In September 2025, Uganda achieved a major conservation milestone by gazetting six new national parks, raising the country’s total from ten to sixteen.
This historic decision, approved by the Cabinet, transforms former forest and wildlife reserves into fully protected national parks under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The move strengthens biodiversity protection, curbs threats like poaching and illegal logging, reduces human-wildlife conflict, and expands eco-tourism opportunities.
It also aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the global goal to conserve 30% of the planet’s land and water by 2030.
These new parks—Bukaleba, Echuya, Kyambura, Kigezi, Toro, and Katonga—showcase Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from lakeside wetlands and montane forests to savannah plains.
They offer tourists new destinations for wildlife viewing, primate tracking, birdwatching, and cultural encounters, while empowering local communities through tourism revenue sharing.
By upgrading reserves to national park status, Uganda grants them full protection under the Uganda Wildlife Act.
This means stronger anti-poaching enforcement, dedicated ranger patrols, and stricter control over activities like grazing, charcoal burning, and encroachment.
The change protects key habitats in biodiversity hotspots such as the Albertine Rift and Lake Victoria basin, ensuring the survival of species like forest elephants, chimpanzees, and rare birds.
The new parks will diversify Uganda’s tourism products beyond its famous gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Kibale’s chimpanzee tracking.
Visitors can now experience multi-ecosystem safaris—from lakeshore adventures in Bukaleba to primate trails in Kyambura Gorge—creating fresh itineraries for 2025–2026.
The upgrade supports community livelihoods through job creation (guides, rangers, lodge staff) and revenue-sharing programs.
By involving residents in conservation and tourism activities, UWA aims to reduce pressure on natural resources and promote local stewardship of wildlife.
The expansion of protected areas aligns with Uganda’s national development strategy, emphasizing green growth, eco-tourism, and sustainable livelihoods.
It enhances Uganda’s competitiveness as a leading East African safari destination, complementing Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Below is a guide to Uganda’s newly gazetted parks, their attractions, wildlife, and tourism potential.
Located along Lake Victoria’s northern shores in Mayuge District, Bukaleba covers about 9,500 hectares of tropical forest and wetland habitats.
Once a colonial timber plantation, the area has regenerated into a thriving ecosystem hosting monkeys, antelopes, and over 100 bird species.
The park’s proximity to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, makes it ideal for combined tours featuring boat safaris, birdwatching, forest hikes, and photography with Lake Victoria views.
Bukaleba’s upgrade aims to prevent illegal logging and agricultural encroachment while promoting sustainable lakeside tourism.
Perched on the edge of the Albertine Rift in Kisoro and Rubanda Districts, Echuya covers roughly 37,000 hectares of montane and bamboo forest.
This high-altitude ecosystem shelters rare primates like blue monkeys and over 150 bird species, including the endangered Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.
Upgraded from a 1939 forest reserve, Echuya complements nearby Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, offering tourists additional opportunities for eco-cultural experiences with the Batwa pygmy community, forest hikes, and birding expeditions.
Adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Rubirizi District, Kyambura’s 15,700 hectares encompass the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of the Apes,” adjoining Queen Elizabeth NP
Its lush sunken forest shelters chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, forest elephants, and hippos, making it a premier primate destination.
Formerly a wildlife reserve, Kyambura’s upgrade ensures dedicated conservation for its isolated chimp population and curbs habitat loss.
Tourists can enjoy chimpanzee tracking (permits around $200), birdwatching, gorge hikes, and community tours in Uganda.
Kigezi National Park spans about 25,000 hectares in southwestern Uganda, forming a wildlife corridor within the Queen Elizabeth ecosystem. Its rolling hills and wetlands host elephants, Uganda Kob, warthogs, leopards, buffalo, and antelopes.
The park’s proximity to the Batwa communities adds cultural depth to visits, offering insights into indigenous traditions. Upgraded from a 1950s reserve, Kigezi aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and enhance game-drive tourism.
Additional activities to enjoy in Kigezi NP include game drives, hill hiking, birdwatching, community walks, and wetland exploration.
Located between Lake Albert and the Rwenzori Mountains in Ntoroko and Kabarole Districts, Toro National Park extends over 20,000 hectares of savannah and forest mosaic. It supports elephants, leopards, buffalo, Uganda kob, and over 200 bird species.
Evolving from the 1920s Toro-Semliki Game Reserve, it plays a vital role in protecting migratory corridors linking Uganda’s western parks. With panoramic views of the Rwenzori ranges, it is perfect for wildlife photography, birding, guided bush walks, game drives, birdwatching, community conservation projects, and visits to nearby Rwenzori trekking routes.
Stretching across 42,800 hectares in Kyenjojo and Kamwenge Districts, Katonga National Park protects wetlands and riverine grasslands along the Katonga River near Lake George.
Originally a 1964 game reserve, it was upgraded to conserve hippos, crocodiles, sitatunga antelope, and rich aquatic birdlife.
This tranquil park offers boat safaris, canoeing, walking trails, and birdwatching away from the crowds, ideal for eco-tourists and photographers seeking authentic wilderness experiences in Uganda.
FOR TOURISTS
Uganda’s six new parks open a world of adventure beyond the well-known gorilla destinations. Travelers can now enjoy less-crowded, multi-ecosystem safaris, from boat safaris in Bukaleba and chimp trekking in Kyambura to birding in Echuya or game drives in Kigezi.
Self-drive circuits connecting Toro, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale will appeal to independent travelers, while cultural tours with the Batwa people add a human dimension to Uganda wildlife safaris.
FOR THE COUNTRY
The new national parks stimulate tourism revenue, job creation, and local entrepreneurship. Lodges, guiding services, and craft markets are expected to flourish around these areas.
The parks also contribute to Uganda’s economic diversification, aligning with its Vision 2040 and green-growth agenda.
FOR CONSERVATION
From a conservation standpoint, these parks strengthen Uganda’s ecological network by linking habitats and maintaining wildlife migration routes.
Enhanced funding, ranger deployment, and monitoring systems will improve protection against illegal activities, ensuring the long-term survival of Uganda’s natural heritage.
Before the 2025 expansion, Uganda already boasted ten iconic parks, each a gem in its own right:
Together with the six new additions, these parks form a seamless network of biodiversity corridors, making Uganda one of Africa’s most diverse and rewarding safari destinations.
Conclusion
The gazettement of six new national parks in 2025 marks a defining chapter in Uganda’s conservation and tourism journey. From Bukaleba’s tropical shores to Katonga’s serene wetlands, these protected areas enrich Uganda’s natural tapestry and offer travelers exciting new frontiers for exploration.
Combined with the country’s original ten parks, they solidify Uganda’s title as the “Pearl of Africa”—a land where primates swing through emerald forests, elephants roam golden plains, and cultures thrive alongside nature.
Whether you’re planning a wildlife safari, a primate expedition, or an eco-cultural adventure, Uganda’s expanded park network promises unforgettable experiences in Africa’s most biodiverse heartland.
Plan your 2025 Uganda safari today—and be among the first to explore these new national treasures that blend conservation, community, and adventure into one unforgettable journey.
Robert
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