Uganda national parks pack more variety into one small country than almost anywhere else in Africa. In a single trip you can trek mountain gorillas in misty rainforest, watch tree-climbing lions on the savanna, cruise the Nile to the foot of a thundering waterfall and hike to glaciers on the equator.
Uganda has 10 national parks and a network of wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, all protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This guide explains what makes each one special, how to reach it, when to go and which safari fits your time and budget.
It is written by our team at Tulambule Uganda Safaris, a 100% Ugandan-owned tour company licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We have been guiding guests through these parks since 2014.
Uganda National Parks at a Glance
This table compares all 10 Uganda national parks, so you can quickly see which ones match your interests.
| National Park | Famous For | Drive from Kampala |
|---|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable | Mountain gorilla trekking | 8 to 10 hours, or a 1.5-hour flight |
| Mgahinga Gorilla | Gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hikes | 8 to 9 hours |
| Queen Elizabeth | Tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel cruise | 6 to 7 hours |
| Murchison Falls | The falls, Nile boat cruise, giraffes | 5 to 6 hours |
| Kibale Forest | Chimpanzee trekking, 13 primate species | 5 to 6 hours |
| Kidepo Valley | Remote wilderness, cheetahs, big herds | 10 to 12 hours, or a 2-hour flight |
| Lake Mburo | Zebras, horseback and walking safaris | About 4 hours |
| Mount Elgon | Huge caldera, caves, Sipi Falls | 5 to 6 hours |
| Rwenzori Mountains | Mountains of the Moon, glacier trekking | 6 to 7 hours |
| Semuliki | Hot springs, Congo forest birds | 6 to 7 hours |
The 10 Uganda National Parks Explained
Each of the Uganda national parks has its own landscape and wildlife. Here is what to expect in every one.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is the reason many travellers come to Uganda. This ancient rainforest in the southwest is home to almost half of the world's mountain gorillas, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are more than 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. A gorilla trek takes between two and eight hours, and the hour you spend with a gorilla family is one you will never forget.
Bwindi is also excellent for birding, with many species found nowhere else in Africa. Read our full Bwindi Impenetrable Forest guide.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga is the smallest of the Uganda national parks, but it is one of the most beautiful. It sits on the slopes of three extinct Virunga volcanoes, where Uganda meets Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As well as gorilla trekking, Mgahinga is the best place in Uganda to see the rare golden monkey. You can also climb Mount Muhabura, Gahinga or Sabyinyo, and walk the Batwa Trail with the forest's first people.
See our Mgahinga Gorilla National Park guide and our golden monkey tracking guide.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth is Uganda's most visited savanna park. It stretches from the Rwenzori foothills to Lake Edward, with open grassland, crater lakes, forest and wetlands in between.
The highlights are the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where hundreds of hippos, elephants and buffalo gather at the water's edge. The park has more than 600 bird species, and chimpanzees live in Kyambura Gorge.
Read our Queen Elizabeth National Park guide.
4. Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is the largest of the Uganda national parks. Here the River Nile forces its way through a gorge only about seven metres wide, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.
North of the river, game drives reveal Rothschild's giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalo and antelope. The boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is a highlight, and you can hike to the top for a close look at the thundering water.
Nearby Budongo Forest offers chimpanzee trekking, and most guests stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way. See our Murchison Falls National Park guide.
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5. Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale is the primate capital of East Africa. Its tropical forest is home to about 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species, including red colobus and L'Hoest's monkeys.
Chimpanzee trekking here has some of the highest success rates in Africa. Next to the park, the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a lovely walk for birds and monkeys.
Read our guides to Kibale Forest National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
6. Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo is Uganda's wildest and most remote park, tucked into the far northeast near South Sudan and Kenya. Few visitors make it here, so you often have huge landscapes all to yourself.
The Narus Valley attracts big herds of buffalo, zebras and elephants, along with lions, cheetahs, ostriches and species found nowhere else in Uganda. Visits to the Karamojong people add a fascinating cultural side.
The drive is long, so many guests fly in. See our Kidepo National Park guide and our guide to the Karamoja region.
7. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is the closest savanna park to Kampala, about four hours' drive away. It is perfect for a short safari or a stop on the way to Bwindi.
With no elephants or lions on the open plains, Lake Mburo is one of the few Uganda national parks where you can safely explore on foot, by bicycle or on horseback among zebras, impalas, elands and giraffes. A boat trip on the lake shows hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles.
See our Lake Mburo National Park guide.
8. Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon, on the Kenyan border, is an ancient extinct volcano with one of the largest calderas in the world. Its highest peak, Wagagai, reaches 4,321 metres.
Hikers love its gentle trails, caves and giant moorland plants. At the foot of the mountain, the beautiful Sipi Falls are a favourite stop for coffee tours and abseiling.
See our Mount Elgon National Park guide.
9. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori are the legendary Mountains of the Moon. Margherita Peak, at 5,109 metres, is the third highest point in Africa, and the range still holds glaciers right on the equator.
You don't need to climb to the summit to enjoy the Rwenzori. Shorter hikes take you through bamboo forest and strange giant lobelias, with views across the valleys.
See our Rwenzori Mountains National Park guide.
10. Semuliki National Park
Semuliki lies in the Albertine Rift on the border with Congo, and it feels like a piece of the Congo Basin forest. It is a top destination for serious birders, with species seen nowhere else in East Africa.
The famous Sempaya hot springs bubble up from the forest floor, hot enough to boil eggs. You can also meet the Batwa community and look for forest elephants and primates.
Read our Semuliki National Park guide and our guide to birding in Semliki.
Uganda Wildlife Reserves and Sanctuaries
Beyond the 10 Uganda national parks, the country protects wildlife reserves, forest reserves and sanctuaries. Many are easy to add to a safari and give you experiences the parks can't, such as tracking rhinos on foot or searching for the shoebill.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa is the best place to see rhinos in Uganda. Southern white rhinos were brought here to rebuild a population that disappeared from Uganda in the 1980s, and you track them on foot with a ranger.
It sits on the road from Kampala to Murchison Falls, so it fits neatly into any northern safari. Read our Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary guide.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe in Karamoja is Uganda's second largest protected area after Murchison Falls. It is wild, quiet and rarely visited, with roan antelope, cheetahs, ostriches and dramatic mountain views.
It pairs well with Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls and Kidepo on an eastern Uganda adventure. See our Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve guide.
More Reserves and Sanctuaries Worth Visiting
| Reserve or Sanctuary | Highlight | Combine With |
|---|---|---|
| Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve | Savanna, Semliki Valley views, chimps and birds | Semuliki National Park |
| Bugungu Wildlife Reserve | Kobs, giraffes and quiet game drives | Murchison Falls |
| Kyambura Wildlife Reserve | Kyambura Gorge and its chimpanzees | Queen Elizabeth |
| Kigezi Wildlife Reserve | Wildlife corridor between Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi | Ishasha and Bwindi |
| Katonga Wildlife Reserve | Wetlands, canoe trips and sitatunga antelope | Lake Mburo or Kibale |
| Budongo Forest Reserve | Chimpanzee trekking and mahogany forest | Murchison Falls |
| Kalinzu Forest Reserve | Affordable chimpanzee trekking | Queen Elizabeth |
| Mabamba Swamp | The rare shoebill, by canoe | Entebbe |
| Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary | Rescued chimps on a Lake Victoria island | Entebbe |
| Uganda Wildlife Education Centre | Lions, rhinos and shoebills up close | Entebbe, arrival or departure day |
Short on time before your flight? Our 1-day Mabamba shoebill tour starts and ends in Entebbe or Kampala.
Which Uganda National Parks Should You Visit?
With so many parks and reserves, it helps to start with what you most want to see:
- Mountain gorillas: Bwindi or Mgahinga.
- Chimpanzees: Kibale, with Budongo, Kalinzu and Kyambura Gorge as other options.
- Classic game drives: Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo.
- Rhinos: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Boat safaris: the Kazinga Channel, the Nile in Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo.
- Hiking and mountains: Rwenzori, Mount Elgon and the Mgahinga volcanoes.
- Birding: Semuliki, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Mabamba Swamp.
- A short trip from Kampala: Lake Mburo or Murchison Falls.
Most first-time visitors combine three or four parks. A classic route goes from Murchison Falls to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, giving you the falls, chimps, lions and gorillas in one trip.
Uganda National Parks Safaris by Park
Already know which park you want? These are our ready-made safaris for each one. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, budget and lodge style.
| National Park | Our Safaris |
|---|---|
| Bwindi | 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour, 3-Day Fly-In Gorilla Safari, 2-Day Gorilla Safari from Kigali |
| Mgahinga | Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla Safaris |
| Queen Elizabeth | 2-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari, 3-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari, Queen Elizabeth Safari with Lion Tracking |
| Murchison Falls | 2-Day Murchison Falls Safari, 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari, 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari with Rhino Tracking, 4-Day Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari |
| Kibale | 3-Day Kibale Chimp Trekking Tour, 3-Day Chimp Safari in Kibale |
| Kidepo and Pian Upe | 7-Day Eastern Uganda Adventure Tour, or a fly-in Kidepo safari on request |
| Lake Mburo | 2-Day Lake Mburo Safari, 3-Day Lake Mburo Safari |
| Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls | 4-Day Jinja and Sipi Falls Trip |
| Rwenzori Mountains | 2-Day Rwenzori Trek, 3-Day Rwenzori Hike, 6-Day Trek to Weismann Peak |
| Semuliki | 21-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary, or add Semuliki to any western Uganda safari |
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Combined Uganda National Parks Safaris
The best way to experience Uganda is to combine several parks in one trip. These multi-park safaris are our most popular:
| Safari | Parks Visited | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Day Gorillas, Chimps and Lake Bunyonyi | Bwindi, Kibale | Primates on a budget |
| Lake Mburo and Bwindi Gorilla Safari | Lake Mburo, Bwindi | Zebras and gorillas |
| Bwindi Gorilla and Queen Elizabeth Safari | Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth | Gorillas and lions |
| 7-Day Uganda Safari | Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi | Gorillas, chimps and big game |
| 10-Day Murchison Falls to Bwindi Safari | Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi | The complete Uganda experience |
| 12-Day Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari | Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Mburo | Rhinos to gorillas |
| 21-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary | Most of the country, including Semuliki | A deep, unhurried journey |
See also our Best of Uganda Safari and three weeks in Uganda guides.
Combine Uganda with Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania
Uganda borders Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, so it is easy to add a second country to your trip:
- 10-Day Rwanda and Gorillas of Uganda Safari: Kigali, Bwindi and Rwanda's parks.
- 8-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari: gorillas plus Nyungwe's canopy walk.
- 6-Day Luxury Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Tour: gorillas in style.
- Uganda and Kenya Safari: gorillas and the Masai Mara.
- 11-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari: gorillas and the Serengeti.
- 15-Day East Africa Safari and Beach Holiday: safari followed by beach time.
Explore our Rwanda national parks guide and all our combined East African safaris.
Best Time to Visit Uganda National Parks
Uganda sits on the equator, so the Uganda national parks are open and warm all year. The two dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, are the most popular for gorilla trekking and game drives, because trails are drier and animals gather near water.
The wetter months of March to May and October to November bring green scenery, fewer visitors and lower rates at many lodges. Gorilla trekking continues all year, so don't rule out these months.
Read our full guide to the best time to visit Uganda.
Uganda National Parks Fees and Permits
Every visitor pays a daily park entry fee, and some activities need a permit. Gorilla trekking permits are the most important to book early. A permit for foreign non-residents costs US$800 in Uganda, and permits sell out months ahead in busy seasons.
Ugandans, East African citizens and foreign residents pay much lower rates. For the latest entry fees and activity prices, see our guide to Uganda national parks activities and fees and our gorilla trekking permits guide.
When you book with us, we secure all permits and park fees for you, so you don't have to deal with any paperwork.
Uganda National Parks for Ugandans and East African Residents
You don't need to be a foreign tourist to enjoy the Uganda national parks. Ugandans and East African citizens pay a fraction of the international park fees, which makes a weekend of gorillas or lions very affordable.
Our Kampala clients love quick escapes such as Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, and many save up for a gorilla trek in Bwindi. See our guides to gorilla trekking for Ugandans, gorilla safaris for East Africans and weekend getaway safaris from Kampala.
We also organise group tours for families, churches, schools and companies.
Where to Stay in Uganda National Parks
Every park has a range of places to stay, from simple bandas and tented camps to luxury lodges with views over the forest or savanna. Staying inside or right next to the park saves driving time and gives you the best chance of early-morning wildlife.
Here are some of the lodges we use most often, by park and budget:
| Park | Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bwindi | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Mahogany Springs, Trackers Safari Lodge | Community campsites and bandas |
| Queen Elizabeth | Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge | UWA bandas at Mweya |
| Murchison Falls | Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge | Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge | Fort Murchison and UWA bandas |
| Kibale | Primate Lodge Kibale | Crater Safari Lodge | Community campsites near Bigodi |
| Lake Mburo | Mihingo Lodge | Rwakobo Rock | UWA bandas and campsites |
| Kidepo | Apoka Safari Lodge | Lodges just outside the park | Apoka Rest Camp (UWA) |
For more choices, see our guides to the best Uganda safari lodges, lodges in Queen Elizabeth, lodges in Murchison Falls, Kibale lodges, Lake Mburo lodges and where to stay in Kidepo.
Travelling on a tighter budget? See our budget Uganda safaris, or our self-drive safari in Uganda option. Prefer something special? Browse our luxury accommodation in Uganda.
Why Explore Uganda National Parks with Tulambule
- 100% Ugandan-owned and based in Kampala since 2014.
- Licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and a member of AUTO.
- Experienced driver-guides who know every park, reserve, trail and lodge.
- We book your gorilla and chimpanzee permits and handle all park fees.
- Private safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for game viewing.
- Resident rates for Ugandans and East Africans.
- Fast replies on WhatsApp, seven days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda National Parks
How many national parks are in Uganda?
Uganda has 10 national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki.
Which is the best national park in Uganda?
It depends on what you want to see. Bwindi is best for mountain gorillas, Queen Elizabeth for tree-climbing lions and boat safaris, Murchison Falls for the falls and big game, and Kibale for chimpanzees.
Which is the largest national park in Uganda?
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda. It is home to giraffes, elephants, lions and buffalo, and the Nile plunges over Murchison Falls in the heart of the park.
What is the difference between a national park and a wildlife reserve in Uganda?
National parks have the highest level of protection and the main tourist activities. Wildlife reserves, such as Pian Upe and Toro-Semliki, are also protected but allow some local use, and they are usually quieter with fewer visitors.
Where can I see rhinos in Uganda?
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the best place to see rhinos in Uganda. You track white rhinos on foot with a ranger, and the sanctuary is on the road to Murchison Falls.
Which national park is closest to Kampala?
Lake Mburo National Park is the closest savanna park to Kampala, about four hours' drive away. Murchison Falls is also within reach, about five to six hours away.
How many days do I need to visit Uganda national parks?
A short safari of two or three days covers one park. Seven to ten days lets you combine gorillas, chimpanzees and big game across three or four parks.
Final Thoughts on Uganda National Parks
From the gorillas of Bwindi to the lions of Ishasha, the rhinos of Ziwa and the glaciers of the Rwenzori, the Uganda national parks and reserves offer something for every traveller. Few countries let you see so much in so little time.
Tell us which parks interest you, how many days you have and your budget. Our Kampala team will build a safari around you, with every permit, lodge and transfer taken care of.
