Game reserves in Uganda
March 10, 2020
Corona Virus Impact on Uganda Tourism
March 20, 2020
Game Viewing Drives in Uganda
The game drive is part of the safari activities in Uganda. It’s among the major tourist activities done in savannah parks of Uganda. The word game drive is based on two words, namely game and drive. The word game refers to wild animals (animals which are not domesticated) the so-called wildlife. The word drive refers to a drive with a vehicle.
You can do a game drive trip with your own car or hire a car in Uganda. We recommend 4×4 cars with driver and a professional ranger guide from the park officials. Game drive are done in National Parks or Game reserves in Uganda. It’s very important to hire a professional ranger guide to help you explain the wildlife and natural habitat.
Guided game drives mostly take place in the early morning, late afternoon or in the evening because most animals are more active during cooler times of the day.
Early Morning game drives in Uganda
They are conducted very early in the morning under the guidance of rangers. Guests are advised to wake up for breakfast at around 5.30am and set-off for morning game drive at around 6am or 6.30am. It should be noted that some animals are active very early in the morning. It’s also better to see them before returning to their hide-outs. Imagine taking photos of the African sun when raising! Expected animals to see include elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Lions, Antelopes and so on. Also expect to encounter early raising birds while in Ugandan wildness.
Afternoon Game drives in Uganda
Buffaloes seen while on Game drive in Uganda savannah parks
Afternoon game drives start from noon hours – during this time, the weak, lazy animals like squirrels tend to be awake and active in the wildlife reserves and National Parks. It should be noted that late raisers wait for the sun to set to become active. During this time, visitors see animals hunting making it attractive. Most of the reptiles like snakes, Lizards among others are most active in the afternoon.
Night Game drives in Uganda
In Uganda, night game drives are conducted in Semuliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. Each park hosts unique tourist attractions and above all Queen Elizabeth with the tree climbing lion species. Night game drives enable guest to see nocturnal animals like Leopard, sporcupines, Mongoose, bush babies, Pygmy Hippopotamus among other animals which loves darkness.
Nocturnal birds include owls, NightJars and allies among others. In other words, you can call them night moving animals and birds and rarely seen during day. Night moving animals and birds tend to be shy during day but very active at night! You will find them hunting, playing and making funny sounds among others. They have glittering eyes capable of seeing in darkness. Most animals in the cat family fall in this category. Since you move with experts, no worries, your safety is guaranteed.
If you are to enjoy night game drive, prepare to move with 4×4 safari vehicle with spotlights to enable you to see and take photos of creatures in the night. Carry a strong camera with advanced lenses to take clear night photos and films. It’s memorable to view animals in the African wilderness at night! Remember to carry sunscreen, sand bags/bean bags to be able to take clear and steady photos.
Why Uganda game drive?
Uganda is the pearl of Africa gifted by nature! The unique drainage features, topography, sweet climate, the amazing vegetation among other attractions make Uganda a must-visit! Above all visit the National Parks for game drives.
Game drive are seen with the purpose of seeing Uganda’s big five including elephants, lions, Leopards, African cape Buffalo and Rhino. Other big animal sighted while on Uganda game drive include Giraffes. Small ones are Impalas, Kobs, Zebras, Bush pigs, water bucks, Elands to mention but a few. Many bird species are sighted while in Uganda game parks and reserves.
Game dives enable you to enjoy the African sun – take unique photos of the sun when raising and sunsetting. The view of the beautiful relief, amazing drainage features like lakes, Rivers among others. Uganda photos are memorable!
Giraffes in Murchison Falls N.P
A variety of game drive destinations- indeed Uganda has a lot to offer! Kidepo Valley National park is a true African wilderness! Semuliki national park offers both game drive and primate walks, Queen Elizabeth- the second largest park in Uganda with lots of antelope species, the tree-climbing lions and above all the “BIG FIVE”
Murchison Falls National Park- the largest National park in Uganda with the most powerful waterfalls (Murchison Falls). If you want to see a variety of wild animals, visit Murchison national Park.
Game drives enable tourists to see wildlife up-close. The driver must be careful to avoid knocking animals (maintain 40km speed per hour).
A car for night game drive
We recommend 4×4 because some roads in the park are bumpy and 2-wheel drive can get stuck especially when it rains. It should be well ventilated with clear glasses (If any), can be open roof, sunroof or with an adjustable pop-up roof for clear viewing and photography. Its advisable to do a game drive under the guidance of ranger guides because the parks also host carnivorous animals which can feed on you if you give them any chance.
Fill your gas tank (s) because there are no gas stations in the parks. The tires should be well grilled and above all a well-serviced safari car. Prepare to move with a toolbox and spare parts just in case of any fault. For night games drive; the car must be with spotlights to be able to give enough light to see the animals, take clear photos and avoid accidents in the night. If possible, add extra lights.
How is a game drive conducted in Uganda?
4×4 Land cruiser Recommended for Game Drives in Uganda
Sit on the safari vehicle- drive through the National park or a game reserve – close – range viewing of animals, birds, relief features, drainage features, vegetation among others. Take photos/ Films and move to the next destination.
Game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda. Many animals are sighted in Paraa region so, if you are from Kampala, you need to board a ferry to help you cross to the northern region of the park. However, currently, there is a bridge being constructed on the Nile for easy crossing with cars to the northern side of the park. Over 70 mammal species are found in this park including Rothschild’s giraffe, Uganda kob, Cape buffalo, warthogs, waterbucks, elephants, hartebeest, are commonly seen. Large carnivores include lion, leopard and spotted hyena to mention but a few.
Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest in Uganda after Murchison falls. A variety of animals and birds are sighted here. Follow Kasenyi trail, Kazinga channel trail, Ishasha sector and crater lakes region to see a variety mammal such as Hippos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Antelope species among others.
Game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park
This is an interesting activity most liked by the tourist who make it to this park, the park is home to over 80 species of mammals include Burchell’s zebra only seen animal in Kidepo and in Lake Mburo National park, others include, buffaloes, elephants, leopard, lion. Rothschild giraffe, eland to mention but a few.
Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
It’s the smallest savannah park in Uganda. The dominant mammal species here include Zebras, Impalas, Kobs, Giraffes among others. The park is known for hosting many Lakes where a variety of animals are found drinking water at the shores.
Game reserves for Game drives include Pian-Upe among others.
Safari Packages recommended for game drives in Uganda
Below are some of the safari packages to enjoy game drives in Uganda;
10 Day Uganda safari without gorilla tracking
