4 PEAK NATIONAL PARKS IN UGANDA

NATIONAL PARKS: Uganda is well-known for its stunning national parks that offer a diverse range of wildlife and natural beauty. These national parks are not only important for conservation efforts but also provide unforgettable experiences for visitors looking to connect with nature and wildlife in Uganda.

Some of the most popular national parks in Uganda include: Bwindi national park, Kibale National Park Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth national park. Many attractions can be found in these protected areas, like primates, wildlife, birds, aquatic attractions, water bodies and many more.

Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. It is one of the most famous national parks in Africa and is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it a crucial conservation area for these magnificent primates.

The Park also boasts a high level of biodiversity, including over 120 mammal species, 45 reptile species, and 350 bird species. The park’s dense forests and varied habitats support a wide range of flora and fauna. The dense forests, mist-covered hills, and rugged terrain create a beautiful and picturesque landscape.

The park is also home to various waterfalls, rivers, and scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Among the activities which can be found here include Gorilla Tracking (main activity in this park), Gorilla habituation, Nature Walk, Birding, and Community Encounters.

 

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda, protecting moist evergreen rainforest. Famous to be home to one of the endangered primates the Chimpanzees, Kibale is one of the last remaining expanses to contain both lowland and montane forests.

Besides Chimpanzees, the park is rich in other primates like monkeys, forest birds, natural vegetation, medicinal plants and many more. This makes Kibale one of the prime destinations in Uganda.

The park is near to a great swamp called Bigodi known to be home to small primates, birds and butterflies. Visitors can do guided nature walk in the swamp, and have a community walk.

Activities in Kibale National Park include, Chimpanzee Tracking, Chimpanzee Habituation, birding, Nature walks and community encounters around the park

Murchison falls national park

Murchison Falls national park is one of famous wildlife parks in Uganda and the biggest. The park has many highlights which makes it incredible destination in Uganda. Many wild animals are present here. Some of them include, Elephants, African Buffaloes, Leopards, Lions, Giraffes, antelopes, and many others.

The park is also known with the Murchison falls on River Nile which passes through the park. The falls are powerful and taking a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is so rewarding and memorable. There is also an option of Hiking to the top of the falls, to have a clear view of the whole process.

Murchison falls National Park is near Ziwa Rhino sanctuary where the list of the big five in Uganda becomes Complete. Rhinos are present here and Rhino tracking is one of the major activities here. Most clients who visit Murchison get a stopover at ziwa. Likewise, Murchison is near budongo Forest which is known to be home to habituated Chimpanzees.

Many activities are carried out in this park like Game drives, boat cruises to the bottom of the falls or to the Delta, Visiting the top of the falls, Birding, fishing, and Community Encounters.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth is located in western Uganda Kasese, neighboring national parks like Rwenzori national park, Bwindi National Park and kibale national park. The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephant, water buck, giant forest hog and etc.,

Another Highlight for Queen Elizabeth is Kazinga channel where prime activities like boat cruises and birding takes place. The channel connects lake Edward and Lake George, it’s beautiful to be at this place

Ishasha sector is a section in Queen Elizabeth for tree climbing lions, game drives in this sector are common to see these magical creatures. It’s rare for lions to climb trees and there are reasons why lions of Ishasha climb trees.

Kyambura gorge is a must go area in Queen Elizabeth national park. The section is known for chimpanzee tracking that call the gorge home. The place has many other attractions which will be seen while tracking chimpanzees.

Some of the activities around Queen Elizabeth national park include, game drives, lion experience, boat cruises, birding, visiting Katwe Salt Lake, chimpanzee tracking in kyambura gorge, and community encounters.

Points to Note

Some Activities like Gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee tracking and Habituation need to be booked in advance because permits can sell out so quickly due to high demand. Booking a year in advance is recommended

Booking safaris with reliable companies is crucial a 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended to the safari.

Follow the park guide guidelines when in the National parks for example there are dos and don’ts when going for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.

For some activities like tracking, pack good hiking shoes, rain jacket, gloves and others.

Pack good cameras and batteries to capture memories.