Many decades had gone by and still, Sir Winston Churchill’s words about Uganda – “The Pearl of Africa” – lives on. Indeed, its natural beauty has hardly escaped notice. Yes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by its 10 national parks and its fascinating geographic location which links western and eastern Africa together. So without further ado, here are the top Uganda safari parks and what makes them unique:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains and sitting approximately 400 kilometers away from Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park is notably Uganda’s most visited, most popular and most scenic game reserve. This is principally due to its incredibly rich biodiversity, featuring variety of habitats like savanna grassland, acacia woodlands, tropical forests, fertile wetlands, volcanic features and lakes within its borders. The park is also home to about 95 mammals, 10 of which are primates, and an astounding amount of over 600 bird species, making it an International Birding Area.
What makes them unique:
- Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
Other highlights:
- Boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, a wildlife-ridden 32-kilometer wide natural channel that links Lake Edward and Lake George
- Guided walks through the dark Maramagambo Forest
Must-try tours:
- 5 Days Special Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 7 Days Wildlife and Gorilla Viewing Experience
- Uganda Balloon Safaris
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
When one hears of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it is inescapable to picture mist-covered slopes blanketed by a remnant forest that dates back to 25,000 years, Africa’s richest and oldest rainforest. Preserved on the edge of the Rift Valley, the park encompasses 321 square kilometers of area. But, regardless of its relatively smallI size, it remains to be of great biological significance.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park holds more than half of the only remaining mountain gorillas on the planet. Aside from the great apes, it is also a safe haven for approximately 119 other mammal species including 10 primates; 350 bird species; 88 moths; over 200 butterfly species; and 51 reptiles. It also exhibits a rare vegetation type which is afro-montane, a vegetation type that can only be found in Africa. Plus, it also is recognizes as one of the richest faunal communities in East Africa with 220 tree species and 100 species of fern.
What makes them unique:
- Superb gorilla trekking which is notably cheaper compared to other countries
- Cultural visits to the indigenous Batwa people who teach visitors about their age-old hunting, hut-building, honey-harvesting, agricultural and trapping practices, as well as sharing traditional music and dance
Other highlights:
- Proximity to Lake Bunyonyi, the so-called Switzerland of East Africa
- Visit to Batwa (‘pygmy”) Hideout at Garama Cave
Must-try tours:
- 5 Days Standard Gorilla Trekking Tour
- 6 Days Gorilla and Batwa Cultural Experience – Pygmy Tour
- 6 Days Birding and Gorilla Experience Safari Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest conservation park which spans a sprawling 3,840 km² of protected area. 76 mammals including four of the Big Five (sans the rhinos) inhabit the area along with 450 species of fowl including rare shoebill storks and many other endemics. The main feature of this park is the mighty Murchison Falls, which powerfully plunges 43 meters down with a thunderous roar as the Victoria Nile river forces its way through a narrow gorge.
What makes them unique:
- Game cruises along the Nile
- Hikes from the boat landing to the falls
- White water rafting
Other highlights:
- Wildlife viewing through game drives
Must-try tours:
- 5 Days Special Murchison Falls National Park
- 15 Days Classic Uganda Wildlife Tour With Primates
- Uganda Balloon Safaris
Kidepo Valley National Park
About five decades ago, Kidepo Valley National Park was called the “Long Forgotten Eden”. It has been said that this place is what anyone would imagine a true African wilderness to be, but better. Today, Kidepo Valley National Park is dubbed “Africa’s Hidden Gem” by CNN – thanks to its beautiful tapestry of untouched, rugged scenery, vibrant wildlife, exclusive vibe and fascinating people. Because Kidepo is not that easy to reach, you can be guaranteed that you will have the entire park almost to yourself.
At a glance, Kidepo harbors 472 bird species, 692 plant species and 86 mammal species in which 28 of these species can’t be found in other Uganda parks. Among the 28 special mammals are caracals, striped hyenas, klipspringer, cheetahs, Bright’s gazelles, African wild dogs and roan antelopes.
What makes them unique:
- Game drives where you can see unique animal species
- Huge flightless Ostrich birds
Other highlights:
- Visit to the Warrior Herdsmen tribe and the Ik people
Must-try tour:
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is a popular park in the western part of Uganda that features an evergreen forest with 225 species of trees and an impressive avifauna that makes it a fantastic birding destination. It is home to the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa thereby gaining good reputation on being a premier primate destination. In fact, the forest is home to 13 species of primates including nearly 1,500 chimpanzees. It os also considered a top destination for incredible (and more affordable) chimpanzee trekking.
Other than its resident primates, you can also spot animals like leopards, African gold cat, lions (seldom), servals, mongooses, otters, bushbucks, bush pigs, warthogs, African buffaloes, forest elephants and giant forest hogs.
What makes them unique:
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Nocturnal forest hikes
- Crater lake hikes
Other highlights:
- Nature walks
- Bushcraft activities for kids
Must-try tour:
If East Africa has Kenya as a top safari destination, it also boasts of a lush country called Uganda which offers not only a wildlife in the savannas but also in the forests. Although big game and immense large mammal populations are more ample in Kenya, Uganda offers a different kind of wild – untouched forests, mysterious primates, scenic lakes and unique adventures that cannot be found in Kenya!