Big Five Animals

A remarkable influx of travelers journeys to Africa on safari to encounter the majestic elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and lion, with Uganda offering a significant slice of the thrilling wildlife experience.

The term “Africa Big 5 animals” originated in the 1800s, created by trophy hunters who identified these creatures as the most formidable and perilous to pursue on foot.

These encompass the majestic African Elephant, the fierce Lion, the elusive Leopard, the powerful African Buffalo, and the formidable Rhinoceros. Today, the term is widely recognized among African safari enthusiasts who now capture the big five with a camera instead of a lethal weapon. In Uganda, you can encounter all of Africa’s big 5 animals, readily visible in the expansive savanna parks.

The phrase is frequently employed to promote thrilling safaris. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a diverse array of figures, from European royalty to American presidents, sought the thrill of capturing an African hunting trophy. The allure was undeniable—the more formidable and unpredictable the creature, the more coveted it became, leading to the legendary status of the Big Five.

The majestic big five animals continue to be pursued today, particularly in South Africa, where regulated game hunting thrives among the elite and privileged. Beyond the circles of hunters, the general sentiment is one of revulsion towards the taking of the Big Five, suggesting that this practice might soon fade away. However, a transition towards tourism has transformed the experience of witnessing the Big Five into a thrilling aspiration for every safari enthusiast.

The term Africa Big 5 might evoke a sense of thrill and peril, yet these magnificent mammals are in need of our assistance to avoid extinction. The African lion, leopard, and elephant are all classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The western black rhino vanished from our world in 2011, primarily due to the relentless poaching for their precious horns. The last male northern white rhino passed away in 2018, leaving only two females behind—rendering that subspecies functionally extinct. Conservation efforts have played a crucial role in ensuring the survival of Uganda’s Northern white rhino within the secure confines of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The Cape buffalo may not be a major focus in conservation efforts, yet this very fact contributes to its popularity among hunters. The Cape buffalo faces challenges as hunting, poaching, and habitat loss contribute to a decline in its population.

WCS reports that Uganda is home to fewer than 468 lions, a decline from 600 two decades ago. Meanwhile, the population of leopards is on the decline, with the last estimate in Lake Mburo (2007) indicating there are only between 26-37 individuals, as reported by CITES.

Where can you discover the Big Five in Uganda?
In addition to the Northern White Rhino, which is exclusively found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Entebbe UWEC Zoo, visitors have an excellent opportunity to encounter the other members of the Africa Big 5 across any of the four savanna parks.

A savanna safari game drive in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo will immerse you in the midst of relaxed herds of cape buffalo, majestic African elephants, and the thrilling presence of a pride of African lions on the hunt. For the timid leopard, a calm and unhurried drive through the savanna during the early or late evening might unveil its favorite hunting spots.

A boat safari on the Nile in Murchison Falls NP or on the Kazinga channel offers an exciting opportunity to encounter the Africa big 5 in Uganda. During the dry seasons, particularly from December to February and June to July, the heat draws them to the shores for a refreshing drink of fresh waters.

Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park – The magnificent five game animals in Uganda
The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park captivate visitors from around the world.
1. Lion (Panthera leo)
The African lion, the largest and most formidable carnivore on the continent, stands out as the most coveted member of the African big five. Known for its sociable nature, this magnificent creature thrives in loosely organized prides, usually consisting of five to 15 individuals.

Lions hold a unique cultural importance in many nations across the continent. In Uganda, they are celebrated as the ultimate rulers of the wild, embodying the essence of nobility, power, and courage.

In Uganda, lions roam freely in the three largest savanna parks: Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), Kidepo Valley National Park (KVNP), and Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).

In QENP, the Ishasha lions exhibit a fascinating behavior of climbing trees, earning them the title of “Ishasha tree-climbing lions.” Tourists eagerly visit this sector to witness this extraordinary sight.

Leopard (Panthera pardus) This feline is perfectly capable of descending from a tree all on its own. The leopard finds such ease in its lofty perch that it frequently hunts its prey and drags its catches high into the branches. Uganda boasts the highest population of leopards among all the big cats.
2. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
The leopard is the most elusive and the tiniest of Africa’s big five creatures. Leopards are elusive and more challenging to see, and inherently reserved and solely active at night, leopards remain concealed during the daylight hours. The majestic solitary felines drag their impressive catches, like zebra or antelope, high into the branches of a tree, savoring their meals in solitude and tranquility.

These intriguingly reserved cats can be recognized from cheetahs by their rosette-shaped spots and robust physique, along with their affinity for wooded or rocky environments. They inhabit nearly every environment that provides sufficient shelter and can be spotted in many of Uganda’s national parks and forest reserves.

In Uganda, a thrilling safari experience awaits as you spot leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mt Elgon National Park, and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

The African Elephant, a magnificent giant among the renowned big five game animals of Africa.
African elephants stand as the most magnificent among the Big Five game animals. They are a bit bigger than their Asian relatives and can be recognized by their larger ears, which resemble the shape of the African continent. (Asian elephants possess ears that are smaller and more rounded.)
3. African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
The African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), the largest of the iconic big five found in Uganda, stands as a remarkable emblem of nature’s beauty and delicacy. Its intelligence and captivating behavior make it a thrilling sight during a traditional safari game drive.

A fully-grown male elephant can tip the scales at an astonishing 6300 kilos; even the smallest adult male typically weighs no less than 4000 kilos, far exceeding the weight of an average family SUV by more than double. Females typically weigh just a bit more than half of what the males do.

If you’re planning your Africa safari in Uganda and want to encounter these magnificent giants, it’s essential to know that African elephants can be found in all national parks, with the exception of Lake Mburo. These incredible sights can often be found in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo national parks. We suggest embarking on a boat safari along the Nile in Murchison or the Kazinga channel in QENP to witness these gentle giants elegantly gathering along the water’s edge in impressive herds.

African Buffalo, one of the iconic big five animals of Africa.
A Cape buffalo, known for its fierce reputation among the big 5, roams the vast landscapes of Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, accompanied by crows and a red-billed oxpecker perched on its back.
4. African Buffalo
Africa’s only wild African buffalo ox species is a remarkable and versatile creature that roams in large herds across the savanna and in smaller groups within forested regions. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), also known as the Cape Buffalo, stands out as one of the most formidable of all African game species, particularly when it is injured or alone. Its reputation has earned it a spot among the iconic big 5 animals of Africa, celebrated across the globe.

African buffalo are impressive, sturdy creatures, known for their robust physique and formidable horns. Both males and females possess horns, which are smooth and unadorned. The buffalo stands out among other creatures with its deep black hue and unique horns, which are smaller, lighter, and gracefully curve outward, backward, and upward. The ears are grand, adorned with a fringe of hair, and gracefully dangle beneath the imposing horns.

Buffaloes roam freely in nearly every national park and expansive forest across Uganda. In Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks, you might encounter fascinating hybrids of the savanna buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) from East Africa and the red buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) from the West African forest.

White Rhinoceros in Uganda
White rhinos roam freely in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the sole destination in Uganda where you can encounter them in their natural habitat.
5. Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros, often referred to as rhino, is a magnificent, herbivorous mammal recognized for its distinctive horned snouts. The term “rhinoceros” is derived from the Greek words “rhino” meaning nose and “ceros” meaning horn.

Rhinoceroses are known for their impressive size, sturdy legs, and distinctive dermal horns, whether they have one or two. In certain species, the horns can be subtle or barely noticeable. They are famous for their limited vision, yet their abilities to smell and hear are remarkably sharp.

The largest of the five remaining species can be found in Uganda, the Northern white rhino, which is exclusively visible in the highly safeguarded Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe, often known as the Zoo.

Other incredible big game animals to explore in Uganda
As the criteria for the Africa Big 5 list has evolved beyond just the size and hunting challenge of the animals, we can confidently update that list to showcase a broader array of remarkable wildlife found on African safaris.

Uganda is truly fortunate to host magnificent wild animals that are not included in the renowned Africa big 5 list. The mountain gorilla stands out as perhaps the most coveted creature in Uganda.

Uganda’s list of the big 5 animals, the top five to encounter on a safari adventure.
The mountain gorilla tops Uganda’s big five list. This rare ape can be found in just two locations globally, with Uganda boasting the largest population across two national parks.
Majestic Mountain Gorilla
Standing tall at 4 to 6 feet, a fully grown mountain gorilla can tip the scales at an impressive 300 to 485 pounds (135 to 220 kilograms). If that doesn’t count as significant, then we truly have no understanding of our subject matter.

Countless adventurers journey to the dense rainforests of Bwindi National Park to share an unforgettable encounter with this magnificent gentle giant. They’ll share that the experience is unparalleled in any African safari adventure. In our books, the mountain gorilla definitely makes the cut for the BIG African wildlife list.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to witness the majestic mountain gorilla on a guided trekking safari in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. For a fee of US$700 per person, you can obtain a gorilla permit issued by UWA and spend an hour in the captivating presence of these incredible creatures.

For those with a daring spirit, embark on a gorilla habituation experience safari and immerse yourself for over 4 hours alongside a family of semi-habituated mountain gorillas, all for a permit fee of USD$1500 per person.

Rothschild Giraffe in Uganda, a land brimming with excitement and exploration.
The giraffe, with its impressive stature, is an unforgettable sight on the African savanna.
Giraffe
The Northern Giraffe deserves a spot among the iconic “BIG” game animals to encounter on a safari in Uganda. Rothschild’s giraffe is uncommon in many areas where it once roamed, yet it thrives in the northern section of Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, and has recently made its way to Pian Upe Game Reserve in 2019.

The tallest creature on the planet, reaching heights of up to 5.5 meters, roams in loosely organized groups of mixed sexes, usually consisting of five to 15 individuals. As herd members can spread out over an area of up to 1km, they are often spotted alone or in smaller groups, although larger gatherings are common in Uganda.

Exploring the trails of common chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
A chimp takes a moment of reflection in Kibale Forest. Chimps are truly captivating creatures to observe while exploring the wilds of Uganda.
Chimpanzee
7 out of 10 tourists exploring Uganda’s rainforest parks will share that they have come to encounter our lively primate relatives. A great deal of effort has been dedicated to acclimating chimpanzee families for tourism in Kibale Forest, the renowned Chambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, and the Budongo and Kanyiyo Pabidi forests close to Murchison Falls National Park.

The chimpanzee’s fame among travelers secures its place as one of the must-see animals on safari in Uganda, and it’s hard to argue with that. Every day in Kibale, you can embark on chimpanzee-tracking excursions, offering one of the most remarkable safari experiences in Uganda.

Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
A hippo and its calf basking on the banks of the Nile river in Murchison Falls National Park
Hippo, a creature that embodies the spirit of exploration and excitement.
This massive, slow-moving creature inhabits a variety of African lakes and rivers, often remaining hidden beneath the surface during the day, only to rise at night to feed. Hippos are fiercely protective of their territory, often forming herds of ten or more, all under the watchful eye of a dominant male.

In Uganda, the prime spots to encounter the hippopotamus are Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo national parks, where these magnificent creatures gather in large, striking herds near the waterways. Embarking on a boat launch safari on the Nile in Murchison Falls, particularly at the base of the roaring falls, promises an unforgettable encounter with a school.

Another wildlife safari in Uganda offers the chance to encounter these massive aquatic mammals on the Kazinga channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth. The hippos gather at the shores, fiercely protecting their territory while partaking in spirited battles and responsibilities to ensure the survival of their kind.

Cheetahs roam freely in Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park
A cheetah surveys the vast plains of Kidepo Valley National Park, an ideal spot for witnessing these magnificent creatures in Uganda.
Cheetah
Similar to the leopard, the cheetah stands out as one of Africa’s most active cat species during the day, relying on its incredible speed rather than stealth to catch its prey. Cheetahs rely on their incredible speeds to pursue their prey, yet they can only maintain those top velocities for a short distance, typically just a few hundred meters.

The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), known as the fastest land mammal in Uganda, stands out among the African big five as it competes for prey. This remarkable creature undoubtedly secures its place at the table of Africa’s majestic wildlife in Uganda.

Cheetahs, much like leopards, boast a strikingly spotted coat and a solitary nature. However, their sleek, greyhound-like physique, unique black tear-marks, and affinity for grasslands and savannas set them apart unmistakably.

In Uganda, Cheetah can be found primarily in the Karamoja region, particularly around Kidepo National Park, where estimates suggest there are between 53 and 310 individuals present.