Top Destinations for Spotting Big Cats in Uganda

When people think of big cats, they often picture the golden plains of Kenya or the vast Serengeti of Tanzania — but Uganda, too, is a hidden gem for spotting Africa’s most majestic predators. This lush, diverse country is not only home to gorillas and chimpanzees but also boasts thriving populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs across its national parks and reserves.

From the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the elusive leopards of Murchison Falls and the wild cheetahs of Kidepo Valley, Uganda offers some of East Africa’s most authentic and uncrowded big cat encounters. Here are the top destinations in Uganda where you can witness these incredible predators in their natural environment.

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Realm of Tree-Climbing Lions

Located in the western part of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is perhaps the country’s most famous destination for big cat sightings. Covering over 1,900 square kilometers of savannah, forest, and wetlands, this park is teeming with life — including Uganda’s most iconic predators.

The Ishasha Sector, in the southern part of the park, is world-renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions — one of only two places in Africa where this phenomenon occurs (the other being Lake Manyara in Tanzania). These lions can often be seen draped lazily across the branches of giant fig trees, resting from the heat of the day while keeping watch for unsuspecting prey below.

Big Cat Highlights:

• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

• Leopards spotted around Kasenyi plains and Mweya Peninsula

• Night game drives to see nocturnal hunters in action

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February (dry seasons)

2. Murchison Falls National Park – The Land of Leopards and Lions

Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, Murchison Falls National Park, is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The park is bisected by the River Nile, creating a dramatic landscape of rolling savannah and riverine forest where predators thrive.

Here, lions patrol the open plains in search of kob and buffalo, while leopards stealthily stalk the woodlands near the Nile’s banks. It’s also one of the best places in Uganda to see the full drama of predator-prey interactions, with frequent sightings during early morning and evening game drives.

Big Cat Highlights:

• High chance of spotting lions on the Buligi and Queen’s Tracks

• Leopards commonly seen near the delta and in forested areas

• Night game drives offer glimpses of nocturnal cats like genets and civets

Best Time to Visit: December to February and June to September

Bonus Experience: Take a sunset boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls — where wildlife, including lions and elephants, gather to drink along the riverbanks.

3. Kidepo Valley National Park – The Kingdom of Cheetahs

Tucked away in Uganda’s far northeast, Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Africa’s last true wildernesses. Vast, untouched, and remote, it’s a park where the big cats still roam free and wild — often without another vehicle in sight.

Kidepo is Uganda’s only park where cheetahs are regularly seen, particularly across the golden Narus Valley. The park’s open grasslands provide ideal hunting grounds for these swift predators, as well as for lions and leopards that share the landscape.

Big Cat Highlights:

• Cheetahs hunting on the open plains

• Large lion prides resting under acacia trees

• Leopards near rocky outcrops and riverbeds

Best Time to Visit: November to March and June to September

Why Go: Kidepo offers a raw, untamed safari experience with stunning scenery and abundant wildlife — without the crowds found in other East African destinations.

4. Lake Mburo National Park – The Leopard Haven

Though smaller than other parks, Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda is one of the best places to see leopards. The park’s mosaic of woodlands and grasslands provides perfect camouflage for these stealthy cats, making sightings common during dawn and dusk drives.

Lions are rarely seen here, but Lake Mburo is home to spotted hyenas and smaller carnivores such as servals and civets. Its proximity to Kampala (about 3–4 hours’ drive) makes it an excellent short safari destination for travelers with limited time.

Big Cat Highlights:

• High leopard density — best seen during early morning and night drives

• Occasional hyenas and servals

• Excellent birdwatching and scenic beauty

Best Time to Visit: June to August and December to February

5. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve – Emerging Big Cat Territory

In Uganda’s eastern Karamoja region lies the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, an expansive wilderness that’s gaining recognition for its wildlife recovery. Once depleted, the reserve is now home to lions, leopards, and cheetahs making a steady comeback.

Its remote nature and low tourist numbers make it ideal for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experiences. The sweeping savannah, rocky outcrops, and semi-arid climate resemble northern Kenya’s landscapes, offering a unique setting for big cat spotting.

Big Cat Highlights:

• Increasing sightings of cheetahs and leopards

• Lions returning as populations recover

• Excellent for photographers seeking raw wilderness scenes

Best Time to Visit: December to March and June to September

6. Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve – Hidden Leopard Territory

This lesser-known reserve near Fort Portal offers a mix of tropical forest and savannah, providing perfect conditions for leopards. Though sightings are rare, the chance of seeing a leopard slinking through the forest edge at dusk adds a sense of mystery and excitement to your safari.

Big Cat Highlights:

• Leopards along the forest-savannah transition zones

• Smaller cats like servals and genets

• Great birding and primate diversity

Best Time to Visit: December to February and June to September

Tips for Spotting Big Cats in Uganda

• Go for early morning and evening drives: Big cats are most active during cooler hours.

• Book guided night drives: Especially in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo for nocturnal sightings.

• Stay at strategic lodges: Lodges near lion territories or forest edges increase your chances.

• Be patient: Big cat sightings require time, silence, and sharp eyes.

• Visit multiple parks: Each park offers a unique environment and predator experience.

Uganda might be best known for its gorillas and chimpanzees, but its big cat experiences are among the most rewarding in East Africa. From the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the sleek cheetahs of Kidepo and the secretive leopards of Murchison, every encounter feels intimate and authentic — often without another vehicle in sight.

In Uganda, safaris still feel wild, personal, and untamed — just as they were meant to be. For travelers seeking both the majesty of the savannah and the depth of Africa’s wilderness, Uganda’s big cat destinations offer the perfect balance of drama and discovery