Africa’s big five safari
The term ‘big five’ refers to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa. The big five animals include: elephants, lions, Rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes. Not only are they the hardest animals to hunt in Africa, but also are among the most spectacular of wild game. Although some of these species are unevenly distributed among the national parks in the country, some of these species are endemic to almost all national parks.
- African Elephants
Famous for taming the vegetation, Uganda has about 5000 elephants today distributed in several national parks. This largest terrestrial mammal on earth (elephant) exhibits complex intelligence, social behavior and plays a key role in eco systems. Elephants are found in all savannah parks except Lake Mburo national park. On the other hand, Kibale forest national park is popular for forest elephants.
- Rhinos
Ziwa rhino sanctuary is the only destination where Rhinos are found in Uganda. Sited in Nakasongola north of Kampala, the sanctuary sits on 70 sq km. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is home to the endangered white rhinos whose population is about 20 individuals. Rhino tracking at the sanctuary is therefore a unique adventure which allows you to see rhinos on foot at a safer distance while on a Safari to Uganda. You wouldn’t want to miss the awesome experience of taking pictures of the rare white rhinos as they feed in their habitat.
- Lions
The lion ‘king of the jungle’ is the only social big cat in wildness. In Uganda, Kidepo valley national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national park are the perfect places to see the pride of lions. Kidepo valley national park, guests may spot lions seated on rock out crops or while on a game drive as is the case for Murchison falls national park.
Located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park, Ishasha sector is the best Spot in all of East Africa where you way see a unique species of Tree-Climbing Lions. These rare tree- climbing lion species are by most tourists the most thought about species after the mountain gorillas. More so, in Queen Elizabeth national Park along the Kasenyi Plains, guests may also track collared Lions.
- Leopards
Leopards are found in several national parks in Uganda. Despite the fact that leopards are very solitary creatures, they are also nocturnal and hard to see while on Safari. This is why guests who spot them count themselves very lucky. The leopard is a magnificent to behold for those who get a chance and the best places to see leopards in Uganda include: Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park and Lake Mburo national park. Although rarely seen, leopards are also found in the rain forested parks of Uganda- Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Kibale national park.
- Buffaloes
The larger savannah buffalo and the small forest buffalo are the two sub species of buffaloes found in Uganda. Buffaloes live in two families- the family herd which is comprised of females and calves, and the bachelor herd with each having several hundreds of individuals. The best places to spot buffaloes are Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Mburo national park, Murchison falls national park and Kidepo valley national park.