Uganda is a country with a number of amazing places to explore during your holiday. From natural attractions to cultural and man-made attractions, Uganda has a vast array of things to see as well as activities to engage in during your holiday.
Uganda’s spectacular untouched marvelous natural landscape ranges from big lakes, big rivers, open savanna, big forests, rift valley floor, spectacular waterfalls like Sipi Falls, Bujagali Falls, Murchison Falls, Sezibwa Falls to big mountains.
Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Where else but in this impossibly lush country can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippo and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla? Certainly, Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plains antelope. And this verdant biodiversity is further attested to by Uganda ‘s status as by far the smallest of the four African countries whose bird checklist tops over 1,000 mark!
Uganda is truly breathtaking with the famous Rwenzori mountains also known as the “Mountains of the Moon”, Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile, and many national parks that are home to all the animals you can name that you have seen in a zoo (but in their natural habitat).
National Parks in Uganda
There are 10 national parks in Uganda protecting a wide range of flora and fauna. All Ugandan national parks are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government parastatal that is responsible for protecting Uganda’s wildlife. Here is a list of Uganda National Parks;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Mount Rwenzori National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Semuliki National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is most famous for gorilla tracking, but there are also hiking trails where you can see a large variety of birds and primates. Trails begin at 08.30 am. and 14.15 daily. There are Clean and simple bandas at Buhoma. there are also 3 privately run campsites in the area along with some middle and […]
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is the place to go for chimpanzee trekking. Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale boasts Africa’s highest concentration of primates, with over 13 species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and the endangered L’Hoest’s monkey. The park’s lush rainforest and swampy areas are ideal for guided treks, where you can observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It’s a must-visit for any primate enthusiast.
Kidepo Valley National Park
The kidepo valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It is 1,442sq km. good walking safaris as well as day and night dives. Good chances of viewing lion, large herds of elephants and buffalo, leopard, cheetah, outstanding birds of prey and Ostrich. Accommodation: UWA Bandas and the upmarket Apoka safari Lodge. Schedule […]
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park borders Lakes Edward and George which are connected by the kazinga channel. Launch trips on the kazinga channel last about 2 hours. Trips can be booked at the office adjacent to the lodge. Kyambura Gorge is part of the park and offers Chimp tracking. Accommodation: There’s a safari lodge at Mweya and a camping […]
Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano and the 4th highest mountain in Eastern Africa, reaching 4321 metres. THe park has magnificent waterfalls, caves, gorgoes and hot springs and is excellent for hiking. NO technical climbing equipment or skills are required, and all major peaks are accessible to hikers. The full trekking circuit takes 4-5 days.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Though smaller than Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another excellent option for gorilla trekking. In the Virunga Mountains Range, Mgahinga is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is also home to golden monkeys, a rare species found only in this region, providing a unique double-trekking experience for visitors interested in gorillas and other primates.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is situated north of Masindi, 350 Kms from Kampala. Boat trips operate from paraa to the foot of Murchison Falls and take around 3 hours. These enable you to see hippos., crocodiles and magnificent bird life close up. There are also nature walks to the top of the falls and at Kaniyo pabidi.
