Unforgettable Big Five Safari Uganda Experiences

Unforgettable Big Five Safari Uganda Experiences. When most people picture a Big Five safari, they think of Kenya or Tanzania. Yet some of the most unforgettable Big Five experiences in Africa are found in Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Here you can watch lions draped across the branches of fig trees, track rhinos on foot, cruise past elephants and buffalo on the Nile, and search for leopards in the golden light of a savannah evening – all in parks that are far less crowded than the famous reserves of East Africa.

What makes a Big Five safari in Uganda truly special is what comes with it. In the same trip you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, and stand beside the world’s most powerful waterfall. Few countries on earth offer the Big Five and the great apes within a single, compact itinerary.

In this complete guide, the team at Pick and Transfer Safaris shares everything you need to plan your own Big Five adventure: where to see each animal, the best national parks, sample itineraries, the best time to travel, costs, photography tips, and how to combine wildlife with gorilla trekking for the ultimate East African holiday.

What Are the Big Five?

The term “Big Five” was originally coined by big-game hunters to describe the five African animals considered the most difficult and dangerous to hunt on foot. Today the phrase has a far happier meaning – it is the wish list of almost every safari traveller who carries a camera rather than a rifle. The Big Five are:

• African lion – the king of the savannah and the most sought-after sighting on any safari.
• African leopard – elusive, solitary and beautifully camouflaged, often the hardest of the five to find.
• African elephant – the largest land animal on earth, found in both savannah and forest forms in Uganda.
• African (Cape) buffalo – powerful, unpredictable and found in large herds across Uganda’s parks.
• Rhinoceros – the rarest of the five in Uganda, protected at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Uganda is home to all five. Four of them – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – roam freely in several national parks, while the rhino has been reintroduced and is protected in a dedicated sanctuary where you can track them on foot with expert rangers. That combination makes a complete Big Five safari in Uganda not only possible but genuinely memorable.

Why Choose Uganda for a Big Five Safari?

Uganda may not have the reputation of the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti, but those who visit quickly discover why it deserves a place on every wildlife lover’s list.

• Fewer crowds. In many of Uganda’s parks you may share a lion sighting with only one or two other vehicles – sometimes none at all.
• Unique experiences. Tree-climbing lions, boat safaris on the Nile and the Kazinga Channel, and rhino tracking on foot are experiences you will rarely find elsewhere.
• Big Five plus great apes. Uganda is one of the very few places where you can combine a classic savannah safari with mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in one trip.
• Incredible diversity. More than 1,000 bird species, crater lakes, snow-capped mountains, rainforests and the source of the Nile make every day of the journey different.
• Great value. Park fees, lodges and permits are generally more affordable than in many other safari countries.
• Friendly people. Ugandans are famous for their warmth and hospitality – English is widely spoken, making travel easy.

For a broader introduction to the country, Kenlink Tours has a useful overview of Uganda as a safari destination that covers its parks, culture and travel essentials.

Where to See the Big Five in Uganda

No single Ugandan national park holds all five animals, but a well-planned route can easily take you to see all of them in a short time. Here is where each of the Big Five is best seen, followed by a detailed look at the parks themselves.

Lions in Uganda

Lions are found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. Queen Elizabeth is world-famous for the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, which rest on the thick branches of fig and acacia trees during the heat of the day. In the Kasenyi plains of the same park, lions hunt Uganda kob at dawn – a thrilling sight for early risers. Murchison Falls has healthy prides on the northern bank of the Nile, while Kidepo’s remote Narus Valley offers some of the most rewarding lion viewing in the country.

Leopards in Uganda

Leopards are present in most of Uganda’s savannah parks, though, as everywhere in Africa, they are shy and mostly active at night. Murchison Falls, particularly the Buligi game tracks and the Delta area, offers good leopard sightings, as does the Mweya Peninsula and Kasenyi area in Queen Elizabeth. Lake Mburo National Park is also an excellent place to look for leopards, especially on guided night game drives. Kidepo Valley rounds out the list with leopards often seen on rocky kopjes.

Elephants in Uganda

Uganda’s elephant population has recovered strongly over recent decades. Large herds are seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park – often wading into the Kazinga Channel to drink and bathe – and in Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley. Smaller, shyer forest elephants also live in Kibale Forest and even in Bwindi, although sightings there are rare.

Buffaloes in Uganda

Buffalo are the easiest of the Big Five to see in Uganda. Huge herds graze the open plains of Murchison Falls and Kidepo, and Queen Elizabeth’s Kazinga Channel is lined with buffalo wallowing in the mud alongside hippos. Lake Mburo also has a healthy buffalo population.

Rhinos in Uganda

Uganda’s native rhinos were wiped out by poaching during the years of civil unrest. Thanks to a remarkable conservation effort, southern white rhinos were reintroduced to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located between Kampala and Murchison Falls. The population has grown steadily since the first calves were born there, and today visitors can join rangers to track the rhinos on foot – an unforgettable, up-close encounter. Because Ziwa lies directly on the road to Murchison, it fits naturally into any northern Uganda Big Five safari.

Murchison Falls National Park – Four of the Big Five Plus Rhinos on the Way

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, and for many travellers it is the best single destination for a Big Five safari in Uganda. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo all live here, and with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way you can tick off all five in just a couple of days.

The park is split by the Victoria Nile. On the northern bank, the open savannah supports large herds of buffalo, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob and oribi, along with the lions and leopards that hunt them. Morning game drives along the Buligi circuit are among the finest in the country.

The other highlight is the river itself. A launch trip upstream to the base of the falls takes you past enormous crocodiles, pods of hippos and elephants drinking at the water’s edge, ending in front of the thundering cascade where the Nile forces its way through a gap just seven metres wide. A hike to the top of the falls completes one of the most dramatic days on any African safari. Our 3 Days Safari to Murchison Falls combines all of these highlights with rhino tracking at Ziwa.

Big Five rating: Lion ✔ Leopard ✔ Elephant ✔ Buffalo ✔ Rhino ✔ (at Ziwa en route)

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions and the Kazinga Channel

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited savannah park and is often called the “Medley of Wonders”. Lying across the Equator in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, it combines grassland, swamp, crater lakes and forest, making it one of the most diverse parks in Africa.

Four of the Big Five are found here. The Kasenyi plains in the north are the best place for classic game drives, with lions, elephants, buffalo and large herds of Uganda kob. The remote Ishasha sector in the south is famous for its tree-climbing lions – one of only a handful of places in Africa where lions regularly rest in trees.

The park’s signature experience is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a two-hour trip along the natural channel joining Lake George and Lake Edward. It is one of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda, with enormous numbers of hippos and buffalo, elephants coming down to drink, crocodiles basking on the banks, and countless water birds. You can also track chimpanzees in the lush Kyambura Gorge.

Our 3 Days Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park is a perfect short Big Five escape, while Kenlink Tours’ 3-day wildlife encounter to Queen Elizabeth National Park offers another excellent take on this classic park.

Big Five rating: Lion ✔ Leopard ✔ Elephant ✔ Buffalo ✔ Rhino ✘

Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda’s Wild Frontier

Tucked into the far north-east corner of Uganda, bordering South Sudan and close to Kenya, Kidepo Valley National Park is the country’s most remote and arguably most beautiful wilderness. Rugged mountains ring vast golden plains, creating a landscape that feels like a lost world.

Kidepo has four of the Big Five, plus species found nowhere else in Uganda, including cheetahs, striped hyenas, bat-eared foxes, caracals and ostriches. The Narus Valley holds water all year, attracting large herds of buffalo and elephants, and with them the lions that make Kidepo famous. Because so few people make the journey, you can often enjoy sightings entirely alone.

Kidepo is a long drive from Kampala – typically split over two days – so many travellers fly in on scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe. It is best suited to longer itineraries or travellers who want a true off-the-beaten-track experience.

Big Five rating: Lion ✔ Leopard ✔ Elephant ✔ Buffalo ✔ Rhino ✘ (plus cheetah)

Lake Mburo National Park – Leopards and Walking Safaris

Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah park and the closest to Kampala, making it an excellent first or last stop on a western Uganda safari. It does not have elephants or a resident lion population, but it is one of the best places in the country to see leopards and buffalo, along with zebra, eland, topi and impala – the only place in Uganda where impala are found.

Lake Mburo also offers activities you cannot do in the bigger parks: guided walking safaris, horseback safaris, cycling and night game drives. It is a perfect overnight stop between Entebbe and Bwindi on gorilla and wildlife itineraries.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Tracking Rhinos on Foot

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild, and it offers something few places in Africa can: tracking white rhinos on foot. After a short briefing, you set off with experienced rangers who monitor the rhinos around the clock. Approaching a mother and calf grazing quietly in the bush, close enough to hear them tearing the grass, is a deeply moving moment.

The sanctuary protects the rhinos while they breed, with the long-term goal of returning rhinos to Uganda’s national parks. Every visit directly supports this conservation work. Ziwa also offers guided nature walks, birding (including a chance of the shoebill) and canoe trips. It lies roughly halfway between Kampala and Murchison Falls, so it fits seamlessly into a northern circuit.

Combining the Big Five with Rwanda’s Akagera National Park

For travellers combining Uganda and Rwanda, there is another excellent option. Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is a Big Five park, home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and both black and white rhinos. Thanks to successful reintroductions, Akagera has become one of Central Africa’s great conservation success stories.

Pairing Akagera with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda creates a wonderful East African itinerary. See our 3 Days Akagera National Park Safari from Kigali or the 5 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Gorillas trip, or compare with Kenlink Tours’ 3-day Akagera game drive safari and 5-day Volcanoes gorillas and Akagera wildlife safari.

Unforgettable Big Five Safari Experiences in Uganda

A Big Five safari in Uganda is about much more than ticking animals off a list. These are the moments that our guests tell us they never forget.

1. Watching Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

There is something surreal about rounding a bend in the track and seeing a pride of lions sprawled across the branches of a giant fig tree, legs dangling, tails swinging gently in the breeze. Ishasha’s lions are thought to climb to escape biting flies and the heat of the ground, and to scan the plains for prey. Whatever the reason, it is one of Africa’s great wildlife spectacles.

2. Cruising the Kazinga Channel

Gliding along the Kazinga Channel, you are at eye level with the wildlife. Elephants splash in the shallows, buffalo cool off in the mud, hippos snort and yawn, and Nile crocodiles slide silently into the water. It is relaxing, photogenic and packed with action – a highlight of any Queen Elizabeth safari.

3. Tracking Rhinos on Foot at Ziwa

Few experiences match the adrenaline of walking through the bush towards a two-tonne white rhino. The rangers read the animals’ behaviour carefully and keep you at a safe distance, but you are close enough to appreciate their sheer size and calm power.

4. Sailing to the Foot of Murchison Falls

The boat trip on the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls is one of Uganda’s iconic experiences. Along the way you pass elephants, buffalo, giraffes and huge crocodiles, before the boat stops in front of the roaring, foaming falls. Combine it with a hike to the top for the full experience.

5. Dawn Game Drives on the Kasenyi Plains

Early morning in Kasenyi is magical. As the sun rises over the Rwenzori Mountains, lions return from the night’s hunt, elephants move across the grassland and thousands of Uganda kob gather on their breeding grounds. Experienced guides know exactly where the predators are likely to be.

6. Searching for Leopards After Dark

Night game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth reveal a hidden world: leopards on the prowl, hyenas, genets, bush babies and nightjars. With a spotlight sweeping the bush, every rustle feels like it could be a leopard.

7. Big Five by Day, Gorillas by Morning

The truly unforgettable part of a Uganda safari is the combination. After days of lions and elephants, you hike into the mist of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and spend an hour with a family of mountain gorillas. Many travellers say this contrast is what makes Uganda the most complete safari destination in Africa.

Best Big Five Safari Itineraries in Uganda

The right itinerary depends on how much time you have and whether you want to add gorillas and chimpanzees. Here are our recommended Big Five safari packages.

3-Day Big Five Safari: Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The shortest way to see all of the Big Five in Uganda. Day one takes you north from Kampala to Ziwa for rhino tracking on foot, before continuing to Murchison Falls and a hike to the top of the falls. Day two begins with a morning game drive on the northern bank – searching for lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo – followed by an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls. Day three brings you back to Kampala or Entebbe. Explore the full plan on our Murchison Falls safari page.

3-Day Queen Elizabeth Big Five Safari

Perfect for travellers flying into Entebbe or adding wildlife to a gorilla trip. Enjoy game drives in Kasenyi, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and a visit to Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions. See the Queen Elizabeth safari itinerary for details.

4-Day Wildlife and Primate Safari

Combine chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park with a Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth. It is ideal if you want variety in a short time. View our 4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari.

5-Day Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

Five days lets you combine Queen Elizabeth’s lions, elephants and buffalo with gorilla trekking in Bwindi. It is one of the most popular choices for first-time visitors. Our 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari adds chimps too, while Kenlink Tours offers a 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari focused on game drives and gorillas.

7-Day Uganda Safari – Big Five, Chimps and Gorillas

Our 7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour is the classic introduction to Uganda: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Big Five game drives and the boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and gorillas in Bwindi. Kenlink Tours’ 7-day gorilla and wildlife safari in Uganda is another excellent one-week option, and their 8-day Uganda gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife safari adds an extra day of exploration.

10-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife – The Complete Big Five Safari

If you want to see all five animals in the wild and the great apes, this is the itinerary for you. Our 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife safari begins with rhino tracking at Ziwa and game drives and a boat cruise in Murchison Falls, then heads south to Kibale for chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth for lions and the Kazinga Channel, and finally Bwindi for gorillas. For a more adventurous variation, see Kenlink Tours’ 10-day Uganda adventure safari itinerary.

Two Weeks and Beyond: Kidepo and Multi-Country Big Five Safaris

With two weeks or more, you can add the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley or combine Uganda with Rwanda’s Akagera. Our 14-Day Uganda Primates and Safari Adventure covers Uganda in depth, while the 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari and 15 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari combine both countries. Kenlink Tours’ 9-day Uganda and Rwanda gorilla and Big Five safari and 15-day Rwanda–Uganda primate and Big Five adventure are great references for multi-country Big Five trips.

Want to see the Great Migration as well? Our 18 Days Kenya Rwanda Uganda Safari adds the Maasai Mara, and Kenlink’s 10-day gorilla trekking and Great Migration safari pairs gorillas with the world’s most famous wildlife spectacle.

Beyond the Big Five: Uganda’s Other Wildlife Highlights

While the Big Five are the headline act, Uganda’s supporting cast is just as impressive. Many guests tell us that some of their favourite moments came from animals they had never heard of before the trip.

• Hippos and crocodiles: The Kazinga Channel and the Nile in Murchison hold some of Africa’s densest hippo populations, alongside giant Nile crocodiles.
• Rothschild’s giraffe: One of the rarest giraffe subspecies, easily seen on the northern bank of Murchison Falls and in Kidepo.
• Uganda kob: The national antelope, featured on Uganda’s coat of arms, found in large herds in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison.
• Cheetahs and striped hyenas: Found in Uganda only in remote Kidepo Valley.
• Chimpanzees and primates: Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species, and Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest also offer chimp tracking.
• The shoebill stork: This prehistoric-looking bird is one of Africa’s most sought-after species, best seen in Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe or on the Nile Delta in Murchison.
• Birds everywhere: With more than 1,000 recorded species, Uganda is one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Even non-birders are captivated by kingfishers, fish eagles, crowned cranes and bee-eaters.

A Typical Day on a Big Five Safari in Uganda

Wondering what your days will actually look like? Here is a typical day in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.

6:00 a.m. – Wake-up call. Coffee or tea is brought to your room or served in the lodge as the sky begins to lighten.

6:30 a.m. – Morning game drive. You set out as the park gates open, when predators are most active. Your guide scans for lions returning from the night’s hunt, elephants moving to water and leopards heading to rest in the trees. Every drive is different, and the anticipation is part of the fun.

10:00 a.m. – Breakfast. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, or enjoy a packed breakfast in the bush with views across the plains.

Midday – Rest and relax. The heat of the day is time to unwind at the pool, catch up on photos, or watch wildlife from the lodge deck. Many lodges overlook waterholes, rivers or the Kazinga Channel.

2:00 p.m. – Boat cruise or activity. Afternoons are perfect for a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel or the Nile, a chimpanzee trek, or a walk with a ranger.

4:30 p.m. – Evening game drive. As temperatures drop, animals become active again. Sunset over the savannah, with elephants silhouetted against the sky, is a moment you will never forget.

7:30 p.m. – Dinner and stories. Share the day’s sightings around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the African night.

Best Time for a Big Five Safari in Uganda

Uganda’s location on the Equator means wildlife can be seen year-round, but the seasons do affect your experience.

• Dry seasons (June to September and December to February): The best time for game viewing. Vegetation is thinner, animals gather around water sources, and roads are in better condition. These months are also ideal for gorilla trekking, so book early.
• Wet seasons (March to May and October to November): The landscape turns lush and green, there are fewer visitors, and some lodges offer lower rates. Rain usually falls in short bursts, so game drives still go ahead, though some tracks – particularly in Ishasha and Kidepo – can become muddy.

For photographers, the green season offers dramatic skies, newborn animals and excellent birding, while the dry season gives the most reliable predator sightings.

How Much Does a Big Five Safari in Uganda Cost?

The cost of a Big Five safari in Uganda depends on the length of your trip, your choice of accommodation, the number of people in your group and the activities you include. Typical costs include:

• Park entrance fees: Charged per person per day. According to the published Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff, entry to Murchison Falls is around US$45 and Queen Elizabeth around US$40 per day for foreign non-resident adults, with lower rates for residents and East African citizens.
• Activities: Boat cruises, rhino tracking at Ziwa, chimpanzee tracking and night game drives each carry a separate fee.
• Transport: A 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, fuel and a professional driver-guide. Costs are shared within the group, so travelling with friends or family lowers the price per person.
• Accommodation: From budget bandas and campsites to mid-range lodges and luxury safari camps overlooking the Nile or the Kazinga Channel.
• Gorilla permits (optional): If you add gorilla trekking, a standard Uganda permit costs around US$800 for foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.

At Pick and Transfer Safaris we specialise in affordable, budget and mid-range safaris without compromising on quality. We also own Ikoro Hotel in Kisoro, close to Mgahinga and Bwindi, which helps us keep costs down on itineraries that combine the Big Five with gorillas. Learn more about our company and mission.

Self-Drive or Guided Big Five Safari?

Both options work well in Uganda. A guided safari with a professional driver-guide is the easiest and most rewarding choice for most travellers: guides know where the predators are likely to be, share radio updates with other guides, handle permits and logistics, and bring the landscape to life with their knowledge.

A self-drive safari suits confident, independent travellers who want total freedom. Uganda’s main roads are good, and the parks are well signposted. We provide reliable 4×4 vehicles and route guidance through our self-drive service, and Kenlink Tours also offers 4×4 car hire in Uganda with or without a driver. Even on a self-drive trip, we recommend hiring a UWA ranger guide for game drives in the parks – it greatly improves your chances of finding lions and leopards.

Tips for an Unforgettable Big Five Safari in Uganda

• Start early. Predators are most active at dawn and dusk. Be at the park gate when it opens for the best sightings.
• Be patient. Leopards in particular reward those who wait. Spend time scanning trees and rocky outcrops.
• Bring good binoculars. One pair per person makes a huge difference.
• Listen to your guide. Stay inside the vehicle except at designated places and follow all ranger instructions.
• Respect the animals. Keep noise down, never feed wildlife, and give animals plenty of space – especially elephants and buffalo.
• Combine habitats. Mixing savannah parks with forests and rivers gives you the widest range of wildlife.
• Book early in peak season. Lodges in Ishasha and the best riverside camps in Murchison fill up quickly between June and September.

Wildlife Photography Tips for Your Big Five Safari

Uganda is a dream destination for wildlife photographers. To make the most of it:

• Use a zoom lens of at least 200–400mm for lions and leopards, and a wider lens for landscapes and boat cruises.
• Bring a beanbag to rest your camera on the vehicle window or roof hatch.
• Shoot in the golden hours after sunrise and before sunset for the warmest light.
• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze action, such as elephants splashing or lions on the move.
• On boat cruises, sit at the edge of the boat for unobstructed views and low-angle shots.
• Carry extra batteries and memory cards – charging may be limited in remote lodges.

What to Pack for a Big Five Safari in Uganda

• Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) – avoid bright colours and dark blue or black, which attract tsetse flies
• A warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives
• A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
• Insect repellent containing DEET
• Comfortable walking shoes, plus hiking boots if you are adding gorilla trekking
• A lightweight rain jacket
• Binoculars, camera, spare batteries and memory cards
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate and travel insurance documents
• Any personal medication and anti-malaria tablets

Visas and Health Requirements

Most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda, which is applied for online through the official Uganda immigration e-visa portal. If your trip includes Kenya or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers all three countries for 90 days with multiple entries for tourism. East African citizens do not need a visa.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Malaria is present in most safari areas, so speak to a travel doctor about prophylaxis before you travel. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover, is strongly recommended.

Responsible and Sustainable Big Five Safaris

Uganda’s wildlife recovery is one of Africa’s great conservation stories, and tourism plays a major role in protecting it. Park fees fund ranger patrols and anti-poaching work, and a share of revenue goes to communities living around the parks. When you choose a responsible operator, stay in locally owned lodges and buy crafts directly from community groups, your safari helps ensure that lions, elephants and rhinos have a future in Uganda.

At Pick and Transfer Safaris, part of our profits supports orphans and community projects in the Kigezi region. We also train local guides and work with community-run businesses wherever possible.

Why Book Your Big Five Safari with Pick and Transfer Safaris

• Local expertise. We are a Uganda-based team with deep knowledge of the parks, roads and wildlife.
• Affordable safaris. Our packages are designed for budget and mid-range travellers, with honest pricing and no hidden costs.
• Tailor-made itineraries. Every safari can be customised – add gorillas, chimps, Kidepo or Rwanda to suit your interests.
• Experienced driver-guides. Our guides know where to find the Big Five and how to make every game drive count.
• Flexible starting points. Begin your safari in Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali.
• Self-drive options. Reliable 4×4 vehicles for travellers who want to explore independently.

Explore all our Uganda and Rwanda wildlife safaris, browse our longer safari packages, or view every trip on our safari packages page. If you prefer travelling with others, Kenlink Tours runs group tours in Uganda that make Big Five safaris more affordable for solo travellers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Five Safaris in Uganda

Can you see the Big Five in Uganda?

Yes. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo live in several national parks, including Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley. Rhinos are found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which lies on the route to Murchison Falls.

Which is the best park for the Big Five in Uganda?

Murchison Falls National Park, combined with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, is the best way to see all five on one short trip. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best for lions, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Are there rhinos in Uganda’s national parks?

Not currently. Uganda’s wild rhinos were lost to poaching, but southern white rhinos have been reintroduced at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can track them on foot with rangers.

How many days do I need for a Big Five safari in Uganda?

Three days is enough to see all five at Murchison Falls and Ziwa. Seven to ten days lets you add Queen Elizabeth, chimpanzees and gorillas for a complete Uganda experience.

Can I combine a Big Five safari with gorilla trekking?

Absolutely – this is one of Uganda’s greatest strengths. Itineraries of five days or more can include both Big Five game drives and gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga.

What is the best time for a Big Five safari in Uganda?

The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best game viewing, although wildlife can be seen all year round.

Plan Your Unforgettable Big Five Safari in Uganda Today

From tree-climbing lions in Ishasha to rhinos tracked on foot at Ziwa, from elephants bathing in the Kazinga Channel to the thunder of Murchison Falls, a Big Five safari in Uganda delivers moments you will remember for the rest of your life. Add mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and you have one of the most complete wildlife adventures on the planet.

Tell us your travel dates, group size and interests, and our team will design a personalised Big Five safari around you. Contact Pick and Transfer Safaris today on +256 200 921 002, +256 793 194 703 or info@pickandtransfersafaris.com. We plan, you explore.