There are 10 national parks in Uganda. This article lists all the national parks in Uganda and their locations. Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, often called “The Pearl of Africa.”
The country has beauty that is hard to match in other parts of Africa. Uganda is known for its exotic wildlife, many bird species, diverse cultures, landmarks, and much more.
Uganda is home to the world’s longest river, the Nile, which flows through eleven countries. Its source is in Uganda. The mighty River Nile flows out of the rift escarpment at Murchison Falls National Park, forcing itself through a narrow gorge and then flowing into Lake Albert, forming the world’s most powerful waterfalls.
Uganda also has half of the world’s mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The rest are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in the Virunga Conservation Area, home to the eight Virunga Volcano Mountains.
There is a lot to see and learn in Uganda, and much of it can be experienced in the country’s national parks. Below is a complete list of Uganda’s national parks.
List of National Parks in Uganda
Uganda’s national parks can be visited all year round. However, the months of June to September and December to February are best for game viewing.
For bird lovers, the best time to visit is from November to April, when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present. Here is the list of Uganda’s national parks.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is in northeastern Uganda in the Karamoja plains. The park is a true wilderness with unique wildlife not found in other parks in Uganda. Kidepo is Uganda’s third largest national park, home to over 400 bird species, including ostriches, and 77 types of mammals, some found nowhere else in Uganda.
Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is in eastern Uganda, near the Kenyan border. It is named after Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano with the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world.
The park was established in 1992 and covers 1,110 square kilometers. Animals like leopards, elephants, and bushbucks live here, along with birds like Jackson’s francolin and tacazze sunbirds.
The park also offers wide views of the Karamoja plains.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is in western Uganda and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers 998 square kilometers and was established in 1991.
The main activity here is climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” Mount Margherita, one of its peaks, is the third highest mountain in Africa.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is in northwestern Uganda. It has over 76 species of mammals, 400 bird species, and primates in Budongo Forest.
Visitors enjoy boat rides to the base of the falls, where they can see wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most visited parks and is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the main activity, with permits costing $800 for one hour with gorillas.
Gorilla habituation permits, costing $1,500, allow up to 4 hours with gorillas and researchers. Bwindi is also home to 13 primates, 200 tree species, and over 300 bird species.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is the best place in the world for chimpanzee trekking. It has over 1,400 chimpanzees and 351 bird species.
Other primates, like olive baboons and colobus monkeys, also live here.
Semuliki Valley National Park
Semuliki Valley National Park is in southwestern Uganda. It is part of the Ituri Forest in Congo, one of the last remaining lowland tropical forests.
The park is known for the Sempaya Hot Springs, which have an interesting history.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in southwestern Uganda, near Rwanda and Congo. It is home to 3 of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes and the Nyakagezi gorilla group, which is open for trekking year round.
Visitors can also enjoy golden monkey trekking and mountain climbing.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park was established in 1954 and named after Queen Elizabeth of England. It has the highest number of bird species in Uganda, with over 600 recorded.
It is also the most visited park in Uganda, with over 95 mammal species.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah park. It has 13 lakes, with 5 inside the park. It is a perfect weekend getaway from Kampala or a stopover when traveling to Queen Elizabeth or Bwindi.
The park is home to over 300 bird species and offers activities like horse safaris and boat rides.
Ready to explore these parks for yourself? See our Uganda safari options.
