Locations
Uganda’s diverse locations offer some of the most stunning natural landscapes and wildlife experiences in Africa. From the misty rainforests of Bwindi to the open savannas of Queen Elizabeth, each location is home to unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Visitors can trek through dense jungles to see endangered mountain gorillas, witness the powerful Murchison Falls, or hike the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
LoCATIONS
Uganda’s diverse locations offer some of the most stunning natural landscapes and wildlife experiences in Africa. From the misty rainforests of Bwindi to the open savannas of Queen Elizabeth, each location is home to unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Visitors can trek through dense jungles to see endangered mountain gorillas, witness the powerful Murchison Falls, or hike the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
KIDEPO VALLEY
Location: Northeastern Uganda
Kidepo's isolation makes it one of Uganda’s most pristine and untouched parks, with few visitors compared to other parks. Kidepo is known for large herds of buffalo, elephants, and the rare opportunity to see cheetahs, which are not found in other Ugandan parks. This lush valley is excellent for game drives, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around the remaining water sources. The Karamojong people live around the park and offer cultural experiences for visitors interested in learning about their pastoralist lifestyle.
Activities & Animals:
Game drives
Birdwatching (over 470 bird species, including the Karamoja Apalis and Ostriches)
Hiking on Mount Morungole
Cultural encounters with the Karamojong.
Location:
Northeastern Uganda
Size:
sq. km
KIDEPO VALLEY
Location: Northeastern Uganda
Kidepo's isolation makes it one of Uganda’s most pristine and untouched parks, with few visitors compared to other parks. Kidepo is known for large herds of buffalo, elephants, and the rare opportunity to see cheetahs, which are not found in other Ugandan parks. This lush valley is excellent for game drives, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around the remaining water sources. The Karamojong people live around the park and offer cultural experiences for visitors interested in learning about their pastoralist lifestyle.
Activities & Animals:
Game drives
Birdwatching (over 470 bird species, including the Karamoja Apalis and Ostriches)
Hiking on Mount Morungole
Cultural encounters with the Karamojong.
Location:
Northeastern Uganda
Size:
sq. km
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi is home to about 459 mountain gorillas, nearly half of the global population. Gorilla trekking is strictly regulated to minimize impact on the environment. The park contains over 400 plant species and is a haven for birdwatchers, with 23 Albertine Rift endemics, such as the African green broadbill. Tourists can engage with the local Batwa people.
Activities & Animals:
Gorilla trekking
Birdwatching
Forest walks and hikes
Cultural encounters with Batwa pygmies.
Location:
Southwestern Uganda
Size:
331 sq. km
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi is home to about 459 mountain gorillas, nearly half of the global population. Gorilla trekking is strictly regulated to minimize impact on the environment. The park contains over 400 plant species and is a haven for birdwatchers, with 23 Albertine Rift endemics, such as the African green broadbill. Tourists can engage with the local Batwa people.
Activities & Animals:
Gorilla trekking
Birdwatching
Forest walks and hikes
Cultural encounters with Batwa pygmies.
Location:
Southwestern Uganda
Size:
331 sq. km
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo is home to impalas, zebras, giraffes, and elands, as well as leopards, hyenas, and hippos. The absence of elephants and lions allows visitors to explore the park on foot. The park has 13 lakes, five of which are within its boundaries, and these water bodies are ideal for boat trips and birdwatching. Lake Mburo is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 350 bird species.
Activities & Animals:
Game drives
Walking safaris
Boat trips on Lake Mburo
Horseback safaris
Birdwatching.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
370 q. km
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo is home to impalas, zebras, giraffes, and elands, as well as leopards, hyenas, and hippos. The absence of elephants and lions allows visitors to explore the park on foot. The park has 13 lakes, five of which are within its boundaries, and these water bodies are ideal for boat trips and birdwatching. Lake Mburo is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 350 bird species.
Activities & Animals:
Game drives
Walking safaris
Boat trips on Lake Mburo
Horseback safaris
Birdwatching.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
370 q. km
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
The park has a mix of savannah, forests, lakes, and wetlands, supporting over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. In the Ishasha sector, visitors can spot lions lounging in fig trees, a rare behavior that is also found in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. A boat cruise along the channel offers excellent wildlife viewing, with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.
Activities & Animals:
Game drives in the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha
Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel
Birdwatching
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Hot air balloon safaris.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
1,978 sq. km
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
The park has a mix of savannah, forests, lakes, and wetlands, supporting over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. In the Ishasha sector, visitors can spot lions lounging in fig trees, a rare behavior that is also found in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. A boat cruise along the channel offers excellent wildlife viewing, with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.
Activities & Animals:
Game drives in the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha
Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel
Birdwatching
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Hot air balloon safaris.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
1,978 sq. km
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
The main attraction is the dramatic waterfall where the Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter-wide gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. Boat safaris along the Nile offer the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of waterbirds, including the rare shoebill stork. Located near the park, this sanctuary is home to Uganda’s rhinos. The park is home to the "big four" (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes), as well as giraffes, hyenas.
Activities & Animals:
Boat cruises to the base of the falls
Birdwatching
Hike to the top of Murchison Falls
Sport fishing.
Location:
Northwestern Uganda
Size:
3,840 sq. km
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
The main attraction is the dramatic waterfall where the Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter-wide gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. Boat safaris along the Nile offer the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of waterbirds, including the rare shoebill stork. Located near the park, this sanctuary is home to Uganda’s rhinos. The park is home to the "big four" (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes), as well as giraffes, hyenas.
Activities & Animals:
Boat cruises to the base of the falls
Birdwatching
Hike to the top of Murchison Falls
Sport fishing.
Location:
Northwestern Uganda
Size:
3,840 sq. km
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Although smaller than Bwindi, Mgahinga is another destination for tracking mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi group is the primary group open for visitation. Mgahinga is one of the few places in Africa where you can track golden monkeys. The park is part of the Virunga Mountains and offers hikes to the summits of three extinct volcanoes—Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Visitors can take guided walks with the Batwa people to learn about their traditional way of life as forest-dwellers.
Activities & Animals:
Gorilla trekking
Golden monkey tracking
Volcano hiking
Cultural encounters with the Batwa.
Location:
Southwestern Uganda
Size:
33.7 sq. km
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Although smaller than Bwindi, Mgahinga is another destination for tracking mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi group is the primary group open for visitation. Mgahinga is one of the few places in Africa where you can track golden monkeys. The park is part of the Virunga Mountains and offers hikes to the summits of three extinct volcanoes—Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Visitors can take guided walks with the Batwa people to learn about their traditional way of life as forest-dwellers.
Activities & Animals:
Gorilla trekking
Golden monkey tracking
Volcano hiking
Cultural encounters with the Batwa.
Location:
Southwestern Uganda
Size:
33.7 sq. km
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
The park is famous for the Sempaya Hot Springs, a geothermal feature that attracts many visitors. The male spring is known as "Bubbling Spring," while the female spring, "Mumbuga Spring," reaches temperatures high enough to boil an egg in a matter of minutes. Semuliki is home to a unique range of species from Central Africa, including 53 mammals like forest elephants, buffalo, leopards, pygmy hippos, and 11 primate species such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Activities & Animals:
Hot springs visit
Forest walks
Birdwatching
Cultural visits to the nearby Batwa community.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
220 sq. km
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
The park is famous for the Sempaya Hot Springs, a geothermal feature that attracts many visitors. The male spring is known as "Bubbling Spring," while the female spring, "Mumbuga Spring," reaches temperatures high enough to boil an egg in a matter of minutes. Semuliki is home to a unique range of species from Central Africa, including 53 mammals like forest elephants, buffalo, leopards, pygmy hippos, and 11 primate species such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Activities & Animals:
Hot springs visit
Forest walks
Birdwatching
Cultural visits to the nearby Batwa community.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
220 sq. km
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The Rwenzori Mountains offer challenging treks to Africa's third-highest peak, Mount Stanley (5,109 meters). These hikes traverse glaciers, snowfields, and alpine meadows. The park is renowned for its endemic plant species, including giant lobelias and heathers, which are adapted to high-altitude environments. The lower slopes of the Rwenzoris are home to elephants, chimpanzees, and various primates, as well as over 217 bird species.
Activities & Animals:
Multi-day mountaineering expeditions
Day hikes
Birdwatching
Cultural encounters with the Bakonzo people.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
996 sq. km
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The Rwenzori Mountains offer challenging treks to Africa's third-highest peak, Mount Stanley (5,109 meters). These hikes traverse glaciers, snowfields, and alpine meadows. The park is renowned for its endemic plant species, including giant lobelias and heathers, which are adapted to high-altitude environments. The lower slopes of the Rwenzoris are home to elephants, chimpanzees, and various primates, as well as over 217 bird species.
Activities & Animals:
Multi-day mountaineering expeditions
Day hikes
Birdwatching
Cultural encounters with the Bakonzo people.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
996 sq. km
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L'Hoest’s monkeys. It’s considered one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale has a mix of lowland tropical and montane forests, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Located just outside the park, this community-run sanctuary offers birdwatching tours and swamp walks, where visitors can spot rare species like the great blue turaco.
Activities & Animals:
Chimpanzee trekking
Birdwatching
Forest and swamp walks
Cultural tours with local communities.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
795 sq. km
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L'Hoest’s monkeys. It’s considered one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale has a mix of lowland tropical and montane forests, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Located just outside the park, this community-run sanctuary offers birdwatching tours and swamp walks, where visitors can spot rare species like the great blue turaco.
Activities & Animals:
Chimpanzee trekking
Birdwatching
Forest and swamp walks
Cultural tours with local communities.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
795 sq. km
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon offers a more accessible hiking experience compared to the challenging Rwenzori Mountains, with well-marked trails leading to its summit at 4,321 meters. The trekking routes wind through enchanting landscapes, passing lush bamboo forests, picturesque waterfalls, and ancient caves. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and several monkey species.
Activities & Animals:
Hiking and mountaineering
Caving
Birdwatching
Cultural visits to the Bagisu people.
Location:
Eastern Uganda
Size:
1,279 sq. km
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon offers a more accessible hiking experience compared to the challenging Rwenzori Mountains, with well-marked trails leading to its summit at 4,321 meters. The trekking routes wind through enchanting landscapes, passing lush bamboo forests, picturesque waterfalls, and ancient caves. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and several monkey species.
Activities & Animals:
Hiking and mountaineering
Caving
Birdwatching
Cultural visits to the Bagisu people.
Location:
Eastern Uganda
Size:
1,279 sq. km
KAMPALA
Kampala, the bustling capital city of Uganda, offers a mix of modern urban life and rich cultural heritage. The city is a blend of skyscrapers, markets, and historical sites, with vibrant streets full of vendors, restaurants, and lively entertainment. Nestled near the shores of Lake Victoria, Kampala has many green spaces, including the famous Kasubi Tombs, the Uganda National Mosque, and the Uganda Museum, which showcase Uganda’s history and cultural diversity.
Activities & Animals:
Explore historical sites like the Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Visit the Uganda National Mosque for panoramic city views
Learn about Uganda’s history at the Uganda Museum
Experience local culture at Owino Market and Craft Village.
Location:
Central Uganda
Population:
Approximately 1.7 million
KAMPALA
Kampala, the bustling capital city of Uganda, offers a mix of modern urban life and rich cultural heritage. The city is a blend of skyscrapers, markets, and historical sites, with vibrant streets full of vendors, restaurants, and lively entertainment. Nestled near the shores of Lake Victoria, Kampala has many green spaces, including the famous Kasubi Tombs, the Uganda National Mosque, and the Uganda Museum, which showcase Uganda’s history and cultural diversity.
Activities & Animals:
Explore historical sites like the Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Visit the Uganda National Mosque for panoramic city views
Learn about Uganda’s history at the Uganda Museum
Experience local culture at Owino Market and Craft Village.
Location:
Central Uganda
Population:
Approximately 1.7 million
ENTEBBE
Entebbe is a serene town known for its lush gardens, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to Uganda’s main international airport. Located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, it offers scenic views, botanical gardens, and rich wildlife experiences. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on Lake Victoria, stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), which is home to rescued wildlife and educational exhibits.
Activities & Animals:
Boat trips to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for birdwatching and picnics
Wildlife encounters at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)
Relax at the beaches of Lake Victoria.
Location:
South-central Uganda
Population:
Approximately 70,000
ENTEBBE
Entebbe is a serene town known for its lush gardens, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to Uganda’s main international airport. Located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, it offers scenic views, botanical gardens, and rich wildlife experiences. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on Lake Victoria, stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), which is home to rescued wildlife and educational exhibits.
Activities & Animals:
Boat trips to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for birdwatching and picnics
Wildlife encounters at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)
Relax at the beaches of Lake Victoria.
Location:
South-central Uganda
Population:
Approximately 70,000
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The Rwenzori Mountains offer challenging treks to Africa's third-highest peak, Mount Stanley (5,109 meters). These hikes traverse glaciers, snowfields, and alpine meadows. The park is renowned for its endemic plant species, including giant lobelias and heathers, which are adapted to high-altitude environments. The lower slopes of the Rwenzoris are home to elephants, chimpanzees, and various primates, as well as over 217 bird species.
Activities & Animals:
Multi-day mountaineering expeditions
Day hikes
Birdwatching
Cultural encounters with the Bakonzo people.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
996 sq. km
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L'Hoest’s monkeys. It’s considered one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale has a mix of lowland tropical and montane forests, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Located just outside the park, this community-run sanctuary offers birdwatching tours and swamp walks, where visitors can spot rare species like the great blue turaco.
Activities & Animals:
Chimpanzee trekking
Birdwatching
Forest and swamp walks
Cultural tours with local communities.
Location:
Western Uganda
Size:
795 sq. km
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon offers a more accessible hiking experience compared to the challenging Rwenzori Mountains, with well-marked trails leading to its summit at 4,321 meters. The trekking routes wind through enchanting landscapes, passing lush bamboo forests, picturesque waterfalls, and ancient caves. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and several monkey species.
Activities & Animals:
Hiking and mountaineering
Caving
Birdwatching
Cultural visits to the Bagisu people.
Location:
Eastern Uganda
Size:
1,279 sq. km
KAMPALA
Kampala, the bustling capital city of Uganda, offers a mix of modern urban life and rich cultural heritage. The city is a blend of skyscrapers, markets, and historical sites, with vibrant streets full of vendors, restaurants, and lively entertainment. Nestled near the shores of Lake Victoria, Kampala has many green spaces, including the famous Kasubi Tombs, the Uganda National Mosque, and the Uganda Museum, which showcase Uganda’s history and cultural diversity.
Activities & Animals:
Explore historical sites like the Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Visit the Uganda National Mosque for panoramic city views
Learn about Uganda’s history at the Uganda Museum
Experience local culture at Owino Market and Craft Village.
Location:
Central Uganda
Population:
Approximately 1.7 million
ENTEBBE
Entebbe is a serene town known for its lush gardens, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to Uganda’s main international airport. Located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, it offers scenic views, botanical gardens, and rich wildlife experiences. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on Lake Victoria, stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), which is home to rescued wildlife and educational exhibits.
Activities & Animals:
Boat trips to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for birdwatching and picnics
Wildlife encounters at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)
Relax at the beaches of Lake Victoria.
Location:
South-central Uganda
Population:
Approximately 70,000
LODGES
Uganda offers a wide range of lodges that cater to every type of traveler, from luxury retreats to eco-friendly accommodations. Many lodges are nestled within or near the country’s national parks, providing easy access to wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. These lodges blend comfort with sustainability, often featuring traditional designs and local materials. Guests can enjoy modern amenities while being immersed in nature, with opportunities for guided safaris, gorilla trekking, and cultural experiences right at their doorstep. Uganda’s lodges provide an ideal base for exploring the country's rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
