Discover the hidden gems in Uganda’s savannah parks by taking part in the open park days. For two days on 17th and 18th October 2024 , Uganda Wildlife Authority is offering free park days for all Ugandans wishing to visit the savannah parks across the country. The initiative is to introduce Uganda to the treasures in their own country. YES, it’s with no doubt that some Ugandans have not visited these parks and therefore have no information regarding conservation, attractions, and activities that bring clients to tire own county. The offer includes a free park entrance fee and free game drives in the park for all Ugandans.
Parks to visit
Murchison Falls National Park
Among the national parks to visit for free is Murchison Falls National Park. Located in North Western Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is a not miss for a true wilderness experience in the Pearl of Africa. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s oldest park which was established in 1952 spreading over 3,893 square kilometers of Land. It’s Uganda’s largest National park sheltering a high concentration of wild animals and birds. The savannah derives its name from the mighty “Murchison Falls” found in the heat of the park.
The falls are formed when the strong Nile waters squeeze through a small meter gorge of seven meters falling off 43 meters down into the devil’s Cauldron forming a permanent rainbow. Game drives in the northern section of Murchison Falls National Park offer travelers a chance to see and interact with different wild animals both grazers and hunters. Expect to see animals such as Elephants, Lions giraffes, Uganda Kobs, Hippos, Buffalos, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Topis, Oribis, and wild dogs among others.
A boat cruise at the bottom of the falls offers you a fresh feeling of the cold breeze with exceptional views of wild water animals and birds seen on the banks of the river. For birders, Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 450 birds some of which are not seen anywhere else in the whole world. Some of the birds to see in Murchison Falls Park include black-headed lapwing, shoebill Stork, African Jacana, Black Billed Berbet, Piapiac, Silverbird, Giant Kingfisher, and Malachite Kingfisher among others. Migratory birds are best seen between November and April
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Second to Murchison Falls National Park in terms of size and popularity, Queen Elizabeth National Park will also be open freely for Ugandans for two days. The Savannahs Park is located in western Uganda spreading over 1.978 square kilometers. The park is home to a variety of wild animals such as Buffalos, elephants, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Uganda kobs, Warthogs, antelopes, and waterbucks among others. The park also boosts the rare tree-climbing lions seen in the ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
A boat cruise at Kazinga Channel offers travelers with exceptional views of birds, wild animals, and fishing villages in the neighborhood. In addition to wild animals Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 600 bird species which makes it one of the popular birding areas in Uganda. Some of the notable birds seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park include the Shoebill, African finfoot, Swamp Flycatcher, Palm-nut vulture, Crab plover, African hobby, African skimmer, and common sand martin among others. Game viewing, boat cruising, nature walks, community tours, and bird watching are among the top travel activities done in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kidepo valley National park
Located in the far northeastern part of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Par will also be freely open for Uganda travelers on the 17th and 18th of October 2024. The park is the most remote tourism destination and the least visited park in Uganda. The long distance from Kampala/Entebbe to Kidepo has limited many people from visiting and discovering the beauty of this park.
Game drives in the park will offer you clear views of wild animals such as Giraffes, Zebras, lions, Elephants, Leopards, Hyenas, Uganda kobs, Waterbucks, Cheetahs, serval cats, and wild dogs among others. The park is also good for nature walking, bird watching, community tours, and mountain hiking among others
Lake Mburo National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda in Lyantonde district, Lake Mburo National Park is also a not-miss destination on these two days of free park entry on the 17th and 18th of October 2024. Lake Mburo National Park covers a total land area of 260 square kilometers and is Uganda’s smallest savannah Park, However, regardless of its small size, Lake Mburo has a lot to offer for travelers.
Game viewing is a chance to see wild animals including Giraffes, Zebras, Buffalos, Wild Pigs, Uganda kobs Waterbucks, and Impalas among others. A boat cruise on Lake Mburo is an experience of its kind and worth doing. Horseback riding, bird-watching community tours, nature walks, and bird-watching are other interesting activities to do in Lake Mburo National Park.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Do not miss visiting the beautiful Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve on these free park days on the 17th and 18th of October 2024. Perched in the Karamoja region in Northeastern Uganda, Pain Upe Wildlife Reserve is the second largest tourism destination in Uganda after Murchison Falls National Park. The reserve is a shelter for many birds and wild animals which you should see. Game viewing experiences in the reserve bring you close to wild animals such as Giraffes, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Gazelles, Elands, Topis, Waterbucks, and Warthogs among others.
Other popular pars in Uganda
In addition to the savannah parks, Uganda safaris also entail visiting other popular National parks in different parts of the country. These include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas and a center for gorilla trekking experience. Kibale Forest National Park, is the Primates capital of Africa for chimpanzee trekking and habituation experience. Mgahinga Gorilla National park, Mt Elgon National park Mount Rwenzori, and Semliki valley National. Each Park is unique and offers a unique experience and worth visiting
In conclusion, a free entry and game-viewing experience in Uganda’s savannah Parks is an opportunity every Ugandan should enjoy.
