Open Park Day – Explore Uganda’s National Parks

Discover the Pearl of Africa: Uganda’s National Parks

Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and remarkable wildlife. From towering mountains and dense forests to vast savannas and sparkling lakes, this East African nation offers a safari experience unlike any other.

To celebrate and share these natural treasures, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will host Open Park Days from September 25th to 27th, 2025. During this special event, Ugandan citizens and foreign residents can explore selected national parks free of charge.

The initiative aims to encourage people to connect with nature, appreciate Uganda’s rich biodiversity, and understand the importance of conservation. It is a rare opportunity to witness majestic wildlife, explore stunning landscapes, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Uganda’s most iconic national parks that you can explore during the Open Park Days.

Kidepo Valley National Park: A Wilderness Gem

Tucked away in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park remains one of Africa’s last great wildernesses. Its rugged savannah, dramatic mountains, and the Narus Valley attract both wildlife and adventurers.

Key Features and Wildlife:
Kidepo shelters over 77 mammal species and 475 bird species. It is the only park in Uganda where you can spot cheetahs, striped hyenas, caracals, and aardwolves alongside large herds of buffalo, giraffes, and elephants. Lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas roam the valleys, adding excitement to every game drive.

Activities:

• Game drives through Narus and Kidepo Valleys
• Ranger-guided nature walks
• Visits to Karamojong communities
• Birdwatching for endemic and rare species

Why Visit?
Kidepo offers an authentic African safari experience far from the crowds. Its raw wilderness, rare wildlife, and panoramic scenery make it unforgettable.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Home of the Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best known as home to almost half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas. Its dense rainforest challenges trekkers but rewards them with one of the most life-changing wildlife encounters on Earth.

Key Features and Wildlife:
Apart from gorillas, Bwindi hosts over 120 mammal species, several primates, and more than 350 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics.

Activities:

• Gorilla trekking and habituation experiences
• Birdwatching with expert guides
• Forest hikes to waterfalls and scenic lookouts
• Cultural walks with the Batwa community

Why Visit?
Few experiences compare to meeting a gorilla family in the wild. Bwindi’s lush forests and conservation success make it a must-visit for adventurers and nature lovers.

Kibale Forest National Park: The Primate Capital

Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale Forest hosts the highest density of primates on Earth. Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight, offering a glimpse into the fascinating lives of our closest relatives.

Key Features and Wildlife:
The park protects 13 primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and olive baboons. It also harbors forest elephants, antelopes, and 375 bird species.

Activities:

• Chimpanzee trekking or a full-day habituation experience
• Guided nature walks to learn about biodiversity
• Birding trails for endemic and rare species
• A visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for shoebill sightings

Why Visit?
Kibale is a dream for primate enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Its accessibility makes it a perfect addition to any safari itinerary.

Lake Mburo National Park: A Compact Gem

Lake Mburo, Uganda’s smallest savanna park, offers a surprisingly diverse experience within easy reach of Kampala.

Key Features and Wildlife:
It is the only park in Uganda with impalas and also shelters zebras, elands, and topis. The lakes teem with hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds.

Activities:

• Day and night game drives
• Boat safaris along Lake Mburo
• Nature walks with rangers
• Horseback safaris and cycling adventures

Why Visit?
Lake Mburo is ideal for short safaris and stopovers. Its wide variety of activities allows visitors to explore wildlife from multiple perspectives.

Semuliki National Park: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Semuliki protects East Africa’s only lowland tropical rainforest, extending from the Congo’s Ituri Forest.

Key Features and Wildlife:
It boasts 441 bird species, many of them Central African specials not found elsewhere in East Africa. Mammals include forest elephants, chimpanzees, and rare primates.

Activities:

• Birdwatching across the forest trails
• Guided walks to explore flora and butterflies
• Hikes to the bubbling Sempaya Hot Springs

Why Visit?
For birders and explorers, Semuliki offers a raw, off-the-beaten-track rainforest experience.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: A Medley of Wonders

As Uganda’s most visited park, Queen Elizabeth combines savanna, crater lakes, forests, and wetlands.

Key Features and Wildlife:
It is home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 600 bird species. The Kazinga Channel is a highlight for boat safaris.

Activities:

• Game drives in Kasenyi and Ishasha sectors
• Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
• Birdwatching and guided forest walks

Why Visit?
This park blends classic game drives with unique primate and boat experiences, making it one of the most versatile safari destinations.

Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s Iconic Safari Destination

Uganda’s largest park is split by the mighty Nile River, culminating in the thunderous Murchison Falls.

Key Features and Wildlife:
The park shelters elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and hippos. The Nile Delta is a hotspot for shoebill storks.

Activities:

• Game drives on the northern bank
• Boat safaris to the base of the falls
• Hiking to the top of the falls
• Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest

Why Visit?
The mix of landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the raw power of Murchison Falls make it an essential safari destination.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park: The “Mountains of the Moon”

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and rare Afro-alpine vegetation.

Key Features and Wildlife:
The Rwenzoris host over 70 mammal species, 217 bird species, and Africa’s third-highest peak, Margherita.

Activities:

• Multi-day treks to Margherita Peak
• Shorter nature walks to waterfalls and valleys
• Cultural visits with Bakonzo communities

Why Visit?
For trekkers, the Rwenzoris are Africa’s most challenging and rewarding mountains, offering breathtaking scenery.

Mount Elgon National Park: An Ancient Volcano

Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano, features the world’s largest volcanic base and a vast caldera.

Key Features and Wildlife:
The park hosts waterfalls, caves, hot springs, and 300 bird species. Local Bagisu and Sabiny communities add cultural richness.

Activities:

• Treks to Wagagai Peak and the caldera
• Hikes to Sipi Falls
• Birding and cultural encounters

Why Visit?
Mount Elgon offers geological wonders, scenic treks, and cultural immersion in one destination.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Where Gold Meets Silver

Uganda’s smallest park protects both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, set against volcanic backdrops.

Key Features and Wildlife:
It shelters one habituated gorilla family, playful golden monkeys, and over 180 bird species.

Activities:

• Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking
• Volcano climbing on Muhabura, Gahinga, or Sabyinyo
• Cultural Batwa Trail experiences

Why Visit?
Mgahinga is intimate, rich in primates, and set in a dramatic volcanic landscape, perfect for explorers seeking both nature and culture.

Open Park Day: Your Chance to Explore Uganda’s Natural Wonders

From September 25th to 27th, 2025, entry to selected parks will be free. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and educational programs designed to inspire conservation. It is a golden opportunity for families, students, and nature lovers to discover Uganda’s wild beauty.

Join the Celebration of Nature!

Mark your calendars and prepare to witness the wonders of Uganda’s national parks. Whether you track gorillas in Bwindi, marvel at Murchison Falls, or explore the wilderness of Kidepo, the Open Park Days promise an adventure you will never forget.