They’re majestic, powerful, and elusive — and they’ve captured the imagination of travellers for over a century.
We’re talking about the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. East Africa is one of the few places on Earth where you can still see them in the wild, roaming free.
In this article, we’ll take you inside the best places to spot them, what makes each species so special, and why Big Five safaris remain one of the most unforgettable adventures in Africa.
What Are the Big Five — and Why That Name?
The term Big Five doesn’t come from size alone — it was originally coined by big-game hunters. These were the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today, thankfully, they are protected in national parks and celebrated for their strength and beauty, not hunted.
The Big Five include:
- Lion – king of the savannah
- Elephant – powerful, intelligent and social
- Rhinoceros – rare and heavily protected
- Cape Buffalo – tough and unpredictable
- Leopard – stealthy, solitary and hard to spot
“People always ask us why they’re called the Big Five — and once they know,
they look at these animals with even more respect.”
Where to Spot the Big Five in East Africa
Let’s explore where in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda you have the best chance to see these iconic animals during big five safaris.
Uganda
You can spot 4 out of 5 of the Big Five here in the wild — all except the rhino, which no longer lives in the wild.
Luckily, you can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where white rhinos are being bred and protected in semi-wild conditions.
- Murchison Falls NP: large herds of buffalo and elephants, lions and also leopards
- Queen Elizabeth NP: famous for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
- Kidepo Valley NP: remote and wild — lions, elephants, buffalo, and even leopards
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: white rhinos, seen on foot with a ranger
Kenya
Here, you can spot the complete Big Five — and sometimes all in a single day.
- Masai Mara NR: the most famous — high chance of seeing all five
- Tsavo East & West: possible to spot the big 5, but harder due to the size of the parks (22.812km2)
- Amboseli NP: elephants, lions, leopards and buffalos + views of Kilimanjaro (no rhinos)
- Lake Nakuru NP: good chance to see rhinos, black and white. There are no elephants here.
“During one trip to the Mara, we spotted the entire Big Five in one day.
That was only Freddy’s seventh time doing that in 15 years.”
Rwanda
Rwanda offers some opportunities too, although with more limited scope.
- Akagera National Park: rewilded park with growing Big Five populations
Which Animals Are Hardest to Spot?
Lion: Often in groups, resting during the day — easier to find in Uganda and Kenya.
Elephant: Usually seen in herds — especially in Amboseli and Murchison.
Buffalo: Very common and often seen near water.
Rhino: They’re incredibly shy and you really need to be exploring in the cool morning air to have a chance of spotting them.
Leopard: The most difficult. They hide in trees, tall grass and move mostly at dusk or night.
“Once in Murchison, a leopard ran across the road — only the person in the front seat saw it.The others were too busy looking elsewhere. It all happened in seconds.”
The Power of Seeing Wildlife on Foot
One of the most memorable experiences is the rhino walking safari at Ziwa. Here, you walk with a ranger, slowly approaching the rhinos on foot. The moment you stand a few meters away from one of the world’s largest land mammals — unprotected by a vehicle — is unforgettable.
“That’s when you realise how small and fragile we really are.”
If you are looking for big five safaris in Uganda and want to visit Ziwa, you can check our 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari Adventure package, which starts at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It is also available in a 4-Day version.
Can You Guarantee the Big Five?
No. And we never pretend we can. Unlike zoos, wild parks don’t offer guaranteed sightings. The animals move, hide, rest and travel. The parks are vast. And there are strict rules: you must stay on the paths.
But our guides know the signs. They know where the animals were last seen, what seasons favour which paths, and how to work with the rhythm of nature.
“We can’t guarantee you’ll see them all — but we can promise
we’ll do everything to make the journey unforgettable.”
Tips for Big Five Success
Seeing one of the Big Five up close often triggers emotional responses. For some, it’s a childhood dream. For others, it’s a deeply spiritual connection. How to be well prepared for your big five safari?
- Bring binoculars — especially for spotting leopards
- Go on multiple drives — more chances over time
- Stay quiet and alert — you never know what’s behind that bush
- Trust your guide — they’ve trained for years to read the land
- Visit more than one park for a broader experience
“Sometimes, the magic is in what you almost saw. The shadow in the grass, the silence in the trees. That’s the wild reminding you: this is their world, not ours.”
Are you ready to search for the Big Five in the wild?
Let us guide you through Uganda or Kenya — where every sighting is earned,
and every memory lasts a lifetime.
Would you like to learn more about wildlife conservation in Uganda and Kenya?
Visit the official websites, such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
