Big cats in Uganda – Guaranteed Uganda Wildlife Safaris 2023 – 2024

Are there Big cats in Uganda – Uganda is not only a top safari destination for big cat safaris but also a dream destination for many travelers who wish to experience the absolute feel of nature. Big cats in Uganda – Uganda is home to the most elusive animals like leopards, Lions, and Cheetahs, among others. Many travelers visit Uganda for wildlife encounters in top safari Parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.

In General, Wildlife viewing is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Uganda. The beautiful Pearl of Africa with its tropical forests and savannah plains make a backdrop for a variety of flora and fauna species. Uganda is home to about 330 mammal species.

Among these include the big five African game which are the buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, lions, and leopards. These can be seen in 3 of the national parks which are Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park; however, rhinos can only be seen at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Therefore to see all of the big five, a tourist has to tailor their wildlife safari in Uganda to any of those three national parks as well as a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Lion in Murchison Falls National Park

Top Big cats in Uganda – What to expect from you Uganda wildlife Safari with Acacia Safaris Limited

African Lion (Panthera leo)

An African lion is the largest and most imposing African carnivore. The lion is remarkably the most sociable of the large cats which live in loose structured prides typically of about five to fifteen animals. In different cultures, lions have different significant importance and in Uganda, they enjoy the reputation of being the kings of the beasts and are popular symbols of royalty, strength, and bravery.

In Uganda, lions can be seen in Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park which is famous for its Ishasha tree-climbing lions

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

The leopard is the most common Africa’s large feline and often lives in close proximity to humans, however, they are rarely seen because of their secretive, solitary nature. According to the ecological and ethological attributes, the leopard is an exceptionally adaptable predator.

In Uganda, leopards are predominantly sighted in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mt Elgon National Park, and Toro- Semiliki Wildlife Reserve

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Undoubtedly, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the swiftest mammal on land and can reach speeds of 97 or perhaps 113 km per hour (60 or 70 miles per hour) over short distances. However, it usually chases its prey at only about half that speed and will need half an hour after the chase to catch its breath before it can eat.

The cheetah’s actual speeds may even be much lower in realistic hunting settings, when they may be slowed down by weaving prey and the need to avoid obstacles.

Even though its speed makes it a fearsome hunter, the cheetah is the most vulnerable of the world’s big cats. The cheetah’s body is uniquely adapted to help it reach top speeds: long, slender limbs, hard foot pads, and a flexible spine give it duplicated long strides. The wild cat’s light tail acts like a rudder, and its semi-retractable claws work like the spikes on a sprinter’s shoe to offer stability during the chase. It also has a large nasal cavity that helps it pump in oxygen, and the shape of its inner ears allows it to maintain balance and keep its head still as it sprints.

Prior to using its incredible speed, the cheetah will survey the grassland for signs of prey, primarily antelope and warthogs, but occasionally smaller animals like hares and birds. It moves stealthily, has a speckled coat that makes it easy to blend into long savannah grasses, and hunts throughout the day to take use of these traits.

African Golden Cat – one of the hard to find in the cat family while on safaris in Uganda. These cats are can be spotted on safaris in Uganda if you’re lucky enough and are famously known to live in the forests of West Africa.

African Wild Cat – The African wild cat closely looks like the domestic cat and is known to interbreed with them in most cases.

Caracal – the caracal can be found in open habitats like Kidepo valley national park.