Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Uganda’s most iconic national parks. Spanning over 321 square kilometres, this lush rainforest is home to almost half of the world’s population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Visiting this national park and encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience like no other. The forest is filled with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and it gives a feel of a real jungle adventure.
The park offers various trekking options, where visitors can choose to track gorillas through steep, challenging terrain. To trek mountain gorillas, you’ll need a trekking permit which costs $700 and is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Trekking gorillas gives you an opportunity to learn about the creatures’ behaviours, social structures and conservation efforts. Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi is a haven for biodiversity, featuring over 120 species of mammals, countless bird species, and several species of butterflies.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls is just a short short drive north of Kampala and is a sanctuary of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is named after its most famous feature, the Murchison Falls. Get a chance to see the mighty Nile River squeezing through a narrow gorge, creating a breath-taking waterfall. Murchison falls NP is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos), as well as giraffes, hippos, and over 450 bird species. Explore the park’s savannah grasslands and woodlands on guided game drives, take a boat ride along the Nile River or Lake Albert to observe hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic life.
Murchison Falls National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The combination of wildlife, scenery, and adventure makes Murchison Falls National Park a highlight for any traveller.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular national park, and is a treasure trove of wildlife experiences and scenic beauty. Located between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward, the park covers over 1,978 square kilometres of diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, and rainforests.
The park is particularly popular for its tree-climbing lions, which can sometimes be seen lounging in the branches of fig trees, a rare sight in the animal kingdom. Visitors can go on guided walks, boat trips on the Kazinga Channel, or early morning game drives to witness the park’s rich biodiversity, which includes elephants, hippos, buffalos, and over 600 species of birds.
Apart from its wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers cultural encounters with local communities, where visitors can learn about traditional lifestyles and participate in community-driven tourism initiatives.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a hidden gem located just a few hours’ drive south-western of Kampala, known for its unique blend of wetlands, savannah, and rolling hills. As the smallest national park in Uganda, Lake Mburo offers an intimate wildlife experience with fewer crowds, making it perfect for those looking for an escape.
The park is known for its populations of zebras, impalas, elands, and various bird species, including the dazzling shoebill stork. Unlike many other national parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo allows visitors to explore on horseback or bicycle, providing a different perspective of the wildlife and landscapes. The serene beauty of the lake, with its thriving ecosystems, makes it an excellent spot for relaxation and exploration.
Lake Bunyonyi
After savouring the wildlife, no trip to Uganda is complete without a visit to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the country’s most stunning natural features. Set amidst the rolling hills and terraced farmland, Lake Bunyonyi is known for its clear blue waters and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and leisure. The lake gets its name from the many small birds that inhabit the shores, with over 200 bird species documented. Did you know that Lake Bunyonyi was used as a punishment ground for girls that got pregnant before marriage? The girls were thrown over a cliff into the lake and it is said that thousands of remains lay at the bottom of this lake. That doesn’t mean that the lake is haunted! In fact, it is a perfect spot for unwinding after an adventurous trek in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Visitors can take part in various activities including canoeing, swimming, and exploring the numerous islands dotting the lake. The area is inhabited by local communities, where travellers can learn about the unique culture and traditions of the Bakiga and Batwa tribes.
Jinja
Known as the adventure capital of Uganda, Jinja is an energetic town situated on the shores of Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile River. It attracts thrill-seekers from around the world, offering an abundance of adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and kayaking. The magnificent rapids of the Nile provide a playground for adventurous spirits, with options ranging from gentle floats for beginners to challenging rapids for seasoned
In addition to water sports, Jinja is rich in cultural and historical significance. Visitors can explore the local markets, taste traditional Ugandan cuisine, and visit historical sites like the old colonial buildings that dot the town. You can not afford to miss out on one of Africa’s most popular annual music festivals (Nyege Nyege) which is held in Jinja every September.
Jinja also offers camping opportunities on the banks of River Nile and shores of Lake Victoria.
Nature lovers can also venture to the nearby Mabira Forest, an ecotourism hotspot where walking and biking trails wind through impressive mahogany trees and diverse wildlife.
As you plan your journey through Uganda, be sure to dedicate time to each destination, allowing the natural beauty and spirit of the land to leave a lasting impression. GoFurther 4×4 Car Rentals Uganda is here to journey with you on this life changing adventure. Trust our maintained 4×4 vehicles to take you to the furthest and remotest places to discover more hidden gems. For travellers interested in camping, we offer vehicles with rooftop tents and other camping gear.
Contact us for more information about the top destinations in Uganda.