Game Drives in Uganda – Exploring the Pearl of Africa on a Wildlife Safari Game Drive
Uganda is the best place for safari game drives in East Africa and Africa at large. Also known as “The Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a landlocked country located in the eastern region of Africa. The country is neighbors with Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One of the major tourist activities in Uganda is wildlife game drives.
The activity involves travellers moving in a 4×4 safari vehicle and exploring a given safari destination. With the help of experienced tour guides and drivers, travellers get to see several animals, birds, and plant species during the game drives. It is such an epic moment for those who take on trips to Uganda and Africa.
In this article, we will delve into the world of game drives in Uganda, exploring the iconic national parks, the remarkable wildlife encounters, the best times to visit, and the reasons why one should embark on these exhilarating adventures.
Which national park offers the best game drives in Uganda?
Uganda has 10 national parks and the majority of these parks are savannah parks, hence perfect destinations for game drives and wildlife safaris in Uganda. Each of these national parks offers a unique experience and is home to unique tourist attractions. However, some animals are common in all the parks such as warthogs, antelopes, and buffaloes. Below is a list of national parks that offer game drives in Uganda.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Semuliki National Park
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to several animal species. The winding waterways, forests, and savannah plains make the park a perfect home for animals and birds. Taking on a safari game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park gives you a chance to meet animals like tree-climbing lions, elephants, warthogs, buffaloes, and hippos. Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be done in two major sectors that is; the Mweya peninsular or Kasenyi Sector and the Ishasha sector. The Kasenyi sector is famous for having large numbers of elephants and the Kazinga Channel. Kazinga Channel is the waterbody that connects Lake Edward to Lake George. In this region, travellers also visit the Katwe salt mining area for exceptional community tours.
The Ishasha sector on the other hand is famous for being home to the rare tree-climbing lions. During a game drive in the Ishasha sector, travellers get to encounter a pride of lions hunting down prey. It is such a momentous experience that every visitor looks forward to seeing during their Uganda safaris. Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park take place in three phases that is; morning game drives, evening game drives, and night game drives.
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Located in Northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest and the largest national park in Uganda. Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park introduce travellers to 4 of the big 5 animals that is lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. The park is divided into the northern and the southern sectors. The sectors are divided by the world’s longest river – the River Nile. Other animals that one can see during their game drives in Murchison include; zebras, giraffes, warthogs, spotted hyenas, baboons, and antelopes, to mention but a few.
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park can be done in the morning, afternoon, and night.
Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park also known as Africa’s true wilderness is the most isolated national park in Uganda. Located in northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best savannah parks one should not miss during their Uganda safari. It is the only national park in Uganda where one can spot cheetahs.
During a game drive, you will visit the Narus Valley as well as the Kidepo Valley. These places have scenic views and are a true reflection of the African Rift Valley. You will encounter animals like zebras, kudus, Jackson’s heart beasts, Thomson gazelles, and spotted hyenas. It is only in this park that you can spot ostriches in Uganda. You will also meet some of Uganda’s indigenous communities such as the Ik and the Karimajong. Renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and rugged landscapes, the park offers a truly off-the-beaten-path game drive experience.
Game drives in Lake Mburo National Park
Located in Kiruhura district southwestern Uganda along Masaka – Mbarara road, Lake Mburo National Park is a perfect destination for game drives. Forget about the park being the smallest savannah national park in Uganda, it is never small in game drives. During your Lake Mburo game drives, you will visit animal zones like Kigambira Hill, Rwonyo (Salt leak), and the Ruroko area. The park has several tracks that come with scenic views of animals and birds. The game drive tracks in Lake Mburo National Park include; the zebra track, Kazuma track, Ruroko track, Kigambira loop, and the Lakeside track. By following any of these tracks, you will encounter zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, hyenas, gazelles, waterbucks, etc. Lake Mburo National Park is a birders’ haven.
Game drives in Semuliki National Park
Located in western Uganda, Semuliki National Park is also a reliable destination for game drives.
However much the park is not a standout game drive destination like the ones mentioned above, it has something unique to give to visitors.
The park is a renowned birding destination as it is home to some of the elusive bird species. Semuliki National Park is best for night game drives. Through the 3 major trails, you will discover the hidden treasures of the park.
How much is a game drive on a Uganda safari?
All game drives in Uganda national parks are free of charge. All you need to pay is the park entrance fees. Park entrance fees range from $30 to $45 depending on the national park. Talk to your tour operator about your game drives in Uganda for proper planning.
What is the best time to go for game drives in Uganda?
The best time to go for game drives in Uganda is the dry months of June to September and December to February. During this time, the roads are not muddy and animals come out in plain areas thus guaranteeing sightings. However, Uganda’s national parks are open all year round for tourists. The rainy seasons come with added advantages such as crowd-free parks and a reduction in accommodation prices.
Which other safari activities can be combined with game drives in Uganda?
Wildlife safari game drives in Uganda can be combined with other activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, boat excursions, and cycling safaris. Talk to your tour operator to tailor your travel itinerary to fit your travel needs.
Conclusion
Game drives are the best ways to explore Uganda’s wildernesses and savannah plains. Whether it is watching a lioness hunt, witnessing a herd of elephants in their natural habitat, or marvelling at the grace of a leopard, the encounters during game drives create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
