The name Big 5 dates back to the 1800s, the ancient trophy hunters who found it very hard to capture or kill on foot these specific animals. They are lions, leopards, African cape buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos.
Rhinos are distinguished by size, mouth shape, temperament, and food preference. Lions always live in groups called pride and are among the fiercest animals in the world. African elephants are the largest land mammals in the world. Leopards are solitary and elusive. Cape buffalos live in herds led by strong bulls and big cows that protect each other from predators like a unit.
Uganda is located In East Africa, with the Destinations harboring the Big 5 animals being the following:
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest national park in Uganda, situated in the northwestern part. This is home to notably the herds of elephants, buffalos, lions, and leopards. It is worth noting that Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located along the route to Murchison Falls National Park, thus offering a chance to encounter all the big 5 animals in a single trip.
Kidepo Valley National Park
The true African desert wilderness is a spot for the big 4 of the big 5 animals. The park is the farthest, located on the northern edge of Uganda, neighboring South Sudan. Kidepo is home to the lions, Leopards, Buffalo, and elephants. Visitors can be lucky to encounter these animals during the game drive sessions that take place in the morning, afternoon, and early hours of the night. A drive from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park takes approximately 9-11 hours thus, a chartered flight is highly advisable since it takes about 2 hours.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited national park and the second largest in Uganda. It is located in the western part of Uganda. Four of the Big 5 animals call this savannah park home, and they include lions, leopards, elephants, and the cape buffaloes. Finding them is during the morning game drive, which starts at 6 am, the evening game drives from 3 pm, or the sunset game drive from 7 pm for approximately 3-4 hours. The park also prides itself in having the rare tree-climbing lions found in its Ishasha sector. A drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes approximately 6-8 hours, with a view of the rolling hills and lush plantations.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to the only surviving rhino population found in Uganda, which are members of the Big 5. The sanctuary is located in the Nakasongola district, en route to Murchison Falls National Park. For approximately one hour, visitors stop to track the Rhinos and uncover their appearance and distinctive characteristics. Today, there are over 41 Rhinos present from the few that were rescued as orphans and from the poachers. The ranger guides are ready to welcome visitors any time of the day for the one-hour walk to the Rhinos. It takes roughly 3 hours to drive from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
When is the best time to visit the Big 5 animals?
Uganda’s Big 5 are present in their territories and are encountered all year round. Visitors are allowed in all year round, though there are months with much more favorable conditions than others. The most recommendable months are June through to September and December through to early March. The stated months are with either no or very low rains, which makes the game drive undisrupted and the wildness transparent to easily see the animals. Except for the elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, the two hard-to-find cats are best sought very early in the morning or on the night game drive.
Parking List
Keep your backpack with only the items needed for the trip, which include Binoculars to view distant animals, a professional camera for photography, waterproof hiking boots; insect repellants, personal effects, Identification documents, long safari stockings, warm clothes, and safari hut to protect your head from heart.
Other animals and destinations you should add to your Big 5 safari wish list include the endangered mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park, the shoe bill stock at Mabamba Wetland, the golden monkeys, and Uganda’s diverse cultural groups.
In conclusion, book your safari today and encounter the big 5 animals in the Republic of Uganda. Four of the Big 5 animals can be found in the national parks stated above, whereas the Rhinos are only found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the route to Murchison Falls National Park. Tracking them takes approximately 1 hour.
