Uganda's Parks & Places
Where Your Uganda Adventure Will Take You
In Uganda, you’ll find a range of landscapes that will take your breath away. Uganda’s unique location at the junction of the East African savannahs, the West African rainforests, and the semiarid Sahelian zone of North Africa has resulted in a tremendous diversity of wildlife.
The Pearl of Africa boasts 10 national parks and 15 wildlife reserves, with planning resulting in the conservation of different habitats. From the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, to the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the stunning waterfalls of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda offers a wide variety of wildlife and nature experiences.
Come and explore the wonders of Uganda, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and community projects, or simply relax and recharge amidst the tranquility of the beautiful landscapes.
Kampala
As the capital city of Uganda, Kampala offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere that is rich in history, culture, and entertainment. Explore the bustling markets, museums, and historical sites like the Kasubi Tombs or Uganda Museum. You can also experience the local food scene and nightlife, or visit the nearby Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a unique primate encounter.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering visitors the rare opportunity to trek through the dense jungle and see these magnificent creatures up close. In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the traditional Batwa pygmy communities that call the forest home.
Entebbe
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a beautiful town that offers a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Kampala. Highlights include the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, botanical gardens, and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. You can also take a boat ride to explore the nearby Ssese Islands or go birdwatching in the nearby wetlands.
Fort Portal
This charming town is known for its beautiful landscapes and access to several national parks, including Kibale Forest National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences like picking tea leaves, visiting the Tooro Palace or attending the Nshenyi Cultural Village.
Jinja
Known as the adventure capital of Uganda, Jinja is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies. Visitors can go white water rafting on the Nile River, bungee jumping, or take a sunset cruise. You can also visit the nearby Source of the Nile or explore the town’s historical sites like the Jinja Sailing Club.
Kibale
This beautiful rainforest is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in the world for primate viewing. Visitors can trek through the forest to see these intelligent creatures up close, or go birdwatching and hiking through the stunning scenery. The park also offers cultural experiences like visiting the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and local tea plantations.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park offers visitors a truly unique and wild safari experience. Highlights include seeing lions, cheetahs, and elephants roam free across the savannahs, as well as cultural experiences like visiting the local Karamojong community.
Lake Mburo National Park
This small but stunning park is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebra, impala, and eland. Visitors can go on game drives or horseback safaris to see these animals up close, or take a boat ride to explore the tranquil waters of Lake Mburo. The park is also known for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 350 species of birds recorded in the area.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This beautiful park is home to a variety of primates, including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Visitors can go gorilla trekking, hiking through the beautiful scenery, or go birdwatching to spot the numerous species that call the area home. Cultural experiences like visiting the Batwa pygmy communities and learning about their way of life are also available.
Mt. Elgon & Sipi Falls
This stunning mountain is home to beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife like the endangered Jackson’s Francolin and the elusive mountain elephant. Visitors can hike to the peak of the mountain for breathtaking views, or explore the nearby Sipi Falls and other natural wonders.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda and is the country’s largest national park. The park is named after the stunning Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before dropping over 40 meters below. Visitors to the park can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more, as well as take part in activities such as boat safaris, game drives, and nature walks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is known for its varied ecosystems, ranging from savannah to forest. Visitors can expect to see the famous tree-climbing lions, as well as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and over 600 species of birds. Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel and game drives are popular activities in the park.
Ngamba Island
Ngamba Island is a chimpanzee sanctuary located on an island in Lake Victoria, near Entebbe. Visitors can observe these intelligent primates and even participate in feeding sessions, while supporting conservation efforts.
Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, are a stunning mountain range located in western Uganda. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer some of the most challenging hiking in East Africa, with peaks reaching over 5,000 meters. The mountain range is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Rwenzori turaco and the Rwenzori leopard.
Semuliki Game Reserve
Semuliki Game Reserve, formerly known as Toro Game Reserve, is located in western Uganda and is known for its hot springs and geothermal activity. Visitors can take part in guided walks to explore the forest and spot primates, birds, and other wildlife. The reserve is also home to unique species such as the pygmy antelope and the rare shoebill stork.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is located in western Uganda and is known for its stunning scenery, including hot springs, geysers, and the Semuliki River. Visitors can spot over 400 species of birds and a variety of primates, including the red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, and black-and-white colobus monkey. Guided walks, birding tours, and cultural encounters with the local Batwa people are popular activities in the park.
Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands are located on Lake Victoria and are a popular destination for relaxation and water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating, as well as take part in cultural tours and visits to local communities. The islands are also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, otters, and various bird species.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in central Uganda and is home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Visitors can take part in guided walks to spot these magnificent creatures, as well as other wildlife such as antelopes, bushbucks, and over 300 bird species. The sanctuary also offers guided night walks and birding tours, as well as a chance to learn about conservation efforts and the role of rhinos in their ecosystem.
Let’s start planning your next safari.
Warren Ankwasa
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.
As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.
We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.
Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox
Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?
Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.
