Night Game Drives In Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are one of the most underrated yet rewarding activities in the park. The park, located in western Uganda, was established in 1952 and named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain during her visit in 1954. It boasts incredible biodiversity, including over 605 bird species and 96 mammal species such as leopards, hippos, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Many of these animals are most active at night.
Night game drives, also known as nocturnal game drives, involve guided tours led by an armed ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These rangers ensure your safety while providing insights into the various animal and bird species you encounter.
In Uganda, there are only four national parks where you can experience night game drives: Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The night game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park takes place in the Mweya Peninsula on the northeastern shores of Lake Edward, where it meets the Kazinga Channel. This area is particularly favorable for viewing nocturnal wildlife because it is less crowded than the Kasenyi Plains during the day.
Night Game Drive Experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are an exciting adventure that allow tourists to explore the hidden gems of the park’s nocturnal wildlife under the stars. This unique experience offers the chance to observe rare animals that are difficult to spot during the day, as they are most active at night while hunting or wandering the park.
These night drives typically take place after sundown and last about 2 to 3 hours. They provide an excellent opportunity to see elusive animals such as leopards, which are shy and tend to sleep during the day but are more active at night. Hippos, which spend the day submerged in water, can also be seen grazing. Hyenas may be observed looking for prey or carrying their catches, and lions are often active at night as they patrol their territories or carry prey. Additionally, you might spot serval cats, civets, genets, and bush babies, all of which become active in the darkness.
The sounds of nocturnal birds, like Verreaux’s eagle owl, white-backed night heron, and standard-winged nightjar, also enhance this experience. If you’re looking for a true African safari, a night game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must-do activity that promises a memorable adventure in the Pearl of Africa.
Cost of a Night Game Drive in the Park.
A night game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park costs $30 for foreign non-residents, $20 for foreign residents, and 30,000 UGX for East African Community (EAC) members. It is recommended to hire a ranger guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which costs an additional $20. The minimum age for participating in night game drives is 15 years. Guests interested in this activity should book early. If you prefer to take a night game drive in a Uganda Wildlife Authority vehicle, the costs are $40 for foreign non-residents, $35 for foreign residents, and 40,000 UGX for EAC members. The vehicle is permitted only for groups of at least 3 foreign non-residents or 5 foreign residents or EAC members.
Best Time to do Night Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for a night game drive is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and from June to September. During these months, there is little to no rainfall, resulting in dry trails that provide easy access to the roads in the park. The short grass also makes it easier to spot animals. During the dry seasons, animals are drawn to the Kazinga Channel, as it serves as a vital water source. Therefore, you will have a higher chance of seeing wildlife along the Kazinga Channel.
