Day & Night Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park mainly take place in Kasenyi Plains, the Ishasha area, the Channel Drive Circuit, and the crater region. These areas give tourists a real wildlife experience.
Game drives are done in two shifts: one in the morning and another in the evening. Morning drives are a great time to see early risers as they begin their day searching for food. Evening drives are also rewarding because many animals return to their resting places, making them easier to spot.
During the drive, especially in the Kasenyi area, you can see many animals up close. However, night drives are not allowed in Kasenyi due to the large number of tourists during the day. The animals are given time to rest at night.
Night drives are available in other areas like Mweya Peninsula. Here, you can see nocturnal animals moving around in search of food. These drives are led by experienced guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The guides ensure your safety and take you to places where animals are most active.
During the drive, the guides share useful information about Uganda’s animals, including the Big Five: elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and more. They also help you spot animals at waterholes, thick bushlands, and other key areas. Along the way, they tell stories about the park’s history, local traditions, and conservation efforts.
You can rent safari vehicles at the park entrance. These are usually 4×4 vehicles or minibuses that carry between five to twelve people, including the driver.
It takes about one hour to drive from Mweya to Kasenyi Plains, where you may see lions hunting Uganda kobs. From Kasenyi, you continue through open plains toward the fishing village of Kisenyi, located on the western shore of Lake George. This gives you a chance to meet local people and learn about their way of life.