Open National Park Days in Uganda : Uganda’s Uganda Wildlife Authority in celebration of the world tourism day and Uganda’s 62 Independence Day; earlier this week launched the Open Park Days initiative that will take place between October 17th and 18th, 2024.
The Open Park Days initiative will offer all Ugandan nationals the chance to visit some of Uganda’s savannah wildlife parks that include: –
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Through the initiative Ugandans will access the parks without having to pay entrance fees and will also have complimentary game drives, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience of Uganda’s breath-taking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
The UWA management says this initiative is more than just a promotional event; it is a call to action for all Ugandans to rediscover the beauty and wonder of Uganda natural heritage.
“The Open Park Days initiative not only promotes domestic tourism but also provides an opportunity to communities living around conservation areas to enter and experience first-hand what happens inside the parks. Opening Park gates to these communities, enhances their understanding and appreciation of wildlife conservation efforts, strengthening UWA’s relationships with local communities.” UWA ED stated.
Uganda Wildlife Authority is Uganda’s Government agency responsible for managing and protecting Wildlife in and outside protected areas. The agency is supervised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
Kind note to all readers, the open park days are exclusive to Ugandans.
Well since now you have an open day to visit any of the four parks mentioned above, you have no excuse to now visiting the wild this October. We know its short notice so to help you decide which of the four parks you will visit. Of course, its only two days of the weekends so you cannot traverse all the four but you can choose one which you will visit depending on your desires, budget and deliverances.
- Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is about 4 to 5 hours from Kampala, so if you Kampala in the morning you arrive at the park in the midmorning. Activities you can do at this park include but not limited to game drives, boat rides, bird watching, hiking the falls and nature walks. These activities can be done in two days if you make your itinerary right. For more information consult with a tour operator.
- Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is the nearest to Kampala about 3 to 4 hours of travel time. At this park you will have activities like game drives, bird watching boat rides, nature walks, horseback riding and others. The only thing with this park you will not see the big five animals, it doesn’t have them, so if your aim is to see the big five, this is not the park for you. For more information consult with a tour operator.
- Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is the furthest park from Kampala about 9 to 10 hours from the capital. So, if you are going to this park, you will have travel at least day or 2 before to be there on the 17th. Activities in this park include but are not limited to: – game drives, bird watching, nature walks, community visits to the Ike group and many other activities. For more information consult with a tour operator.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is 4 to 5 hours from the capital and activities you will have there include lion tracking, game drives, bird watching, boat rides, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks and other activities. For more information consult with a tour operator.
- Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
In Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, the most popular activities will be game drives, bird watching and nature walks.
