Table of Contents
Introduction
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was told that we would be doing a Game Drive in Uganda. What is a Game Drive you ask? Well is it usually a combined safari trip with a long journey. It can also be written as gamedrive, and it is essentially a 4×4 vehicles that is driven by a guided tour through the wildelife.
If you’ve ever dreamed of going on safari, Uganda may not be the first destination that comes to mind. Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania usually steal the spotlight. But trust me, a game drive in Uganda is just as magical, if not so much more because it feels raw, authentic, and far less crowded. I have done a fair amount of Game Drives and safaris around Africa, including the ones already mentioned above I have also done one in Senegal and I have to say both Uganda and Senegal were my absolute favorite.
When I went on my game drive, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What would I see? Will it be the Big Five? Would it feel as epic as the famous Maasai Mara? By the end of the Game Drive, I was blown away and Uganda had completely stolen my heart. From elephants grazing along the savannah to lions basking in the sun, the experience was truly unforgettable. Today I will be sharing what to expect on a Game Drive in Uganda.
Related post – Uganda Travel Guide: How to Spend 5 Magical Days
Preparing for a Ugandan Safari/Game Drive
Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa,” and once you’re out in its national parks, you’ll understand why. The country is filled with lush greenery throughout. I was surprised to never see such beauty online of Uganda. The open plains, lakes, hot springs and mountains and then the game drive wrapped into a safari experience was truly beautiful. You can read my full Ugandan travel guide here – Uganda Travel Guide: Visas Processing to Rolex Wraps.
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons (Dec–Feb and Jun–Sept) as are ideal for spotting wildlife. I went in May during the bank holiday and while it is during their rainy season I didn’t see much rain at all. I guess that is climate change in full effect.
The popular safari parks include:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (tree-climbing lions)
- Murchison Falls (Nile River and big game) – this is the one we did which you can book here.
- Kidepo Valley (remote and untouched)
- Lake Mburo (zebras and antelope).
Worth noting that you should expect park entry fees, plus safari packages ranging from budget group tours to luxury lodges. However, this should be included in the tour you have booked.
The Journey to the Park
Travelling through Uganda and reaching the parks was such a beautiful part of the adventure. I travelled right from Rwanda crossing borders into Uganda. The journey was truly memorable and one I will certainly live to tell the grandchildren. The Ugandan countryside is stunning, with rolling hills, banana plantations, and roadside markets selling fresh roasted corn and fruit.
My Game Drive Experience
Waking up before sunrise, I was buzzing with anticipation. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. The night before I had been told that I will be going on a Game Drive and I don’t know why I didn’t put two and two together.
Within minutes of setting out in the morning, I was rewarded with my first sighting a herd of elephants gently grazing by the roadside. Not long after, we spotted buffalo, antelopes, and hippos wallowing lazily in the water. And then came the lions my favourite animal because they are majestic, powerful, and completely at ease in their own territory.
What stood out most about Uganda’s safari experience was the peace. Unlike busier parks, there weren’t convoys of vehicles crowding around every animal sighting. It was just us, our tour guide, and the wilderness. It felt personal, raw, and unfiltered. I truly loved the experience and would highly recommend going if you haven’t been before.
Pro tip: Morning drives are your best bet for active wildlife. By afternoon, most animals are resting in the shade.
Beyond the Game Drive
Uganda’s safaris aren’t just about the drive. Many parks offer boat safaris like the iconic launch trip along the Nile in Murchison Falls. Here you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants gathering at the water’s edge. This was my absolute amazing as I hadn’t done something like this before.
There are also community visits, birdwatching opportunities (Uganda has over 1,000 bird species), and breathtaking views like the thunderous Murchison Falls themselves, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging 40 meters.
Your accommodation can also add to the experience, whether it’s a rustic campsite, a charming lodge, or a luxury retreat overlooking the savannah. We stayed at the Murchison Falls Bamboo Village which was very close to the falls.
My Top Tips for a Game Drive in Uganda
- Book a reputable operator – do your research or go with trusted lodge tours.
- Start early – starting at sunrise is prime time for sightings and catching the big 5
- Wear neutral colours – beige, khaki, or olive as they will help you blend into the environment.
- Pack binoculars & a camera – zoom lenses make a huge difference.
- Carry water & snacks – drives can last 2–4 hours depending what you see.
- Be patient – wildlife is unpredictable, but that’s the beauty of it.
- Respect the environment – keep your distance from animals and follow your guide’s advice.
Conclusion
Have I convinced you to do a game drive in Uganda? A game drive in Uganda is more than just a checklist of animals, it’s a whole experience, immersing yourself in nature, disconnecting from the noise, and experiencing Africa in a way that feels both wild and welcoming.
If you’ve been considering a safari, don’t just stop at Kenya or Tanzania, add Uganda to your bucket list. Whether it’s the tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the thunder of Murchison Falls, or simply the quiet magic of the savannah at sunrise, Uganda will leave you in awe.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure to subscribe for more travel stories, tips, and guides. And if you want a separate post of my time at the Murchison Falls let me know in the comments below.
Speak soon,
MBV x
