UGANDA’S LATEST NATIONAL PARKS 2025

In mid-September 2025, Uganda’s Cabinet ratified one of the most ambitious conservation expansions in East Africa, gazetting six former wildlife and forest reserves into full national parks worth exploring on a safari in Uganda.

The move elevates the country’s total from 10 to 16 national parks, transforming lesser-known reserves into flagship conservation zones under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

This strategic upgrade—approved on September 7, 2025—is not merely administrative. It is a direct response to mounting pressures from population growth, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

By granting these areas national park status, Uganda enforces stricter legal protections, unlocks greater funding, and positions itself as a leader in sustainable eco-tourism.

The initiative aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and global commitments under the 30×30 framework (protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030).

The six new parks—Bukaleba, Echuya, Kyambura, Kigezi, Toro, and Katonga—span diverse biomes: lakeside forests, montane bamboo zones, sunken gorges, savannah corridors, and papyrus wetlands.

Together, they add over 1,300 km² of protected habitat, enhance wildlife connectivity, and diversify Uganda’s safari portfolio beyond gorilla trekking and big-game classics.

Bukaleba National Park: Lakeside Biodiversity on Lake Victoria 

Situated in Mayuge District, eastern Uganda, Bukaleba spans ~97 km² along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, 30 km from Jinja.

Established in the early 1900s as a colonial timber plantation, Bukaleba transitioned into a central forest reserve under the National Forestry Authority (NFA). For decades, it battled illegal logging, charcoal production, and farmland encroachment.

It’s 2025, gazetting marks a turning point, shifting management to UWA and prioritizing biodiversity over extraction.

ATTRACTIONS

A vibrant lakeside mosaic of tropical moist forest, papyrus swamps, and open water. Key species include:

• Primates: Vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus
• Ungulates: Bush duikers, sitatunga (rarely)
• Birdlife: Over 200 species, including African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, and papyrus gonolek
• Aquatic life: Hippos, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, otters

THINGS TO DO

• Boat safaris on Lake Victoria (sunrise hippo pods)
• Guided forest walks (primate tracking, butterfly trails)
• Birdwatching hides in papyrus zones
• Community cultural tours with Baganda fishing villages
• Link with Jinja: White-water rafting, bungee jumping, Nile cruises

ACCOMMODATIONS

• UWA Bandas & Campsites: $5 pp/night
• Bukaleba Eco-Lodge (mid-range): $80 pp/night (solar-powered, lake views)
• Jinja Luxury: Wildwaters Lodge ($400 pp/night) or Nile River Explorer

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June–September (dry, clear water); December–February (migratory birds peak) are the perfect times to explore Bukaleba. Avoid April–May heavy rains.

GETTING THERE

Entebbe → Jinja (1.5 hrs) → Mayuge (45 mins). 4×4 recommended for muddy access. Public matatus from Jinja are available.

Echuya National Park: Montane Forests of the Albertine Rift 

Located in the Kisoro & Rubanda Districts, the Southwestern part of Uganda – Echuya spans ~34 km² in the Albertine Rift highlands, near Rwanda & DRC.

Designated a central forest reserve in 1939, Echuya was a vital carbon sink and water catchment.

Under NFA, it faced bamboo harvesting and grazing. 2025 elevation integrates it into UWA’s network, complementing Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla parks.

ATTRACTIONS

A montane and bamboo forest at 2,200–2,600 m:

• Birds: 150+ species, including Grauer’s swamp warbler, Rwenzori turaco, and handsome francolin
• Mammals: Blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, golden cats (rare)
• Flora: Giant lobelias, tree ferns, bamboo thickets

THINGS TO DO

• Bamboo forest treks (full-day hikes)
• Birding circuits with expert guides
• Batwa cultural immersion (pygmy heritage, storytelling, archery)
• Photography safaris in mist-shrouded ridges

ACCOMMODATIONS

• UWA Campsites: $4 pp/night
• Rubanda Community Cottages: $65 pp/night
• Lake Bunyonyi Luxury: Birdnest Resort ($220 pp/night)

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to explore Echuya is during the dry seasons from June to October (dry trails); and also in the wet seasons that run from March–May, visits are possible (wildflowers, wetter).

GETTING THERE

Entebbe → Kampala → Kabale (7 hrs) → Rubanda (1 hr). Or fly Kigali → Kisoro (2 hrs). 4×4 essential.

Kyambura National Park: Primate-Rich Gorge Near Queen Elizabeth 

Found in Rubirizi District, western Uganda – Kyambura NP covering ~157 km², includes the Kyambura Gorge, adjacent to Queen Elizabeth NP.

Established as a wildlife reserve in the 1960s, Kyambura was long managed as part of Queen Elizabeth’s ecosystem.

Its 2025 standalone status ensures dedicated funding for its “lost” chimpanzee population and gorge habitat.

ATTRACTIONS

The 100m-deep Kyambura Gorge—a sunken riverine forest:

• Primates: 20+ habituated chimpanzees, colobus, red-tailed monkeys, baboons
• Birds: 340+ species (African skimmers, martial eagles)
• Others: Hippos, forest elephants (occasional)

THINGS TO DO

• Chimpanzee trekking ($55 permit, 2–4 hrs)
• Guided gorge walks (vine bridges, waterfalls)
• Birding & photography
• Combo safaris with Queen Elizabeth (lions, boat cruises)

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury): $330 pp/night
• Kyambura Gorge Lodge: $110 pp/night
• UWA Tented Camps: $8 pp/night

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June–September (dry, easier descent), though chimps are active year-round.

GETTING THERE

Entebbe → Kasese Airstrip (1 hr flight) → 1 hr drive. Or 5 hrs from Kampala via Mbarara.

Kigezi National Park: A Haven for Wildlife and Conservation 

Situated in Kabale District, Southwestern Uganda, Kigezi NP covers ~265 km² of savannah corridors linking Queen Elizabeth and Lake Edward.

Formed in the 1950s as a wildlife reserve, Kigezi acted as a 7-km-wide migratory buffer. Its 2025 annexation strengthens habitat connectivity.

ATTRACTIONS

Open grasslands and acacia woodlands:

• Mammals: Elephants, buffalo, Uganda Kob, Topi, oribi, warthogs, leopards
• Birds: 250+ species (secretary birds, grey crowned cranes)

THINGS TO DO

• Game drives (sunrise/sunset)
• Guided savannah walks
• Community cultural tours (Bakiga dances, craft markets)

ACCOMMODATIONS

• UWA Camps: $7 pp/night
• Buhoma Community Lodges: $95 pp/night
• Lake Bunyonyi resorts: $275 pp/night

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June–September (dry, wildlife concentrated), which is the dry season, is the best time to traverse Kigezi NP.

GETTING THERE

Entebbe → Kabale (6 hrs) → park gate (30 mins). Paved roads.

Toro National Park: A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Diverse Ecosystems

Located in the Ntoroko & Kabarole Districts, western Uganda, Toro NP spans ~542 km² near the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Albert.

Established as Toro-Semliki Game Reserve in 1926, it protected the Uganda Kob migration routes. The 2025 upgrade enhances anti-poaching efforts and tourism infrastructure.

ATTRACTIONS

Savannah-woodland mosaic:

• Mammals: Elephants, lions, Uganda Kob, hyenas, giant forest hogs
• Birds: 400+ species (shoebill, palm-nut vultures)
• Scenery: Rwenzori backdrop, Semliki River

THINGS TO DO

• Classic game drives
• Birding
• Link to Rwenzori trekking
• Community-led tours

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Semliki Safari Lodge (luxury): $380 pp/night
• Fort Portal Mid-Range: $80 pp/night
• UWA Tents: $11 pp/night

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June–October, which are the dry months, is the best time to visit Toro NP for the best safari experiences.

GETTING THERE

Entebbe → Fort Portal (4 hrs) → Toro (1 hr). Or fly to Hoima Airstrip.

Katonga National Park: Protecting Wildlife Habitats and Ecosystems 

Found in the Kyenjojo & Kamwenge Districts, central Uganda, Katonga NP covers ~207 km² of wetlands and grasslands near Lake George.

Designated a wildlife reserve in 1996 under the Kibale Conservation Area, Katonga served as a migratory corridor. Its 2025 elevation aims to protect its papyrus ecosystems.

ATTRACTIONS

Papyrus swamps and floodplains:

• Antelopes: Sitatunga (swamp specialists), bushbuck
• Birds: 300+ species (shoebills, papyrus yellow warblers)
• Others: Hippos, crocodiles, otters

THINGS TO DO

• Canoe safaris (silent drifting)
• Wetland boardwalk trails
• Birding
• Guided nature walks

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Katonga Eco-Cottages: $65 pp/night
• UWA Camps: $5 pp/night
• Masindi Hotels: $75 pp/night

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The months that run from December–March (dry); July–September (migratory birds) are the most optimum times to explore Katonga for unforgettable safari experiences.

GETTING THERE

Kampala → Mityana → Katonga (3 hrs). Easy access.

Visit Uganda today and see all these latest safari parks firsthand for the best safari adventures!

Reasons Why They Were Made Parks by Uganda Wildlife Authority 

1. Legal Fortification: National Park status triggers stricter penalties under the Uganda Wildlife Act—fines up to $30,000- or 7 years imprisonment for poaching.
2. Biodiversity Hotspots: Protects Albertine Rift endemics (e.g., Grauer’s warbler), wetland specialists (sitatunga), and migratory corridors.
3. Conflict Reduction: Buffer zones and ranger patrols cut crop raiding by 35% (UWA data).
4. Tourism Diversification: Adds primate, birding, and wetland safaris to gorilla/big-game focus.
5. Funding Access: Unlocks World Bank, USAID, and EU grants for infrastructure.
6. Community Integration: 20% revenue-sharing funds schools, clinics, and micro-loans.

Importance of the New Uganda Wildlife Safari Parks 

To Tourists

• Less Crowded: Avoid Bwindi’s 90% occupancy; enjoy private primate treks.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Lakes, gorges, bamboo forests, wetlands—all in one country.
• Extended Circuits: Combine Kyambura chimps + Queen Elizabeth lions in one day.
• Cultural Depth: Batwa experiences in Echuya, Baganda fishing villages in Bukaleba.
• Self-Drive Friendly: Kigezi and Toro offer safe, scenic routes.

To the Country

• Economic Boost: Targets $2.5 billion in tourism revenue by 2030.
• Job Creation: 5,000+ new roles in guiding, hospitality, and conservation.
• Infrastructure: New roads, airstrips, solar-powered lodges.
• Global Branding: Positions Uganda as Africa’s most biodiverse safari nation.

For Conservation

• Habitat Connectivity: Links Bwindi–Queen Elizabeth–Semliki corridors.
• Genetic Flow: Enables elephant, buffalo, and primate migration.
• Carbon Sequestration: Montane forests (Echuya) absorb 12 tons CO₂/ha/year.
• Anti-Poaching: 300+ new rangers deployed across six parks.

Uganda’s Previous Ten National Parks 

1. Bwindi Impenetrable NP – Mountain gorillas, UNESCO site
2. Queen Elizabeth NP – Tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel
3. Murchison Falls NP – Nile plunge, big game
4. Kidepo Valley NP – Remote savannah, cheetahs
5. Lake Mburo NP – Walking safaris, Burchell’s zebras and Impalas
6. Mgahinga Gorilla NP – Golden monkeys, Virunga volcanoes
7. Kibale NP – Primate capital of the world, 1,500+ chimps
8. Rwenzori Mountains NP – Glaciers, alpine flora
9. Semuliki NP – Hot springs, forest elephants
10. Mount Elgon NP – World’s largest mountain caldera, Kitum caves

Guidelines To Follow When Exploring Uganda’s Latest National Parks 

• Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance, avoid feeding or touching animals.
• Preserve habitats: Stay on designated trails, avoid littering.
• Follow Park rules: Adhere to park regulations, guidelines.
• Support local communities: Engage with local guides, communities.
• Be prepared: Bring necessary gear, supplies.
• Guided tours: Consider hiring guides or joining guided tours.
• Health and safety: Take necessary vaccinations, precautions.
• Weather: Prepare for varying weather conditions.
• Eco-friendly: Choose eco-friendly accommodations, tours.
• Cultural sensitivity: Respect local customs, traditions.
• Minimize impact: Reduce waste, carbon footprint.
• Support conservation: Contribute to park conservation efforts.
• Report incidents: Report any poaching, wildlife incidents.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and responsible experience in Uganda’s national parks.

Safari Packing List for Uganda’s Latest Safari Parks 

• Neutral, insect-repellent clothing
• Sturdy boots, gaiters (for wetlands)
• Rain jacket, dry bag
• Binoculars (8×42), 300 mm+ lens
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, malaria pills
• Reusable bottle, headlamp, power bank
• First-aid: antihistamines, plasters, water purifier

Conclusion

Uganda’s six new national parks are more than protected areas—they are living classrooms of conservation, economic engines, and invitations to adventure.

From the mist of Echuya’s bamboo to the silent drift of Katonga’s canoes, they offer authentic, uncrowded encounters with Africa’s wild heart.

With 16 national parks, Uganda now stands as East Africa’s most biodiverse safari destination. The future? A greener, more connected wilderness where wildlife thrives, communities prosper, and travelers leave transformed.

Book early, travel responsibly, and discover why the Pearl of Africa just got brighter.