Where to do night game drives in Uganda
Where to do night game drives in Uganda; night game drive is an exceptional activity in Uganda where tourists will get an opportunity to explore the savannah national parks at night with an armed park guide to protect you from any danger and spotlight torches for clear viewing of nocturnal animals. Uganda is one of the most visited destinations in Africa in that it harbors abundant wildlife species and offers interesting safari activities.
There are about 10 protected areas in Uganda and out of the 10 national parks, night game drives are commonly done in three national parks namely Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park.
Where to do night game drives in Uganda
Night game drive is an adventurous activity in Uganda that is carried out in three national parks including,
Night game drive in Murchison falls national park
Murchison falls national park is the largest protected area in Uganda located in northwestern part of Uganda. The national park is divided into two sectors by River Nile that is the northern sector and southern sector. Night game drive in Murchison falls national park is mainly done in the northern sector because it harbors the highest number of wildlife species. Night game drive in the park is done in customized safari vehicles with spotlight torches and it starts at around 20:00hours after dinner accompanied by armed park rangers. During the night game drive, you will be rewarded with great views of nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, lions, porcupines, civet, genets, bush babies, nightjar, views of hippos feeding, enjoy moonlight views in the Albertine Nile, view other animals like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest resting among others.
Night game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park
Queen Elizabeth national park is the second largest protected area located in western part of Uganda in Kasese, Rukungiri, Rubirizi and Kamwenge districts. Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda in that it harbors the famous tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector, other animals like buffaloes, elephants, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, topi, warthogs and over 600 bird species. Night game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park is only done in Mweya peninsula due to the fact that Kasenyi plains receives high numbers of tourists during the day. Night game drive starts at 20:00hours with spotlight torches, services of an armed park ranger and it takes about 2 to 3 hours’ drive in a comfortable tour company vehicle or Uganda Wildlife Authority vehicle. During the night game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park, you will get a chance to view nocturnal animals like leopards, lions and hyenas looking for a night hunt, view civet, bush babies, banded mongoose, serval cats, Genel, view hippos feeding and other animals resting.
Night game drive in Lake Mburo national park
Lake Mburo national park is one of the smallest protected areas located in western part of Uganda. The national park offers the adventurous night game drive where you will be able to view nocturnal which are more active at night with spotlight torches. During the night game drive in Lake Mburo national park which starts at around 20:00hours, you will be accompanied by an armed park ranger who will help you to spot nocturnal animals like bush pigs, hyenas, black galago, genet cats, aardvark, porcupine, honey badger, side stripped jackal, the hare, white tailed mongoose among others.
Cost of a night game drive in Uganda
A night game drive in Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park costs 30 USD per person for foreign non residents, 30 USD per person for foreign residents and 30,000 UGX per person when using a private tour company vehicle and when using Uganda Wildlife Authority a night game drive in Uganda costs 40 USD per person for foreign non residents, 40 USD per person for foreign residents and 40,000 UGX per person for east African citizens. During the night game drive use of Uganda Wildlife Authority guides is mandatory and only pre-registered vehicles will be allowed to undertake the interesting night game drives.
Tourists can book night game drives in Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or book through a trusted tour company like Achieve Global Safaris. Booking through a tour company is however the best option to use in that we will not only book for your night game drive but also organize for your entire safari which includes transportation to and fro Queen Elizabeth national park, accommodation in the park, all meals, and other activities you can engage in during the safari.
What to carry on a night game drive in Uganda
There are a number of items that tourists should carry when going for an adventurous night game drive including
Warm seater to keep you warm during the night game drive as it’s always cold during night hours.
Insect repellent to protect your skin from biting insects such as mosquitos
Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos of the nocturnal animals feeding or looking for a night hunt
Tourists are however advised to wear dull colored clothes during the night game drive as bright colored clothes destruct the nocturnal animals at night
Apart from night game drives, Uganda offers other interesting activities like gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park, wildlife viewing during the day game drives, mountain climbing, boat cruise, bird watching, guided nature walks, sport fishing among others.
For more information on where to do night game drives in Uganda, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various packages.
