The big five are animals which used to give difficulty to hunters kill them. These five large African mammal species were known to be dangerous and it was considered a great achievements and braveness to hunt and kill one of them. Those animals include, Elephants. Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, and Rhinos. They are available in different parks and tourism destinations in Uganda. Uganda has many different wildlife parks and in each, there are Big five which can be spotted. They include, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Lake Mburo, Semliki and Kidepo National Park in the Northern Uganda. Rhinos in Uganda can only be seen in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary as you head to Murchison falls National Park
Self-driving is now becoming the best option for visitors, it is very possible to visit the big five on self-drive basis. This involves renting a car in Uganda and explore places of your choice. No need to worry about trails in the park and more information about certain animals and attractions, there is an option of hiring a park guide or ranger on a game drive. They are always available at the park headquarter. Let’s look at Uganda destinations with the big five here below.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
It is one of the Ugandan National parks strategically located, it is found in the western Uganda near the famous Bwindi national park. In This park the Big five can be seen in the game drive in Kasenyi region and Ishasha. The big five like Elephants, Leopards, Lions, Buffaloes will be spotted. It’s a good idea on the self-drive trip not to Miss the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. It is rarely seen elsewhere and this is a memorable experience.
The Big five in Queen Elizabeth National Park can also be seen spotted on the Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. In case you missed one in the game drive, chances are present to be seen on the Boat cruise, many animals come to take water on the channel giving visitors a chance to Explore them.
Another interesting Activity in Queen Elizabeth for the Big five is Lion Experiential. This involves going with researchers to view the lions, they are tracked using devices and it gives a guarantee to see these animals. The activity has become popular and done by many clients.
Lake Mburo National Park
The Lake Mburo Game Park is also found in the west, it is known to be home to the rare species which are rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda like the Zebras. It is one of the parks where some species of the big five can be seen. Activities done here include, Game driving both day and night, Horse Riding, Boat cruises, and nature walks.
Semuliki National Park
This park is located in Bundibugyo famous for the two hot springs the female and the male. Some big five can be sighted here on the Game drive in the reserve. Self-drive clients can also do the nature walk to the Hot springs, Cultural Encounters, Birding and many more.
Murchison Falls National Park
Being one of the largest protected areas in Uganda, Murchison Falls Game Park has Diversity of species, the game drive will not disappoint as many animals will be sighted. Animals like Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Hynas, antelopes, Giraffes, and many more. Some other activities which can be done by self-drive clients include, Boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, visiting the top of the falls, Cultural Encounters, Birding, spot fishing and many more.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo National Park is one of the Unique parks in Uganda, known for its beautiful land scape and abundant wildlife. The big five can be sighted here on a self-drive trip. Other activities include, Cultural encounters, and birding. Kidepo National Park can be visited itself or combined with other neighboring Tourism Destinations.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
It is found in Nakitoma near Murchison falls National Park. It is a place Rhinos can be seen in Uganda. It truly completes the list of the Big five. Rhinos are tracked on foot guided by rangers or guides. They are white Rhinos and very attractive. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited together to with Murchison falls or Kidepo Valley national park.
Important notice for visiting the big five on self-drive basis;
- For self-drive clients, you need to have Knowledge of driving a car and more so in the national parks
- Animals have right of way in the National Park
- Park guides and Rangers are available for Hire at the park Headquarters
- There is need to pay park entrance to enter a national park and works for 24 hours. If you are to stay in the park longer, you will have to pay another park entrance fee.
- Follow the trails in the park