The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced an exciting opportunity for both Ugandans and international visitors: three days of free entry into Uganda’s national parks from 25th to 27th September 2026. If you’ve always wanted to experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife, this is the perfect time to start planning your trip. The initiative aims to encourage more people to explore the country’s natural attractions while boosting domestic tourism and supporting the wider tourism industry.
What Are Uganda’s Free National Park Days?
For three days in September, visitors will enjoy free park entrance to Uganda’s national parks as part of the country’s efforts to promote tourism and encourage more people to discover the Pearl of Africa. The campaign comes ahead of World Tourism Day and is designed to showcase Uganda’s rich wildlife and natural beauty to a wider audience.
While entrance fees are being waived, visitors should note that other travel expenses such as transport, accommodation, meals, and optional activities remain their responsibility.
Why This Matters
Uganda is home to some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife experiences, yet many residents have never had the chance to visit a national park.
Removing the entrance fee lowers one of the biggest barriers for families, students, groups of friends and first-time safari-goers. It also gives international visitors another reason to include Uganda in their travel plans.
Beyond creating memorable experiences for travellers, initiatives like this benefit the wider tourism ecosystem. Hotels, lodges, tour operators, restaurants, transport providers and local communities all stand to gain from increased visitor numbers during the campaign.
Parks You Should Consider Visiting
Uganda offers an incredible variety of wildlife experiences, and your choice depends on the kind of adventure you’re looking for.
Murchison Falls National Park
Perfect for first-time safari visitors, Murchison Falls combines game drives with the spectacular waterfall where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream. It’s one of Uganda’s most iconic destinations.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Known for its diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes and famous Kazinga Channel boat cruises, this park offers excellent opportunities to spot elephants, buffaloes, hippos and a wide variety of bird species.
Kidepo Valley National Park
If you’re looking for a more remote and authentic safari experience, Kidepo rewards visitors with breathtaking landscapes and some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing in East Africa.
Lake Mburo National Park
The closest savannah national park to Kampala, Lake Mburo is ideal for weekend travellers and first-time visitors looking for a shorter road trip without compromising on wildlife.
Planning Your Trip
Although park entry is free, planning ahead will make your experience much smoother.
Consider booking your accommodation early, especially if you’re travelling to popular destinations such as Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Increased demand during the campaign could mean lodges and hotels fill up quickly.
It’s also worth planning your transport, packing appropriately for the weather, carrying enough drinking water and arriving early to make the most of your day inside the park.
A Great Opportunity to Explore Uganda
Whether you’ve dreamed of seeing elephants roaming across the savannah, watching giraffes in the wild or witnessing the power of Murchison Falls up close, Uganda’s Free National Park Days offer a fantastic opportunity to experience some of the country’s greatest natural treasures.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to plan your first safari or your next one this might just be it.
And while the parks are opening their gates for free, remember that the experience extends far beyond the park entrance. The hotels you stay in, the meals you enjoy, the guides you meet and the local communities you visit are all part of what makes exploring Uganda so memorable.
