KAMPALA – In a major boost for domestic and regional tourism, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced its Open Park Days for 2025, offering free entry to five of the country’s renowned savanna national parks.
The initiative, scheduled to run from September 25 to 27, 2025, will grant East African citizens and foreign residents complimentary access to Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and one additional reserve. The event builds on the resounding success of the 2024 edition, which attracted thousands of visitors.
Under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the program aims to encourage more people to explore Uganda’s natural heritage, raise awareness about conservation, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
The announcement has been met with widespread excitement on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where tourism influencers and tour operators have begun sharing previews of wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and affordable travel packages.
The UWA clarified that while park entry is free during the event, fees for specific activities such as gorilla tracking and chimp permits will still apply. Visitors are encouraged to register early to help manage numbers and minimize environmental impact on these biodiversity-rich protected areas.
The Open Days form a key part of Uganda’s broader strategy to strengthen community engagement with the country’s national parks and support long-term conservation efforts.
