Uganda National Parks: Where to Go and What to See
Gorillas, chimpanzees, big game, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains: a guide to the parks that make up a Uganda safari.
Uganda packs an unusual range of landscapes into a small country: misty mountain forest in the south-west, open savannah in the west, the Nile cutting through the north-west and a remote wilderness in the far north-east. Each national park offers something different, so choosing parks is the most important decision in planning a Uganda safari.
This guide introduces the parks we visit most, with a comparison to help you decide where to go. Each park has its own page with practical detail. To turn a shortlist into an itinerary, see our Uganda safari packages or Uganda safaris and tours by duration and park.
Parks at a Glance
| Park | Region | Best for | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable | South-west | Mountain gorillas, birding | 2 to 3 days |
| Mgahinga Gorilla | South-west | Gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hikes | 2 days |
| Kibale Forest | West | Chimpanzees, forest primates | 1 to 2 days |
| Queen Elizabeth | West | Game drives, boat cruises, tree-climbing lions | 2 to 3 days |
| Murchison Falls | North-west | Nile falls, game drives, boat cruise | 2 to 3 days |
| Kidepo Valley | North-east | Remote wilderness, fewer visitors | 3 to 4 days |
| Lake Mburo | South-west | Zebras, walking and horse safaris | 1 night |
| Rwenzori Mountains | West | Mountain trekking | 3 to 9 days |
| Semuliki | West | Forest birds, hot springs | 1 day |
| Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls | East | Waterfalls, hiking, coffee | 1 to 2 days |
We also cover Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Jinja and Entebbe, which are not national parks but sit on most itineraries.
Choosing Parks for Your Trip
- Start with your priority. Gorillas mean Bwindi or Mgahinga; chimpanzees mean Kibale; classic game viewing means Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.
- Look at the geography. The western parks (Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi) form a natural loop; Murchison Falls and Kidepo sit to the north and take extra days or flights. See our driving distances guide.
- Be realistic about time. Seven to ten days comfortably covers three or four parks.
Read packages by length for what fits in each duration.
Park Fees, Permits and Rules
Entry fees and activity permits are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority; see the UWA tariff guide for the official rates. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and have to be reserved for specific dates; see gorilla permits explained. Rules on distance from wildlife, noise and health are there for the animals' protection and your safety, and your guide will brief you before each activity.
Beyond the National Parks
Uganda also offers community and cultural experiences, lakes and adventure hubs. See Lake Bunyonyi, cultural safaris and adventure tours.
How to Choose Between the Parks
Pick your main goal first. For gorillas, choose Bwindi or Mgahinga; for chimpanzees, Kibale; for classic game and boat trips, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls; for remote wilderness, Kidepo. Then add one gentler stop such as Lake Mburo.
Safaris That Visit These Parks
Frequently Asked Questions
Tell Us Which Parks You Want to Visit
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Related Uganda Safari Activity Guides
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