UGANDA NATIONAL PARKS | UGANDA SAFARI DESTINATIONS
Striding across the equator, Uganda Uganda boasts a network of 10 national parks, game reserves, birding sanctuaries and several other protected areas. Uganda is also a very beautiful destination where the east African savannah meets the West African jungle. It boasts a thrilling array of wildlife, ranging from gorillas and chimpanzees to lions and elephants and its 1000-plus bird species make it Africa’s most rewarding safari destination. Managed by the Uganda wildlife authority, these national parks consist of various vegetation zones which range from tropical rain Forests, Savanna grasslands and woodlands and Montane vegetation offering wildlife enthusiasts a thrilling opportunity to experience a wide range of fauna habituated in these habitats. From the Forest national parks tourists have the chance to track primates including the rare Mountain gorillas that can only be tracked from Bwindi and Mgahinga or else in Congo and Rwanda alone. The three montane national parks are important in protecting montane and bamboo forests, and are important for hiking while the savanna parks are teeming with wild animals such as antelopes, buffaloes and elephants among others. In addition the lush wetlands, shimmering lakes and rivers heaving with aquatic life, and the glacial peaks of Africa’s tallest mountain range make these national parks-must-be-visited destinations in Africa.
NATIONAL PARKS IN UGANDA
There are 10 National Parks in Uganda namely, Murchison, Lake Mburo, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Semliki, Elgon, Rwenzori and Kidepo. Each with its own unique landscape, vegetation or Wildlife, these are the largest of places still left of Uganda’s natural heritage. Let us examine one by one of these natural wonders for a passionate Adventurer.
National Parks for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Famous for hosting more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Forestis located in South Western Uganda occupying 331 sq km. It lies on the edge of the Western Rift valley (Albertine rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. More on Queen Elizabeth Park>>
This is another famous gorilla park in Uganda. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the far south western part of Uganda bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. It occupies an area of 33 sq km and it is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda. More on Mgahinga National Park >>
National Parks for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Kibale is the most famous chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda. It is the most accessible of Uganda's major tropical rainforests. Kibale forest national park is a home to a remarkable 13 primate species with both nocturnal and diurnal species. These include chimpanzees, the localized red colobus monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, black and white colobus monkey, pottos, Guereza Colobus, Olive Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys among others. More on Kibale Forest Park>>
Semuliki National Park
Created in 1993 after having been a Forest Reserve gazetted in 1932 when forest human residents were evacuated as a measure to control yellow fever and sleeping sickness, Semuliki National Park is another of Uganda's national parks renowned for chimpanzee tracking, bird watching and night safaris. It is located in the western part of Uganda in Bundibugyo district along the Eastern side of the River Semliki covering 220 square kilometers. More on Semuliki Forest Park>>
National Parks for Game Viewing / Wildife Safaris in Uganda
Murchison Falls National park is located in the northwestern part of Uganda, approximately 90km from Masindi town. The park is the largest amongst all Uganda’s national park. It protects a chunk of untamed African savannah and many tourists who have visited Uganda’s national parks say that it is the hottest safari destination in the country. More on Murchison Falls National Park>>
Queen Elizabeth National park is located in the south western part of Uganda. It covers an area of 1,978 sq km. It is the most popular national park in Uganda with abundant game which attracts thousands of tourists interested in viewing big game. Its vegetation which varies from open savannah to rainforest, from dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward, make it a little wonder that it is the highest biodiversity conservation game reserve in the world. More on Queen Elizabeth Park>>