In the Eastern part of Africa, you will find Uganda, a hub for natural wonders. This untouched destination is undoubtedly one of the must visits on the African continent.
It has a lot to marvel, whether your interest is adventure expeditions, wildlife encounters, culture, history, local life experience, night life, beach hopping, marine life or research, you’re covered.
There are so many other things that can make a tourists’ day in Uganda although Wildlife takes the front seat. This country features a wide range of wildlife species and plays a bigger part as far as fostering Africa’s ever praised Biodiversity goes.
These species enjoy the lush habitats in numerous protected areas that include National Parks, Game reserves and Sanctuaries.
Year after year, thousands of Wildlife enthusiasts land at this amazing destination to be part of the customized wildlife Safaris that leads to some of the below listed Ugandan parks.
1. Kidepo Valley National Park
Tucked far away in the north eastern part of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is the most isolated among Uganda’s top ten National Parks. Its prime location is the reason why this park is still immaculate and boast a calm atmosphere.
With its natural wonders and unique species that are not found anywhere else, Kidepo National Park was listed among the top destinations you should not miss in Africa by lonely Planet.
You can get to this park by two route options; one is via Kampala – Masindi – Gulu high way or you can use the Kampala – Jinja – Mbale highway and this includes a stopover in Jinja town for some rewarding activities like White water rafting, boat cruise and more.
This Park is mainly occupied by Savannah grasslands that provide shelter to a number of species including Wild animals, bird species, primates, reptiles and insects. The only way to immerse in these rich wildlife is through a game drive and hiking expeditions.
2. Murchison Falls National Park
Of all the parks in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and it’s hard to miss by mostly those after Wildlife and stunning boat cruises. The park sits in the north western part of Uganda in Kiryandongo district, making Masindi is the nearest town to this Park.
The total area of the park is mainly occupied by tropical rainforests, savannah grasslands, swampy areas and woodlands. This Park is certainly known for its rich Wildlife and the great Murchison falls.
You can get to the Park by road or air transportation means. By road it takes 6-7 hours for the drive from Kampala up to the Park via Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway.
If not road transport, boarding a domestic flight is also another option. Private charters and scheduled flights are arranged from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airstrip up to Pakuba airstrip in the Park.
The main activities here include; game drives, boat cruise, Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo and top of the falls hike.
3. Lake Mburo National Park
Covering a total area of 370 square kilometers, Lake Mburo is the smallest National Park in Uganda and the closest from Kampala city.
It takes about 4-5 hours for the scenic drive from Uganda’s capital up to the Park via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway.
It is along this route before Mbarara town and a prime stopover for travelers heading to the western part of Uganda. It is known for diverse Wildlife including; Zebras, Elephants, Kobs, Oribi, topi and more.
4. Queen Elizabeth National Park
When it comes to listing Uganda’s most captivating Parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park never misses the list. It is nestled in the Western part of Uganda not very far from the primate’s parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale forest National park.
It is mostly known for the famous tree climbing lions that inhabit the southern part of the park in the Ishasha sector. More than that, Queen Elizabeth National park stars a wide range of Wildlife species that inhabit in its various parts; Kyambura gorge, Kasenyi plains, Mweya peninsula, Maramagambo forest and the Ishasha sector.
Visitors to the park can partake in numerous activities; game drives, boat cruise along Kazinga channel, Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura, birding and Katwe salt exploration.
5. Semuliki Valley National Park
Declared as a National Park in 1993, Semuliki is one of the newest parks in Uganda. It is located in Bwamba county, Bundibugyo district and covers a total area of 220 square kilometers.
This park is accessible by road as it’s about 287 kilometers from Kampala to the park entrance.
To travelers, this park is renowned for a variety of bird species, two hot springs (Male and Female) and other Wildlife species. While in the Park, you can enjoy bird watching and nature walks.
You can go ahead and mix it up with a visit to a more relaxing primate capital of the world by visiting the below park;
6. Kibale Forest National Park; Lovers of chimps, if you are planning on seeing any chimps on your Ugandan safari, Kibale Forest National Park should be your first start.
This park in the western part of Uganda near Fort Portal town has the highest numbers of chimps species in the country including the jumpy chimpanzee primates. Most travelers call it a hub for chimpanzees.
Other than that, the evergreen and lush vegetation in the park favor the growth of different primate species like monkeys, baboons and other Wildlife species.
Kibale is close to Bigodi wetland, a prominent location perfect for bird watching. Main activities in Kibale are Chimpanzee tracking, chimpanzee habituation experience and birding.
