both the Ugandan and Kenyan sides like Sasa, Sipi, Piswa, Koitobos, and Suam, climbers have the montane forests, waterfalls, caves, and one of the world’s largest calderas to experience. Depending on the trail taken, climbing will take between 4-8 days with speed, physical fitness, and acclimatization considered, with expert park guides. Visitors may encounter some wildlife like duikers, bushbuck, hyenas, antelopes, monkeys, and many more; birds like Jackson’s francolin, lammergeyer, African goshawk, chubb’s cisticola, white-chinned prinia. African blue flycatchers, chinspot batis, bee-eaters, turacos, and more, and an unforgettable summit view with Wagagai as the highest.
Birding in Mt. Elgon national park
The park is home to over 300 bird species which makes it a bird haven including several that are endemic to the region due to its diverse habitats, from montane forests to open moorlands. With an expert guide, visitors will be able to spot several bird species including Jackson’s francolin. Lammergeyer, alpine chat, hartlaub’s turaco, tacazze sunbird, green-throated sunbird, baglafecht, African crowned eagle, buzzards, black-collared apalis, pigeons, African goshawk, African blue flycatcher, and many more. With its unique combination of montane forests, bamboo, moorlands, and high-altitude grasslands, the park is a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts.
Guided nature walks in Mt. Elgon national park
This is a beautiful way to explore the park’s rich biodiversity with scenic landscapes, waterfalls, caves, and cultural sites as visitors take walks through trails like Sipi Falls, Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center, Tutum Cave, and Khauka Cave. During the nature walks visitors will be able to spot different plants and tree species, mammals like antelopes, duikers, monkeys, and bushbucks, and birds like Jackson’s francolin. Lammergeyer, alpine chat, hartlaub’s turaco, tacazze sunbird, green-throated sunbird, baglafecht, African crowned eagle, buzzards, and many more led by a local expert guide.
Community tours in Mt. Elgon national park
These offer visitors an authentic opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and daily lives of the local Bagisu and Sabiny communities. Guided by local hosts/guides, provide insights into traditional customs, crafts, and the unique relationship that these communities have with the mountain and also contribute to the local economy and preservation of cultural heritage. Coffee tours, Imbalu ceremonies, and homestays ensure the experience is worth it as the visitors are fully engaged with the communities in different activities like music, dance, and drama.
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the northeastern corner of Uganda gazetted in 1962, is one of Africa’s most stunning and remote wilderness areas. It is known for its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and fantastic game drives. The park is situated in the Karamoja region, bordering South Sudan and Kenya, and covers an area of approximately 1,442 square kilometers and is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, including vast savannahs, rugged mountains, Narus valley, Kanangorok hot springs and the seasonal Kidepo and Narus Rivers and the Ik people. Due to its remote location, the park is less accessible than other parks in Uganda making it a unique hidden gem offering a beautiful safari experience.
Kidepo is home to a wide variety of large mammals, including buffalo particularly known for the large numbers, of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. Kidepo is one of the few places in Uganda where you can see species like the cheetah, bat-eared fox, and ostrich. The park is also known for its populations of greater kudus, which are not commonly found elsewhere in the country. With over 470 species of birds recorded making it a birder’s paradise as you can expect birds like the ostrich, Karamoja apalis, fox’s weaver, lesser kestrel, pygmy falcon, red-throated bee-eater, golden pipit, Kori bustard and many more.
ACTIVITIES IN KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Game drives in Kidepo valley national park
This is an unforgettable experience, offering visitors the chance to explore one of Africa’s most remote and rugged landscapes and witness a variety of unique wildlife species, due to its secluded location. These drives can be done very early in the morning, late afternoon, and at night; visitors can expect to spot animals like buffaloes, elephants, cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, hartebeests, antelopes and many more; birds like ostriches, verreaux’s eagle, pygmy falcon, kori bustard and many more with an expert for a guide in case of any questions or concerns. It’s a chance to feel immersed in Africa’s wilderness, surrounded by dramatic mountains, endless plains, and an abundance of wildlife that few others get to see.
Guided nature walks in Kidepo valley national park
This is an intimate experience of the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife allowing visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty on foot, engaging all the senses and gaining insights into the smaller, often overlooked aspects of the ecosystem. Trails like the Narus Valley, Kidepo Valley, and Kanangorok Hot Springs will keep the visitors entertained as they can expect to see the diverse ecosystems, wildlife like elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and birds like ostriches, Abyssinian ground hornbills, pygmy falcons, vultures and many more led by an experienced guide. It’s a chance to explore the “hidden gems” of this remote park, with a perspective that fosters a true appreciation of Uganda’s remarkable wilderness.
Bird watching in Kidepo valley national park
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to more than 470 bird species including endemics and, migratory among others because of its diverse landscapes like valleys, woodlands, seasonal rivers, and savannahs. Tourists can expect to spot birds like ostriches, kori bustard, verreaux’s eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, yellow-billed shrike, pygmy falcon, eastern paradise whydah, white-bellied go-away bird, martial eagles, African hawk-eagles, black-breasted barbet, scarlet chested sunbird, rufous crowned roller, and many more with the help of an expert guide with prime spots being Narus and Kidepo valley, Kidepo river, Morungole mountains and the Kanangorok hot springs.
Community cultural tours in Kidepo valley national park
Offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience and understand the lifestyles, traditions, and histories of the indigenous communities that live near the park, particularly the Karamojong and Ik people. During the tour, visitors learn about their culture, lifestyle, history, and way of living, visit locally built manyattas, and also enjoy entertainment in the form of music, dance, and drama. It’s an authentic cultural exchange that adds depth to the natural beauty of Kidepo, making it an unforgettable experience for those who venture into this remote part of Uganda.
The best time to visit Uganda’s national parks is generally during the dry seasons, which occur from December to February and June to September as these months provide optimal conditions for most activities, including wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, bird-watching, and mountain climbing.