Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is one of the best places on the African continent to see the stunningly abundant wildlife. Home to 10 national parks, Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa that shares borders with Kenya to the north, South Sudan to the northwest, Rwanda to the west, and Tanzania to the south.
The pearl has varied and breathtaking landscapes, from dense forests to snow-capped mountains, crater lakes, and savannahs. This diversity of habitats makes Uganda ideal for wildlife watching, as it supports a large number and variety of animals.
Over 1,000 species of birds are found in Uganda, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The shoebill stork, found in some of Uganda’s national parks, is one of the most sought-after birds in the country.
Uganda keeps a variety of primates, including the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
A diverse range of animals can also be observed in Uganda, including hippopotamus, buffalo, elephants, and antelopes. With so much to see, the country is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Here are some of the places where you can visit wild animals in Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a forest reserve located in southwest Uganda. It is one of the best places to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are shy and elusive animals living in the dense forest of this national reserve. Hiking in search of these amazing creatures is an unforgettable experience.
The park is also where many chimpanzees, monkeys, and a hundred bird species reside. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is lush and beautiful, and the hiking trails are well-marked.
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park in southwestern Uganda is home to primates, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park also has a healthy population of forest elephants and buffalos.
The best time to see chimpanzees is in the early morning when they are most active. Visitors can take part in a guided chimpanzee trekking tour, which lasts about four hours.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park also inhabits several carnivores, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and hippos. The park is also home to the endangered Ugandan Kob, a type of antelope with naturally beautiful spiral horns.
The best time to see animals in this national park is during the dry season from June to September, early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active. These are the months when animals congregate around water sources and are easier to spot. Game drives and the tour up-close to the animals offered by several safari companies in Queen Elizabeth National Park are the best way to spot the wildlife.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park in northwest Uganda is another excellent place to see wildlife in Uganda. The park’s name was after the Murchison Falls, a spectacular body of water where the Nile River flows through a narrow gorge and plummets over a cliff into a pool below.
The falls are impressive and can be seen from several vantage points. It is one of the most visited in the country, with people often considering the Murchison falls as the Pear of Uganda due to its sensational landscapes. Visitors can take a boat ride to the bottom of the falls and hike to the top for a breathtaking view.
The park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and hippos. You can experience a close encounter with some of these animals on a game drive or boat safari.
The most availed attraction in Murchison Falls National Park is the chimpanzee trekking tour. This tour takes place in the Kaniyo Pabidi forest, where a small number of chimpanzees live. Red colobus monkeys and several bird species are also present in this reserve.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is remarkable as colors come from its volcanoes, mountains, and lush forests. Just like Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga has a small population of mountain gorillas, as well as other primates such as chimpanzees and golden monkeys.
The best time to see mountain gorillas is in the early morning. They can take part in a guided gorilla trekking tour, which lasts about four hours. You may also be able to find the endangered bright-colored bird called Rwenzori Turaco while hiking in the park.
Katonga Wildlife Reserve
Katonga Wildlife Reserve, located in southwestern Uganda on the border with Rwanda, aims to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in the area. The local community has also been involved in the conservation efforts, keeping the park clean and free of poachers.
Mountain gorillas may be Katonga Wildlife Reserve’s main attraction, but the park also has a healthy population of chimpanzees and other primates. Tourists have nothing but praises for this wildlife reserve, as its Savannah grassland ecosystem is a sight to behold.
Budongo Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest Reserve is located in central Uganda, north of Lake Albert. The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park also has a healthy population of forest elephants and buffalos.
What makes Budongo Forest Reserve different is the fact that it has the largest mahogany tree in the world. The tree is more than 700 years old and its massive trunk is a sight to behold.
Budongo Forest offers many stimulating activities, such as forest walks, night drives, and canoeing. The most popular activity in the reserve is the chimpanzee trekking tour, providing visitors a chance to see these animals up close in their natural habitat.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is in southwestern Uganda, also on the border with Rwanda. It has extensive savannah grasslands and is known for its wetlands where it harbors zebras, antelopes, buffalos, and many more. Lake Mburo National Park is also one of the best places in Uganda to see a hippo through a boat safari on the lake.
However, there are more animals in Lake Mburo National Park than just hippos. This is the only park in Uganda where you can find elands, impala, and klipspringer. It is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the African fish eagle, which can be seen along the shores of the lake. It is best to visit Lake Mburo National Park during the dry season from June to September.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda is on the border with Kenya. It is an isolated park in Uganda known for its rugged landscape and diverse wildlife where people mostly enjoy game drives and safari.
Kidepo Valley National Park inhabits the rare Jackson’s hartebeest. This African antelope is found only in a few places in Africa and Kidepo Valley is one of them. Visitors can expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and more than 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from June to September.
Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is in eastern Uganda and is home to the world’s largest caldera, a large crater formed by a volcanic eruption. During the day, tourists can hike to the top of the caldera and appreciate the stunning views. At night, they can sleep in the crater under the stars. Mount Elgon National Park is also known for its waterfalls, hot springs, and caves that are perfect for exploring.
Apart from the unique landscapes, Mount Elgon National Park has been taking care of many leopards, buffalos, antelopes, and elephants. But what makes this place special is the opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These gorillas are gentle giants and are a joy to watch. However, there are only a few eft and visitors need to obtain a special permit to see them.
The park is also a haven for birdwatchers as it has more than 300 bird species. The best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park is during the dry season, from June to September.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is in southwestern Uganda on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is known for its snow-capped mountains, a rare sight in Africa. This is because the Rwenzori Mountains are a mountain range that extends into the Congo. Many glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs also add to its raw beauty.
The Rwenzori Mountains are a hiker’s paradise as there are a dozen different trails to explore. The most popular trail is the Central Circuit, which takes about seven days to complete. The Circuit takes hikers through various landscapes, such as alpine forests and glacial valleys.
Apart from the scenery, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also home to chimpanzees, elephants, and mountain gorillas. People may be able to spot these animals while hiking through the different trails or get an up-close look on a game drive. The best time to visit Rwenzori Mountains National Park is during the dry season, from June to September.
Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park must be on a birdwatcher’s bucket list as it resides more than 500 bird species, including the African grey parrot, which can be seen in the forest. The park in northwestern Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
The best activity in Semliki National Park is to go on a chimpanzee-tracking safari. It involves hiking through the forest in search of chimpanzees with the help of expert and experienced guides. It is a great opportunity to see these apes up close and learn more about their behavior and habitat.
The forest also contains many trails that are perfect for hiking and hot springs which are believed to have healing powers. Semliki National Park is a great place to relax and take in all that nature has to offer. The best time to visit the park is also during the dry season, which is from June to September.
Tips when visiting Uganda’s National Parks
- It is best to visit Uganda’s national parks during the dry season from June to September. The weather is cooler and there is less chance of rain.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear when hiking or doing other activities in the national parks.
- Be respectful of the animals and their habitat. Do not approach them too closely or try to feed them.
- Follow the guidance of your safari ranger. They know the area well and will keep you safe.
- Have realistic expectations when going on safari. It is an incredible opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat, but it is not a guarantee.
- Bring enough food and water as some parks are in remote areas.
- Lastly, enjoy your time in Uganda’s national parks! These are just a few of the many amazing places that Uganda has to offer.
Final Thought
Uganda is the key to some of the most beautiful national parks in Africa. These parks offer a variety of activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and chimpanzee tracking. Even if you are not the outdoorsy type, Uganda’s national parks give every visitor a chance to relax and take in all that nature has to offer. From the Rwenzori Mountains to Semliki National Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
You and your family will be able to appreciate the essence of these national parks and create memories that will last a lifetime. Activities such as hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, and chimpanzee tracking will be an experience that you will never forget. Furthermore, children will be able to learn more about the conservation of these parks and their animals.
Just remember to be respectful of the animals and their habitat. Following the above-mentioned tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to any of Uganda’s national parks.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Uganda today!