Where to See Wild Cats in Uganda.

Uganda is a land locked country found in the eastern part of Africa, it shares it borders with Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania. Uganda is always referred to as the pearl of Africa because of its beautiful landscape and wildlife. When it comes to the big cats Uganda is home to lions, Leopards and Cheetahs. It offers visitors a chance to see the big cats in their natural habitat. Here, we guide you through the top national parks and game reserves where you can view big cats in Uganda, what to expect during your visit. Whether a seasoned safari traveller or a first-time guest, Uganda’s wild cat tours are sure to be an experience you will never forget.

 Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park is located in the Southwestern of Uganda within the Albertine Rift valley, and it covers an area of 1978km² . The park is surrounded by physical features like Hills, forests, plains, swamps, Volcanic features (Katwe craters), lakes that is lake Edward and George, Kazinga Channel. The park has different vegetation types that is tropical forest, savanna grassland, Savanna woodland and wetlands. Queen Elizabeth National Park is well known for being the best wildlife destination in the country. The park offers visitors a chance to see these wild cats in their natural habitat. The park is the only location in Uganda where leopard tracking is done. The park has tree climbing lions in the Ishasha region This phenomenon can only be witnessed in a few places across Africa. However, you can also see the lions in the Kasenyi plains The park is home to lions and Leopards, Serval cats. Leopards inhabit the park and are well-known for their camouflage and solitary nature. Kyambura Gorge, Kasenyi and Ntungwe are the most ideal places to see leopards.

Best Time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for a big cat safari

The best time to do a big cat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is in the dry season that is June to September and December to February. Since animals, including big cats, are concentrated around remaining water sources, making them easier to spot In Queen Elizabeth National Park, early morning (about 6:00 AM) or late afternoon are the ideal times for a big cat game drive.

Kidepo Valley National Park

The is found in the Northeastern part of Uganda near the South Sudan border and Kenya with a size of 1,442km². The physical features around the park include Mount Morungole, Narus valley a hot spring and rivers that is Kidepo and Narus. The park experiences a semi-arid climate with different vegetation types that is Savannah woodland, montane forests,  and bushes. Since Kidepo Valley is Uganda’s most remote park, it has managed to stay untamed and wild. The park is famous for offering a breathtaking wildlife safari with a chance of seeing the big cats the is the Lion, Cheetahs and leopards in their natural habitat. This is the only place where you can see Cheetahs in the wild, but they are not frequently seen. Lions can be seen in the park’s grassland hunting and rocky areas lounging. Leopards can be seen in the park’s semi-arid areas and Savannah grassland. However, the park also has Caracals.

Best Time to visit Kidepo National Park for a big cat safari.

The best time to do a big cat safari in Kidepo National Park is in the dry season that is June to September and December to February because the big cats, tend to be concentrated around remaining water sources, making it easier to spot them.  However, the wet season that is July and August are also good months to see wildlife, especially as animals move to drier areas.

Murchison Falls National Park

The park is the largest in Uganda found in the northwestern part of Uganda and it covers an area of 3,893km². The park has different vegetation types such as tropical, wetland, savannah grassland and woodland. With physical features such as Victoria Nile, Murchison falls (the most powerful falls in the world) Nile Albert Delta and wetlands. The park offers stunning views of both the water falls and wildlife. The lions in the park can be seen on the northern bank of River Nile and the famous track is the Queen track. Leopards are solitary and might be difficult to see, leopards are one of the park’s most notable wildlife species and they are often seen close to Pakuba Lodge. They also have servals you can see them during the night game drive.

 Best Time to visit Murchison Falls National Park for big cat safari.

 The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park for a big cat safari is during the dry seasons that is June to September and December to February. Due to the less vegetation and animals gathering near water sources, these months provide the best conditions for observing wildlife.

 Lake Mburo National Park

The park is found in the western part of Uganda, and it covers an area of 370Km², making it the smallest park in the country. The park offers breathtaking views of the landscapes despite its size. The park has different vegetation types that is the savannah woodlands, wetland and forested areas. Although the seeing of leopards is not common during the day but they can be seen during the night game drive. Historically found in the park, lions have been gone for a while, most likely as a result of habitat loss and conflicts between people and wildlife.

Best time to visit lake Mburo national park for big cat

The best time to do a big cat safari in Lake Mburo National Park is in the dry season that is June to September and December to February. Since the animals tend to stay around the lake for water during these months, making it easier for tourists to see them. Additionally, because of the reduced grass during the dry season, tourists can see the species more clearly.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

The reserve found in northeastern part of Uganda, on the border of Kenya near Mount Elgon and it covers an area of 1,823km. The reserve is the largest of all the protected reserves. The physical features of Pian Upe are striking and diverse, with a blend of open savannah plains, rocky hills, and scattered woodlands. There are seasonal rivers and wetlands that provide water. The reserve is home to lions, Cheetahs and leopards.

Best time to visit Pian Upe wildlife Reserve for a big cat safari.

The best time to go on a big cat safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is in the dry season, that is December to March. Since the roads are more accessible and the foliage being sparser, which makes it easier to view wildlife. Further, the animals are more likely to be seen around the water source during this time in order to drink water.