Uganda the pearl of Africa boasts diverse land scape and wildlife like the bwindi gorillas, the most powerful falls of Murchison, the queen Elizabeth national park plains. discover why Uganda is atop African safari destination.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Few reserves in the world have such high biodiversity, landscapes, Savannah plains, bush land, wetlands, and lush forests like this park. Covering 1978sq. km, scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular of all Uganda destinations with animals and tourists. the park protects the highest number of animals Some of the best to see on safari include hippos cooling off their massive bodies in the Kazinga channel, elephant parades, lion pride, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and the chimpanzee troop in the Kyambura Gorge Forest.

located on the rift valley floor between Lakes Edward and George, the park is home to 95 mammals and 612 bird species,thirty miles to the north of the park lies the blue Rwenzori Mountains .Mweya Peninsula is the park’s primary tourist hub Reached by a narrow portage separating Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. The peninsula enjoys marvelous views in all directions. Mweya is home to the park headquarters, several modern safaris, and budget hostels.

The kyambura gorge at the foot of the rift’s Kichwamba escarpment, the Kyambura River flows through the deep, cliff-lined Kyambura Gorge towards the Kazinga Channel. The Fig Tree Camp at the gorge’s edge provides a good view into the 100m-deep chasm,The canyon contains a beautiful riverine forest where travelers can track one habituated chimpanzee trot with the gorge’s forest. Chimpanzee trekking excursions head out twice daily at 8:00 am and 14:00,Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the ravine offers a remarkable nature hike that’s a great compliment to Savannah game drives on the plain.

The Kazinga Channel shores provide year-round water for large numbers of birds, reptiles, and mammals. A boat safari (or launch trip) to view this wildlife spectacle is Queen Elizabeth National Park’s most famous and enduring activity. Boat safaris make a 2-hour round trip between the Mweya jetty and Lake Edward, providing marvelous opportunities to view up-close crocodiles, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and a wide variety of waterbirds. The area is  memorable for its distinctive candelabra trees and the African Fish Eagles perch.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park was established in 1952 and covers a surface area of 3893km2, it falls under the umbrella of Murchison Falls Conservation Area which comprises of Murchison Falls National Park, Bugunga and Karuma Falls wildlife reserves, its is Uganda’s oldest and largest national park.

is located in the northern region of the Albertine Rift Valley in Masindi district of western Uganda situated 300km by road northwest of Kampala. The Murchison Falls also known as Kabarega Falls is where the Nile bursts through the narrow gorge and spreads down to a placid stream flowing into Lake Albert. Hippos, crocodiles and water bucks throng the banks of the stream.

 The park has got a spectacular view with the huge waterfalls roaring and finding their way within the small slit of 7 meters or 23 feet wide between the rocks and this is the connect point of Bunyoro escarpment and Acholi plains. Also in the park adjacent to the Masindi-Gulu high way are the magnificent Karuma Falls.

Wildlife mainly include; elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, chimpanzees and many others. Vegetation is commonly Savannah, woodland and riverine forest,In Murchison there are four of the big five; buffaloes, lions, elephants and leopards are mostly seen in the northern part.

Boat rides are usually arranged and operate from Paraa to the foot of Murchison Falls, they always take 3 hours which gives you a clear view of the hippos, crocodiles and the wildlife that is always close to the falls. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

bwindi impenetrable national park a UNESCO world heritage site  was gazetted in 1991 and lies in south western Uganda, covering 321km2. The mist covered forest is home to over 400 mountain gorillas which is more than half of the world’s population of the remaining mountain gorillas and these compose the main attraction of the park, having 11 habituated gorilla groups. gorilla trekking in bwindi is one of the most popular tourist activities and this makes Bwindi one of the top  tourist destinations in Uganda. the park is also home to about 120 species of mammals, 360 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies, 324 tree species 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not to be missed on your travel itinerary, besides the main activity of gorilla trekking there are quite number of activities that you can engage in. There are different community initiatives that arrange these tours; Buninga forest walk, nkuringo cultural center, Rubuguri village walk, nyundo community Eco-trails.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains are one of the most exciting and challenging mountain ranges to trek in the world . 996 square kilometers of fantastical vegetation, lakes, rocky outcrops, cliffs, high glaciers and snow-capped peaks exist as a unique and mystical world into which you can escape.

Rwenzori mountains national park is situated in Western Uganda in the East African Rift Valley and also stretches to the Democratic Republic of Congo and its conservation area known as Virunga National Park. The Rwenzoris are known for their diverse plant life, with giant lobelias, groundsels, and heather. The park also harbors various animals, including chimpanzees, elephants, and rare bird species.

Hiking and trekking are popular activities, with trails leading to scenic viewpoints and challenging summits. The park also offers opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. the rwenzori mountains national park is a must visit especially for adventure seekers.

Kidepo Valley National Park

The park which was gazetted in 1962 and covers a surface area of 1442km2 with an altitude between 914 and 270m above sea level. It is located in a semi-arid area between Uganda borders with Sudan and Kenya. This  remote and stunning beautiful park is quite uninvited compared to the rest of the national parks in Uganda. Kidepo is an ideal home to big game, over 70 mammal species as well as 475 bird species and contains two rivers of Kidepo and Narus that dry up during the hot season.

Although tourists are allowed to visit the park throughout the year, the best time would be during dry season (January – May and October – December] and it is usually advisable to use 4WD vehicles to avoid any inconveniences caused by bad roads. Always seek advice from your tour operator on how best you can access the park.

those are the top 5 most visited destinations in Uganda because of the numerous activities to do there.