Are There Night Game Drives in Uganda?

When most people imagine an African safari, they picture golden savannahs bathed in morning light, herds of elephants crossing dusty plains, or lions lounging lazily beneath acacia trees. But the wild has another side — one that awakens after sunset. As daylight fades and darkness settles over the landscape, a different world emerges, filled with mystery, stealth, and the echoes of nocturnal calls. This is the world of the night game drive, one of the most thrilling safari experiences you can have in Uganda.

So, are there night game drives in Uganda? Absolutely. Uganda is not only known for its mountain gorillas, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, but it also offers some of the most rewarding night game drives in East Africa. These safaris open a rare window into the nocturnal lives of animals that are seldom seen during the day. Whether it’s the glint of a leopard’s eyes in the spotlight, the laughter of hyenas echoing through the plains, or a bushbaby leaping through the trees, night game drives reveal a side of the wilderness few get to witness.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore where you can go for night game drives in Uganda, what you can expect, and why they are a must-add to your safari itinerary.

What Is a Night Game Drive?

A night game drive is a guided safari that takes place after sunset, typically between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Unlike daytime game drives, which rely on natural light, night drives use powerful spotlights to illuminate the bush and reveal nocturnal wildlife. These drives are conducted in open safari vehicles accompanied by expert rangers or guides who know how to track and interpret the movements of animals after dark.

The atmosphere during a night game drive is entirely different from the daytime. The air is cooler, the sounds of insects and frogs fill the night, and the excitement of not knowing what might appear next keeps your senses sharp. It’s a chance to see a whole new range of animals — hunters and foragers that thrive in darkness, from prowling predators to shy nocturnal species.

Why Night Game Drives Are Special

Night game drives offer an intimate and adventurous glimpse into nature’s hidden rhythms. During the day, most large predators rest in the shade, and some animals retreat deep into the thickets. But when darkness falls, the wilderness transforms into an active hunting ground. Lions begin to patrol, leopards stalk quietly through the underbrush, hyenas call to one another, and small mammals like genets and mongooses emerge to feed.

It’s during this time that you’re most likely to spot some of Africa’s elusive creatures — animals like leopards, civets, bushbabies, porcupines, white-tailed mongooses, and even aardvarks. The thrill of catching their glowing eyes in the beam of a spotlight, then watching them vanish into the night, is an experience few will ever forget.

Moreover, night game drives are quieter, calmer, and far less crowded than daytime safaris. The darkness adds an element of suspense and wonder that makes every sighting feel personal and unforgettable.

Where to Go for Night Game Drives in Uganda

Not all national parks in Uganda allow night game drives. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) regulates these activities to minimize disturbance to animals and ensure safety for visitors. However, a few select parks have designated areas where guided night drives are permitted — and they offer some of the most memorable experiences in the country.

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, is the country’s most popular destination for night game drives. Its vast savannahs, open plains, and forested valleys create an ideal setting for spotting nocturnal animals.

The park’s Mweya Peninsula and Kasenyi Plains are particularly productive areas for night drives. Mweya is a peninsula surrounded by the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, where leopards are often seen moving between thickets and termite mounds in search of prey. The area is also home to hyenas, civets, genets, and sometimes even lions on the hunt.

During night drives, the park’s rangers use powerful spotlights to scan the plains, and their trained eyes can quickly spot reflections from animal eyes or detect subtle movement in the shadows. The experience feels almost cinematic — a blend of thrill, anticipation, and quiet respect for the wild.

Apart from predators, you might encounter bushbucks, giant forest hogs, mongooses, and hippos grazing on land. Queen Elizabeth is also famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, although these are usually seen during the day. Still, the park’s combination of rich wildlife and open terrain makes it one of the best places in Uganda for night safaris.

Best time to visit: Dry seasons (December to February and June to September) for better visibility and accessibility.

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls, also offers incredible opportunities for night game drives, particularly in the northern sector, where the savannah is open and wildlife densities are high.

Leopards are often the stars of Murchison’s night drives. As the temperature drops, they emerge from their hiding spots to hunt. You may spot one perched in an acacia tree or padding silently through the grass. Lions, too, are active after dark, and the chances of witnessing a hunt or hearing their powerful roars echoing across the plains are higher during night hours.

Other nocturnal species you might see include spotted hyenas, serval cats, bushbabies, porcupines, and aardvarks — the latter being extremely rare but occasionally sighted.

Night drives in Murchison Falls also offer a chance to appreciate the park’s stunning landscapes under moonlight. The sight of the Nile River glistening in the dark, surrounded by the chorus of frogs and crickets, creates an atmosphere unlike any other safari experience.

Best time to visit: Year-round, though the dry months provide the best road conditions and easier wildlife tracking.

3. Lake Mburo National Park

If you’re short on time but want to experience a night game drive, Lake Mburo National Park is a perfect option. Located just three to four hours from Kampala, it’s the closest savannah park to Uganda’s capital and one of the few where night safaris are actively encouraged.

Because Lake Mburo has no lions or elephants, guided night drives here are safe and highly rewarding. The park’s landscape — a blend of acacia woodlands, rolling hills, and open grasslands — offers excellent visibility for spotting nocturnal wildlife.

Common sightings include leopards, bush pigs, white-tailed mongooses, genets, porcupines, and hippos grazing on the lakeshore. The absence of large predators like lions also means that smaller nocturnal creatures are more active, giving visitors a chance to observe behaviors that are hard to witness elsewhere.

Night drives in Lake Mburo are conducted with trained UWA rangers and are often organized by lodges such as Mihingo Lodge, which has its own professional guiding team. The calm, star-lit setting and sounds of the bush make this one of Uganda’s most atmospheric safari experiences.

Best time to visit: Year-round; night drives are especially magical in the dry season when the skies are clear.

4. Kidepo Valley National Park

For travelers seeking remote, untouched wilderness, Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda is a dream come true. It’s one of Africa’s most beautiful and least crowded parks, offering both dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife.

Though not all parts of Kidepo officially permit night drives, some lodges and private concessions near the Narus Valley offer guided evening or early night excursions. These give visitors a chance to see leopards, lions, jackals, and even caracals — a rare and graceful desert cat.

The vastness and silence of Kidepo after dark create an almost otherworldly experience. Standing under a sky filled with stars, surrounded by the hum of nocturnal life, you truly feel the wild pulse of Africa.

Best time to visit: December to March and June to September for the best road conditions and predator activity.

What You Might See on a Night Game Drive

Every night drive is different — that’s part of the thrill. But some of the most common nocturnal animals you can expect to see include:

• Leopards: Stealthy and silent hunters, best seen at night.
• Lions: More active after dark, often hunting or patrolling their territories.
• Hyenas: Nocturnal scavengers whose eerie laughter fills the air.
• Civets and Genets: Small, cat-like mammals with distinctive markings.
• Bushbabies: Tiny primates with glowing eyes and long tails, often heard before they’re seen.
• Porcupines: Shuffling through the grass, their quills rustling softly.
• White-tailed Mongooses: Active insect hunters that dart across the tracks.
• Hippos: Grazing quietly away from the water at night.

And if you’re exceptionally lucky, you might spot aardvarks or servals, both of which are among Africa’s rarest and most secretive nocturnal animals.

Tips for an Amazing Night Game Drive

• Dress warmly: Even in warm regions, temperatures drop after sunset. A light jacket is essential.
• Bring binoculars: They’re useful even at night, especially under moonlight.
• Stay quiet: Sudden movements or loud voices can scare off animals.
• Trust your guide: Their knowledge of animal behavior and tracking is invaluable.
• Don’t use flash photography: It can disturb the animals; use low light settings instead.

Why Night Game Drives Are Worth It

Night game drives add a layer of depth and excitement to any safari. They complement daytime game drives perfectly by revealing the hidden half of the wild — the nocturnal ecosystem that thrives when the sun goes down. For photographers, they offer a unique opportunity to capture rare moments under starlit skies; for adventurers, they provide the thrill of unpredictability and discovery.

In Uganda, night drives also highlight the country’s diverse safari offerings. You can spend one day tracking gorillas in misty rainforests and the next evening watching leopards prowl under the moonlight — few destinations in Africa offer such contrasts in one trip.

Recommended Safari Operator: Experiya Tour Company

To make the most of your night game drive experience in Uganda, it’s essential to travel with a reputable and knowledgeable operator. Experiya Tour Company is a top choice for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers seeking authentic and well-organized safaris.

Experiya’s expert guides know the best times, locations, and techniques for spotting nocturnal wildlife across Uganda’s parks, from Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls to Lake Mburo and beyond. They ensure your night drives are safe, comfortable, and packed with memorable encounters.

Whether you’re planning a full wildlife itinerary or simply adding a night drive to your gorilla trekking adventure, Experiya Tour Company crafts personalized safari experiences that capture the true magic of Uganda — both day and night.