Wondering what ” Africa’s Big 5″ are, let’s make it simple for you to understand. Uganda is one of the few destinations in Africa where you can spot Africa’s Big 5 mammal species. Uganda is a landlocked East African country, lying along the equator, bordering Kenya in the East and Tanzania in the South. It boarders Rwanda in the South West and Democratic Republic of Congo in the West. Finally, to the North Uganda is bordered by South Sudan. Uganda is a hotspot for biodiversity, sheltering over 345 species of mammals recorded. 1,020 species of bird making half of the total number found in the world, 142 species of reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. Uganda is also home to half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas found in its famous National parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks.
Africa’s Big 5 in detail
Africa’s Big 5 are among the mammal species found in all savannah Parks of Uganda. Book with Vibrant Holiday Safaris and our specialists will craft for you the most amazing Itinerary to witness these unique species. The Big 5 mammals are the most dangerous and hardest to hunt among hunters and they include; Buffaloes, African Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Rhinoceros. The most abundantly present in Uganda are the Elephants and Buffaloes. This is because the other three are endangered and their population is declining overwhelmingly.
Several efforts have been taken in with support from the Uganda wildlife Authority. Furthermore, donations from good Wishers, and the different stakeholders in the tours and travel industry to immensely help to conserve the remaining species. And besides the thrill of encountering the big five in Uganda, during your visit makes a positive difference in the conservation of these endangered species.
Members of the Big 5
Leopard
This is a very rare animal to spot during a safari. Leopards are in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Park to mention but a few. Leopards are tree climbers, where they camouflage with the tree branches making it difficult to spot. With the help of a professional tour guide and a game ranger, you will be able to spot the leopards.
African elephant
Elephants are the largest land animals in the whole world. They are two species of Elephants that are the savannah and Forest elephants. Uganda shelters mostly the savannah elephants because of its vast Savannah grasslands found in its National parks. Visitors can see them in Kibale forest and Bwindi impenetrable forest National parks. The savannah elephants are bigger in size and mostly move in large herds. Elephants are very deadly and dangerous, they display high levels of intelligence with great emotions. In addition, elephants have the biggest memory among other members of Africa’s Big 5.
One can easily spot the Elephants during your game drive and they are present in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park and other wildlife reserves.
Rhinoceros
Rhinos are one of the animals that have gone extinct in Uganda. Uganda Wildlife Authority has put conservation efforts through the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and the Uganda Wildlife conservation education center. The efforts are to ensure breeding and multiplication of the Rhinos since they are the two places in Uganda to see rhinos.
Rhinos are large herbivorous mammals identified by their horned snort, massive body and stumpy legs. In order to complete your big 5 experience in Uganda, visit either (UWEC) or Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. At Ziwa, you have an opportunity to track the rhinos on foot. The sanctuary is also a great stopover for tourists travelling to Murchison Falls National Park.
Buffaloes
A Buffalo is a cross of an ox and a cow. An African buffalo, also known as a cape buffalo has thick horns that protrude from each side of its head. This makes it one of the best animals to see on your Uganda Safari. These buffaloes are usually dark gray in color or black and lighter undersides of its body. You may not see this because they are usually very dirty from wallowing.
Uganda shelters two types of buffaloes which include the small forest and savannah buffaloes. Small forest buffaloes are common in Semliki national park. Savannah buffaloes are in savannah parks of Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks.
Lions
Also known as the king of the jungle, Lions dominate Uganda’s National parks especially Queen Elizabeth National Park. In addition, Ishasha sector is famous for tree climbing lions which capture the hearts of travelers. Uganda’s lions exhibit unique behaviors and adaptations to the various landscapes they inhabit, like Savannah grasslands and dense woodlands. This makes tracking and observing them a thrilling experience.
During a morning or afternoon game drive, one can easily spot these predators. In the warm sunlight, you can spot lions basking and exhibiting their legal presence in the territory. You can also spot the lions hunting their prey since one of their role is to balance the ecosystem. The thrill of encountering these predators in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.