7 (Best) National Parks for Game Drives in Uganda 2024

7 (Best) National Parks for Game Drives in Uganda are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park. 7 (Best) National Parks for Game Drives in Uganda give you exceptional unforgettable Wildlife Safaris on Car Rental Safari with varying car rental deals i.e long term car rental, short term car rental, car rental with a driver guide as a travellers on solo safari, or in groups.

Uganda is known for its incredible biodiversity and offers some excellent opportunities for game drives to see a wide range of wildlife, including the iconic African Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). Here are some of the best parks for game drives in Uganda:

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This park is one of the most famous in Uganda and offers diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and dense forests. You can find a variety of animals here, including lions, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The park is named after Queen Elizabeth II and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Here’s what you can expect from game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• Wildlife: The park is home to a rich diversity of animals, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species such as Uganda kob, waterbuck, and bushbuck. The Ishasha sector of the park is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions, which is a unique behavior not often seen elsewhere.
• Birdlife: Queen Elizabeth National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 600 bird species recorded. You can spot various eagles, storks, herons, kingfishers, and more. The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects two lakes, is especially rich in birdlife.
• Game Drives: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are typically conducted in open-sided safari vehicles, allowing for excellent visibility. The park offers both morning and evening game drives, each with its own unique experiences. During the morning drive, you can witness predators on the move and spot animals as they begin their daily activities. Evening drives offer the chance to see nocturnal animals and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the savannah.
• Boat Safari: In addition to game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat safari is a must-do activity. This boat cruise offers a different perspective and allows you to get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the shores of the channel.

Murchison Falls National Park

Located in northern Uganda, this park is home to a healthy population of lions, elephants, giraffes, and numerous bird species. The highlight of the park is the Murchison Falls, where the Nile River narrows and plunges through a narrow gorge. Murchison Falls National Park is another incredible destination for game drives in Uganda. Here’s what you can expect from game drives in Murchison Falls National Park:

• Wildlife: The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. The park is also a great place for bird watching, with over 450 bird species recorded, including the iconic shoebill stork.
• Game Drives: Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are typically conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles with knowledgeable guides. The park offers both morning and evening game drives, each providing different opportunities for wildlife sightings. The Nile Delta area and the Buligi Peninsula are known for their concentrations of wildlife.
• Boat Safari: The Nile River boat cruise to Murchison Falls is a highlight of visiting the park. This boat safari takes you close to the riverbanks where you can see animals coming to drink, as well as hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The cruise culminates at the base of the Murchison Falls, allowing you to witness the powerful rush of water.

Kidepo Valley National Park

This park is tucked away in the northeastern corner of Uganda and is known for its rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife. It’s a great place to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and various species of antelope. Here’s what you can expect from game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park:

• Wildlife: Kidepo Valley National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various antelope species. The park’s remote location has contributed to the preservation of its unique ecosystem.
• Game Drives: Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park offer a truly authentic and off-the-beaten-path safari experience. The park’s expansive savannah plains and valleys provide ample opportunities to spot wildlife. The Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley are two main game viewing areas within the park, each offering its own distinct landscapes and wildlife.
• Cultural Interaction: The park is located in an area where the Karamojong and IK tribes live. This presents an opportunity to learn about and interact with local communities, gaining insight into their traditional way of life.
• Bird Watching: Kidepo Valley National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 475 bird species recorded. It’s a great place to see raptors, ostriches, and many other avian species.
• Scenic Views: The park’s remote location and varied landscapes provide breathtaking views of savannah, mountains, and valleys. The Lomej Mountains offer an excellent vantage point to soak in the park’s beauty.

Lake Mburo National Park

This is one of the smaller national parks in Uganda but offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife on foot as well as on game drives. It’s a good place to see zebras, impalas, and elands. Here’s what you can expect from game drives in Lake Mburo National Park:

• Wildlife: Lake Mburo National Park may be smaller compared to some other parks in Uganda, but it still offers a rich variety of wildlife. You can expect to see animals such as zebras, impalas, elands, topis, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. The park is also home to a healthy population of leopards and hyenas.
• Game Drives: Game drives in Lake Mburo National Park are a unique experience because the park is one of the few places in Uganda where you can do guided walks. Walking safaris provide an opportunity to get closer to the wildlife and observe smaller creatures and tracks.
• Boat Safari: The park’s centerpiece is Lake Mburo, and a boat safari on the lake offers a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and other aquatic life up close.
• Bird Watching: Lake Mburo is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 350 bird species recorded, including the rare African finfoot and a variety of waterbirds.
• Scenic Landscapes: The Park’s varied landscapes, from acacia woodlands to grassy valleys, offer picturesque scenery that can be enjoyed during your game drives.
• Accommodation: The park offers various accommodation options, including lodges and campsites. Some accommodations offer beautiful views of Lake Mburo.
• Horseback Safaris: Lake Mburo National Park is one of the few places in Uganda where you can go on guided horseback safaris, providing a unique perspective and a quieter approach to wildlife.
• Cultural Encounters: The park is located near the Banyankole community, providing an opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions.

Semuliki National Park

Located in western Uganda, Semuliki is known for its lush forests and unique wildlife. You might spot elephants, chimpanzees, and various bird species during your game drives here. It’s a unique and less-visited park known for its lush tropical rainforests, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Here’s what you can expect from game drives in Semuliki National Park:

• Wildlife: While Semuliki National Park is not as renowned for traditional game drives as some other parks in Uganda, it still offers the opportunity to spot various wildlife species. You might encounter elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys, forest buffalo, bushbucks, and various bird species, including the famous African grey parrots.
• Game Drives and Nature Walks: While game drives are not as common in Semuliki as in other parks, guided nature walks are a popular way to explore the forest and its unique ecosystems. Experienced guides can help you spot wildlife, learn about the park’s flora and fauna, and explore the hot springs.
• Hot Springs: The park is famous for its hot springs, particularly the Sempaya Hot Springs. These hot springs are a fascinating natural phenomenon and offer an interesting contrast to the surrounding rainforest.
• Bird Watching: Semuliki National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded. The dense forest provides a habitat for various forest-dwelling birds, making it a great destination for bird enthusiasts.
• Cultural Experience: The Batwa people, who were traditionally forest dwellers, live near the park and offer cultural experiences that provide insights into their way of life and traditional practices.
• Scenic Beauty: The park’s lush rainforests, rivers, and hot springs contribute to its scenic beauty. The landscape is particularly captivating and different from the savannahs of other Ugandan parks.

Kibale National Park

While primarily known for its chimpanzee tracking, Kibale National Park also offers game drives where you can see elephants, buffaloes, and other primates. Kibale National Park is renowned as one of the best places for primate tracking and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Located in the western part of the country, it is known for its diverse range of primates and lush tropical rainforest. While it’s not primarily focused on traditional game drives like some other parks, Kibale offers unique experiences for primate enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here’s what you can expect from a visit to Kibale National Park:

• Primate Tracking and Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale National Park is famous for its population of chimpanzees, and chimpanzee trekking is a major activity here. Guided treks take you into the forest to observe and learn about these intelligent and fascinating primates. In addition to chimpanzees, the park is home to several other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Primate tracking allows you to witness the behaviors and interactions of these creatures up close.
• Bird Watching: The park boasts over 350 bird species, making it a great destination for bird enthusiasts. You can spot a variety of forest and water-associated birds as you explore the park’s habitats.
• Nature Walks: While not exactly traditional game drives, guided nature walks provide opportunities to explore the forest, learn about its flora and fauna, and appreciate the beauty of the ecosystem.
• Cultural Encounters: Kibale is located in an area with diverse local communities. Some tour operators offer opportunities to engage with local people and learn about their traditions and way of life.
• Scenic Beauty: Kibale National Park’s lush rainforest, rolling hills, and diverse landscapes contribute to its scenic appeal.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

This park is famous for its mountain scenery and trekking opportunities. While it’s not a traditional game drive destination, it offers a unique experience to spot wildlife adapted to higher altitudes.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a unique and lesser-known national park located in western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, high-altitude ecosystems, and challenging trekking opportunities. While it’s not a traditional game drive destination, it offers a completely different type of experience for those interested in mountain scenery and alpine environments. Here’s what you can expect from a visit to Rwenzori Mountains National Park:

• Mountain Landscapes: Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to the Rwenzori Range, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon.” These mountains are characterized by rugged terrain, glaciers, valleys, and lush vegetation. The park’s peaks are among the highest in Africa.
• Trekking and Climbing: The park is famous for its challenging trekking and climbing routes. Treks in the Rwenzori Mountains take you through various ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine zones. The highlight of the trek is reaching Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, the highest peak of the range.
• Unique Flora and Fauna: The high-altitude ecosystems of the Rwenzori Mountains are home to unique plant species, including giant lobelias and groundsel plants. The park also supports various animal species, including duikers, hyraxes, and a variety of bird species.
• Scenic Views: The trekking routes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including valleys, lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
• Cultural Interaction: The Park is located near the Bakonjo community, and some trekking routes pass through their villages, providing opportunities for cultural interaction and learning about local traditions.