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National Parks in Uganda

National Parks

From the thunderous "Top of the Falls" plunge at Murchison to the silent mist of Bwindi's gorilla treks, Uganda's 15 national parks pack more punch per square kilometre than anywhere else in East Africa.

 

While the flagship destinations like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, and Kibale offer the classic rush of tree-climbing lions and primate power walks, the expanded 2026 circuit adds even more flavour. You can now explore the "New Class"—including Katonga for canoe-based sitatunga spotting and the "Valley of Apes" in the newly standalone Kyambura National Park.

 

Whether it's chasing cheetahs across the rugged plains of Kidepo Valley, hiking the permanent glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains, or finding "Gold and Silver" (gorillas and golden monkeys) among the Mgahinga volcanoes, every corner of the country now offers its own unique sunset serenade.

Quick facts about Uganda's National Parks

Size

Largest: Murchison Falls: ~3,893 km²

Smallest: Mgahinga Gorilla: ~33.7 km²

Uniqueness

Only Park with Zebras: Lake Mburo

UNESCO World Heritage: Bwindi Impenetrable & Home to mountain gorillas

Others

Highest Peak: Margherita Peak: 5,109m

Oldest: Queen Elizabeth / Murchison: 1952

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Bwindi Impenetrable
South West

Bwindi Impenetrable

You will hear Bwindi before you see it. Trek in small groups of eight, spend a permitted hour face-to-face with a habituated gorilla family. A deep, living silence broken only by birdsong and the distant crack of ancient trees settling. This UNESCO World Heritage rainforest shelters over 450 mountain gorillas, roughly half the global population, in one of the oldest intact ecosystems on earth.

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Kibale Forest
Western

Kibale Forest

Welcome to the primate capital of the world! Kibale is home to Africa's highest concentration of primates, featuring 13 species, including over 1,500 chimpanzees. Join a tracking expedition to observe their captivating behaviours. Don't miss the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which offers excellent birding opportunities.

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Kidepo Valley
North East

Kidepo Valley

Kidepo is Uganda's hidden gem and one of Africa's top destinations for adventurous travellers. Located near the South Sudan border, this remote valley is home to lions, cheetahs, ostriches, and Burchell's zebra, all set against a backdrop that feels ancient. The Karamoja people have lived here for centuries, adding unique cultural depth to the park. Its isolation helps keep the crowds away, making it an ideal getaway.

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Lake Mburo
Western

Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo is the closest national park to Kampala and offers unique experiences like horseback safaris alongside zebras. It’s a great spot for photographing rare impalas and is home to a dense population of hippos, large crocodiles, and over 350 bird species, making it a prime birding destination. It serves as an ideal first-night stop on any southern circuit.

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Mgahinga Gorilla
South West

Mgahinga Gorilla

Mgahinga, located on the volcanic slopes of the Virunga mountains, offers Uganda's most scenic gorilla trek through Afro-alpine moorland and dense bamboo. Alongside the gorillas, you'll encounter the rare golden monkey, found in a few locations worldwide. Smaller and quieter than Bwindi, Mgahinga provides a genuinely exclusive experience for those who seek it out.

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Mount Elgon
Eastern

Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon, an ancient shield volcano on the Kenyan border, rises to 4,321 meters and showcases a unique side of Uganda. Its vast caldera is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, featuring bubbling hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and elephants mining salt from Kitum cave. The stunning Sipi Falls, consisting of three cascades, are located on the mountain's lower slopes. Hikers who reach Wagagai Peak are rewarded with expansive views, including Lake Victoria on clear mornings.

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Murchison Falls
North West

Murchison Falls

Experience the power of Murchison Falls, where the River Nile rushes through a seven-meter crack, creating Africa's most impressive waterfall. Boat safaris below the falls reveal riverbanks teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Above, the northern savanna hosts lions, leopards, elephants, and the elusive shoebill stork, a prized sight for birdwatchers.

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Queen Elizabeth
Western

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most popular and diverse safari destination, located in western Uganda along the equator. Known for its rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and wide range of ecosystems, it offers one of the most complete safari experiences in Africa. The park features open savanna, forests, wetlands, lakes, and the famous Kazinga Channel, all supporting over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species. It is one of the few places in the world where you can see tree-climbing lions, especially in the Ishasha sector. With its mix of wildlife, boat cruises, scenic views, and cultural experiences, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a top destination for both Ugandans and international tourists

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Rwenzori Mountains
Western

Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains National Park, located in western Uganda along the border with DR Congo, is one of Africa's most unique and dramatic mountain destinations. Known as the "Mountains of the Moon", the range features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and thick mountain forests. The park is home to Mount Stanley, which includes Margherita Peak (5109), the third-highest point in Africa. Unlike a volcanic mountain, the Rwenzori range was formed by tectonic movement, giving it a rugged and wild landscape. From dense forests and bamboo zones to high-altitude moorland with giant lobelias, the park offers a rare and almost unreal environment. It is a top destination for hiking, mountaineering, and adventure tourism, as well as cultural experiences with the Bakonzo people

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Semuliki
Western

Semuliki

Semuliki National Park is Uganda's only true lowland tropical rainforest, located on the floor of the Albertine Rift valley in western Uganda near the Rwenzori Mountains. This ancient forest is part of the vast Congo Basin ecosystem, giving it a unique Central African feel that is different from other Ugandan parks. The park is rich in biodiversity, with dense jungle, winding rivers, and rare wildlife species not commonly found elsewhere in East Africa. It is especially known for its birdlife, primates, and unique species that exist at the eastern edge of the Congo Forest. Semuliki is also famous for the Sempaya Hot Springs, where boiling water shoots from underground, creating one of Uganda's most exciting natural attractions. Combining with cultural experiences from nearby communities, the park offers a raw, less crowded, and truly unique adventure

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