Big Five Tours and Safaris in Uganda
The African Big 5 was a term used back in 1800’s by trophy hunters to refer to animals that they considered the most challenging to hunt on foot as they are regarded dangerous. These include lion, leopard, African buffalo, African elephant and the rhinoceros. Today however, the term is used to categorize these animals based on the impact they have on nature. Grouped into herbivores (African elephant, African buffalo, Rhinoceros) and carnivores (Lion and Leopard). The carnivores are top on the food chain. Their presence reduces on animal population and their absence leads to increase in animal numbers. They therefore help to balance the food chain.The Big Five
African Lion (Panthera Leo)
The African lion is the most sociable of the big cats and sought after member of the African big five. They are popularly known as “The King of the Jungle”, a reputation earned as a result of their fierce nature.
Leopard (Panthera Pardus)
The leopard is the most elusive and smallest of the African big five. They are solitary by nature and therefore hard to spot during daylight as they spend hours hidden from view. The best time to see leopards is during night as they are primarily nocturnal.
African elephant (Loxodonta Africana)
The African elephant is the largest of all the African Big 5 with a fully grown male weighing over 6000kgs. It is closely related to the African forest elephant (Loxodonta Cyclotis). Elephants can mostly be seen in savannah grassland habitats and mainly feed on twigs, grass and tree leaves using their long trunks. Among mammals, elephants have the longest gestation period of 18-22 months. Elephants can be seen in:Uganda
Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park Kidepo Valley National Park Kibale Forest National ParkTanzania
Ruaha National Park Tarangire National Park Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro Conservation areaKenya
Samburu National Reserve Amboseli National Park Masai mara National ParkRhinoceros
Commonly referred to as rhino, is the second largest land mammal in the world and the most endangered species among Africa’s big five. Rhinos are known to have poor eyesight but with a strong sense of smell and hearing. Rhinos occupy grassland areas and in Uganda they can be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary . In Tanzania, they can be sighted in Ngorongoro conservation area. In Kenya, visit Nairobi National Park and Meru National Park for amazing sights of the rhinos.African Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer)
In Uganda.
- Queen Elizabeth national park,
- Murchison falls national park
- Kidepo valley national park
- Lake Mburo national park
In Tanzania
In Kenya
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park
- Masai Mara National Park
