Night Game Drives in Uganda: Where to Find Them and What to Expect

Night game drives are among the most thrilling safari experiences Uganda has to offer. While daytime safaris allow travelers to see classic wildlife like elephants, lions, buffalo, and antelopes, night game drives reveal an entirely different side of the African bush one that comes alive after sunset. From nocturnal predators on the hunt to shy mammals rarely seen during the day, night drives are a unique addition to any Uganda safari.

This article explores what night game drives are, how they work, where you can enjoy them in Uganda, safety considerations, and what wildlife you’re likely to see.

What Are Night Game Drives?

A night game drive is a guided wildlife viewing experience conducted after dark, usually starting around 6:30–7:00 PM. Vehicles are equipped with high-powered spotlights, and a trained ranger or guide helps identify animals and ensure safety.

Night drives allow you to observe:

• Nocturnal animals that only come out after sunset
• Predators such as lions or leopards becoming more active
• Hippos leaving the water to graze
• Unique night sounds and behaviors of the bush

Because animals behave differently at night, these drives offer a perspective completely unlike daytime game drives.

Where to Do Night Game Drives in Uganda

Night safaris are strictly regulated in Uganda and are only offered in certain national parks. The following are the main parks where visitors can legally and safely enjoy night game drives.

1. Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is the most established location for night game drives in Uganda. The park is compact, easily accessible, and home to a wide variety of nocturnal wildlife.

Highlights:

•  Best place to spot leopards, which are active at night
• Frequent sightings of hyenas, genets, civets, bush pigs, and porcupines
• Hippos can be seen grazing outside the water
• Drives usually last 2–3 hours

Lake Mburo is the top recommendation for travelers seeking a reliable and exciting night safari experience.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are conducted mainly on the Mweya Peninsula, an area known for its dense wildlife population.

Highlights:

• Chances to spot lions, leopards, and hyenas
• Regular sightings of mongoose, civets, serval cats, and bush babies
• Hippos emerge to graze along road edges
• Excellent for bird lovers who enjoy nightjar species and other nocturnal birds

Although less common around the Kasenyi plains, the Mweya region remains one of the best places for nighttime exploration.

3. Murchison Falls National Park

Night game drives are also offered in certain regions of Murchison Falls, especially in the northern savannah where animals are more active.

Highlights:

• Possible encounters with leopards, hyenas, porcupines, and genets
• Hippos and sometimes elephants near water sources
• One of the best places for spotting nocturnal hunters in action

Due to the park’s large size, sightings vary from one region to another, but guided night drives here are spectacular for adventurous safari goers

What Wildlife Can You See on a Night Game Drive?

Night game drives reveal animals rarely seen during the day. Common nocturnal sightings include:

Predators

• Leopards
• Lions
• Hyenas (spotted and striped)

Small Nocturnal Mammals

• Civets
• Genets
• Bush babies
• White-tailed mongooses
• Serval cats
• Porcupines
• Bush pigs

Large Mammals

• Hippos (grazing)
• Buffalo (resting)
• Elephants (occasionally active at night)

No two night drives are the same, and the unpredictability adds to the excitement.

How Night Game Drives Work

Here’s what travelers should know before heading out:

1. Must Be Guided by Rangers

All night game drives in Uganda require the presence of a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger or licensed guide. This ensures safety and compliance with park rules.

2. Specially Equipped Vehicles

Night drives use vehicles fitted with:

• Spotlights
• Open or pop-up roofs
• Radios for communication

Visitors are not allowed to self-drive in the park after dark.

3. Duration and Timing

Night drives usually begin around 6:30–7:00 PM and last between 2 to 3 hours.

4. Safety Protocols

Guides provide strict instructions such as:

• Staying in the vehicle at all times
• Avoiding loud noises or sudden movements
• Not shining lights directly into animals’ eyes

When these rules are followed, night game drives are very safe.

Tips for Enjoying a Night Game Drive

• Wear neutral-colored clothing (to avoid attracting insects)
• Bring insect repellent
• Carry a light jacket (nights can be cool)
• Use a camera with low-light or night vision capability
• Keep quiet and follow guide instructions carefully

How to Book a Night Game Drive in Uganda

Night game drives can be booked through:

• Reputable safari lodges inside or near the parks
• Licensed tour operators
• Uganda Wildlife Authority offices at park entrance gates

Many safari companies also include night game drives as optional add-ons in their itineraries.

Are Night Game Drives Worth It?

Absolutely. Night game drives in Uganda offer one of the most thrilling and unique safari experiences in East Africa. Whether you’re hoping to see leopards hunting, hippos grazing, or rare nocturnal mammals emerging from the shadows, nighttime safaris reveal a captivating world that daytime visitors often miss.

With only a handful of parks offering this experience—Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls—night drives remain special, intimate, and unforgettable.