Six new national parks were unveiled to add to the traditional 10 national parks in Uganda, bringing the total to 16. These parks were ratified by the cabinet of Uganda, and the decision was made as a strategy of distributing tourism across all parts of the country.

These new parks include Kyambura, Bukaleba, Echuya, Toro, Kigezi, and Katonga National Park.

A Breakdown of The Six New National Parks in Uganda

Each of these safari parks has its unique ecosystems, attractions, and things to do while there.

Kyambura National Park

Kyambura National Park is an upgrade of the Kyambura Game Reserve, which was established in 1965.

The park covers an area of 156 km^2, and it includes areas like the Kyambura Gorge that connect to Uganda’s most visited park, Queen Elizabeth NP.

The Kyambura Gorge (the Valley of Apes) in this new national park is home to chimpanzees and other primates. Its chimpanzee population and that of other primate species like monkeys make it one of the best destinations for primate tours in Uganda.

Besides primates, the park is home to other animals like elephants, leopards, Hippopotamus, hyenas, etc, and numerous bird species that are worth seeing on a Uganda wildlife safari.

Its new status as a national park gives it a legal right to organize interesting safaris in chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, and other wildlife encounters.

Kigezi National Park 

Kigezi National Park was formerly a wildlife reserve that was established in 1952 as Kigezi Wildlife Reserve in the Rukungiri District in western Uganda.

This park covers an area of 207 square kilometers and shares borders with Queen Elizabeth National Park, and it is separated from Lake Edward by 7 km.

It is home to numerous wildlife species, which include antelopes, herbivores like elephants and buffalo, predators, and avian species worth seeing on a Uganda wildlife trip.

Among the fun things to do in this new safari park include game viewing, bird watching, nature walks, cultural tours, and many other activities

Toro National Park 

This new national park is located in western Uganda, within the Ntoroko and Kabarole districts, on the Western Great Rift Valley floor, Lake Albert, and the Rwenzori Mountains.

It covers an area of 542 km, and it was first gazetted as a Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve in 1926 to protect the high population of Uganda Kobs from hunters.

Besides Uganda Kobs, this new Uganda national park is home to duikers, elephants, leopards, primates like the red-tailed monkeys, and numerous Uganda birds, among other wildlife worth seeing on a Uganda tour.

The park offers exciting game drives through its grasslands, birdwatching opportunities due to the many birds that inhabit the area, nature walks, and other engaging activities.

Echuya National Park

Nestled in the Albertine Rift region, Echuya National Park is among Uganda’s new national parks worth visiting on a Uganda trip.

It was first gazetted as Echuya Central Forest Reserve in 1939 to protect the unique montane system, which by that time was a bamboo forest scattered with hardwood trees.

The park covers an area of 34 square kilometers and provides habitat to some primate species, Albertine Rift endemic birds, and other wildlife.

It promises fascinating forest walks, cultural encounters with the local communities surrounding the park, and bird watching to spot some of the Albertine Rift endemics.

Katonga National Park 

First established as Katonga Game Reserve in 1998 on an area of 207 km², Katonga National Park is now among the newly created Uganda national parks situated in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo districts.

It is known for its wetland ecosystems, and it is home to over 40 mammal species and over 150 bird species

This new park promised interesting canoe rides along the Katonga River, birding, and game viewing, among other activities.

Bukaleba National Park

Situated along the shores of Lake Victoria in the Mayuge District, Bukaleba National Park is one of the must-visit new parks when on a Uganda trip.

It was formerly known as Bukaleba Central Forest Reserve, established in 1932, on an area of 97 km². This was done to mitigate climate change through tree planting.

Lush forest cover, numerous aquatic life, and unique bird species are some of the attractions you will find on your visit to this pristine travel destination.

The park is expected to become one of the best spots for forest hikes, boat rides, sport fishing, and birding to see both forest birds and water birds.

Why Was a Decision Made to Expand Uganda’s National Parks? 

The following are some of the reasons why the formerly known forest and wildlife reserves were transformed into national parks.

1. To Strengthen Conservation

By elevating the status of forest and wildlife reserves, Uganda seeks to ensure the continued survival of endangered and vulnerable species like chimps and other wildlife that are prone to extinction.

2. Enhancing Community Benefits

The creation of new national parks is viewed as an opportunity to generate more jobs, which will lead to an increase in the incomes of people living near the parks, and infrastructural development, among other benefits.

3. To Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict

Due to the increasing human population, encroachment on wildlife areas and acts like poaching are inevitable. Upgrading these wildlife reserves to national parks means reducing the human-wildlife conflict, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence.

4. Diversifying Tourism Attractions

With the creation of new national parks, tourists can extend their visits to see other attractions beyond animals like tree-climbing Lions in famous parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, to include steep gorges and lakeside ecosystems in these newly established parks.

Uganda’s move to establish six new national parks is a major milestone for nature and travel enthusiasts. These new parks offer a range of attractions, from the tranquil Lake Victoria to the stunning Kyambura gorges and the picturesque Kigezi savannahs, so book your trip now and get a chance to see these new attractions and enjoy lots of fun in the new parks.