5 Less Known Game Parks in Uganda

Many times tourists don’t realize how endowed and beautiful Uganda is, with few places explored and others ignored. Surprisingly, it can really be difficult when there are other popular National Parks in the country. Much as there are 10 National Parks in Uganda, few are well-known while others are less known, yet equally phenomenal.

In no particular order, the following are the 5 less known Game Parks in Uganda;

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is undeniably a treasure trove in north-eastern Uganda. While the other savannah Parks (Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks tend to hoard all of the country’s glory, Kidepo is equally worthwhile. Situated about 8-10 hours’ drive from the Capital, the Protected Area was first created as a Game Reserve in 1958 and National Park in 1962.

Kidepo valley

Within its borders are sweeping plains, woodlands, Rock kopjes, and other ecosystems that offer shelter to Klipspringers, Roan antelopes, cheetahs, Caracals, Defassa waterbucks, giant elands, lions, black-backed jackals, Impalas, African bush elephants, Uganda Kobs, Cape buffaloes, stripped and spotted hyenas, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, Bush pigs, side-stripped jackals, Oribis, bat-eared foxes and giant forest hogs among others. When it comes to Camping, Kidepo valley National Park takes it to a whole new level with real wilderness experiences.

Semliki National Park

Semliki National Park is undoubtedly an amazing spot for travelers trying to explore the magical Pearl of Africa (Uganda’s epithet). The Park stretches about 85 square miles in size and magical attractions like the breathtaking Sempaya hot Springs are the top highlight of this safari destination.

Semliki National Park

There are over 53 mammal species that include Galago, vervet monkeys, Bush and forest elephants, chimpanzees, Black and white colobus monkeys, Cape buffaloes and so much more. For birders, about 441 species of birds are available for viewing all year round. Several game tracks and hiking trails within and outside the park unearth the treasures in this hidden gem.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is an outstanding tourist destination in western Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unmatched mountaineering experiences are provided all year round and lead to the snow-capped peaks at 5109 meters above sea level.

Rwenzori Mountain Hike

Several breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers, Lakes, and many other outstanding features have successfully made the place one of the most beautiful Alpine areas on the Continent. The Park itself is about 1000 square kilometers with over 70 mammal species as well as 200 bird species. Travelers that climb, hike, or undertake guided walks in this Park have a chance of seeing leopards, giant forest hogs, Black and white colobus monkeys, forest elephants, bushbucks, chimpanzees, Rwenzori Otters, blue monkeys, duikers and so much more.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park combines four different ecosystems in one place-an an ecosystem of mixed montane forest, a wide zone of bamboo and the low canopy montane forest, a belt of high montane heath, and a section of high moorland community.

Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda

Situated in the extreme eastern part of the country, it offers riveting activities like guided walks or hiking, mountain climbing, swimming under the Sipi falls plunge pool, trout fishing, and guided walks to the Sebei and Bamasaba Communities/villages. The Park sprawls for about 432 square miles and protects the extinct Volcano that features one of the country’s oldest features, having erupted about 24 million years ago.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a wonderful gorilla trekking spot. Undoubtedly one of the most overlooked gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda, this Protected Area is a tinny place with an area of 34 square kilometers. The Park protects the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes (Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura) with adventurous activities.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga national park

For travelers that are still unaware, this Park not only shelters mountain gorillas but also golden monkeys, bushbucks, duikers, giant forest hogs, forest elephants, duikers, bushbucks, sitatunga and so much more. For birding tours, about 180 species are available and these also include the Albertine Rift endemics.

In conclusion, while the likes of Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, and Kibale Forest National Parks are popular and more frequently visited, the less known ones like Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Kidepo Valley, Mgahinga Gorillas, and Semliki National Parks equally offer indescribable travel experiences.