UGANDA NATIONAL PARKS

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

From open savannah to rainforest, from dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward, it is little wonder that Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world.

Almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species makes this superb safari territory, with African Elephant, a profusion of Hippos, the elusive Giant Forest Hog and handsome Uganda Kob all regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula - which also boasts a marvellous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. Elsewhere, the remote Ishasha Sector is famed for its tree-climbing Lions, the Kyambura Gorge harbours habituated chimps, the Maramagambo Forest is home to an alluring selection of forest monkeys and birds, and flocks of flamingo are resident on the crater lakes. More>>>

MURCHISON FALL NATIONAL PARK: uganda national parks

Uganda's largest national park protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty River Nile. It is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Wildlife populations have largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s; in the lush borassus grassland to the north of the Nile, African Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe and a variety of antelope are regularly encountered on game drives, while Lion are seen with increasing frequency. In the southeast, Rabongo Forest is home to chimps and other rainforest creatures. The Nile itself hosts one of Africa's densest hippo and crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of waterbirds including the world's most accessible wild population of the rare Shoebill. More >>>

SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK: uganda national parks

Semliki National Park is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of the forest
continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene. This is one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa; especially for birds. Semliki National Park is situated in the remote corner of extreme west of Uganda, in Bundibugyo District. It lies on Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley. The geographical coordinates are 00 44' - 00 53' N - 290 57' - 30 11'E. To the southeast are the Rwenzori Mountains, to the west is DRC and to the north Lake Albert. Semliki National Park (220 km2) was gazetted in October 1993 and is one of Uganda's newest National Parks. The Park occupies a flat to gently undulating landform ranging from 670 -760 metres above level. All streams and rivers from the surrounding areas drain into the Park and with poor drainage and topography; many areas are flooded during the rainy season. The average annual rainfall is 1250 mm with peaks from March to May and September and December. The temperature varies from 18C – 30C with relatively small daily variations. More>>>

MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK: uganda national parks

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the south-western corner of Uganda. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The Park is about 10 km south of Kisoro and is bordered to the south by the Republic of Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these countries protects its own portion of the Virungas, in the Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virunga respectively. The three parks together form the 434-sq km 'Virunga Conservation Area' or VCA. Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, just 8% of the VCA. The entire Park is in Bufumbira County of Kisoro District.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 33.7 sq km and consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. From far away, the huge cones of the Virunga Volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach. When you reach the park you can get a great overview of the area by walking up the viewpoint, just 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate. Mgahinga Park has great biological importance because throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world's critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. More>>>

KIBALE NATIONAL PARK: uganda national parks

The most accessible of Uganda's major rainforests, Kibale is home to a remarkable 13 primate species, including the very localised Red Colobus and L'Hoest's Monkey. Kibale's major attraction, however, is the opportunity to track habituated Chimpanzees - these delightful apes, more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. A network of shady forest trails provides much to delight botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders are in for a treat with 335 species recorded including the Prirogrine's Ground-thrush. The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier than its savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into the developed part of the park, while other terrestrial mammals include Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog and a half-dozen antelope species. More>>>

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK: uganda national parks

Lying in the one part of Uganda covered in extensive acacia woodland, Mburo has markedly different fauna to other reserves. Lake Mburo is the best place in the country to see the gigantic Eland antelope, as well as Burchell's Zebra, Topi, Impala, and several acacia-associated birds. The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the Sitatunga and the red, black and yellow Papyrus Gonolek. More>>>

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

A magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, this ancient rainforest - one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age - is home to roughly half of the world's Mountain Gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer - but we should not let it distract from Bwindi's broader biodiversity, a result of its immense antiquity and an altitude span from 1,160 to
2,607m. The national park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the Black-and-white Colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics present. More>>>

FOREST WALKS

In most of our National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, there are magnificent trails for nature walks. If you are interested in a true African walk, Uganda is the right place for you. We cater for those who are interested in Night Walks, Forest Walks, Hiking and Primate Walks.

Uganda safaris and Tours to Queen Elizabeth NP by Uganda Tour Operators:

3 Days Tour to Queen Elizabeth Np By Adventure trails
3 Days safari to Queen Elizabeth Np by Abacus

Uganda Safari

Adventure Travel

Uganda National Parks

Uganda Hotels

Uganda Travel Directory