Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park | Morning Game Drive | Evening Game Drive | Night Game Drive |  Game Drive Routes

Uganda is often celebrated for its mountain gorillas, but there’s another jewel tucked away in the northwestern part of the country, Murchison Falls National Park. Sprawling over 3,840 square kilometers, this is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, home to some of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in East Africa. If you’re looking for an authentic African safari, game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are the perfect adventure.

The park is home to over 76 mammal species and 450 bird species. From towering giraffes and herds of buffalo to elusive leopards and roaring lions, the game viewing here is among the best in Uganda. This is the only park in the country where you can find all the “Big Four” (lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), with the elusive rhino viewable at the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Game Drives in Murchison Falls

One of the best ways to experience the wildlife and landscapes of the park is through structured game drives. Game drives in Murchison Falls are conducted during three main periods of the day: morning, evening, and night, each offering its own charm and opportunities.

Morning Game Drive

Early mornings are often the most rewarding time for game drives in Murchison Falls. The animals are more active, the temperatures are cooler, and the golden light of sunrise paints the savannah in breathtaking color.

Game drives typically start around 6:30 AM. With luck, you may spot predators like lions returning from a hunt or leopards slinking back into the bush. Giraffes, elephants, and antelopes are also commonly seen moving through the open grasslands. Bird watchers will appreciate the morning chorus from the park’s hundreds of bird species.

The northern section of the park is especially lively during this time. Guides use their tracking skills and knowledge of animal movements to maximize sightings, making this a must-do for early risers.

Evening Game Drive

Evening game drives in Murchison Falls start around 2:00 PM and continue until dusk. This is the time when the sun casts long shadows, the light is ideal for photography, and animals begin to emerge again after sheltering from the midday heat.

Elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species like waterbucks and Uganda kobs are commonly seen grazing during this time. Predators may also start to become active again, making this another good time to catch a glimpse of lions or hyenas on the move.

Evening drives are perfect for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to end their day with a magical African sunset.

Night Game Drive

For something truly thrilling, night game drives in Murchison Falls offer a completely different perspective. Guided by rangers and armed with spotlights, these drives venture into the park after dark, a time when nocturnal creatures take center stage.

You might encounter elusive animals like bush babies, civets, porcupines, or even leopards on the prowl. The night drive adds an element of suspense and surprise, as every glowing eye or rustle in the bush could be something extraordinary.

Night game drives are only permitted in certain areas and with authorized guides, but they’re highly recommended for anyone wanting a full-circle safari experience.

Game Drive Routes

Game drives in Murchison Falls typically follow established routes based on the park’s layout and animal distribution. The main sectors include:

• Buligi Game Tracks (Northern Sector): This is the most popular area for game drives, known for its high wildlife density and open savannah. It includes the Victoria, Albert, and Queen tracks, which form a triangle offering excellent chances to see big cats, elephants, giraffes, and more.
• Delta Track: This route leads to the Nile Delta, where the river pours into Lake Albert. It’s a haven for birdlife, especially the rare shoebill stork, and a great place to see water-associated wildlife like hippos and crocodiles.
• Southern Sector Tracks: Less trafficked but rich in wildlife, this area offers a quieter experience. The tracks here meander through woodland and savannah, offering sightings of elephants, antelopes, and sometimes leopards. This sector is ideal for travelers seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature.

What to Expect on a Game Drive

Expert Guidance

Your safari vehicle will be led by a professional guide who understands animal behavior, tracks, and the best viewing spots. They help turn an ordinary drive into a rich, informative experience.

Comfortable Vehicles

At katland Safaris, during game drives in Murchison Falls, we use customized 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, ideal for unobstructed viewing and photography. You’ll be able to stand and scan the horizon, binoculars in hand, as you search for wildlife.

In Conclusion, whether it’s the thrill of spotting lions at sunrise, watching elephants at sunset, or feeling the suspense of a night drive under the stars, game drives in Murchison Falls National Park offer a safari experience that rivals any in Africa.

From the diverse ecosystems to the abundance of wildlife and expert guides, this park delivers the very essence of a wild African adventure. If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, don’t miss the chance to explore Murchison Falls by vehicle. It’s one of the best ways to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.