Best Places to Explore the Big Five in Uganda

February 14, 2025

Best Places to Explore the Big Five in Uganda: Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is renowned for its abundant wildlife species and rich biodiversity, in addition to its breathtaking scenery. One of the most exciting of Uganda’s numerous captivating experiences is the chance to witness the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo. Big game hunters first used the term “Big Five,” which has subsequently evolved to represent a classic game viewing experience. To embark on an incredible adventure in pursuit of these magnificent animals, we look into the top locations in Uganda to observe the Big Five.

Queen Elizabeth National Park/Best Places to Explore the Big Five in Uganda

One of Uganda’s most popular national parks and a top spot to see the Big Five is Queen Elizabeth National Park. With savannahs, wetlands, and forest areas, the park, which covers an area of more than 1,978 square kilometres, is extraordinarily diverse.

Highlights:

Elephants and Lions: The park’s Ishasha area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are frequently spotted relaxing on fig trees. Large herds of elephants roam freely throughout the park, providing plenty of opportunity for thrilling game drives.
Leopards and Buffaloes: The park is home to many Cape buffaloes, especially in the Kasenyi region. Leopards, meanwhile, can be seen during daytime hiding under tree canopies or during night drives.
Unique habitats: The park is home to several habitats, including the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Every visit is unique because of the wide range of plants and fauna that are available in the varied environments.

Activities: Game drives, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, and guided nature walks are all available to visitors, and they offer fantastic opportunities to see the park’s amazing wildlife.

Murchison Falls National Park/Best Places to Explore the Big Five in Uganda

For those hoping to see the Big Five, Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s biggest national parks, is a must-visit location. Approximately 3,893 square kilometres make up the park, which is best known for the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges more than 40 meters through a narrow valley.

Highlights:

Rhinos and Elephants: Thanks to conservation efforts at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is situated on the way to Murchison Falls, rhinos are currently prospering in Uganda, despite earlier being on the verge of extinction. Visitors may observe these incredible creatures here before going into the park to get up close and personal with elephants.
Buffalo and Lion: Cape buffalo thrive in the park’s expansive savannahs, and game drives frequently result in sightings of these enormous herbivores as well as the lion, the top predator. In the early morning or late evening, predators are often observed sleeping or stalking their prey.

Activities: Activities in Murchison Falls include hiking routes that lead to picturesque views of the falls and boat rides along the Nile, which offer unique viewpoints for wildlife viewing.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/Best Places to Explore the Big Five in Uganda

Although mountain gorillas are the main attraction at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, many other animals, including some Big Five species, can be found there. Despite not offering a Big Five safari directly, the park is a must-visit location for any serious wildlife enthusiast.

Highlights:

Elephants and Leopards: Although they can be difficult to spot, leopards are present in Bwindi’s thick forests. Elephants also enter the park, and guided tours frequently offer the chance to see elephant footprints and droppings, which serve as indicators of their presence.
Biodiversity: Known for its remarkable biodiversity, which includes more than 400 plant species and many rare bird species, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park provides a distinctive alternative to regular safari experiences.

Activities: Trekking to see the mountain gorillas is the star attraction, but visitors can also take nature walks or participate in birdwatching, immersing themselves in the vibrant ecosystem.

Lake Mburo National Park/Best Places to Explore the Big Five in Uganda

Despite being smaller than many other parks, Lake Mburo National Park is a hidden treasure that provides great chances to see wildlife, including some of the Big Five species, including the elusive buffalo and leopard. The 370-square-kilometre park is home to acacia trees, undulating hills, and, of course, the breathtaking Lake Mburo.

Highlights:

Protect Against Extinction: The vast grasslands surrounding Lake Mburo are home to numerous herds of buffalo that roam freely. Additionally, the park is home to a robust leopard population, which occasionally appears during nighttime game drives.
Unique Fauna: The park is special because it offers visitors the chance to observe zebras and elands, which are scarce in Uganda’s other parks, in addition to buffalo and leopards.

Activities: Visitors can enjoy boat safaris on Lake Mburo, horseback riding safaris, and guided nature walks, all of which allow for different perspectives on the park’s wildlife.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary/Best Places to Explore the Big Five in Uganda

The Southern white rhino, which was formerly extinct in Uganda, is being protected in significant numbers by the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as part of continuous conservation efforts. This sanctuary, which lies between Kampala and Murchison Falls, is the ideal starting point to discover more about the Big Five.

Highlights:

Up Close with Rhinoceros: The only location in Uganda where one can witness rhinoceros in the wild is Ziwa. Intimate contact with these amazing animals can be had by visitors through guided tracking excursions.
Education & Conservation: The sanctuary places a strong emphasis on education and conservation, which makes it a fantastic place for anyone curious about the ecological implications of protecting wildlife.

Activities: Visitors can stroll or ride a bicycle through the sanctuary in addition to following rhinos, taking in the abundance of other species and the natural beauty of the area.

Uganda provides a unique chance to discover a variety of wild animals, including the Big Five, in breathtaking natural environments. Uganda is a wildlife lover’s heaven, offering everything from the rich woods of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the expansive savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the unforgettable experiences at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The distinct ecosystems found in each national park or sanctuary guarantee that your quest to find the Big Five will be full of breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences.

Uganda’s diverse range of parks offers the ideal setting for an amazing trip in the heart of Africa, regardless of your interests—whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an enthusiastic photographer, or someone looking for adventure. As you set out on this exciting adventure, keep in mind that the stunning views, the conservation stories, and the strong bond between nature and humans are just as much a part of the African wilderness as the animals themselves. For amazing African safaris, contact Journeys Uganda.