Where to embark on thrilling night game drives in Uganda
Where to do night game drives in Uganda; Night game drive is an interesting activity where tourists will be able to explore the savannah plains at night with spotlight torches for clear viewing of nocturnal animals which become active at night. Uganda is a home of 10 national parks namely Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park, kidepo valley national park, Semuliki national park, Lake Mburo national park, Bwindi impenetrable national park, kibale forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Rwenzori national park and Mount Elgon national park. Among the 10 national parks in Uganda, the thrill of a night game drive is exclusively experienced in three: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
Where to embark on exhilarating night game drives in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park situated in the northwestern region of Uganda. The national park is a treasure trove of wildlife, showcasing the majestic big four mammals: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. It is also home to a variety of other animals such as giraffes, waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, warthogs, and a range of primates including chimpanzees, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. Additionally, over 450 bird species have been recorded here, featuring the elusive shoebill stork among them.
The night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park primarily takes place in the northern section of the park, commencing around 6:30 pm. On the night game drive, you will wield spotlight torches and be joined by an armed UWA ranger guide, ready to assist you in spotting nocturnal creatures such as lions, leopards, hyenas, civets, genets, nightjars, bush babies, and even hippos feeding in the moonlight. Murchison Falls National Park presents a variety of captivating activities that visitors can enjoy alongside night game drives, including sport fishing, day game drives, a Nile delta boat cruise, a boat cruise to the base of the falls, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, bird watching, and guided nature walks, among others.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest national park in Uganda, nestled in the western region across the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a captivating destination in Uganda that features the thrilling night game drive, allowing tourists to discover the enchanting savannah plains under the stars.
Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park take place exclusively in the Mweya Peninsula, as the Kasenyi Plains attract numerous tourists during the day. The adventure begins around 6:30 PM, accompanied by an armed ranger guide and spotlight torches to enhance the viewing experience of nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, serval cats, bush babies, Genal, civet, hyenas, and banded mongoose, among others. On the game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will have the chance to see hippos grazing, along with a variety of other wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and warthogs. In addition to thrilling night game drives, Queen Elizabeth National Park presents a variety of exciting activities such as a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, an exhilarating lion tracking experience, captivating bird watching, guided nature walks, and the unforgettable adventure of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, among others.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is the tiniest savannah national park in Uganda, nestled in the western region of Kiruhura district. Lake Mburo National Park is a vibrant habitat teeming with a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, waterbucks, impalas, zebras, oribi, topi, elands, giraffes, bushbucks, warthogs, and more than 350 bird species, featuring the remarkable prehistoric shoebill stork.
As the sun sets, the night game drives in Lake Mburo National Park begin around 7:00 PM. Equipped with spotlight torches and accompanied by an armed UWA ranger guide, you will embark on an exhilarating journey to discover nocturnal creatures such as leopards, hyenas, bush pigs, white-tailed mongooses, side-striped jackals, aardvarks, black galagos, honey badgers, porcupines, and genet cats, while also catching glimpses of hippos and more. Lake Mburo National Park presents a variety of thrilling activities for travelers to immerse themselves in during their safari, including horseback riding, sport fishing, bird watching, boat cruises, guided nature walks, and day game drives, among others.
Pricing for nocturnal safari excursions in Uganda
Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are priced at 30 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 20 USD per person for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens when using a private vehicle. Only pre-registered vehicles are permitted for night game drives, and the use of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is mandatory for these adventures.
When utilizing a vehicle from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park costs 40 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 35 USD per person for foreign residents, and 40,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
The ideal moment for embarking on a night game drive in Uganda
Night game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are available throughout the year, with the ideal time being the dry season in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During these months, the reduced rainfall leads to shorter vegetation, enhancing your chances of spotting nocturnal animals with clarity. In the dry season, the game drive tracks will be clear and accessible, making night drives a thrilling experience.
Where to embark on thrilling night game drives in Uganda
an exhilarating night game drive in Uganda
What essentials should you bring for an evening game drive in Uganda?
When embarking on your night game drive in Uganda, be sure to pack essential items such as spotlight torches, insect repellent, a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, a warm sweater, a camera, and extra batteries, among others.
A night game drive in Uganda is an exhilarating experience that you will not want to overlook during your safari adventure in the country. If you are curious about the best spots for night game drives, feel free to reach out to us!
