The following are some of Uganda's renowned parks and game sanctuaries. Wildlife abounds in these conservation areas and every effort has been exhausted to ensure that the game is protected, ensuring that this rich botanical and zoological resource is conserved for the generations to come. Run Wild Safaris has tour packages that takes the clients to these beautiful game sanctuaries.

Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda, covering over 400 sq. kms since the inclusion of the adjoining game reserve. It is one of the most spectacular parks in Africa. Renowned for its scenic beauty and the spectacular waterfalls from which it gets name. Murchison Falls National Parkhas abundant Flora and Fauna to delight the visitor. From rolling savannah and tall grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the diversity of this park never ceases to amaze. No visit to Murchison Falls would be complete without a visit to the magnificent waterfalls. They can be viewed from the top where the Nile River narrows from 50 metres to crash through a 7 metre gorge, falling 45 metres to the rocks below. The three-hour cruise to the base of the Falls is unforgettable. One can experience the majesty of the Nile while onboard, viewing exuberant wildlife along the banks.

The more adventurous traveller may want to hike the trails around the waterfalls, while the avid birdwatcher will want to seek out some of the 424-species identified in the park. Fishermen can test their skills above and below the Falls, waiting patiently for 20-7kg. Nile Perch. Other game fish found in the Nile include Barbel, electric Catfish and Tiger fish. On game drives Cape buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffe, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbuck are commonly seen. You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga, bush duiker, warthog and bushpig.

Large carnivores include lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Chimpanzees head the list of six species of primates found in the park. Crocodile and hippo will be seen along the banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that can be included Goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare shoebill stork. A boat cruise to the delta is a highlight for the avid birdwatcher. White water rafting above the Falls and flat water canoeing on the placid Nile below the Falls may be of interest to the adventure traveller.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth N.P. is one of the outstanding treasures of Uganda. QENP has recently been designated a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO. The park covers 2000 sq. kms and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems; from semi-decidious tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope as well as elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons, and chimpanzee. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here making it prime target for birdwatchers. Species recorded include the shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors including several falcons and eagles. In the crater lakes, spectacular flocks of flamingos gather, creating the image of a moving pink carpet.

The launch trip along the Kizinga Channel between Lake George and Edward is a memorable way to view the variety of game in Queen Elizabeth. North of the main gate is the crater area, one of the most scenic parts of the park. To the East, in Kyambura Gorge, visitors can climb through tropical forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzee. In the more isolated Ishasha sector of the park, search the woodlands for the tree-climbing lions perching on the boughs of ancient fig trees. To the Southeast, travellers can explore newly opened trails in Maramagambo forest.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley covering 331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting large number of plants and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world's population of 600 mountain gorilla reside in Bwindi. The vegetation, as the park's name implies, is composed of tropical rainforest with dense undergrowth. This rugged terrain makes hiking in search of gorilla strenuous work. Visitors who trek should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is required. A maximum of only 6 permits per day are available for advance booking, so confirmation 4 - 12 months in advance is required to avoid disappointment.

Along with the gorillas, there are nine other species of primates including chimpanzee, blue monkey, redtail monkey, L'hoest's monkey, black and white colobus, potto, demidoff's and needle - clawed galago. Three hundred and forty-seven species of birds have been recorded in Bwindi; seven species are listed as endangered. Species of particular interest include the Kivu ground thrush, white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared apallis, short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, blue headed sunbird, strange weaver and the Shelley's crimsonwing. Over 200 species of butterflies have also been recorded here. Many visitors also enjoy the hiking trails in the park. The most popular are the Munyaga River Trail, the Waterfall trail and the Rushuura Trails.

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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This park is in the far south-western corner of Uganda, is the smallest park, only 33.7sq. kms. As the Ugandan part of the Virunga Conservation Area, where half of the world's mountain gorillas make their homes, this park shares boundaries with Rwanda and Congo (Zaire). The park is comprised of parts of three extinct volcano mountains, Mt. Muhavura (4127m), Mt. Gahinga (3475m) and Mt. Sabyinyo (3645m). The vegetation of Mgahinga is typically afro-montane, with a forest belt, a bamboo zone, an ericacious belt and an alpine zone. The park supports a variety of animal species including gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, leopard and serval cat. There are also over 180 species of bird found in the region. Among these are the handsome francolin, the Rwenzori touraco and the side-breasted tit.

About 45 mountain gorillas use the Mgahinga sector of the Virunga Conservation Area seasonally. Gorilla trekking is available here when the gorillas are in the park. They are usually resident in the months of April, May and June and October, November and December. The rest of the year the gorillas are on the Congo side of the Virungas. Book 4-12 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Trekking is strenuous; therefore good physical condition is necessary. Mgahinga is an interesting park. In addition to gorilla trekking, it offers a number of other exciting half-day hikes and the challenge of a full-day climb to the summit of Mt. Muhavura or Mt. Gahinga, or the breathtaking Sabyinyo Gorge. Also of interest are the three swamps: Rugezi, Kabiranyuma and Kizibakye.