“When’s the best time to go on safari?”
We get this question more than any other — and for good reason. Timing can make or break your chances of seeing Africa’s most iconic wildlife: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — collectively known as the Big Five.
In Uganda, the Big Five experience is wild, raw, and far less crowded than the usual circuits in Kenya or South Africa.
But not every month offers the same magic. If you want to witness lions stalking prey on the golden plains, or rhinos grazing at dawn with mist rising behind them — the season you choose matters.
Here’s how to get it right.
Key Takeaways
- The best time to see the Big Five in Uganda is during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February.
- Game viewing is at its peak in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks during these months.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is open year-round, but sightings are clearest in dry weather.
- Avoid March–May if you want consistent game drives; this is peak rainy season.
- Uganda is uncrowded even in high season — a huge bonus for luxury travelers.
Where to See the Big Five in Uganda
Uganda is one of the few countries in Africa where you can still see all five members of the Big Five in the wild — but you’ll need to explore a few different regions to find them all.
1. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Just north of Kampala, Ziwa is the only place in the country where you can track rhinos in the wild — and unlike in national parks, you do it on foot.
Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll walk through the bush to find these massive, endangered animals. It’s a surprisingly quiet, almost meditative experience — and an essential stop for travelers interested in responsible travel in Uganda.
2. Murchison Falls National Park
Northern Uganda’s largest park offers the best chance to spot elephants, buffalo, lions, and — if you’re lucky — leopards. The dry season is particularly rewarding, when animals gather near the Nile and the grass thins out.
It’s also an excellent place to combine game drives with a boat safari, especially for photography lovers or those continuing on to gorilla trekking in Uganda.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth is a classic Big Five destination. Elephant and buffalo sightings are common around the Mweya peninsula, while leopards tend to stick to the denser thickets.
This is one of the best parks to visit if you’re traveling with kids, as many of our gorilla trekking for families in Uganda itineraries start or end here.
Dry Season vs Wet Season
Dry Season (June–Sept & Dec–Feb)
This is the best time for wildlife. Grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot. Water is scarce, so wildlife congregates near rivers and watering holes. Roads are also more reliable for game drives.
- Best for: Big Five sightings, photography, combining with gorilla trekking
- Expect: Warm days, cool evenings, minimal rain, some dust
Wet Season (March–May & Oct–Nov)
Rain transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise, and birding becomes spectacular. But game viewing becomes trickier — especially in remote areas where roads get muddy and animals spread out.
- Best for: Lush scenery, fewer crowds
- Expect: Afternoon showers, fewer game drives, discounted lodge rates
Tips for Spotting the Big Five in Uganda
1. Go early, go late
Big cats hunt at dawn and dusk. Your best chance of seeing lions and leopards is during these golden hours.
2. Stay longer
The longer you stay in one area, the better your chances. Consider at least 3 days in both Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls for full immersion.
3. Don’t skip Ziwa
Ziwa may not have the grandeur of a national park, but it offers up-close rhino tracking that’s unforgettable — and a critical conservation story in the making.
Combine With Gorilla Trekking
Many of our guests combine Big Five safaris with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. June to September and December to February also happen to be the best time for gorilla trekking, making it easy to build a seamless, spectacular itinerary.
Uganda’s Big Five experience is intimate, uncrowded, and deeply rewarding. Whether you want to track rhinos on foot, watch lions laze in fig trees, or cruise past elephants on the Nile, the right timing makes all the difference.
Let us help you build the journey of a lifetime.
FAQ: Big Five Safari in Uganda
When is the absolute best month to visit Uganda for wildlife?
July is often ideal — dry, sunny, and packed with game. But June, August, and early January also deliver fantastic sightings.
Can I see all Big Five animals in one park?
No. Rhinos are only found at Ziwa Sanctuary. The rest — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo — are best seen in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
Is it safe to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?
Yes. All rhino treks are guided and carefully managed by trained rangers. It’s one of the safest ways to experience wildlife on foot.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle?
Absolutely. Especially in the rainy season. A 4×4 ensures you reach prime game viewing areas comfortably and safely.
Can I combine a Big Five safari with gorilla trekking?
Yes — and we highly recommend it. Dry season is ideal for both.
