This “Medley of Wonders”, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most fascinating in Uganda, but the most biodiversity park in Africa, with a record of 96 mammal species, 615 bird species, and several species of reptiles. Together with Kyambura Gorge Wildlife Reserve, the total area is 2132 sq. km. Therefore, Queen Elizabeth is Uganda’s second biggest national park after Murchison Falls National Park.

A World biosphere reserve with a RAMSAR wetland site, the park is situated astride the equator and located in southwestern Uganda lying on the base of the rift valley between Lakes George and Edward. It is also classified as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birdlife International. Scenically the area has everything. The Blue Mountains of the Moon explode thirty miles to the north from the plains. Across Lake Edward to the west, the Mitumbe hills stand sentinel on DR Congo, blue too from afar but green from near sight, wooded, precipitous, unfriendly, and epitomizing the darkest part of Africa.

The eastern boundary is marked by the calm green escarpment of the western Rift Valley. So, between all these mountains, hills and lakes stands the endless savanna, decorated with branched cactus arms of the candelabra euphobia trees and fig trees which are climbed by the lions and provide food to birds and several animals.

This 3,893 sq km national park is Uganda’s largest park. In fact, the Murchison Falls Conservation Area includes Murchison Falls National Park, Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve covers 5,072 sqkms. It is situated on unlimited savanna scale. This wildlife jewel of Uganda is a destination for the discerning traveler. The park offers everything you would expect of a top class African expedition and much more. Here you will be able to experience enthralling game drives to see over 77 mammal species including the lion, elephant, giraffe and different types of antelopes.

It has an amazing bird life with over 450 Species including the rare Shoebill Stork and constantly glimpse the wonderful and prolific butterflies. But, more importantly enjoy the launch trip on the Victoria Nile for a unique and spectacular showcase of the enormous diversity of Uganda’s wildlife. Here, pods of hippo languish on sand banks, crocodiles rest in riverside vantage points, water buffalo stand watching at the edge of the water, Baboons groups on shores or elephants struggling for a drink. This is a zoo situated on unlimited scale.

Owing to its outstanding unique beauty and scientific value, Bwindi is Africa’s most ancient rainforest of tangled vegetation draped over a deeply fissured landscape of steed, slippery valleys and high draughty ridges. It lies about 540km from Kampala, in the south – west of Uganda, close to the Democratic Republic of Congo border, the park covers 337sq km and encompasses one of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla, where about 50% of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas live. 

Bwindi is a key destination for any birder who is intending to visit Uganda. With over 346 species of birds, of which 23 are Albertine Rift endemics which are globally threatened such as the African Broadbill, RwenzoriTuraco. Bwindi gives an open opportunity for montane forest birding in Africa. Besides the endangered gorillas, other animals include buffaloes, forest elephant, bushbucks, the threatened golden monkeys and l’hoest monkey

Every part of this gem of a park is alive with variety, interest, and color. Situated on only 370 sq km, Lake Mburo National Park harbors 68 species of mammals including zebras, elands, topi, and buffaloes, but more importantly, the impalas that are not be found in any other part of Uganda.

The park has approximately 315 species of birds including the rare shoebill stork, papyrus yellow warbler, African fin foot, and saddle-billed stork. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lakeshores has a varied mosaic of habitats: forest galleries, rich acacia tree valleys, and seasonal and permanent swamps which all support a wealth of wildlife.

This loveliest and most varied tract of tropical rainforest is home to man’s closest creature – the Chimpanzee as well as the threatened Red Colobus Monkey and the rare L’Hoest monkey. With approximately 1500 individuals of chimpanzees, Kibale National Park has Uganda’s largest population of these endangered primates! With a fascinating diversity of animals, Kibale National Park (KNP) is one of the most beautiful and stunning forests in Uganda.

The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa (13 species), 325 species of birds, 352 tree species recorded, enormous butterflies, several reptiles, and lots more.

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most spectacular and remotest park. The 1442 sq. km protected area’s scenery is unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. Tucked into the corner of Uganda’s border with South Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking savanna and mountain landscapes that end in a rugged horizon.

With 489 species, the park is outstanding for its birds which include Verreaux’s eagle, Egyptian vulture, pygmy falcon, and Secretary bird. Kidepo contains the most exciting faunas with77 mammal species, several of which are restricted to the Kidepo and Karamoja region; for example, the Bat-eared fox, stripped Hyena, aardwolf, caracal and the fastest mammal – the cheetah. Other animals include zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants.