Game Drive Safaris in Uganda

Game Drive Safaris in Uganda : A guided safari game drive in Uganda and other African destinations involves traversing a savannah park in a four-by-four safari vehicle, accompanied by an expert local guide, while observing wild animals. A game drive in Uganda is a highlight of any classic safari, taking you deep into the natural wilderness and bringing you closer to both the big and small animals within the protected areas, all while enjoying the comfort of a safari 4×4 vehicle. Uganda is often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, renowned for its diverse tourist attractions, including wildlife, lakes, mountains, rivers, and a rich cultural heritage.

Uganda boasts 10 remarkable national parks, each showcasing a rich variety of wildlife species. A game drive in Uganda reveals a variety of diverse wildlife species, positioning Uganda as one of the premier game drive destinations in Africa. A game drive safari in Uganda will lead you to a variety of savannah national parks, including;

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out as one of Uganda’s renowned national parks, celebrated for its rich wildlife, including the iconic tree-climbing lions. This remarkable national park was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and was renamed two years later to honor a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Situated in western Uganda, it covers an impressive area of around 1,978 square kilometers. This park showcases breathtaking savannahs, serene lakes, and vibrant forests.

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park typically take place in the Kasenyi plains, Mweya peninsula, or Ishasha sector. These drives can be scheduled for early morning when animals are more active or in the afternoon when wildlife is at its peak activity. On these excursions, guests may encounter elephants, African buffalo, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, giant forest hog, leopard, spotted hyena, and a variety of antelopes. The park features the renowned tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, offering an exhilarating experience for visitors. Bird enthusiasts have the opportunity to observe more than 600 bird species, such as the Shoebill, Great Blue Turaco, Gray-crowned Crane, Black-headed Gonolek, Great White Pelican, Grey Crowned Crane, Long-crested Eagle, Yellow-throated Longclaw, and Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, among others.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northwestern region of Uganda. Founded in 1952, it spans approximately 3,893 square kilometers, rendering it the largest national park in the nation. The park features the stunning Murchison Falls, where the Nile River powerfully flows through a narrow crevice in the rocks. Murchison Falls National Park boasts a variety of safari tracks that are utilized for game viewing experiences. The tracks include the Victoria track, Buligi track, Chobe track, and Albertine delta track. The primary route for game drives is situated between the Victoria Nile delta and Paraa Safari Lodge.

Game drives can be experienced during the refreshing morning hours or the gentle evening light. Visitors are likely to encounter elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes, as well as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and various species of monkeys. The park features a variety of habitats, ranging from grassy plains to riverine forests, which in turn support a vibrant bird population. During a game drive safari, you may encounter various bird species, including the hoe bill, kingfishers, pied giant malachite, francolin, grey heron, woodpecker, warblers, ducks, geese, and many others, making it an essential destination for birdwatchers.

Kidepo Valley National Park

A game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park stands out as a primary safari activity in this remarkable destination. Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the remote, rugged, semi-arid valleys in the northeast of Uganda, close to the border with South Sudan. Kidepo stands as Uganda’s most remote national park, yet those who embark on the lengthy trek north through the untamed frontier of Karamoja would concur that it is equally the most breathtaking, as Kidepo is considered one of Africa’s premier wilderness areas. Designated as a national park in 1962, it spans 1,442 square kilometers and presents a breathtaking landscape of rugged mountains and expansive savannahs. This park sees fewer visitors than others, offering an authentic experience of the wild. The early morning or late afternoon is the perfect time for game drives.

The morning game drive begins promptly at 6:00 am, maximizing the opportunity to spot big cats until evening. Game drives can be scheduled at any time throughout the day and typically follow the main trails of Narus Valley and the seasonal Kidepo Valley River. Visitors have the opportunity to witness large herds of elephants, buffalos, spotted hyenas, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, bat-eared foxes, Rothschild’s giraffes, and occasionally even cheetahs in their natural habitat. Kidepo Valley’s distinctive landscape and abundant wildlife create an ideal destination for anyone in search of a genuine safari adventure.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, was established in 1983 and spans roughly 370 square kilometers. This park features beautiful landscapes, showcasing rolling hills and a serene lake. Throughout the daytime game drives in Lake Mburo National Park, visitors can explore a variety of game tracks, including the Zebra Track, Kigambira Loop Trail, Kazuma Track, and Lakeside Track. Game drives are most enjoyable during the early morning or late afternoon, as this is when animals tend to be more active. During these drives, tourists can anticipate sightings of elands, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, warthogs, impalas, bushbucks, topi, and hyenas, along with a variety of birds such as the African finfoot, African wattled lapwing, Bare-faced go-away-bird, Bateleur, Black-bellied bustard, Papyrus gonolek, Grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, and Yellow-rumped tinker bird, among others. The park offers exploration options beyond just vehicles; guided walking safaris provide a unique perspective on its natural beauty.

Best time to go for game drive safaris in Uganda

Game drive safaris in Uganda can be enjoyed year-round, but the most fulfilling experience occurs during the dry season. At this time, the grass is often short and rainfall is scarce, which can affect animal sightings as the fascinating wildlife tends to conceal themselves. During this time, wildlife species are often observed meeting around the waterbodies and foraging in the savannah grasslands within the national parks.