Uganda Wildlife Conservation Areas
Bwindi National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park contains more than 325 square miles of highland and lowland jungle forest. Because the park is one of the richest ecosystems in Africa and exhibits natural importance, it has been designated as a World Heritage Site.
Bwindi is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and 100 additional mammal species. This includes more than 300 Bwindi gorillas, around half of the world's population of the critically endangered mountain gorilla subspecies. Nearly 350 bird species and numerous plant and reptile species, some of which are endangered, also reside here.
Kibale National Park
Established in 1993, Kibale National Park lies in western Uganda, protecting much of the moist evergreen and semi-deciduous forest that was once logged. Covering an area of more than 750 square miles, the national park's goal is to guard natural plant and primate species while serving as a popular eco-tourism and safari destination.
Apart from common chimpanzees and a dozen other primate species, other large animals include leopards, wild pigs, mongooses, parrots and hornbills. Elephants travel between Kibale and adjoining Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park
Designated in 1982, Lake Mburo National Park has a total size of just 260 square kilometers, making it the smallest of the nation's savannah national parks. The reserve is located in western Uganda and home to zebras, impala, buffaloes and various bird species. Twenty percent of the park's surface is covered by five lakes (the largest of which is Lake Mburo), which makes for nice bird-watching throughout the entire year.
Despite its small size, a variety of plants and animals can be found among the grassy hills, bushy thickets, swamps and lake shores. Boat trips and nature trail hikes are popular activities, and visitors can stay in campgrounds and permanent tent facilities.
Murchison Falls National Park
Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park spreads inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile, one of the main tributaries of the Nile. It is known for the powerful, 120-foot Murchison Falls, also known as Kabalega Falls. Habitats range from savannah woodlands to riverine and grassy plains.
The park also houses wildlife that has partly recovered from major poaching back in the 1970s and 1980s. Crocodiles, hippos, and buffalo now thrive, and elephants, giraffe, antelope and other large mammals also frequent the water banks. The park is part of Murchison Falls Conservation Area, along with neighboring Bugungu Wildlife Refuge and Karuma Wildlife Refuge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Sometimes called the "Pearl of Africa," Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most-visited national park, established in 1954 and covering an area of 2,000 square miles on the west side of the nation. Protecting nearly 100 mammal and more than 600 bird species, this game reserve is known for its crater lakes, such as Lake Katwe, and other volcanic geographical features. You will also find grassy plains, swamps and tropical forest here, generating one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world.
Leopards, lions, chimpanzees and hippopotamuses thrive in the park, while elephants roam between Queen Elizabeth National Park and neighboring Kibale National Park. Other wildlife includes monkeys, buffalo, antelope, warthogs, storks and many other bird species.
