In September 2025, Uganda expanded its conservation legacy by gazetting six new national parks, increasing the total number from the formerly existing 10 national parks to 16 safari parks that are worth exploring during Uganda safaris.
This transformative decision, approved by the Cabinet, elevates former forest and wildlife reserves to national park status, enhancing legal protections, fostering eco-tourism, and safeguarding biodiversity.
Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), these newly established safari parks aim to curb wildlife encroachment, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and promote sustainable tourism in diverse ecosystems, including the Albertine Rift and Lake Victoria regions.
This move aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, emphasizing green growth and global conservation goals to protect 30% of land by 2030.
Below is a detailed overview of the six new national parks.
Originally established as a forest reserve in the early 20th century for colonial timber plantations, Bukaleba has evolved into a biodiverse habitat. It was managed by the National Forestry Authority until its 2025 upgrade.
Located along Lake Victoria’s shores, Bukaleba National Park features tropical forests and wetlands, supporting monkeys, antelopes, reptiles, and over 100 bird species worth seeing when on safaris in Uganda.
Spanning approximately 97 square kilometers, it is perfectly located in Mayuge District, eastern Uganda, near Jinja, a tourism hub and adventure capital of East Africa.
Bukaleba forest reserve was awarded national Park Status in a bid to protect its unique lakeside ecosystem from agricultural encroachment and illegal logging, while boosting eco-tourism near Lake Victoria.
Some of the popular attractions it harbors include diverse birdlife, primates, scenic lake views, and many other highlights.
It is a good tourist place offering avenues for tourists who will embark on Uganda safaris there to partake in boat safaris on Lake Victoria, guided forest walks, birdwatching, and cultural tours with local communities, and Jinja’s adventure activities due to its proximity to the town.
Designated as a forest reserve in 1939, Echuya has been a critical biodiversity hotspot in the Albertine Rift, managed by the National Forestry Authority until its 2025 elevation.
Echuya National Park is a montane and bamboo forest ecosystem, home to rare primates (e.g., blue monkeys) and 150+ bird species, including the endangered Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, worth seeing when on Uganda tours.
Spanning approximately 34 square kilometers, it is nestled in Kisoro and Rubanda Districts, southwestern Uganda, near Rwanda and the DRC borders.
Echuya forest reserve was accorded national park status in order to safeguard its fragile montane ecosystem and enhance eco-tourism, complementing nearby Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Some of the nice things to see in Echuya when on a visit are Bamboo forests, small wild animals, primates, rare bird species, and the Batwa community.
Possible safari activities that can be done in Echuya NP include Hiking trails, birdwatching, primate tracking, and eco-cultural tours with Batwa guides and people.
Established as a wildlife reserve in the 1960s, Kyambura was part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park ecosystem before its 2025 upgrade to a standalone park.
Known for the Kyambura Gorge, a sunken forest along the Kyambura River, Kyambura National Park hosts chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, hippos, and diverse birdlife worth seeing during Wildlife safaris in Uganda.
Covering approximately 157 square kilometers, it is found in Rubirizi District, western Uganda, adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kyambura wildlife reserve was upgraded to a standalone park to provide dedicated protection for its ‘lost’ chimpanzee population and expand primate tourism, while preventing encroachment from nearby settlements.
The dramatic Kyambura Gorge, chimpanzee populations, stunning birds, and other rich wildlife biodiversity are some of the worthwhile highlights to see in this new Uganda safari park.
Some of the fun safari activities that can be done in Kyambura National Park include Chimpanzee trekking, guided Kyambura gorge walks, birdwatching, and combined safaris with Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Formed as a wildlife reserve in the 1950s, Kigezi served as a migratory corridor (7km wide) for wildlife within the Queen Elizabeth ecosystem, separated from Lake Edward, upgraded in 2025.
It features savannah plains and grasslands, supporting elephants, Uganda Kob, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs, hippos, waterbuck, bushbuck, leopard, Topi, oribi, buffalo, antelopes, and diverse bird species worth seeing during Uganda birding tours.
Spanning approximately 265 square kilometers in Western Uganda, adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the western arm of the Central African rift valley at an altitude of about 1,050m.
Kigezi Wildlife Reserve was made a national park in order to strengthen conservation of migratory corridors and promote game-drive tourism, reducing human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Other attractions in Kigezi NP are savannah landscapes, large mammal herds, and Queen Elizabeth’s attractions due to its close proximity.
Game drives, birdwatching, guided walks, and community-based tourism are some of the safari activities that can be done in Kigezi National Park.
Established as Toro-Semliki Game Reserve in the 1920s, it was managed as a wildlife corridor that protected the large numbers of Uganda Kobs in the region before its 2025 elevation to national park status.
This is a savannah-forest mix park near the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Albert, home to elephants, antelopes, Uganda Kobs, predators, and over 200 bird species.
Covering ~542 square kilometers, it is located in Western Uganda, near the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Albert in the Ntoroko and Kabarole districts.
Toro-Semliki Game Reserve was made a national park in order to protect its diverse ecosystems and migratory routes, while enhancing tourism potential near the Rwenzori trekking routes.
Some of the things to see in Toro National Park include scenic savannahs, diverse wildlife, and the Rwenzori Mountains, which are in close proximity.
Game drives, birdwatching, community-led tours, and links to mountain trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains are some of the tourist activities that will be done in this park during a safari in Uganda.
Created as a game reserve in 1964 and later a wildlife reserve in 1996 to serve as a migratory corridor managed by UWA under the Kibale Conservation Area administration, Katonga was upgraded to a national park in 2025.
It features wetlands and grasslands near Lake George, hosting hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and antelopes.
Sprawling approximately 207 square kilometers, it is situated in Central Uganda, near Lake George, within Kyenjojo and Kamwenge Districts.
Katonga wildlife reserve was awarded national park status in order to protect its wetland ecosystems and migratory routes, while promoting eco-tourism in central Uganda.
Some of the beautiful things to see in Katonga National Park include wetlands, aquatic wildlife, and birding hotspots worth exploring during Uganda birding safaris.
Boat trips, wetland safaris, birdwatching, and guided nature walks are among the things to do in Katonga National Park.
The elevation of these reserves to national park status was driven by multiple factors:
The new parks offer diverse, less-crowded safari experiences, catering to private travelers seeking unique adventures.
From chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura to boat safaris in Bukaleba, tourists gain access to varied ecosystems—lakes, forests, savannahs, and wetlands.
Self-drive safaris are now more viable, especially in Kigezi and Toro, while cultural experiences with communities like the Batwa in Echuya add depth to Uganda’s cultural experiences. These parks complement existing attractions, enabling extended safari circuits.
The parks boost Uganda’s economy through increased tourism revenue, job creation (e.g., rangers, guides, hospitality staff), and revenue-sharing schemes with local communities.
They support Vision 2040’s goals of sustainable development and green growth, positioning Uganda as a premier safari destination.
Improved infrastructure in the new parks also enhances regional connectivity, benefiting local economies.
The parks strengthen Uganda’s conservation framework by protecting diverse ecosystems and endangered species.
They enhance connectivity between habitats, supporting wildlife migration and genetic diversity across the existing corridors.
Increased resources and legal protections combat threats like deforestation and poaching, aligning with global biodiversity targets for 2030.
Before the 2025 expansion, Uganda was home to ten national parks, renowned for their diverse ecosystems ranging from savannahs to forests and mountains. Below is a brief list of these wildlife safari parks:
With the establishment of the new safari parks in Uganda that promise thrilling, sustainable adventures in Uganda’s untamed wilderness, we would like to applaud UWA for this milestone.
For more details or to plan your Uganda safari, contact us, your licensed tour operators!
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Samuel
Situated in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a land of staggering contrasts. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Great Rift Valley, the biodiversity here is unmatched.
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