Uganda is gearing up to welcome visitors to some of its most wonderful natural attractions as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Open Park Days 2026 takes place this September 25th-27th, offering free entry to participating national parks and wildlife reserves.
The three-day event, part of 2026 Tourism Week celebrations, will see Ugandans and visitors experience the country’s extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage while promoting responsible tourism and conservation. From sweeping savannahs, dramatic mountains, lakes, forests, and rich wildlife habitats, Uganda’s protected areas offer something for both budding and experienced safari-goers.
Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Parks are among the highlights for the event, each offering a unique glimpse into Uganda’s natural heritage.
For those in the mood for an out-of-this-world wilderness experience, Kidepo Valley National Park is the place to be. Known for its vast open skies, rugged landscapes, expansive savannahs, and dramatic mountain scenery, Kidepo’s remote location is part of its charm, and it becomes an adventure to get there as well.
Game drives in Kidepo will see you spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and other wildlife. Night game drives offer another vantage point on a park where the wilderness reaches right into your tent, while nature walks provide a more intimate view of the park’s wilderness.
Birdwatching is a highlight of a visit to Kidepo, but so too are the cultural experiences of the wider region. The Kidepo and Narus valleys, plus the Morungole Mountains, add to the dramatic scenery in a park that is celebrated for its wilderness.
For those who want to take in a wildlife experience closer to Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park offers a welcome option for a weekend getaway. A four-hour drive from the capital city, the park combines accessibility with an amazing diversity of experiences.
Though one of Uganda’s smaller national parks, Lake Mburo has game drives, walking safaris, horseback experiences, night drives and boat trips on the lake. The park’s highlights include its zebras, as well as hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species.
In addition, visitors can uncover the cultural heritage of the Ankole region through experiences tied to cattle keeping, milk production, ghee and butter making, and local storytelling. The park’s relatively compact size means it is a great option for experiencing several attractions in a short visit, while nearby Mbarara has additional accommodation and tourism options.
The Open Park Days come at a timely juncture for Uganda’s national parks and wildlife reserves that play a key role in the country’s tourism industry and conservation efforts. Across the protected-area network, wildlife and landscapes provide opportunities for recreation, education, photography, adventure and cultural exchange, while supporting biodiversity and communities whose livelihoods are intertwined with tourism and conservation.
The initiative, therefore, offers a unique opportunity to experience not just free entry to a park, but to appreciate the natural heritage that makes Uganda a distinctive tourism destination. With three days of free entry to participating UWA parks and reserves, families, friends, domestic tourists and international visitors are encouraged to make plans, explore the country’s protected areas and discover the wildlife on their doorstep.
Whether it is the dramatic wilderness of Kidepo, the accessible landscapes of Lake Mburo, the power of Murchison Falls or the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s wild places have something different to offer.
