With a top safari destination, where to have a Big safari in Uganda is arguably every visitor’s interest. A Big safari is an organized tour to encounter the Big 5 animals in their natural environments. The Big 5 in this case are lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
Considering this, Uganda aligns designated destinations dotted across its vast area for a Big 5 safari experience. These destinations are well-distributed across almost all the different regions. This eases travel time in locating these destinations, as each region represents a unique Big 5 safari experience.
Big 5 safari destinations in Uganda
The country’s margin in presenting itself as a classic destination that encompasses most of the known African adventures entails even the Big 5 safaris. Below are some of the protected areas where this safari takes place.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Among all the protected areas in the country, Kidepo Valley National Park is a classic destination and so far the only park to have a complete Big 5 safari. It is only recently that Kidepo Valley National Park was promoted to the Big 5 ranks. This follows the recent relocation of the southern white rhinos back to the park after 4 decades. Kidepo had long been missing out on the rhinos since they were last spotted in the park in 1986. This is when the last rhino was found killed in the Narus Valley inside Kidepo. This left the park with only four of the Big 5.
Now Kidepo stands out as the epitome of all Big 5 safaris in the country. Kidepo is located in the northern region of Uganda. It borders South Sudan from the north, and it is surrounded by a series of Morungole Mountains. It offers an adventurous touch to every visitor who visits for Big 5 safaris.
Murchison Falls National Park
Heading to the northwestern region of the country, Murchison Falls National Park lights up for a Big 5 safari. This park is the largest protected area in the country, covering the districts of Nwoya, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. This park is known for amazing Big 5 safaris, though it is one member short. The rhino is the only missing animal in Murchison to complete a classic Big 5 safari. However, en route to Murchison Falls National Park, visitors can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the known rhino destination in the country.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Just as its counterparts, Queen Elizabeth National Park is another epic destination for a Big 5 safari. This park is situated in the far western region and is among the most popular destinations in the country. It harbors four of the Big 5 animals, with only the rhino as the missing piece for the Big 5 puzzle. Although Queen Elizabeth is a member short of the Big 5, it offers an unmatched experience of the tree-climbing lions.
Something that was never heard of, like lions. The park also features large herds of buffaloes and elephants that must be sighted. The leopards also rule their scattered acacia tree territory off the rear of the climbing lions. This is undoubtedly an epic Big 5 showdown.
For most visitors, an ideal African safari is not complete or considered successful unless there is an encounter with the Big 5. Therefore, a Big 5 safari in Uganda is the ultimate African safari experience. The country protects these destinations, jealous manned by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Uganda is one of the many destinations scattered across Africa that offer a Big 5 safari adventure. Uganda, at the very least, is considered the most complete safari destination. This is because this beautiful nation bears the minimum for any African classic adventure. This is entirely attributed to its diversity in ecological systems for both flora and fauna.
How did the Big 5 get their name?
The term, Big 5, back then referred to Africa’s most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. These animals proved very difficult to track and quite unpredictable. They were very well known for killing humans, with some even stalking and hunting people as prey. The African Big 5 animals include;
- The African lion is the most dangerous big cat in Africa and the king of the jungle
- African Cape buffalo, referred to as the black death, is dangerous and unpredictable
- African elephant, the largest land mammal, massive, territorial, and extremely dangerous
- Leopard, elusive, agile, known to attack from any angle, and very fast
- The white/black rhino, massive with a lethal horn, incredible speed, and highly unpredictable
During the 1800s, trophy and game hunting were often practised in Africa, where hunters would collect trophies after successful hunts back their homes. This activity was entirely done on foot using specialized weapons like guns. The term Big 5 was invented as early as the time of these trophy hunters.
With the world stage shifting the goal posts from trophy hunting to conservation, the African Big 5 now refers to the most sought-after animals on safari. These animals have very unique characteristics, and spotting them is really an ideal success.
What is the best time for a Big 5 safari in Uganda?
Any time is considered good for a Big 5 safari in Uganda, but the best time is the dry season. Uganda, a equatorial climatic nation, receives two dry and wet seasons a year. The dry seasons are mostly dry with little rainfall recorded. Such conditions raise the temperatures and dry the savannah, creating more visibility on safari. The dry season happens from June to September and from December to February.
The wet season is also ideal for travel for the Big 5 safaris since the weather has, over the years, been unpredictable. This means the country can receive any conditions at any time of the year. Therefore, plan your classic Big 5 safari with an experienced tour company like Monteero Safaris for an exclusive adventure.