Where to Find the Big Five on a Single Uganda Safari Tour

Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is famed worldwide for its stunning biodiversity, most notably its Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees. Yet, for the classic safari enthusiast, the ultimate prize remains the Big Five: the African Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.

While these five magnificent creatures do not all reside in a single national park in Uganda, crafting an itinerary to tick every one of them off your checklist is entirely possible on one seamless safari adventure. The key lies in combining a visit to the country’s best savannah parks with a crucial stop at a dedicated conservation site.

Here is your essential checklist and the route to a complete Big Five sighting in Uganda:

1. The Rhinoceros: The Necessary Detour

The Rhinoceros, having been sadly poached to extinction in Uganda by the 1980s, is the one animal that requires a special stop to complete your Big Five.

• Location: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• The Experience: Located in Nakasongola district, along the main route towards Murchison Falls National Park, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where Southern White Rhinos roam free in the wild. Visitors engage in an unforgettable Rhino tracking experience, walking with an experienced guide to observe these gentle giants up close, contributing directly to their reintroduction program. This stop is typically incorporated en route to or from Murchison Falls National Park.

2. The Big Four: The Savannah Heartlands

Once the rhino is secured, your safari moves into Uganda’s premier savannah parks to find the remaining four. Two parks, in particular, offer the highest chance of completing the “Big Four.”

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, bisected by the powerful River Nile, is a stronghold for three of the Big Four.

• African Elephant & Cape Buffalo: Massive herds are easily spotted, particularly during game drives on the Buligi game tracks north of the Nile. The Boat Safari to the bottom of the Falls is also a prime viewing activity, where elephants and buffalo congregate in large numbers on the riverbanks to drink and cool off.
• Lion: The Lion population is robust, often seen hunting or resting on the open plains.
• Leopard: The most elusive of the Big Five, leopards are present and occasionally seen during game drives, though they require patience and a keen eye.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Famous for its diverse ecosystems and stunning scenery, this park offers excellent general game viewing.

• African Elephant & Cape Buffalo: Large numbers of both are consistently seen across the park, including during the renowned Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, which offers spectacular close-up viewing from the water.
• Lion: The Kasenyi Plains are a known hunting ground for lion prides. Queen Elizabeth is also famously home to the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, a rare and sought-after sight.
• Leopard: Leopards are well-distributed throughout the park, and night game drives, offered in some sections, increase the chances of sighting this nocturnal predator.

The Alternative/Bonus Option: Kidepo Valley National Park

For the intrepid traveller, the remote Kidepo Valley in the far northeast offers a truly wild, uncrowded experience with outstanding chances for the Big Four (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo) plus unique species like the Cheetah.

Planning Your Complete Big Five Safari

To ensure a “Checklist Complete” experience, the perfect itinerary should link the rhino sanctuary with at least one, but ideally two, of the great savannah parks.

A typical comprehensive itinerary might look like this:

Kampala/Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Rhino Tracking) – Murchison Falls National Park (Big 4) –  Queen Elizabeth National Park (Big 4).

By strategically planning your route, your Ugandan safari becomes more than just a wildlife viewing trip; it’s a mission accomplished, allowing you to proudly proclaim: Checklist Complete!. To inquire or book a Big Five safari in Uganda today- simply contact us now by sending an email to info@ugandasafaribookings.com or call us / chat via +256-700135510.