The roar of Murchison Falls, the quiet rustle of giraffes across the savannah, the mist drifting through ancient forests—Uganda is inviting the world to experience it all without paying a park entrance fee. For one remarkable weekend in September, the “Pearl of Africa” is removing one of the biggest barriers to exploring its celebrated wilderness.
From September 25–27, 2026, all of Uganda’s national parks will offer free entry to Ugandan citizens, foreign residents, and international visitors as part of World Tourism Day celebrations. The announcement, made by State Minister for Tourism Susan Nsambu Nakawuki, is one of the country’s boldest tourism campaigns in recent years.
A Tourism Reset with a Powerful Message
The initiative is about far more than free safaris. Uganda is using the campaign to rebuild traveler confidence following the country’s recent Ebola outbreak. Health authorities have discharged the last confirmed patient, officially beginning the 42-day WHO surveillance period required before Uganda can be declared Ebola-free—provided no new cases emerge. The outbreak was contained to 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with officials emphasizing the country’s strong public health response.
By opening its parks to everyone, Uganda is sending a clear signal: its wildlife destinations remain open, protected, and ready to welcome visitors.
Where Should You Go?
With 10 national parks spread across the country, travelers have plenty of choices.
Murchison Falls National Park remains the headline act. Home to the world’s most powerful waterfall, the Nile crashes through a narrow seven-meter gorge before exploding into a dramatic cascade—a spectacle that never disappoints.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s classic safari destination, famous for its tree-climbing lions, the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, and more than 95 mammal species, along with hundreds of bird species.
If you’re looking for something different, Lake Mburo National Park offers one of East Africa’s easiest safari escapes from Kampala, where zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and elands roam open acacia woodland.
Nature lovers seeking rainforest adventure should head to Semuliki National Park, where steaming Sempaya Hot Springs emerge from the earth amid one of Africa’s richest tropical forests.
Free Entry Doesn’t Mean Free Everything
The offer applies to park entrance fees, which often represent a significant portion of safari costs.
Visitors should still budget for transport, accommodation, meals, and activities such as boat cruises, guided walks, chimpanzee tracking, or game drives, unless Uganda Wildlife Authority announces additional inclusions closer to the event.
With thousands expected to take advantage of the promotion, booking accommodation early will be essential, particularly around popular parks.
Why This Weekend Matters
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s most important economic sectors, supporting thousands of jobs while generating revenue for wildlife conservation and protected area management.
The free-entry weekend also complements Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Explore Uganda and Visit Uganda campaigns, encouraging both domestic and international travelers to rediscover one of Africa’s most biodiverse destinations. At a time when some countries still maintain travel advisories linked to the recent Ebola outbreak, Uganda is combining public health progress with tourism recovery in a highly visible way.
Mark Your Calendar
Whether you’ve always dreamed of watching elephants beside the Nile, photographing Uganda’s famous tree-climbing lions, or simply escaping into some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes, September 25–27, 2026 offers a rare opportunity.
Three days. Ten national parks. Zero entrance fees. For travelers chasing unforgettable wildlife experiences, it may be one of Africa’s best travel deals of the year.
About Memoir Uganda – Showcasing Uganda
We are a comprehensive tourism and travel media company unleashing information about Uganda. We offer, among others, an all-inclusive guide on everything Uganda such as itineraries, consular information, timely and updated tour and travel news and general information about visiting and living in Uganda.
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