Uganda National Parks to look out for

Uganda National Parks to look out for: Uganda is one of the ideal tour destinations in Africa with a great number of wildlife and flora of importance. Uganda as a country has 10 national parks all offering an outstanding activity and these are Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Kibale national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park, Lake Mburo national park, Mount Rwenzori national park, Semiliki hot springs national park, Kidepo valley national park, Mgahinga national park and Mount Elgon national park.

All these national parks are major tourist destinations and offer a mix of wildlife, adventure, cultural experience to all the visitors. This however does not stop other national parks from standing out of the crowd as the ideal and most loved by the past travellers. Basing on the past reviews we outline 5 national parks that one should not miss out on their Uganda safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park is one of Uganda’s most sought after national parks majorly because it is one of the homes of the endangered mountain gorillas. The Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is situated in the south western part of Uganda and is an 8 hour road transfer from Entebbe international airport. You can however opt to fly into the Kigali International airport and drive 4 hours crossing via the Katuna border of Uganda and Rwanda. The estimated remaining number of mountain gorillas in the entire world is 1,063 individuals according to the last census that was carried out. These mountain gorillas can only be visited in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga national park of Uganda, Volcanoes national park of Rwanda and the Virunga national park of DRCongo

On your visit to Bwindi, you are able to trek the mountain gorillas led by a skilled and knowledgeable ranger guide into the wild to enjoy these gentle giants in their natural state. Get to spend an hour watching the mountain gorillas go about their day from a 7 meter distance, take selfies and non-flash photos. You will also get to notice the similarity of the mountain gorilla with the human as the two species share up to 98% of their DNA. You can top up your mountain gorilla safari with a cultural tour visiting the native Batwa community that is living around the park. They will take you on a tour on their ways of living, cultural dances and history of this pygmy tribe and take part in the weaving business done by the Twa women.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s wildlife parks that offers game drives and boat cruises to spot the flora and fauna of the park. The Queen Elizabeth national park is located in the western part of Uganda and is considered the best savannah national park of the country. While at Queen Elizabeth national park, you can take on a full day or half day game drive depending on your interests. Get to spot the lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, elephants and the smaller antelope species like the Uganda kobs, impalas, waterbucks etc.

On top of the wildlife game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park, you can also go for a chimpanzee trekking experience in Kyambura gorge. Be sure to take on the 2 hour launch cruise on the Kazinga channel that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The major attractions that make Queen Elizabeth stand out are the tree climbing lions and the over 600 different bird species that you can spot on your game drive around the park or on your boat trip. There is also a salt mine and some community projects you can take some time to visit if you have enough time. A 5 days safari of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park with Queen Elizabeth is an ideal pick for a Uganda safari. Queen Elizabeth national park is a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kampala and Kigali as well so you can opt to fly into either of the countries.

Kibale forest national park is the ideal chimpanzee trekking destination in the whole Africa. Kibale national park has previously been recognized by primate lovers. This national park is also a home to other primates like the different types of monkeys and you can also take on a birding safari in this park as there are a great number of birds you can spot while in this forest. Nature walks in the Kibale national park can be refreshing so be sure to book yourself a guided nature walk in the Kibale national park.

Murchison falls national park is one of the most commonly admired and visited national parks of Uganda by both the nationals and the foreign travellers. Murchison falls national park is located in the north western part of the country and is Uganda’s largest national park and is a home to up to 76 mammals and 450 bird species and a number of reptiles and primates. Get to take on a game drive to spot the lions, elephants, the Rothschild giraffe, leopards, zebras and the smaller animals like the kobs, warthogs, waterbucks.

Murchison falls national park is one of the places you can visit and get to see the shoebill, a rare and almost extinct bird species. Take on a boat trip on the River Nile, the world’s longest river and get a chance to spot the water animals like crocodiles and hippos. Feel the strong falls on your boat trip or on your hike to the top of the falls.

Kidepo valley national park is Uganda’s most remote but yet again most beautiful national park with a rich diversity which makes it stand out as one of Uganda’s best tourism destinations. The Kidepo valley national park is situated in the north eastern part of Uganda at the Kenya and South Sudan. The Kidepo valley is a home to the rare Rothschild giraffe, along with other mammals like the lions, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, water beest to mention but a few. Kidepe is a full day drive to the park with a night stopover in Gulu or Kitgum town. The flat terrain of the area gives breathtaking views of the park. Be sure to visit the Ik community or the Karamajong people who live around the park for a cultural treat in Kidepo national park.