BIG 5 UGANDA
Your journey to see all the Big Five in Murchison Falls National Park starts with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Ziwa is located 176km from Kampala, exactly on the road to Murchison Falls. Therefore, it is the perfect first stop. Because rhinos were extinct in Uganda in 1983, Ziwa was created in 2005 to bring them back. Today, Ziwa has 40 Southern White Rhinos, including 7 babies born in 2024.
How Rhino Tracking Works:
Firstly, you arrive at Ziwa at 10 AM from Kampala. Then, rangers give you a short briefing. After that, you walk with an armed ranger into the sanctuary. Because rhinos are wild but monitored 24/7 by rangers, tracking takes 1 to 2 hours. Moreover, you walk 10 to 15 meters close to rhinos – safely on foot! For example, you can see mother rhinos with babies grazing.
As a result, you get amazing photos you cannot get in a car. In addition, this is the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot.
Cost for Rhino Tracking: $60 per adult, $30 per child. However, Lena Tours includes this in our Murchison Big Five package, so you pay nothing extra.
Time: 2 hours total. Therefore, you still reach Murchison by 3 PM for evening game drive.
So, your Big Five list starts: 1/5 DONE – RHINO SEEN!
After Ziwa: Continue to Murchison Falls to See The Other 4 Big Five
After rhino tracking at Ziwa, you drive 2 more hours to Murchison Falls National Park. Because you already have your rhino, you are relaxed. Now, you need 4 more – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo. Fortunately, Murchison has all of them.
1. Elephants – You Will See 100+ On Day One
As soon as you enter Murchison at Tangi Gate, you see elephants. Murchison has 1500 elephants. Moreover, they gather along the Buligi Peninsula and Nile Delta. For example, during evening game drive 4 PM to 6:30 PM, you see herds of 30 crossing road. In addition, boat cruise next day brings you 10 meters from bathing elephants. Therefore, elephant is 100% guaranteed.
Big Five count: 2/5 DONE!
2. Buffalos – Over 10,000 in Murchison!
You cannot miss buffalos! Because Murchison has over 10,000 buffalos, they are everywhere. Moreover, you see herds of 500 near Paraa and Pakuba. As a result, your guide will say “another buffalo” after 1 hour. However, they are dangerous, so you watch from car.
Big Five count: 3/5 DONE!
3. Lions – The King of Murchison – 90% Chance
This is the highlight! Murchison has 250 lions. However, they are active early morning. Therefore, Lena Tours starts game drive at 6 AM.
Best places: Buligi and Pakuba in northern sector. Because lions hunt Uganda Kob there, you see them at 7 AM with a kill. Moreover, some lions climb small trees in dry season.
Pro tip: Tell your Lena Tours guide “I want lion first”. Therefore, he will call other guides for latest lion location via radio.
Big Five count: 4/5 DONE!
4. Leopard – The Hardest But Possible – 70% Chance
Leopard is shy, therefore the most difficult. However, Murchison is best park in Uganda for leopard. For example, along Nile where they rest in trees.
Because leopards are nocturnal, night game drive gives you best chance. Moreover, Lena Tours includes optional night game drive $50 – you see leopard hunting at 8 PM.
Therefore, with 2 game drives, you have 70% chance for leopard, depending on the weather.
Full Day Murchison – Lions, Leopards, Elephants
Early morning game drive at 6 AM for lions and leopard. Then, breakfast. After that, boat cruise at 2 PM to bottom of falls for elephants, buffalos, hippos. Moreover, hike to top of falls at 4:30 PM. As a result, you see all Big Five plus falls.
Big Five count: 5/5 DONE – BIG FIVE COMPLETE!
Itinerary: Ziwa Rhino Tracking to Murchison Big Five with Lena Tours
Day 1: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Tracking – Murchison Evening Game Drive
Firstly, pickup from Kampala at 7 AM. Then, drive to Ziwa and start rhino tracking at 10 AM for 2 hours. After that, lunch at Kabalega Diner. Then, enter Murchison at 3 PM and do evening game drive until 6:30 PM for elephants, buffalos, lions. Finally, overnight at Paraa.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and afternoon boat safari
Final morning game drive 6 AM to 9 AM for leopard if missed. Then drive back to the Lodge while preparing for the Afternoon boat to the bottom of the mighty strongest water fall on earth.
Day 3: Finally wake on an optional game drive , enjoy your bush breakfast and return to kampala.
So, 3 days = 100% Big Five plus Murchison Falls , ticked off the bucket list.
Because we include Ziwa rhino tracking!
Best Time to Start with Ziwa to See Big Five?
Best time is December to February and June to August. Because it is dry, rhinos at Ziwa stay near water and easy to find. Moreover, grass in Murchison short, so lions visible.
However, rhino tracking at Ziwa is 100% all year – rangers know where rhinos are daily. Therefore, even in rainy season you see rhinos.
Morning 10 AM best for rhino – they active before noon heat.
Book Your Big Five Safari Starting with Rhino Tracking at Ziwa!
So, can you see all Big Five in Murchison Falls? Yes – and your adventure starts with rhino tracking at Ziwa!
Lena Tours is 1 for Big Five safaris because we guarantee rhino at Ziwa and we have 95% lion/leopard success in Murchison depending on the weather.
Contact Lena Tours now:
Email: info@lenatours.com
Website: www.lenatours.com
Don’t just dream Big Five – Track Rhino at Ziwa and See All Big Five with Lena Tours
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