Uganda has several areas that have been gazetted for conservation. The gazetted areas include national parks, wildlife parks, game reserves, sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and more. The protected areas comprise of a diversity of landscapes varying from valleys to mountains, forests and savanna plains, rivers and lakes etc. The network of 10 national parks host wildlife ranging from large Apes such as the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, to carnivals, herbivores, reptiles, birds, flies and very tiny insects.
Best National Parks to Visit
The most popular destinations are Bwindi impenetrable forest national park the best place to go gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can see the tree climbing lions within the Ishasha Sector as well as large animals such as elephants, hippos, buffaloes and more, Kibale Forest, a park with the highest population of chimpanzees in their natural environment in the whole world. If you are looking to a wildlife safari in Uganda, a visit to Queen Elizabeth safari park most known to holiday makers for having a big population of tree climbing lions and Murchison falls national park is a rewarding and unforgettable journey. From the Murchison Falls National Park, enjoy a hike to the great Murchison falls, and ennjoy viewing a variety of animals that include giraffees, lions, elephants, birds and plants etc. If you love hiking, a visit to the Rwenzori Mountains (aka the mountains of the moon) in western Uganda offers some of the best hikes you can ever take on the African continent. A hike to the glaciated peaks of Stanley or Magherita Peak takes a total of 7 Days.
Other national parks visited by tourists include the less discovered Kidepo National Park located in the remote corner of North Eastern Uganda, Semliki National Park with its crater lakes and hostsprings, Lake Mburo national park known for its zebras, elands and sitatungas and Mount Elgon with the great scenic sipi falls.
Other Things to See
In addition to the safari parks, Uganda safaris feature visits to less known sites which include chimpanzee sanctuaries, many birding sites, swamps and ecotourism sites. The top things to do include gorilla trekking, white water rafting, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching in the forests like Mabira forest, Budongo and others, visits to different cultural sites, day trip to the source of the Nile and Bujjagali Falls for bungee jumping, kayaking and white water rafting, sightseeing and city tours etc.
Conclusion
Uganda is home to an incredible array of national parks that boast stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife. These parks, including the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offer visitors a chance to experience the thrill of a safari while exploring some of the most biodiverse regions of the African continent. Whether you’re interested in seeing rare primates like mountain gorillas or exploring the lush savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda has something to offer every nature lover.
With a variety of lodges and tour operators available, it’s easy to plan the perfect trip to one or more of Uganda’s stunning national parks. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, consider visiting Uganda’s national parks. With their breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife, these parks are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.