How Many National Parks Are in Uganda?
Uganda has 10 National Parks. They are managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and cover all regions of Uganda, from the snow-capped Rwenzoris to the remote savannas of Kidepo. Each park is unique, and that is why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa.
Here is the complete guide to all 10 parks from the largest to the smallest.
1. Murchison Falls National Park – The Largest
At 3,893 sq km, Murchison Falls is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, gazetted in 1952. It is bisected by the Victoria Nile which forces itself through a 7-meter gorge and drops 43 meters to form the most powerful waterfall in the world.
This park has 4 of the Big 5, over 450 bird species, the largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes, and offers game drives, boat cruises to the bottom of the falls, top of the falls hike, chimp tracking in Budongo, and shoebill tracking in the Nile Delta.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Most Diverse
Size: 1,978 sq km. Located in Western Uganda, this is the most popular savanna park. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector, Kazinga Channel boat cruise with 4,000 hippos, crater lakes, and Kasenyi plains with huge herds of Uganda kobs.
You can do game drives, boat safaris, lion tracking, chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge and bird watching.
3. Kidepo Valley National Park – The Remote Wilderness
Size: 1,442 sq km in Karamoja, North-East Uganda. Voted Africa’s best remote park, Kidepo is wild, untouched and dramatic with the Narus and Kidepo valleys surrounded by mountains.
It has cheetahs, ostriches, caracals and lions that you won’t see easily elsewhere. It is also rich in Karamojong culture.
4. Mount Elgon National Park – The Volcanic Giant
Size: 1,121 sq km on the border with Kenya. It protects Mt. Elgon, an extinct volcano with the largest volcanic base in the world. Its attractions are Sipi Falls, huge caves, hot springs and high-altitude hiking without the crowds of Rwenzori. Best for hiking and cultural encounters with the Bagisu and Sabiny.
5. Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Mountains of the Moon
Size: 995 sq km. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park protects the legendary Rwenzori Mountains with snow-capped peaks year-round on the Equator. Margherita Peak at 5,109m is Africa’s third highest.
It is for serious trekkers who want glaciers, alpine lakes, and unique plants like giant lobelias.
6. Lake Mburo National Park – The Closest to Kampala
Size: 370 sq km. The only park in Ankole region and the closest to Kampala, just 4 hours away. Despite being small, it has zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, leopards and 350 bird species. It is the only park where you can do a walking safari, horseback safari, bike safari and boat cruise on Lake Mburo.
7. Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital
Size: 795 sq km. Kibale is known as the world’s best place for chimpanzee tracking. It has over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species including L’Hoest’s monkeys and colobus monkeys. Chimp habituation experience and Bigodi wetland birding are top activities.
8. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home of Mountain Gorillas
Size: 331 sq km in South-West Uganda. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bwindi protects half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas – about 459 gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the main activity, plus 350 bird species and Batwa cultural experience.
9. Semuliki National Park – The Hot Springs Park
Size: 220 sq km. Known as the true birders’ haven with 441 bird species including 23 Albertine endemics. It is the only lowland tropical forest in East Africa and has the famous Sempaya Hot Springs that boil at 100°C and the Batwa culture.
10. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – The Smallest
Size: 33.7 sq km. Uganda’s smallest park but very powerful. Located in Kisoro, it protects part of the Virunga Mountains with three volcanoes: Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. You can track mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, hike volcanoes and meet the Batwa.
Which National Parks Should You Visit?
For first-time visitors, Peku Adventures recommends: Murchison Falls + Kibale + Queen Elizabeth + Bwindi. This gives you Big 5, chimps and gorillas in 6-7 days.
All parks are best visited in the dry seasons: June to October and December to February.
Explore Uganda’s 10 National Parks with Peku Adventures
From gorillas to lions to snow-capped mountains, Uganda has it all in just 10 parks.
Peku Adventures offers affordable group and private safaris to all 10 national parks with transport, park fees, accommodation and expert guides included.
Contact Peku Adventures today and start planning which park you will visit first.
Phone / WhatsApp: 0753200349
Website: www.pekuadventures.com
