Uganda’s Big Five at Murchison Falls National Park
When people dream of an African safari, they often imagine majestic lions stalking the savannah, massive elephants roaming freely, and elusive leopards lounging in the trees. Uganda makes these dreams a reality, and there’s no better place to witness the iconic Big Five than in Murchison Falls National Park. Located in the northwestern part of the country, this vast park is Uganda’s largest and arguably one of the most diverse, offering not just incredible wildlife sightings but also the dramatic power of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge at the legendary Murchison Falls.
Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, seeing the Big Five at Murchison Falls adds unforgettable highlights to your Ugandan adventure. Here’s a closer look at what makes this park such a special place for tracking these legendary animals.
What Are the Big Five? | Uganda’s Big Five at Murchison
Traditionally, the term big game hunters coined Big Five to refer to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa. Today, the term has been reclaimed by conservationists and safari lovers to represent five of the most celebrated and sought-after wildlife species:
- African Elephant
- African Lion
- African Leopard
- Cape Buffalo
- Rhinoceros
At Murchison Falls National Park, you can encounter four of these five in the wild. The fifth, the rhinoceros can be seen nearby at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, making a full Big Five experience in Uganda very achievable.
African Elephants | Uganda’s Big Five at Murchison
Murchison Falls is home to a healthy population of African elephants, the largest land mammals on Earth. These gentle giants are often seen during game drives, moving gracefully across the savannah in small herds or gathered near water sources. You may even spot them from a boat cruise along the Nile, cooling off or drinking at the riverbank.
Their sheer size and intelligence make them an awe-inspiring sight. Watching a matriarch lead her family through the wild terrain is not just thrilling, it’s deeply moving.
African Lions
Lions are one of the main attractions of Murchison Falls, and the thrill of seeing them in the wild is unmatched. They are usually spotted in the northern sector of the park, especially in the open savannahs around the Delta and Buligi tracks.
Though they are often resting under acacia trees during the heat of the day, early morning and evening game drives offer the best chances of seeing the active hunting, roaming, or play-fighting within the pride. Guides often track fresh prints or follow calls to help visitors find them, making each sighting feel like a rewarding discovery.
African Leopards
The African leopard is perhaps the most elusive member of the Big Five. Solitary and stealthy, leopards in Murchison Falls often keep to themselves, hiding in tree branches or moving through the bush under the cover of dusk. Though harder to spot than lions or elephants, a keen-eyed guide can help you find them, especially during early morning or nighttime game drives. Seeing a leopard in the wild, even for just a few moments, is a rare and exhilarating experience.
Cape buffalo
These rugged animals often roam in large herds across the park’s plains and along the riverbanks. Their dark coats and curved horns give them a powerful appearance, and they’re known for their unpredictable nature.
Despite their calm demeanor, buffalo are considered one of the most dangerous of the Big Five due to their strength and defensive behavior, particularly when threatened. Still, they are a majestic part of the landscape and a crucial component of the safari experience.
White Rhinos
While rhinos are no longer found inside Murchison Falls National Park due to past poaching, you can still see them nearby at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located on the way from Kampala to the park. This is the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot in a secure, protected environment.
Visiting Ziwa is a highly recommended part of the Murchison experience. It’s not only an opportunity to complete your Big Five Murchison Falls checklist, it’s also a powerful conservation story in action, with efforts underway to reintroduce rhinos into the wild.
The Best Ways to Spot the Big Five at Murchison Falls
- Game Drives: Morning and evening drives offer the best chances of seeing lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. The northern sector of the park is advantageous.
- Boat Safari on the Nile: A cruise to the base of Murchison Falls reveals elephants, buffalo, and sometimes leopards near the water.
- Visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Located just outside the park, this sanctuary is your opportunity to safely track rhinos on foot and complete your Big Five experience.
Why Murchison Falls Is a Big Five Paradise
What makes Murchison Falls National Park so unique is not just the diversity of wildlife, but the backdrop against which you experience it. Watching elephants bathe along the Nile, hearing lions roar across the open plains, or glimpsing a leopard at sundown,e t all with the thunder of Murchison Falls in the distance is what sets this park apart.
And with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary just a short drive away, it’s one of the few places in East Africa where you can realistically see all members of the Big Five in one trip.
