Situated at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment meets vast, palm-dotted savanna, lies the Murchison Falls National Park. Established as a game reserve in 1926, this conservation area is the largest and oldest in Uganda, boasting a diverse array of wildlife, including 76 species of mammals and 451 species of birds.
Undoubtedly Uganda’s most popular tourist destination, the Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts an impressive array of diverse ecosystems, including sprawling savanna, shady humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands. This makes it an ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species (including chimpanzees), and over 600 species of birds.
Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda, boasts of being one of the most beautiful and diverse tropical forests in the country. Covering an area of 795 km², the northern and central parts of the park are dominated by a mix of forest cover interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, all resting on an elevated plateau.
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the fabled Mountains of the Moon, are located on the border between Western Uganda and Congo. The mountain range boasts of Equatoria snow peaks, including the third-highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are covered in moorland, bamboo, and lush montane forest. Huge tree heathers and colorful mosses drape across the mountainside, while giant lobelias and everlasting flowers create an enchanting, fairy tale scene.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a high-altitude park, sitting between 2,227m and 4,127m above sea level. It was established primarily to protect the mountain gorillas that call its dense forests home, as well as the endangered golden monkey. The park also holds great cultural significance, particularly for the indigenous Batwa Pygmies. As the forest’s first people, their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unparalleled.
