Ugandans and regional visitors flocked in large numbers to the country’s savannah protected areas during the third edition of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Open Park Days 2026.
From 25th to 27th September, the Uganda Wildlife Authority waived park entrance fees at selected destinations, giving the public a rare chance to experience wildlife at little or no cost ahead of World Tourism Day celebrations.
The initiative, now in its third year, successfully boosted domestic tourism and deepened appreciation for conservation.
Free entry covered Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park with some additional reserves also participating.
While entrance fees were waived, visitors still paid for optional activities such as boat cruises, guided walks and specialised game drives.
Spotlight on the Participating Parks and Must-Do Activities
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest and oldest national park delivers the dramatic spectacle of the Nile forcing through a 7-metre gorge.
Top tourism activities include game drives on the northern banks of Murchison Falls National Park where you can get chances to view lions, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffe and buffalo, the classic Nile boat cruise to the base of the Murchison Falls, the short hike to the Top of the Falls viewpoint.
Birdwatching can also be done within the Murchison Falls National Park with over 450 species including the Shoebill and Saddle-billed Stork among others and optional chimpanzee tracking in nearby Budongo Forest.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This diverse wildlife park offers some of Uganda’s densest wildlife viewing. Highlights are the Kazinga Channel boat cruise providing sight of hippos, elephants, crocodiles and rich birdlife, game drives on the Kasenyi Plains, tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge also known as the “Valley of the Apes”, and scenic drives past explosion crater lakes.
Cultural visits to traditional salt-mining communities at Lake Katwe add local flavour.
Lake Mburo National Park
This is the most accessible savannah park from Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is famous for large zebra herds, impala and the chance to get closer to wildlife.
Signature experiences include boat cruises on the lake, guided walking safaris, horseback safaris, night game drives and excellent birdwatching with over 300 to 350 species.
Lake Mburo National Park is ideal for a shorter escape or as a stop on the western circuit.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
This is Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve which offers a quieter, more authentic wilderness experience in the Karamoja region.
Expect game drives for eland, roan antelope, zebra, giraffe, possible cheetah and other dry-country species, guided nature walks, birding including dry-country specials for example the Secretary Bird, Karamoja Apalis among others, hikes toward Mount Kadam or Napak, and respectful cultural encounters with Karamojong communities.
Kidepo Valley National Park
One of Africa’s most remote and spectacular parks, Kidepo rewards visitors with vast open plains, dramatic scenery and excellent game viewing including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, ostrich and more wildlife.
Tourism activities centre on game drives in the Narus Valley, guided nature walks, birdwatching and cultural visits to Karamojong manyattas. Kidepo Valley National Park’s isolation delivers a true wilderness feel.
You can have a look at our Uganda Safari Packages below;
- 2 Days Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Eco Safari
- 5-Day Fort Portal, Semuliki, Kibale & Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
- 4 Days Fort Portal City, Semuliki & Queen Elizabeth National Park Tour
- 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Tracking & Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
- 5 Day Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo National Parks Tour
- 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
Getting There – Transport Options
Self-drive or private vehicle: The most flexible option. A 4×4 is strongly recommended, especially on park tracks and during or after rains. Lake Mburo National Parkis the easiest, roughly 3.5 to 5 hours from Kampala. Murchison Falls National Park takes 4 to 6 hours via Masindi. Queen Elizabeth National Park is 5 to 7 hours via Mbarara or Fort Portal. Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve involve longer journeys often 8 to 12+ hours and are best combined or approached with an overnight stop.
Public transport: Buses and matatus run from Kampala to nearby towns like Masindi for Murchison Falls National Park, Mbarara/Sanga for Lake Mburo National Park, Kasese for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kitgum/Moroto areas for the north-east wildlife parks like Kidepo Valley National Park. From the final town, hire a special-hire vehicle, boda-boda or arrange a lodge transfer to the gate.
Flights: Charter or scheduled domestic flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to airstrips at Pakuba or Chobe Murchison Falls National Park), Mweya/Kasese for Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kidepo Valley National Park significantly cut travel time and are popular for multi-park itineraries.
Always use roadworthy vehicles, respect speed limits inside parks, and follow all Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rules.
Beyond the Wildlife Parks – Nearby Experiences
Many visitors combine park visits with nearby attractions: the equator monument and roadside markets en route to western parks, cultural interactions with local communities, crater lake drives near Queen Elizabeth National Park, or extension into the broader Karamoja landscape around Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. September’s dry-season conditions generally favour good game viewing and road access.
Plan Your Responsible Safari with Responsible Tourism Company Ltd
Whether you missed the free-entry window or are already planning your next adventure, Responsible Tourism Company Ltd specialises in sustainable, community-supporting safari experiences across these exact wildlife parks.
From short Lake Mburo National Park getaways to full northern-circuit adventures combining Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, our expert local guides prioritise low-impact travel, fair community benefits and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Contact us at Responsible Tourism Company Ltd today to design a custom itinerary that matches your budget, group size and interests. Travel responsibly, support conservation, and experience the real Pearl of Africa.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Was entry completely free during UWA Open Park Days 2026?
Park entrance fees were waived for the three days (25th to 27th September). Visitors still paid for optional activities such as boat cruises, guided walks, night drives and specialised experiences, plus all transport and accommodation.
Which parks participated in the UWA Open Park Days 2026?
Core savannah destinations included Murchison Falls National Parks, Queen Elizabeth National Parks, Lake Mburo National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park. Some additional wildlife reserves also offered free entry.
Do I still need to book tourism activities in advance?
Yes, especially popular ones such as boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel or Nile, chimpanzee tracking and horseback safaris. Numbers are limited and demand was high during the free-entry period.
Is self-driving recommended when visiting the national parks?
Yes for experienced drivers with a suitable 4×4 vehicle. First-time visitors or those short on time often prefer joining an organised safari for convenience, local knowledge and safety.
When is the best time to visit these national parks outside free-entry days?
The dry seasons, generally June to September and December to February offer excellent game viewing and better road conditions, though Uganda’s parks can be rewarding year-round.
How can I travel more responsibly?
Choose operators that support local communities and conservation, stick to designated tracks, never feed or disturb wildlife, take all rubbish out, and respect cultural protocols during community visits.
The success of UWA Open Park Days 2026 (Uganda Wildlife Authority) proved that Ugandans are eager to reconnect with their natural heritage.
The wildlife parks remain open year-round, plan your visit, travel thoughtfully, and help protect these incredible wild places for future generations.
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