With 10 diverse national parks, each offering its own charm and attractions, choosing the best one to visit depends on your travel interests and what kind of experience you’re looking for.

1. For Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

If your dream is to stand just meters away from a mountain gorilla family in the wild, then Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is your top choice. With over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is Uganda’s flagship gorilla destination. The experience is challenging yet deeply rewarding.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, although smaller, also offers gorilla trekking and is ideal if you want a less crowded, more intimate experience. It’s also the only park in Uganda where you can see golden monkeys.

Best For: Gorilla lovers, adventure travelers, nature photographers.

2. For Wildlife Viewing and Classic Safaris: Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest, is known for its dramatic waterfall and abundant wildlife. A boat cruise to the base of the falls is a must-do, offering sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and elephants. Game drives in the savannah reveal giraffes, lions, leopards, and more.

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a quintessential safari experience with game drives, boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, and the unique opportunity to see tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. It’s also a birding paradise.

Best For: First-time safari-goers, families, wildlife photographers, birdwatchers.

3. For Chimpanzee Tracking and Primates: Kibale National Park

If you’re fascinated by primates, Kibale National Park is the place to go. Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” it offers the best chimpanzee tracking experience in Uganda. The forest is also home to 12 other primate species.

Best For: Primatologists, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers.

4. For Remote and Untouched Wilderness: Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most remote and wild park, offering a rugged landscape of savannah plains and mountains. It is ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer tourists and rich wildlife, including cheetahs and ostriches.

Best For: Adventure travelers, wilderness lovers, those wanting exclusive experiences.

5. For Short Safari Getaways: Lake Mburo National Park

Just a few hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe, Lake Mburo National Park is perfect for a short safari trip. It’s the best place in Uganda to see zebras, and offers activities like walking safaris, horseback riding, and boat cruises.

Best For: Weekend travelers, couples, those on a tight schedule.

6. For Hiking and Mountain Climbing: Rwenzori Mountains or Mount Elgon National Park

If you’re looking for adventure at high altitudes, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers multi-day treks through stunning alpine scenery. Margherita Peak is a true challenge for mountaineers.

Alternatively, Mount Elgon National Park provides scenic trails, waterfalls, and a gentler climb to Wagagai Peak, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate hikers.

Best For: Hikers, mountaineers, eco-tourists.

7. For Birdwatching and Hot Springs: Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is a unique tropical lowland forest offering rare bird species found nowhere else in East Africa. It’s also known for its steamy Sempaya Hot Springs and rich cultural traditions.

Best For: Birdwatchers, researchers, culture seekers.