All across Uganda, the national parks of this East African safari destination promise unparalleled wildlife experiences.
Track rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or witness the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Get up close and personal with irresistible chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and stand in wonder at the dramatic waterfalls in Murchison Falls National Park. Get out the binoculars for spectacular bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park.
Tailor once-in-a-lifetime itineraries for your clients. You can combine memorable encounters in this wilderness paradise with a round or two of fantastic golf. Ascot Tours has access to a handful of select courses for golfers in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
This ancient rainforest on the edge of Uganda’s Rift Valley, offers an unparalleled wilderness adventure. It shelters nearly half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. There are 25 habituated groups – nine accessible to visitors – for rare, close encounters. Beyond gorilla trekking, the park is home to 120 mammals, including chimpanzees, baboons and elephants. There are also more than 350 bird species. Five major rivers originate here, nourishing its rich biodiversity. Nearby, the communities of Buhoma and Nkuringo provide cultural excursions. Visitors can engage with the Bakiga people and learn from the Batwa, the forest’s indigenous stewards. Whether trekking through dense jungle or witnessing incredible wildlife, Bwindi promises adventure, discovery, and a deep connection with nature.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Set against the striking Rwenzori Mountains, the park boasts diverse landscapes, from crater-dotted plains to rolling grasslands and shimmering lakes connected by the Kazinga Channel. From the Kazinga Channel’s hippo-filled waters to the Ishasha sector’s famous tree-climbing lions, every corner of this park holds a breathtaking surprise. The Kazinga Channel is a 40-kilometer wildlife-rich corridor connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Here, hippos jostle for space, Nile crocodiles bask on the banks, and elephants wade in the shallows. Birdwatchers delight in spotting pink-backed pelicans, saddle-billed storks, and a kaleidoscope of avian species. As one of Uganda’s premier safari destinations, a visit to Queen Elizabeth is often combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or chimp tracking in Kibale Forest.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area spans vast savannas, woodlands, and riverine forests. Located in the Albertine Rift Valley, its dramatic landscapes include rolling grasslands and the striking Bunyoro Escarpment. At its heart lies Murchison Falls, one of the continent’s most powerful waterfalls. Here, the mighty Victoria Nile is forced through an 8-meter-wide chasm, tumbling 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron below. Beyond the falls, the river flows gently toward Lake Albert, sustaining one of Uganda’s richest wildlife habitats. Elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes roam the banks, while hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife dominate the waters. The park is also home to over 550 bird species. The park gained cinematic recognition as the filming location for the 1951 Hollywood classic The African Queen.
Lake Mburo National Park
Tucked away in Uganda’s heartland, Lake Mburo may be the country’s smallest savanna park, but it brims with life and beauty. A fifth of its landscape is covered in wetlands, seamlessly merging with a 50 km network of lakes and swamps that sustain its incredible biodiversity. Zebras roam freely across the golden plains, sharing space with Uganda’s only wild impalas, while buffaloes, Defassa waterbucks, and reedbucks can also be seen. Along the water’s edge, hippos bask and crocodiles lurk, as over 315 bird species, including the bare-faced go-away bird, fill the skies. With rolling savannas, lush woodlands, and glistening lakes, Lake Mburo invites visitors to explore through thrilling game drives, tranquil boat safaris, and guided walks.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale is a primate paradise, home to one of Uganda’s largest wild chimpanzee populations – over 1 500 individuals spread across 12 communities. Four have been habituated for tourism and research, with the Kanyantale community offering the best visitor tracking experience. The park’s highlight, the Kanyanchu Primate Walk, allows adventurers to encounter up to 13 primate species, including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey. But Kibale’s magic extends beyond primates. The park harbours over 120 mammal species, from olive baboons to forest elephants. Birdwatchers will be captivated by its 370 avian species, featuring 23 Albertine Rift endemics like Nahan’s francolin. This extraordinary biodiversity, combined with lush forests and rich ecosystems, makes Kibale a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
