Uganda as a country is located in the Eastern part of the African Continent popularly known for its wide scope of wildlife in its diversity and among these the African Big fives are inclusive habituated in its top destinations like Ziwa which you can not miss to visit on your lifetime Uganda safari in Africa.

This destination known as “the Pearl of Africa” borders Kenya in the East, South Sudan in the North, Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, Rwanda and Tanzania in the South. Most of the travelers to Uganda come in interest of these Big fives which include Lions, Rhinoceros (Black & White), Leopards, Cape Buffaloes and Elephants.

Why are they called the “African Big Fives”? usually in the past before emphasizing wildlife Conservation hunting was the order of the day which was practiced by the Big game hunters. But really, they found some difficulties in hunting some of these Wildlife animals named (Lions, leopards, Rhinoceros, Buffaloes and Elephants) and that’s where the name “African Big Fives” resulted from referring to the most difficult animals in Africa. These animals are known to be more dangerous as there are not human related.

More about these African Big Fives. These Big fives in Uganda are found in almost all the top ten destinations to visit for wildlife viewing.

African Elephant. This is a very large and big herbivorous animal feeding on Grass and tree leaves, with thick and almost hairless skin plus a long, flexible, prehensile trunk, upper incisors forming long curved tusks of ivory, and large, fan-shaped ears. These Elephants are divided into two different species named African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and the African bush elephant (Loxodonta Africana). These animals are difficult to hunt in that they have a high sensing capacity and sometimes they tend to hide into tall grass.

In Uganda these herbivorous animals are mostly found in Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mountain Elgon National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park and mostly viewed while on game drive around the park.

African Lion. This is a large carnivorous animal found in Africa and Northwest India having a short, tawny coat, a tufted tail, and in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. Lions live in the savanna where tall grasses, shrubs, and bushes obscure them and provide cover and camouflage. This thick undergrowth is commonly referred to as “jess”. As lions are ambush hunters, they use this natural cover when stalking to creep as close as possible before making a final charge to catch their prey.

Lions do not generally avoid confrontation but will usually face a challenger. They are unpredictable and may charge when sufficiently annoyed or confronted by danger. These factors together make lion hunting a challenge to hunters. There are mainly three countries used in hunting of these grave animals named baiting, stalking and hounding. The best destinations to see lions in Uganda are: – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and more.

Rhinoceros (Black & White). These are big and huge ground dwelling herbivorous animals having two upright horns on the nasal bridge, they feed mostly on ground grass but tree leaves are very difficult for them because there are gressers in this way i mean that these animals only feed on the ground. These species are divided into two named Black and White Rhinoceros. These two species were present in Uganda in the past years but diminished due to unfavorable factors including poaching & hunting, civil wars and more.

But currently the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is introduced in Uganda located in Nakitoma- Nakasongola district with the aim of reinstating the Rhinoceros back in Uganda, this protected area now is mostly known for the White Rhinoceros which they imported from Solio ranch in Kenya and others were donated by the Disney’s animal Kingdom in Orlando- United States of America. Visiting these Rhinoceros in Ziwa costs $50 USD per person and it’s usually better to do it on your way to Murchison Falls National Park along Masindi – Gulu high way

Cape Buffaloes. This is a large African bovine, it is not closely related to the slightly larger wild water buffalo of Asia and its ancestry remains unclear. Syncerus caffer caffer, the Cape buffalo, is the typical subspecies, and the largest one, found in South and East Africa.  African forest buffalo is the smallest subspecies, common in forest areas of Central and West Africa, while Brachyceros is in West Africa and S. c. aequinoctialis is in the savannas of East Africa.

The adult buffalo’s horns are its characteristic feature; they have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield across the top of the head referred to as a “boss”. They are widely regarded as very dangerous animals, as they gore and kill over 200 people every year, the best places to see Buffaloes in Uganda are; – Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mountain Elgon National Park and Kibale Forest National park.

African Leopards. This is a large, carnivorous feline having either tawny fur with dark rosette-like markings or black fur. Leopards are considered to be the most difficult of the big five to hunt because of their nocturnal and secretive nature; they are wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger.  Leopards are solitary by nature, and most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas.

Leopards can be found in the savanna grasslands, brush land and forested areas in Africa. Baiting is the most common method used to hunt dangerous Leopards. The best places to see Leopards in Uganda are: – Lake Mburo national park, Kibale Forest national Park, Kidepo valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.