The Big Five in Uganda

– Where to See Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards & Buffaloes with Uganda Horizon Safaris

Uganda may be most famous for its mountain gorillas, but did you know that it’s also one of the few African countries where you can see the legendary Big Five in their natural habitat? That’s right — lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros all roam freely across Uganda’s national parks and reserves. With Uganda Horizon Safaris, you have the chance to experience these iconic creatures up close, while discovering the untamed beauty and diverse landscapes of the Pearl of Africa.

Whether you dream of seeing lions lounging in fig trees, leopards slinking through tall grasses, or tracking endangered rhinos on foot, Uganda offers you thrilling wildlife experiences — often without the crowds you might encounter elsewhere in East Africa.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to The Big Five in Uganda, where to find them, and how Uganda Horizon Safaris can help you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife safari.

🦁 1. Lion – King of the Jungle

Uganda is one of the few places in the world where you can spot tree-climbing lions, most famously in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. These majestic cats often rest in fig trees during the heat of the day, offering an unusual and breathtaking sight.

Where to see lions in Uganda:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha & Kasenyi sectors)

• Murchison Falls National Park

• Kidepo Valley National Park

Highlights:

• Game drives at sunrise and sunset for best sightings

• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

• Lion tracking experience with a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger

🐘 2. African Elephant – Gentle Giants of the Savannah

The largest land animal on Earth, African elephants are a magnificent sight, especially when seen in herds around waterholes or grazing in the open plains. Uganda is home to both savannah and forest elephants, with sightings common in several parks.

Where to see elephants in Uganda:

• Murchison Falls National Park

• Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Kibale Forest & Semuliki (forest elephants)

Highlights:

• Elephants crossing the Nile during boat cruises

• Viewing elephants up close during nature walks in Semuliki

• Herds roaming in Kidepo’s vast wilderness

🦏 3. Rhinoceros – Uganda’s Conservation Comeback

Rhinos once roamed freely across Uganda, but due to poaching, they became extinct in the wild by the 1980s. Thanks to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, white rhinos are making a comeback and conservation efforts are thriving.

Where to see rhinos in Uganda:

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (between Kampala and Murchison Falls)

Highlights:

• On-foot rhino tracking with experienced guides

• Birdwatching (Ziwa is home to over 300 species)

• Ideal stopover on the way to Murchison Falls National Park

🐆 4. Leopard – The Elusive Night Hunter

Leopards are secretive and solitary, making them the most difficult of the Big Five to spot. They’re often active at night and prefer woodland areas. Uganda’s open savannahs and forested parks are ideal for sightings during early morning or evening game drives.

Where to see leopards in Uganda:

• Murchison Falls National Park

• Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Lake Mburo & Kidepo Valley National Parks

Highlights:

• Night game drives in Lake Mburo for nocturnal activity

• Leopard sightings during boat safaris on the Nile

• Photography opportunities in Kidepo’s rocky hills and savannahs

🐃 5. Cape Buffalo – The Tough Herd Dweller

The African buffalo is powerful, unpredictable, and usually found in large herds. They’re the most widespread of the Big Five in Uganda, found in almost every savannah national park. Watching a massive herd move across a plain is a sight you’ll never forget.

Where to see buffalo in Uganda:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Murchison Falls National Park

• Lake Mburo & Kidepo Valley National Parks

Highlights:

• Herds at Kazinga Channel during boat cruises

• Dramatic encounters during game drives

• Observing oxpeckers cleaning their hides in symbiosis

🔍 Optional Activities with Uganda Horizon Safaris

To make your Big Five safari in Uganda even more memorable, we offer optional experiences tailored to enhance your adventure:

• Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Boat cruises on the Nile and Kazinga Channel

• Night game drives in Lake Mburo National Park

• Fly-in safaris to Kidepo Valley for exclusive sightings

• Customized photographic safaris with professional guides

📍 Suggested Big Five Safari Itinerary

For the ultimate Big Five experience, we recommend a 6–10 day safari that combines the best parks for wildlife:

1. Day 1–2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Rhino tracking)

2. Day 3–5: Murchison Falls National Park (Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes)

3. Day 6–8: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Tree-climbing lions, boat cruise)

4. Optional Extension: Kidepo Valley National Park or Lake Mburo

Book Your Big Five Safari with Uganda Horizon Safaris

Spotting all five of Africa’s most iconic animals is an adventure of a lifetime — and Uganda offers the rare chance to do it all in one country, often without the large tourist crowds found elsewhere. At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we specialize in personalized, professional, and ethical wildlife tours, ensuring your safari is both unforgettable and responsible.

📞 Contact us today to begin planning your Big Five safari in Uganda — and experience the wild heart of Africa like never before.