Uganda National Parks Tourist Guide
Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, is a country of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures. From the rolling savannahs and misty mountains to lush rainforests and glistening lakes, Uganda’s ten national parks offer some of Africa’s most rewarding safari experiences.
At Safari Drive Uganda, we help you explore these incredible destinations with ease — whether on a self-drive adventure or a guided safari. Here’s an overview of Uganda’s most exciting national parks, the major activities to enjoy, and how to arrange your gorilla and chimpanzee permits.
Most Exciting National Parks to Visit in Uganda
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is Uganda’s most famous park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s best known for being home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense rainforest to meet these gentle giants is one of Africa’s most moving wildlife encounters.
Activities:
- Gorilla trekking
- Forest walks and birdwatching
- Cultural visits to Batwa communities
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Kibale National Park
Kibale is celebrated as the Primate Capital of the World. Its rainforest shelters 13 primate species, including a large population of chimpanzees. The park also offers excellent nature trails and community-based experiences.
Activities:
- Chimpanzee tracking and habituation
- Forest walks and birdwatching
- Bigodi Wetland and village visits
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is Uganda’s most visited savannah park, offering striking scenery and abundant wildlife. Its ecosystem includes open grasslands, crater lakes, forests, and wetlands. It’s one of the best places to spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, and hippos.
Activities:
- Game drives on Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha sector
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- Birdwatching and crater lake tours
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Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, Murchison Falls is bisected by the Nile River, which plunges dramatically through a narrow gorge to form the spectacular falls. It offers a mix of adventure, scenery, and wildlife viewing.
Activities:
- Game drives and boat safaris
- Hike to the top of the falls
- Birdwatching and nature walks
- Sport fishing on the Nile
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Kidepo Valley National Park
Remote and wild, Kidepo lies in Uganda’s northeastern corner and is considered one of Africa’s most beautiful wildernesses. Its vast plains, mountain backdrops, and rich wildlife make it ideal for off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Activities:
- Game drives and nature walks
- Cultural visits to the Karamojong and Ik people
- Scenic drives through Narus and Kidepo valleys
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Lake Mburo National Park
A compact and scenic park that’s perfect for short safaris or stopovers between Kampala and western Uganda. It’s the best place to see zebras and impalas and offers unique walking and cycling safaris.
Activities:
- Walking safaris and game drives
- Boat trips on Lake Mburo
- Horseback and cycling safaris
- Birdwatching and community tours
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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Though small in size, Mgahinga is part of the larger Virunga Volcanoes ecosystem and is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park’s dramatic volcanic backdrop makes every trek memorable.
Activities:
- Gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Volcano hikes and Batwa cultural trail
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Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Known as the Mountains of the Moon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some of the most rewarding hiking and climbing in Africa. Its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and diverse vegetation zones are truly spectacular.
Activities:
- Multi-day mountain treks
- Short scenic hikes and birdwatching
- Exploring the foothill communities
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Semuliki National Park
Located along the Congo Basin, Semuliki is a lowland tropical rainforest rich in birdlife and unique natural features. It’s a paradise for birders and those seeking something different from the classic savannah experience.
Activities:
- Birdwatching and guided forest walks
- Visit to Sempaya hot springs
- Cultural encounters with local communities
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Mount Elgon National Park
Found in eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the world’s largest caldera. It’s a tranquil and scenic park with beautiful waterfalls, caves, and excellent hiking routes.
Activities:
- Mountain hiking and trekking
- Waterfall and cave exploration
- Birdwatching and cultural experiences
How to Obtain Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla trekking is a highly regulated and exclusive experience managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). To protect the gorillas and their habitat, only a limited number of trekking permits are issued each day.
You can book gorilla permits directly through UWA in Kampala or allow Safari Drive Uganda to handle all arrangements for you. We can secure your permits as part of your itinerary, saving you time and ensuring smooth coordination with your trek date.
It’s advisable to book your permit several months in advance, especially during the peak seasons (June to September and December to February).
Chimpanzee Permits
Chimpanzee tracking is available in Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Budongo Forest. A tracking permit allows you to join a guided trek to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment, while the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience gives you more time to stay with the primates.
Permits can also be obtained through UWA or arranged by Safari Drive Uganda when planning your safari itinerary.
Park Entry and Activity Payments
All national parks in Uganda are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which oversees entry fees and activity permits. Payments can be made at park gates, UWA offices, or through licensed tour operators.
When you travel with Safari Drive Uganda, we can include all park entry fees and activity permits in your safari package. This ensures your journey is seamless and allows you to focus on enjoying your adventure rather than handling logistics.
Activities such as boat cruises, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural experiences can all be booked on-site or in advance through our team.
Plan Your Safari with Safari Drive Uganda
Whether you’re traveling independently on a self-drive safari or prefer the comfort of a guided tour, Safari Drive Uganda is here to make your journey effortless and memorable. We provide fully equipped 4x4 vehicles, assist with permit bookings, and offer expert travel advice for every corner of the country.
Let’s help you explore the wonders of Uganda — from the misty forests of Bwindi to the golden plains of Kidepo.
👉 Contact Safari Drive Uganda today to start planning your unforgettable adventure through Uganda’s national parks!