Discover the top visited National Parks in Uganda and the reasons why they stand out/make them the most explored. In Uganda alone, there are 10 National Parks with each having something unusual for nature lovers to experience. The top visited National Parks in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
There are 7 top visited National Parks in Uganda thanks to their diverse wildlife species, unmatched beauty, and exceptional experiences. Here is a detailed list of the top visited National Parks in Uganda and why should consider them as your bucket list destinations on your next Uganda tour.
Top visited National Parks in Uganda & Why?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Set in the far Southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Africa’s most popular safari parks. It is the most sought-after destination for primate adventure seekers or hikers. Bwindi together with Mgahinga were gazetted in 1991 and the primary reason was to provide natural habitat to the present endangered mountain gorillas.
Today, Bwindi stands out as Africa’s premier mountain gorilla trekking destination. On Uganda safaris, Bwindi National Park should be a must-visit destination for you to have an in-depth understanding of how mountain gorillas behave in the wild. Interestingly, you do not have to worry about the cost of gorilla trekking permits. A single Bwindi gorilla permit can be obtained at USD 800 per person.
More than 459 out of 1063 mountain gorillas freely roam in the jungles of Bwindi National Park. This park also boasts of its 23 habituated gorilla families which can be visited in any of the four regions- Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Buhoma.
Other exciting safari highlights that have positioned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park among the top-visited National Parks in Uganda include bird watching/birding and forest walks. Bwindi is also most popular for its unique mountain gorilla habituation adventures –it is the only park in the world where this primate adventure can be enjoyed.
Wildlife abundance: Up to 120 mammal species which include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and other primates; 350 bird species, 220 butterfly species, 27 frog species -all these call Bwindi their home.
Kibale National Park
Located in Western Uganda, Kibale National Park is dubbed as the Primate Capital of the World for a good reason. Kibale was established in 1993 and has a surface area coverage of 795sq.km. The extensive natural rainforest of Kibale is home to the largest concentration of primates. 13 species of primates are all confined in the scenic Kibale National Park making it the most sought-after primate destination.
Out of the 13 primate species, over 1500 chimpanzees all survive in Kibale Forest. Kibale National Park holds the highest number of habituated chimpanzee communities making it the best place in Africa to visit to experience the most chimpanzee tracking. It is the best destination to visit for chimpanzee habituation experience.
In addition, Kibale National Park is also an enriching destination when it comes to birding tours in Uganda. Over 375 species of birds are distributed in the diverse habitats in Kibale including the most sought-after/rare African green-breasted pitta.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest park with a surface area coverage of 3840 sq. km. Murchison Falls National Park is the only game park in Northwestern Uganda, and it was established as a game reserve in 1926. In 1951, it was upgraded as a National Park. Murchison Falls National Park is separated into two sections by the scenic Victoria Nile thus creating the Northern and Southern sectors.
Murchison Falls National Park shelters over 76 mammal species including African elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, leopards, and various antelopes. It is also most popular for its powerful Murchison Falls (Kabalega Falls) located at the apex of Lake Albert on Lake Victoria Nile.
Murchison Falls National Park is among the top-visited National Parks in Uganda because of its enriching guided game drives, launch or boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, bird watching, and others. The park offers the best big game encounters and due to its strategic location, visitors are in a position to explore even rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular park and is an excellent place to find the tree climbing lions. Referred to as a medley of wonders, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers the best of big game safaris. This park protects about 95 mammal species including 4 of the Big 5 Game; 10 primate species and 618 species of birds.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is most visited for game drives, boat cruises, bird watching, lion tracking, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, and forest walks in Maramagambo Forest.
Kidepo National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the isolated Northeastern part of Uganda and is most popular for its authentic African wilderness experience. Established in 1962, Kidepo is Uganda’s third-largest park and home to diverse wildlife species including cheetahs, zebras, bat-eared foxes, leopards, black-backed and side-striped jackals, cape buffaloes, and Jackson’s hartebeest.
Other wildlife to find on the Kidepo Valley National Park game viewing tour include klipspringer, elands, oribis, Uganda Kobs, Rothschild giraffes, and lions. Over 475 bird species are also distributed in the diverse habitats in Kidepo and include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, Kori bustards, red-throated bee-eaters, ostriches, Karamoja apalis, and others.
In Kidepo Valley National Park, expect to indulge in a guided game drive through the enriching Narus Valley or Kidepo Valley; bird watching, and nature walks. Adjacent to Kidepo, visitors can enjoy authentic cultural experiences on a visit to the Karamojong local community or hike to the top of Mount Morungole to interact with the IK people.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to the scenic Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Mt. Rwenzori National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated area since 1994 and is home to the 3rd highest mountain peak –the Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley (5109m).
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is ecologically, geologically, and culturally rich and features endemic plant life including lobelias, groundsels, and some medicinal herbs.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is most visited by adventure seekers who come to challenge themselves on long hikes to its spectacular peak –the Margherita Peak.
