Uganda Safari Destinations

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Why is Queen Elizabeth National Park the most popular in Uganda? Some think it’s the dazzling variety of landforms you will discover – grassland savannah, acacia woodland, wetlands, and lakes. Others come to enjoy its dramatic volcanic structure – with volcanic cones and dozens of plunging craters cut into the deep green rolling hills, some forming crater lakes.

But all can agree that this rich variety of scenery is the perfect habitat for a variety of safari animals unequaled in Uganda. In Queen Elizabeth park you can spot 4 of Africa’s famous “Big Five”. The reserve boasts 96 types of mammals including great numbers of elephants, lions, leopards, plus hippos, chimps, hyenas, and the Ugandan kob. To the south of the park, in the Ishasha sector, prepared to be amazed at the sight of the famous tree-climbing lions – known to spend lazy afternoons lounging in the boughs of fig trees.

The park’s birdlife is a colorful living palette, bursting with over 600 species, including the African skinner, pink-back pelicans, shoebill stork, martial eagle, Papyrus canary, and flamingos. Situated near Virunga National Park, the two reserves are a Lion Conservation Unit – an area considered to be a lion stronghold in this part of Central Africa.

RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK

Snowcapped Mountains? Glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine forests… in Africa? Yes – this is Rwenzori National Park, one of the most stunning mountain landscapes on the planet. And even more incredible, it is just kilometers from the equator.

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unmatched natural beauty, these legendary “mountains of the Moon” feature the third highest peak in Africa, 5,109m (16,761 ft) Mt. Stanley and are the highest source of water for the iconic River Nile.

A wonderland of color, these mountains show off the richest high-altitude flora in Africa. The giant lobelias, groundsels, and heathers adorning these hills are known as “Africa’s botanical big game”, adding still more color to the area’s mountain lakes, rivers, and sparkling waterfalls.

As to the animal variety of “big game”, these lofty forests support 70 species of mammals, including 4 primate species of chimpanzees and monkeys. Especially rare are the L’Hoest’s monkey and Eastern Chimpanzee.

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

What is the biggest draw to Murchison Falls National Park? Is it the remarkable population of over 73 animal species… or the renowned mighty falls? You can decide for yourself on your African safari to Uganda’s largest and most famous park. But for variety of natural wonders and rich wildlife, few places can top Murchison Falls.

Consider the iconic cascade, where the 50 m wide Victoria Nile is suddenly squeezed through the massive rocks into a 6 m channel, producing a spectacle of exploding water, foam, and mist that causes the surrounding earth to tremble from its power. The falls roar down into the “Devil’s Cauldron” producing clouds of fog and a distinctive rainbow. So spectacular is the effect that Hollywood came to film the falls in the classic Katherine Hepburn/Humphrey Bogart film, The African Queen.

From there, the waters travel in a gentler flow towards Lake Albert. The banks along this river path host numerous visits from elephants and buffaloes, while river regulars like hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many aquatic birds often join the picture.