Are you interested in exploring the outstanding wildlife species in Uganda’s savannah-dominated Protected Areas? Then book your game drive that will introduce you to unique African wilderness experience. The beauty about game drives in Uganda (unlike other popular destinations like South Africa, Kenya and Uganda) is that you will experience smaller visitor numbers thus enjoying a more exclusive game viewing adventure.
What to expect during game drives in Uganda
If you have game drives on your itinerary for Uganda safaris, expect to be up early and head into the wilderness during the misty sunrise, late in the cool evenings or at night because such times are when wildlife are more active thus rewarding jaw-dropping views. Regardless of where your gam viewing experience is based, expect unique experiences, exciting and unexpected wildlife encounters.
Game drives in Uganda usually last anywhere between 3 and 4 hours, while full-day game drives can take over six hours with short breaks for stretching legs, loosening up, and snacking. With the assistance of your safari guide, you will find a convenient place with amazing views of the plains for your breaks. To spice-up your game drive experiences, some accommodation facilities have an option of bush breakfast after early morning game drives as well as sundowners after afternoon game drives.
Game drives are usually undertaken aboard 4WD land cruisers customized with large windows for every seat as well as a roof pop-up for clearer wildlife views and photography.
Which places offer the best game drives in Uganda?
Uganda is presently home to 10 beautiful and exceptional National Parks but only five can be explored via game drives and they include Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park in the western side of the country and these are popular for travelers looking to combine game drives with primate treks in Bwindi or Kibale. Another excellent but often ignored spot is Semliki National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park in the northwestern part of Uganda and the secluded wilderness Kidepo National Park in the extreme northeastern corner are also unmissable during game drives. These two places can be combined on safari packages that last over a week or two.
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives through this Park’s Kasenyi plains in the Northern sector and Southern sector of Ishasha with a knowledgeable safari guide increase chances of spotting big cats especially lions and leopards as well as other wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, Uganda Kobs and Mongoose among others.
While the giant forest hog are unusually difficult to spot, they are exceptional and worth encountering during your game drive. The solitary leopards can be searched across the Kasenyi tracks during day game drives but the night game drives are perfect for finding them.
Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Typical game drives in Uganda’s largest and oldest Protected Area starts with en-route stops at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary while transferring to your safari destination where you get to encounter the southern white Rhinos hence fulfilling your dream of meeting face-to-face with the big five game in the wild. This Park has over 80 mammal species as well as 500 bird species, and one of this top game viewing spots is the Delta point where lots of lions can be spotted. Game drives along Buligi Peninsula and the southern banks are popular for their African elephant herds, Uganda Kobs, Cape buffaloes, Oribis, Rothschild giraffes, Defassa waterbucks and so much more.
Other remarkable places you can visit for game drives in Uganda are Lake Mburo National Park, Semliki National Park, Pian Upe Game Reserve, Kidepo valley National Park, Katonga Wildlife Reserve and many others.
When is the best time of the year to take game drives in Uganda?
Game drives in Uganda are available all year round but different seasons offers varying experiences and views. These safaris during the dry season (June to September and December to February) are marked by exploring shorter grasses and drier landscapes with reduced watering points which provide remarkable experiences as wildlife are easier to sight. For the wet seasons (March to May and October to November), watering points are more scattered and grasses are taller hence animals are difficult to sight. It is for this reason that game drives are preferred during the dry months.