The term "Big Five" traditionally refers to five African animals that were considered the most dangerous to hunt on foot: the African Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros (both Black and White). Today, for safari-goers, spotting these magnificent creatures is a thrilling highlight.
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, offers incredible opportunities to see four of the classic Big Five, and with recent conservation successes, the Southern White Rhino is making a comeback! Plus, Uganda boasts two other "giants" that are on every primate lover's list: the Mountain Gorilla and the Chimpanzee.
Let Upana Safaris guide you to the best spots in Uganda to encounter these incredible animals:
- The African Lion (Panthera leo):
- Where to See: Queen Elizabeth National Park (famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector), Murchison Falls National Park (especially the northern banks), and Kidepo Valley National Park (known for its large prides).
- Upana Safaris Tip: Morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best chances. Keep an eye on acacia trees in Ishasha!
- The African Leopard (Panthera pardus):
- Where to See: Leopards are elusive but can be found in most of Uganda's savanna parks, including Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP, Kidepo Valley NP, and Lake Mburo National Park. Semuliki National Park also has a population.
- Upana Safaris Tip: Night game drives (where permitted, like in Queen Elizabeth NP with specific arrangements) significantly increase your chances. Also, scan large trees with dense foliage during the day.
- The African Elephant (Loxodonta africana):
- Where to See: Abundant in Queen Elizabeth National Park (especially along the Kazinga Channel), Murchison Falls National Park (large herds), and Kidepo Valley National Park. Smaller populations exist in other parks.
- Upana Safaris Tip: Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP) or the Nile River (Murchison Falls NP) provide fantastic, close-up views of elephants drinking and bathing.
- The Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer):
- Where to See: Widespread and found in large herds in Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP, Kidepo Valley NP, and Lake Mburo NP.
- Upana Safaris Tip: These formidable animals are often seen grazing in open savannas or wallowing in muddy pools. Always observe from a safe distance.
- The Rhinoceros (Southern White Rhino - Ceratotherium simum simum):
- Where to See: While rhinos were poached to extinction in Uganda's national parks by the 1980s, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located en route to Murchison Falls NP, is now home to a breeding program for Southern White Rhinos.
- Upana Safaris Tip: A visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary allows for on-foot rhino tracking with experienced rangers – a unique and highly recommended experience to support their conservation. This is the only place to see wild rhinos in Uganda currently.
Uganda's Primate "Giants":
- The Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei):
- Where to See: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to almost half the world's population) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda.
- Upana Safaris Tip: Gorilla trekking permits must be booked far in advance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
- The Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes):
- Where to See: Kibale National Park (highest concentration, often considered the best place for chimp tracking), Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP), Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls Conservation Area), and Kalinzu Forest.
- Upana Safaris Tip: Chimpanzee tracking offers a very different, often more active, primate encounter compared to gorilla trekking.
Planning Your "Big Seven" Safari in Uganda:
Upana Safaris can design an itinerary that maximizes your chances of seeing all these incredible animals. A typical route might include Murchison Falls NP (with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary), Kibale NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, and Bwindi Impenetrable NP.
Embark on a journey with us to discover Uganda's rich biodiversity and witness the majesty of Africa's most iconic wildlife. Contact Upana Safaris today to plan your adventure!