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Magical Wilderness — Big Five Safaris in Uganda

The ‘Pearl of Africa’ is home to some of the continent's toughest-to-spot wildlife.

In the 1800s, the “Big Five” animals of Africa were renowned as the most difficult to hunt by trophy hunters. Today they're the animals every safari-goer hopes to see — and Uganda's parks offer a genuine chance at four of the five within a single circuit.

The famous five

Uganda's Big Five

African Elephant

African Elephant

The majestic largest land mammal, found in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks.

African Lion

African Lion

Known for strength and royalty, found in Queen Elizabeth National Park — including the famous tree-climbing pride.

African Leopard

African Leopard

Elusive and largely nocturnal, found in Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.

African Buffalo

African Buffalo

Large, even-toed herbivores seen across Uganda's savannah parks, often in substantial herds.

Northern White Rhino

Northern White Rhino

One of Uganda's most endangered species — found only at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, dedicated to its conservation.

FAQs

Big Five Safari FAQs

A term dating to 1800s trophy hunting for the animals hardest to hunt on foot: African elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino (Northern White Rhino in Uganda's case, found only at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).

A game drive through one of Uganda's national parks is the way to do it — early morning, evening or night drives all work, with the dry season (roughly June–August) generally best.

Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks cover four of the five; the Northern White Rhino is found specifically at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, Nubian giraffes in Murchison Falls, Kidepo and Lake Mburo, hippos in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, and cheetahs in Kidepo Valley.

A wide range, from luxury lodges to cost-effective tented camps, depending on preference and budget.

Ready for the wild?