Game Drive Safaris In Uganda : A guided safari game drive in Uganda and any other destination in Africa is basically driving through a savannah park in a four-by-four safari vehicle, guided by an expert local guide, viewing wild animals. A game drives in Uganda is a highlight any classic Uganda safari taking you deep into the natural wilderness and getting you closer to the big and small animals within the protected using a comfortable safari 4×4 wheel vehicle. Uganda is known as a Pearl of Africa and it is blessed with numerous tourist attractions such as wildlife, lakes, mountains, rivers and abundant culture.
Uganda is also home to 10 incredible national parks all gifted with diverse wildlife species. A game drive in Uganda will expose you to various diverse wildlife species ranking Uganda of the top game drive destination in Africa. Game drive safari in Uganda will take you to various savannah national parks such as;
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the famous national parks in Uganda because of its diverse wildlife including the famous tree climbing lions. This incredible national park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed two years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. It is located in western Uganda and spans an impressive area of approximately 1,978 square kilometers. This park features stunning savannahs, lakes, and lush forests.
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park are commonly done in Kasenyi plains, Mweya peninsula or Ishasha sector and they can either be done very early in the morning when animals are more active or in the afternoon when wildlife is most active. During these excursions, visitors might see elephant, African buffalo, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, giant forest hog, leopard, spotted hyena and various antelopes. The park is also home to the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, which are a thrilling sight. Bird enthusiasts can relish the chance to spot over 600 bird species, including 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 a national park situated in the northwestern part of Uganda. Established in 1952, it covers around 3,893 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in the country. The park boasts the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically cascades through a narrow gap in the rocks. There are quite a good number of safari tracks in Murchison Falls National Park that are used for safari game viewing. These include the Victoria track, Buligi track, Chobe track, and Albertine delta track. The most commonly used track for game drive is conducted between the Victoria Nile delta and Paraa Safari Lodge.
Game drives can be enjoyed during the cooler morning hours or the softer evening light. Visitors are likely to encounter elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and various species of monkeys. The park’s diverse habitats, from the grassy plains to the riverine forests, also support a rich bird population. Some of the bird species you may sight while on a game drive safari includes, hoe bill, king fishers, pied giant malachite, francolin, grey heron, woodpecker, warblers, ducks, geese, woodpecker and many more, making it a must-visit for birdwatchers.
Kidepo Valley National Park
A Game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the main safari activities to do in Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the remote rugged, semi arid valleys northeast of Uganda, near the border with South Sudan. Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. Established as a national park in 1962 and it covers 1,442 square kilometers and offers a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains and vast savannahs. This park is less visited compared to others, providing a true sense of wilderness. Ideal for game drives is the early morning or late afternoon.
The morning game drive starts very early in the morning at round 6:00am for chances of cats till evening, the game drives can be done at any time of the day and they are normally done along the main trails of the park Narus Valley and the seasonal kidepo valley river. Visitors can observe large herds of elephants, buffalos, potted hyena, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, bat-eared foxes, Rothschild’s giraffe and sometimes even cheetah in their natural habitat. The unique landscape and rich wildlife make Kidepo Valley a perfect spot for those seeking an authentic safari experience.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is situated in western Uganda, it was established in 1983 and covers approximately 370 square kilometers. This park is known for its picturesque landscapes, which include rolling hills and a tranquil lake. During the day game drives in Lake Mburo National Park, there are various game tracks to follow such as the zebra track, Kigambira loop trail, Kazuma track and Lakeside track. Game drives are best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active. During these drives, tourist can expect to see elands, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, warthogs, impalas, bushbucks, topi, hyenas as well as variety of birds, including African finfoot, African wattled lapwing, Bare-faced go-away-bird, Bateleur, Black-bellied bustard, Papyrus gonolek, Grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, Yellow-rumped tinker bird among others. The park can be explored not only by vehicle but also through guided walking safaris, offering a different perspective on its natural beauty.
Best time to go for game drive safaris in Uganda
Game drives safaris in Uganda can be done any time of the year, but the most rewarding time is during the dry season. During this time, the grass tends to be short and there is no rain which tends to interfere with animal sightings since this fascinating wildlife tend to hide away. More so, during this time, wildlife species are commonly seen gathered around the waterbodies and feeding around the savannah grasslands in the national parks.
