Big 5 Safari Uganda

Big 5 Safari Uganda 2026 | see lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino in 1 Trip

Big 5 Safari Uganda is one of the most Crafted 5-day tour taking you to the most untouched national parks, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary a home to the endangered Black Rhinos. The Africa’s renown Savannah hunters roaming in the lush forests of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a famous destination for the tree climbing lions lounging on the branches of acacia trees and its sprawling savannah with hundreds of grazers.
The thunderous Murchison falls, that pave way to Murchison falls National Park is where Uganda’s greatest drama unfolds, the park is home to over 76 mammal species such as chimpanzees, Uganda’s largest Nile crocodile population, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards among others. There are 450 known bird species including the shoe-billed stork, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, white-thighed hornbill and great blue turaco, whatever you expect from this pearl of Africa, the Murchison falls NP will exceed it.

Big 5 Safari in Uganda: Complete Guide to see all 5 Animals 2026

Can you see the Big 5 in Uganda? Yes – but with 1 twist

The “Big 5” means lion, leopard, African Elephant, African Buffalo, and rhino. Uganda has all 5, but rhinos are not in the national parks yet. They were wiped out in the 1980’s, today all the 45 wild southern white rhinos live at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – a protected breeding area between Kampala and Murchison falls.
So a true Big 5 Safari in Uganda = 3 Parks:
1. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking on foot
2. Murchison falls National Park for Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions and leopard

The Big 5 Animals in Uganda – Where to see Each one

Best Parks for Big 5 Uganda Safari

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – For Rhino

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located North of Kampala, and it’s a 3-5 hours’ drive right on the highway to Murchison falls National Park. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda for wild rhino tracking. Spend a 1-2 hour guided walk to track the 45 southern white rhinos roaming free in the 70km squared flat land. The tracking Permit goes for 50 USD, and our team will help you secure one for you before your tour

Murchison falls National Park – For African Elephant, Buffalo

This is Uganda’s largest National Park with over 4,000 African Elephants, 10,000 Buffaloes loitering in the open. The game drive in Buligi circuit give way to open grasslands dominated by acacia trees, a home target for lion, leopard. It’s in this park that we opt for the Nile boat cruise- a fantasy of winning insights, the cruise gets you close to Elephants on the off shores, Schools of Hippos towards the falls, and a magnificent eyesight to the thunderous falls.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – For tree climbing lions and leopard

This Park is famously known for the tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector and is also the best park for leopard sightings at night. Game drives in Kasenyi plains are worth rewarding to most of the well-known African hunters, the Kazinga channel boatcruise give numerous sightings to Elephant, Buffalo, crocodiles, Fish Eagles, Herons among others.

When to go for Big 5 Safari In Uganda

Best Months: June-September+December-February= dry season, Animals gather at water sources, the savannah is covered by short grass thus making it easier to spot hundreds of wildlife.
Shoulder season: March-May+October-Novermber= Green season, lower prices, fewer tourists, however during this peak, roads tend to be muddy, but worry not, our trained experienced guides along with our custom-designed tour vehicles are mantained to imeccable standards-they are your reliable gateway to the remote and the magnificent, we ensure your safety and make no detail of the landscape escape you.

6. Safari Cost 2026 + What’s Included*

*Includes: * Park fees, rhino tracking permit $50, game drives, boat cruise, 6 nights lodging, meals, 4×4 safari vehicle + fuel, English driver-guide
*Excludes: * International flights, Uganda visa $50, drinks, tips, gorilla permit if added