Safari Animals List: What Animals You Will See on an East African Safari
An East African safari can show you lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos, plus giraffes, zebras, hippos, primates, hundreds of bird species and reptiles such as crocodiles.
The region holds some of the richest wildlife in the world. Different countries have different strengths: Uganda has gorillas and chimpanzees, Kenya and Tanzania have vast plains, and Rwanda has gorillas and a growing Big Five park.
Use this list to know what to expect and where each animal is easiest to see.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino
- Primates: Gorilla, chimpanzee, monkeys
- Plains game: Zebra, giraffe, antelopes
- Birds: 1,000 species and more in Uganda
- Water: Hippo, crocodile
The Big Five and Big Cats
| Animal | Where to see it |
|---|---|
| Lion | Serengeti, Mara, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison |
| Leopard | Serengeti, Mara, Samburu, Queen Elizabeth |
| Elephant | Amboseli, Tsavo, Tarangire, Murchison |
| Buffalo | Most savannah parks |
| Rhino | Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Ngorongoro, Ziwa, Akagera |
Primates
Mountain gorillas live in Uganda and Rwanda, chimpanzees in Kibale, Budongo, Nyungwe and Tanzania's Mahale and Gombe, and many monkeys and baboons are widespread. See gorilla species and chimpanzee trekking.
Plains and Water Animals
Zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, impalas, topi and gazelles are widespread, and hippos and crocodiles live along rivers and lakes. See wildebeest facts, giraffes and antelopes.
Birds and Reptiles
Birdlife includes the shoebill, turacos, bee-eaters and raptors. See birds of Uganda. Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards are widespread.
Mammals, Birds and Reptiles
Beyond large mammals, safaris reveal birds of prey, colourful bee-eaters, crocodiles, monitor lizards and countless insects. Bring a notebook and ask your guide to describe behaviour. Lists are only the start of what you will learn.
Night Animals
Night drives, where allowed, reveal bush babies, civets, genets and owls. Not all parks permit them. Ask your operator.
Seasonal Sightings
Migration, calving and nesting vary by month. Check the calendar to time your visit. See best time to visit East Africa.
Using a Checklist
Keep a daily list and note times and places. A checklist helps you notice animals you might otherwise miss, and compare days. Share lists with your guide to guide future drives. Many travellers enjoy updating them over dinner.
Small Animals Worth Noticing
Beyond the headline species, look for dung beetles rolling their prizes, agama lizards bobbing on rocks, weaver birds building nests, mongooses foraging in groups and chameleons in forest trees. Termite mounds create their own ecosystems. Ask your guide to stop for these small wonders. They illustrate how every part of the ecosystem is connected and often give you the most vivid, unexpected memories of a trip.
Using Your List After the Trip
Review your notes and photos, share them with family and look up species you were unsure about. Many travellers keep a lifetime list that grows with each trip. Consider donating to a conservation group for animals you loved. A list is a memory aid and an invitation to return.
Animals of Uganda
See Uganda safari wildlife guide and animals of Uganda and East Africa.
Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Wildlife You Can See on a Uganda Safari: Primates, Big Game, Birds and More
- Big Five Safaris in Uganda
- Birds of Uganda: Species Guide, Endemics and Best Birding Sites
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi: Visiting and Adoption
- Chimpanzees in Africa: Where They Live and the Best Places to See Them
- Where Do Gorillas Live in Africa? Countries, Habitat and Where to See Them
- Animals of Uganda and East Africa: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Big Five and Bird Fact Guides
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.