Uganda may be a small country, but it’s packed with an astonishing variety of wildlife, landscapes, and safari experiences. From misty mountains to sun-scorched savannas, Uganda offers something for every kind of traveler — whether you’re chasing the Big Five, tracking primates, or birding in the remote wilderness.
So, which park should you visit? Here’s a breakdown of Uganda’s top national parks and what kind of safari experience each offers.
🦍 1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Best for: Gorilla trekking, rainforest hikes, biodiversity
Home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi is Uganda’s most iconic park for a reason. Trekking through dense rainforest to spend an hour with a gorilla family is an unforgettable, bucket-list experience.
- Location: Southwest Uganda
- Highlights: Mountain gorillas, birdwatching, Batwa cultural visits
- Ideal for: Adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, eco-tourists
Tip: Book your gorilla trekking permit in advance, especially during peak season (June–August, December–February).
🐘 2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Best for: Classic game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching
This diverse park is a great all-rounder. You can see elephants, hippos, lions, and buffalo on land and water, especially on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
- Location: Western Uganda
- Highlights: Boat safaris, crater lakes, over 600 bird species
- Ideal for: First-time safari-goers, birders, photographers
Did you know? Queen Elizabeth NP has one of the highest biodiversity rates in Africa.
🐘 3. Murchison Falls National Park
Best for: Big game, boat cruises, dramatic waterfalls
This is Uganda’s largest park, bisected by the Nile and home to the thunderous Murchison Falls. Wildlife sightings include giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, and if you’re lucky, leopards. A boat cruise to the base of the falls is a must-do.
- Location: Northwestern Uganda
- Highlights: Nile river cruise, Murchison Falls, giraffes
- Ideal for: Families, nature photographers, bird lovers
Fun Fact: Ernest Hemingway survived two plane crashes near this park in 1954!
🐾 4. Kibale Forest National Park
Best for: Chimpanzee tracking, primate lovers, forest walks
Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale is the best place in Uganda to track wild chimpanzees. With 13 primate species and lush rainforest scenery, it’s perfect for those looking to connect with Uganda’s rich primate life.
- Location: Western Uganda (near Fort Portal)
- Highlights: Chimpanzees, forest hikes, nature walks
- Ideal for: Researchers, families, forest explorers
Upgrade Your Trek: Opt for the chimpanzee habituation experience to spend more time in the forest.
🦁 5. Kidepo Valley National Park
Best for: Remote wilderness, rare sightings, authentic safari
Often called Uganda’s “hidden gem,” Kidepo offers an off-the-beaten-path safari far from the crowds. It’s home to big cats, ostriches, and vast savannah landscapes that rival those in Kenya or Tanzania.
- Location: Northeastern Uganda
- Highlights: Cheetahs, ostriches, dramatic scenery
- Ideal for: Experienced safari-goers, solitude seekers, adventurers
Getting There: It’s remote — fly-in safaris or long road trips (10–12 hours) are the norm, but worth it.
🐦 6. Lake Mburo National Park
Best for: Short trips, walking safaris, zebra sightings
The smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, Lake Mburo is perfect for a quick getaway or a stopover between major destinations. It’s the best place in Uganda to see zebras and offers rare walking and cycling safaris.
- Location: Western Uganda (near Mbarara)
- Highlights: Zebras, impalas, birdlife, lake activities
- Ideal for: Weekend trips, active travelers, birdwatchers
🐊 Honorable Mention: Semuliki National Park
Best for: Hot springs, birding, and unique lowland forest ecology
This lesser-visited park is a paradise for birders and geology buffs. It’s home to bubbling hot springs and Congo Basin flora, making it very different from other parks in Uganda.
✅ Which Park is Right for You?
Here’s a quick summary based on interest:
| Interest | Go To |
|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking | Bwindi Impenetrable |
| Chimp tracking | Kibale Forest |
| Classic safari (Big Five) | Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls |
| Remote & wild experience | Kidepo Valley |
| Short or walking safaris | Lake Mburo |
| Birdwatching | Queen Elizabeth, Semuliki, Bwindi |
🌍 Final Thoughts
Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can go gorilla trekking in the morning and spot lions on the savannah by afternoon. Each park offers a different kind of magic, so whether you’re planning your first safari or your fifth, Uganda’s diverse landscapes will surprise and inspire you.
If you need help planning your Uganda itinerary or want recommendations based on your interests, feel free to reach out!