Best National Park for the game drive in Uganda. Uganda, famously known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land blessed with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and some of the most thrilling safari destinations in East Africa. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, game drives in Uganda offer an incredible opportunity to witness Africa’s iconic animals in their natural habitats — from lions and elephants to giraffes, buffaloes, and leopards.

While Uganda is home to over ten national parks, each offering a unique experience, some parks stand out as the best destinations for game drives. This guide highlights the best national parks for game drives in Uganda, what makes each park special, and practical tips for planning your safari adventure.

Why Go for a Game Drive in Uganda?

A game drive is one of the most popular ways to explore Uganda’s wild side. Unlike guided walking safaris or boat trips, a game drive gives visitors the freedom to cover vast savannah landscapes, spot a wide range of animals, and capture unforgettable photographs. Uganda’s parks are less crowded than those in neighboring countries, making the experience more peaceful and personal.

Whether you are visiting on a guided tour or opting for a self-drive safari, Uganda’s game drives offer a perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and discovery.

Murchison Falls National Park — Uganda’s Premier Game Drive Destination

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and most popular national park in Uganda. Covering over 3,800 square kilometers, it is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into the valley below.

Wildlife and Game Drive Experience

The northern sector of the park, across the Nile River, is where most game drives take place. Here, the landscape opens into vast grasslands teeming with wildlife. Visitors can expect to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, lions, and leopards.

Morning and evening game drives offer the best opportunities for wildlife sightings. Early mornings are ideal for spotting predators, while sunset drives provide beautiful photography lighting and a chance to see nocturnal animals begin to stir.

Additional Activities

Beyond game drives, visitors can enjoy a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, a hike to the top, or a boat safari to the Nile delta, which offers chances to spot the elusive shoebill stork.

Why Choose Murchison Falls

• Home to the “Big Five” (with rhinos nearby at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)

• Excellent roads for game drives

• Scenic views of the Nile and surrounding savannah

• Great mix of activities — game drives, boat safaris, and birdwatching

Queen Elizabeth National Park — The Most Diverse Safari Destination

Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the country’s most visited park due to its diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannah to wetlands and forests. Covering nearly 2,000 square kilometers, the park lies between Lake Edward and Lake George and is known for its incredible biodiversity.

Wildlife and Game Drive Experience

Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector — a rare sight in Africa. The park also supports large herds of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, and leopards. Game drives along the Kasenyi Plains are particularly rewarding, offering excellent opportunities to spot big cats hunting or resting in the shade.

Bird lovers will also find Queen Elizabeth a paradise, with over 600 recorded bird species — one of the highest numbers in Africa.

Additional Activities

A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a must-do activity. This waterway connects Lakes Edward and George and hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world. You can also visit the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking or explore the Crater Lakes region for stunning scenery.

Why Choose Queen Elizabeth

• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

• Rich diversity of wildlife and bird species

• Combination of savannah, forest, and wetland ecosystems

• Easy access from Kampala or Fort Portal

Kidepo Valley National Park — The Hidden Gem of Uganda

For travelers seeking untouched wilderness and solitude, Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most remote and pristine park. Located in the northeastern corner of the country near the borders with Kenya and South Sudan, Kidepo covers about 1,442 square kilometers of rugged savannah and rolling hills.

Wildlife and Game Drive Experience

Kidepo offers one of Africa’s most authentic safari experiences. It is home to animals rarely seen in other Ugandan parks, such as cheetahs, ostriches, bat-eared foxes, and caracals. Large herds of buffaloes roam the plains alongside zebras, elephants, lions, and giraffes.

The Narus Valley, located in the park’s southern section, is the best area for game drives, especially during the dry season when animals gather around water sources.

Additional Activities

Besides game drives, Kidepo offers cultural visits to the Karamojong and Ik communities, which provide insight into Uganda’s pastoral traditions. Hiking and nature walks are also available for those who want to experience the landscape more closely.

Why Choose Kidepo Valley

• Remote and uncrowded, offering a true wilderness experience

• Unique animal species not found elsewhere in Uganda

• Stunning landscapes with mountain backdrops

• Excellent photography opportunities

Lake Mburo National Park — Perfect for Short Game Drives

Located just a few hours’ drive from Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is the most accessible safari destination in Uganda. Though smaller in size, covering 370 square kilometers, it offers a compact and rewarding game drive experience.

Wildlife and Game Drive Experience

Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda where impalas can be seen. It is also home to zebras, elands, topis, buffaloes, and hippos. Leopards are frequently sighted during night drives, and birdwatchers will enjoy spotting African finfoot, papyrus gonolek, and other species.

Game drives can be combined with bicycle safaris, boat trips, and guided nature walks, making it ideal for families and travelers on short visits.

Why Choose Lake Mburo

• Close to Kampala and ideal for weekend safaris

• Safe for walking and cycling safaris

• Great combination of wildlife and lake scenery

Semuliki National Park — A Mix of Forest and Savannah

Located in western Uganda along the Congo border, Semuliki National Park is a lesser-known gem that combines forest and savannah ecosystems. It is one of the few places where central African species mix with East African wildlife.

Game Drive Experience

Game drives in Semuliki offer chances to see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and primates. The park is also famous for its hot springs, where visitors can witness boiling geysers and learn about the local communities’ cultural beliefs tied to the springs.

Why Choose Semuliki

• Unique ecosystem blending forest and savannah species

• Fewer crowds, offering a peaceful safari experience

• Excellent for birdwatching and cultural encounters

Which Park Is the Best for Game drive?

Each of Uganda’s national parks offers a different flavor of adventure. If you’re seeking a classic African safari with abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes, Murchison Falls National Park stands out as the best overall destination for game drives. For diversity and accessibility, Queen Elizabeth National Park is unbeatable, while Kidepo Valley National Park offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path wilderness. Book your game safari here Kenlink Tours and get started.