Did you know how many national parks Uganda has today? You might think you’re updated, but you’re still stuck on the old list! Of course, you know the known ten national parks.
But here’s the truth, Uganda’s tourism board keeps evolving. Anyone who hasn’t visited Uganda yet is missing out, because every time they hear about what’s happening in our tourism sector, they realize just how much they’re missing. Now imagine this, Uganda has gone even further, stretching another foot into new attractions and experiences.
If you haven’t been to Uganda, you truly haven’t seen anything yet. And if you visited once before, it’s time to come back because a lot more has just been launched!
In a move to protect biodiversity and enhance Uganda’s tourism potential, the government has officially created six new national parks across the country. The endorsement, undertaken by Cabinet last week, forms part of a broader campaign to enhance conservation, protect wildlife habitats, and provide improved tourism experiences, especially for the growing number of clients seeking self-drive safaris in Uganda.
Why the New Parks Matter
The Uganda Wildlife Authority, and Antiquities highlighted that the recently gazetted parks are designed to safeguard natural habitats, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and expand conservation buffer zones.
Different forest reserves and wildlife zones have for many years been threatened by encroachment, poaching, and agricultural expansion. Promoting such areas to national park status affords them further legal protection, more conservation resources, and additional promotion as top tourist attractions in Uganda.
According to officials, elephants and other animal species have often remained vulnerable in protected areas with weak protective cover. The new categorization will not only protect such animals but will also fight against practices such as illegal logging, charcoal burning, and uncontrolled grazing.
The Six Newly Declared National Parks
Bukaleba National Park – In eastern Uganda along the shores of Lake Victoria, this was previously a forest reserve. Bukaleba spans about 97 square kilometers and is home to monkeys, antelopes, reptiles, birds, and aquatic life. It also has a unique history dating to colonial timber plantations in the late 1800s.
Echuya National Park – Formerly the Echuya Forest Reserve in south-western Uganda, the park is heavily forested with bamboo and montane forest vegetation. It is one of the endangered Albertine Rift biodiversity habitats and thus a great eco-tourism destination in Uganda.
Kisoro National Park – Located close to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo borders, this park complements Uganda’s mountain gorilla trekking safaris, making it a great addition for adventure travelers.
Kyamubura National Park – A former wildlife reserve that shares borders with Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyamubura is famous for its lush gorge, where chimpanzees and a host of birds live.
Kigezi National Park – A territory annexed from wildlife reserves sharing borders with Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its savannah plains make excellent grazing grounds for buffalo, elephants, and antelopes.
Other High Reserves – Additional reserves have been upgraded to enhance conservation and tourism yields, creating a stronger Uganda national park network.
Opportunities for Tourism and Self-Drive Safaris
Uganda has become increasingly popular as a self-drive safari destination, and these new parks will bring with them new roads and attractions. Independent travelers who would love to visit Uganda and driving themselves around the Pearl of Africa, will now have to rent a car in Uganda to have more scope to explore less crowded and unique ecosystems.
For example, Bukaleba National Park’s location near Lake Victoria makes it a perfect add-on for safari visitors beginning or ending their safari in Kampala or Jinja. Similarly, Kyamubura and Kigezi, linked to Queen Elizabeth National Park, create an extended circuit safari that optimizes wildlife viewing opportunities.
Domestic tour operators note that visitors have long been requesting more variety in secured sites. “Tourists complained continuously about being taken to the same park again and again,” noted a tour guide. “The development introduces new sites to tourists, especially those looking for off-the-beaten-path safaris in Uganda.”
Conservation and Community Benefits
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and National Forestry Authority (NFA) have promised that the upgrade will not only boost tourism but also improve livelihoods for communities around it. Local people are to be provided with jobs in park management, eco-tourism services, and community conservation programs.
Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority, noted that the reforms are aimed at aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III that promote green growth, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism in Uganda. “We are coming together with development partners so that these areas are managed so that they serve both conservation and people’s ambitions,” he said.
A Triumph for Uganda’s Future Safaris
With Uganda’s savannah safaris, gorilla trekking, and chimpanzee tracking already bringing international recognition, the addition of six new national parks should go a long way in further consolidating the nation’s reputation as a top African safari destination.
For solo travelers, couples, and families, the expansion means more diversity of landscapes, more autonomy in safari planning, and additional opportunities to discover Uganda’s uncharted marvels. From the tranquil forests of Bukaleba, the steep gorges of Kyamubura, to the unparalleled biodiversity of Echuya, travelers can now look forward to more thrilling, scenic, and adventurous self-drive road trips in Uganda.
