Uganda & East Africa Destinations
From the misty afro-montane primeval canopy of Bwindi to the roaring Nile at Murchison Falls and the high peaks of the Rwenzoris. Explore our complete guide to national parks and protected reserves.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is an ancient afro-montane jungle protecting almost half of the world's remaining wild mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Famous for thick moss-covered canopy, giant tree ferns, and steep ridge walks, a trek here is widely regarded as Africa's most emotional wildlife encounter.
Essential Packing Gear:
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest protected savanna reserve, bisected by the Victoria Nile. The park's centerpiece is where the world's longest river forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters into Devil's Cauldron.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Set against the jagged backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth NP is renowned for tree-climbing lions in the southern Ishasha sector, boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, and chimpanzee trekking inside Kyambura Gorge.
Additional National Parks & Reserves
Kibale National Park
Home to 13 primate species including habituated chimpanzees. Experience morning chimp tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walks.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Tucked into Uganda's far northern border with South Sudan and Kenya. Vast Narus valley savannas, ostriches, cheetahs, and Karamojong cultural villages.
Jinja & Source of the Nile
Where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria. Grade 5 whitewater rafting, quad biking, horseback riding along the riverbank, and historical cruises.
Lake Mburo National Park
The only park with zebras, plus impala, eland and Rothschild giraffe. Walking safaris, night drives, boat cruises and horseback trails, just 4 hours from Kampala.
Rwenzori Mountains
Africa's third-highest range, with equatorial glaciers, giant lobelias and hanging-cloud forests. Multi-day treks to Margherita Peak at 5,109 m.