Where Can I See the Big Five in Uganda?

Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, is a land that truly captures the spirit of wild Africa. Though it’s best known for its mountain gorillas and lush rainforests, Uganda also stands proudly among Africa’s best safari destinations for classic game viewing. For travelers who dream of encountering the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — Uganda offers a diverse and uncrowded experience that rivals the famous savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania.

From the golden plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the mighty Murchison Falls, from the wetlands of Lake Mburo to the rhino sanctuary at Ziwa, Uganda’s Big Five safari experience is as authentic as it gets. The difference is that here, you’ll see it all — not just on open plains, but within a rich mosaic of forests, rivers, and crater lakes that make every sighting feel like a discovery.

In this guide, we’ll explore where to see the Big Five in Uganda, what makes each location unique, and why a Ugandan safari — especially with the expertise of Muhiga Safaris — promises one of the most complete wildlife experiences in East Africa.

Understanding the Big Five

The term Big Five was originally coined by big-game hunters to describe the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa. Today, the phrase has a more conservation-friendly meaning: it represents the most iconic and sought-after wildlife species to see on a safari.

Uganda is one of the few countries where all five can be found. While its wildlife numbers suffered during past decades of unrest, conservation efforts have revived populations across major parks, creating thriving ecosystems once again. Seeing the Big Five here is not only possible — it’s deeply rewarding, surrounded by Uganda’s stunning variety of landscapes and wildlife diversity.

1. Murchison Falls National Park – The Big Five’s Northern Paradise

If there’s one park that captures the wild, untamed essence of Uganda, it’s Murchison Falls National Park. Spanning more than 3,800 square kilometers, this is the country’s largest national park and one of its oldest.

Murchison offers four of the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes — and it’s where you’ll find some of the best game-viewing opportunities in East Africa. The park’s savannah landscapes are dotted with borassus palms and acacia trees, while the mighty Nile River bisects it dramatically, plunging through a narrow 7-meter gorge to form the thunderous Murchison Falls — the most powerful waterfall in the world.

What to Expect

Game drives in Murchison are spectacular. On the northern side of the Nile, open plains are filled with giraffes, oribis, Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and warthogs. Lions can often be seen resting under fig trees or stalking prey in the tall grass. Leopards are more elusive but commonly spotted at dawn or dusk along the Buligi track.

Large herds of elephants and buffaloes roam the delta area near the Albert Nile. Combine that with hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds (over 450 species recorded), and you have a classic African safari with a touch of Ugandan wilderness charm.

A boat cruise to the base of the falls is another highlight, offering close encounters with hippos, elephants, and basking crocodiles, all framed by the thundering roar of Murchison Falls in the background.

How to See Rhinos

While rhinos are not yet reintroduced into Murchison Falls National Park itself, travelers often combine their visit with a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located about 170 kilometers north of Kampala, en route to the park. This makes it possible to see all five members of the Big Five within one journey — making the Murchison-Ziwa combination a perfect Big Five circuit.

2. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Where It All Begins

Located along the Kampala–Gulu highway, near Nakasongola, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can currently see wild rhinos. After the species was wiped out in Uganda during the 1980s, reintroduction efforts led to the establishment of Ziwa in 2005 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda.

Today, the sanctuary covers over 7,000 hectares of protected land and is home to more than 30 southern white rhinos. Visitors can go on guided rhino tracking walks, which offer a rare and thrilling opportunity to approach these magnificent animals on foot — safely, and with an expert ranger.

Walking through the savannah bush, spotting a massive rhino grazing just meters away, is a deeply humbling and memorable experience. It’s not just about seeing the last piece of the Big Five puzzle — it’s also about witnessing a symbol of Uganda’s conservation success.

After visiting Ziwa, you can continue to Murchison Falls, completing your quest to see all five animals in one combined safari route.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Lions, Leopards, and Beyond

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is the country’s most visited national park — and for good reason. With its mosaic of grasslands, crater lakes, wetlands, and acacia woodland, it is home to over 95 mammal species and about 600 bird species.

The park offers four of the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes — and is famous for its tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector, in the park’s southern region. These lions are unique in that they regularly climb fig and acacia trees to escape the heat or keep an eye on prey — a behavior rarely seen elsewhere.

The Experience

In the northern Kasenyi plains, elephants and buffaloes roam freely in large herds. It’s common to see Uganda kobs grazing against a backdrop of Rwenzori Mountains. Leopards, though shy, are often spotted early in the morning near Mweya Peninsula or on nighttime drives.

One of the park’s highlights is a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This boat trip brings you up close to yawning hippos, basking crocodiles, and elephants cooling off at the shores — all while birds like pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles fill the skies.

Together, the variety of wildlife and the park’s dramatic scenery make Queen Elizabeth one of the best places in Uganda to experience a Big Five-style safari in comfort and tranquility.

4. Kidepo Valley National Park – The Wild Frontier

Far in Uganda’s remote northeast, bordering Kenya and South Sudan, lies one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas — Kidepo Valley National Park. This is a land of sweeping savannah plains framed by rugged mountains and dotted with acacia woodlands.

Though it’s harder to reach, Kidepo rewards adventurous travelers with breathtaking solitude and abundant wildlife. You can spot lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes here with ease.

What Makes It Special

Kidepo’s lions are iconic. The park’s Apoka area, especially the Narus Valley, is known for frequent sightings of these majestic predators, often lounging on rock outcrops in the golden light of afternoon. Elephants and buffaloes move across the plains in great numbers, sometimes gathering in herds of over 1,000 individuals — one of the largest in East Africa.

While rhinos are absent here, Kidepo’s sheer remoteness and raw beauty make it one of the most rewarding destinations for travelers seeking a true wilderness experience.

5. Lake Mburo National Park – Compact but Thrilling

While Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, it plays an important role in the Big Five circuit. Though it doesn’t have lions (they are rare visitors) or rhinos, it offers a chance to see leopards, buffaloes, and elephants (in neighboring regions) in a scenic setting dotted with acacia woodland and five lakes.

The park’s accessible terrain and smaller scale make it ideal for walking safaris and horseback game rides — a unique way to see wildlife like zebras, impalas, and elands up close. For travelers heading to or from Bwindi, it’s a perfect stopover that adds a different dimension to their safari.

Combining All Five: Uganda’s Big Five Safari Circuit

If your goal is to see all five, the perfect route is simple and rewarding:

1. Start at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Track white rhinos on foot.

2. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park – See lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes.

3. Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Experience tree-climbing lions and rich wildlife diversity.

Optionally, you can add Kidepo Valley National Park for a wilder experience or relax at Lake Mburo on your way back to Kampala or Entebbe.

This combination guarantees sightings of the Big Five, along with countless other species like giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and chimpanzees — creating one of the most complete wildlife safaris on the continent.

Best Time to See the Big Five

Uganda’s Big Five safaris can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time for game viewing is during the dry seasons: from June to September and December to February. During these months, animals gather around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making sightings easier.

In the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), the parks are greener and quieter, ideal for photographers who prefer lush backdrops and fewer tourists.

Responsible Travel and Conservation

Uganda’s wildlife success is rooted in conservation and community partnership. Visiting national parks supports local livelihoods and funds ongoing protection of these iconic species. Whether tracking rhinos on foot or photographing elephants at sunset, traveling responsibly ensures that the Big Five continue to thrive for generations to come.

Always follow ranger instructions, maintain a respectful distance from animals, and avoid littering. Choosing eco-conscious lodges and locally operated safari companies, like Muhiga Safaris, further helps sustain conservation efforts across Uganda.

Travel with Muhiga Safaris

If seeing the Big Five in Uganda is on your bucket list, Muhiga Safaris is your perfect travel partner. With years of experience operating across Uganda’s national parks, Muhiga Safaris crafts tailored itineraries that combine adventure, comfort, and authenticity.

From rhino tracking at Ziwa to game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, their expert guides know exactly where and when to find the Big Five. They handle everything — from park permits to accommodations and transfers — ensuring a seamless and enriching safari experience.

Whether you’re seeking a luxury getaway, a family adventure, or a photographer’s dream safari, Muhiga Safaris brings Uganda’s wild heart closer than ever. Let them lead you into the land where elephants roam, lions roar, and rhinos graze peacefully — because every great African story begins with a journey into the wild.