Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Uganda and the wider East African region. Located in western Uganda, the park is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and high concentration of wildlife. For travelers seeking an authentic African safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers unforgettable encounters with animals in their natural habitat, guided by experienced safari professionals.

At Kenlink Tours, we design carefully curated game drives that allow visitors to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems while enjoying comfort, safety, and expert interpretation. Whether you are visiting Uganda for the first time or returning for another adventure, a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a highlight you should not miss.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular savannah national park, covering approximately 1,978 square kilometers. It lies between Lake George and Lake Edward and is connected by the famous Kazinga Channel. The park borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and is framed by the Rwenzori Mountains to the north, creating breathtaking scenery that enhances the safari experience.

The park is home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it one of the most biologically diverse protected areas in Africa. Its varied habitats include open savannah grasslands, wetlands, crater lakes, tropical forests, and acacia woodlands—each supporting different wildlife species.

What Is a Game Drive?

A game drive is a guided safari excursion conducted in a specially adapted vehicle, usually a 4×4 safari land cruiser. During a game drive, visitors explore designated tracks within the park in search of wildlife. Game drives are led by experienced guides who understand animal behavior, park geography, and conservation practices.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drives are typically conducted early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when wildlife is most active. These drives provide excellent opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and learning about Uganda’s natural heritage.

Major Game Drive Sectors in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kasenyi Plains

The Kasenyi Plains are the most popular game drive area in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This vast open savannah is renowned for its large herds of Uganda kob, which attract predators such as lions and leopards.

Game drives in Kasenyi offer high chances of spotting:

• Lions, often seen hunting or resting

• Uganda kob and topi

• African buffalo

• Warthogs

• Elephants grazing in the distance

The open terrain makes wildlife easy to spot, making Kasenyi ideal for first-time safari visitors and photographers.

Ishasha Sector – Home of the Tree-Climbing Lions

The Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of the park, is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. These lions are often seen lounging on fig and acacia trees, a unique behavior believed to help them avoid insects and regulate body temperature.

In addition to the lions, Ishasha game drives may reveal:

• Large herds of buffalo

• Elephants

• Topi antelope

• Hyenas

• Various bird species

Game drives in Ishasha are slower-paced and scenic, offering a more remote and wilderness-focused safari experience.

Mweya Peninsula

The Mweya Peninsula is strategically located between Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. While it is more famous for boat safaris, game drives in this area are equally rewarding.

Wildlife commonly seen during Mweya game drives includes:

• Elephants crossing roads

• Giant forest hogs

• Waterbuck

• Warthogs

• Numerous bird species

The proximity to water bodies means animals are frequently spotted coming to drink, especially during the dry season.

Wildlife You Can Expect to See on a Game Drive

A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers sightings of a wide range of wildlife species. While no safari can guarantee specific animals, the park’s rich biodiversity ensures excellent viewing opportunities.

Commonly seen animals include:

• African elephants

• African buffalo

• Lions

• Leopards (more elusive but present)

• Spotted hyenas

• Uganda kob

• Waterbuck

• Bushbuck

• Warthogs

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species such as African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks, martial eagles, and various kingfishers frequently spotted during game drives.

Best Time for Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open year-round, and game drives can be enjoyed at any time. However, certain seasons offer better wildlife viewing conditions.

Dry Seasons

The best time for game drives is during the dry seasons:

• June to September

• December to February

During these months, animals gather around water sources, vegetation is shorter, and roads are easier to navigate.

Wet Seasons

The rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush green landscapes and excellent birding opportunities. While wildlife is more dispersed, the park is quieter, and the scenery is exceptionally beautiful.

Morning vs. Afternoon Game Drives

Morning Game Drives

Early morning game drives start around sunrise and are ideal for predator sightings. Lions, hyenas, and leopards are more active during the cooler hours, making this the best time for dramatic wildlife encounters.

Afternoon Game Drives

Afternoon game drives usually begin around 3:30 pm and continue until sunset. These drives are excellent for observing animals as they emerge to feed and move toward water sources, with golden light perfect for photography.

Kenlink Tours recommends combining both morning and afternoon game drives for a complete safari experience.

Safari Vehicles and Guides

At Kenlink Tours, we use comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted wildlife viewing and photography. Our professional driver-guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and trained in wildlife interpretation and customer care.

Our guides enhance the game drive experience by:

• Identifying animals and birds

• Explaining animal behavior

• Sharing insights about conservation and local culture

• Ensuring safety and comfort throughout the safari

Photography on Game Drives

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a dream destination for wildlife photography. The open savannah, dramatic skies, and varied landscapes provide stunning backdrops for animal portraits.

Tips for great safari photography include:

• Use a camera with zoom capability

• Keep noise to a minimum

• Follow your guide’s instructions

• Be patient and observant

Even smartphone photography can produce impressive results, especially during sunrise and sunset game drives.

Combining Game Drives with Other Activities

A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be combined with several other activities to create a well-rounded safari itinerary.

Popular combinations include:

• Kazinga Channel boat cruise

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

• Nature walks and crater lake exploration

• Cultural visits to local communities

• Birding safaris

Kenlink Tours specializes in customized itineraries that blend game drives with these enriching experiences.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Queen Elizabeth National Park plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and community development. Responsible tourism helps protect wildlife habitats and supports local livelihoods.

During game drives, visitors are encouraged to:

• Respect park rules

• Avoid disturbing animals

• Minimize environmental impact

• Support local communities through ethical tourism

By choosing Kenlink Tours, you contribute to sustainable tourism practices that help preserve Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations.

Why Choose Kenlink Tours for Your Game Drive?

Kenlink Tours is a trusted Ugandan tour operator with extensive experience organizing safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park. We pride ourselves on personalized service, professional guides, and well-planned itineraries.

When you book with Kenlink Tours, you benefit from:

• Expert local knowledge

• Flexible safari packages

• Reliable safari vehicles

• Competitive pricing

• Dedicated customer support

Our goal is to ensure that every game drive is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

An Unforgettable Safari Adventure

A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is more than just wildlife viewing—it is a journey into the heart of Uganda’s natural beauty. From vast savannahs and crater lakes to iconic wildlife and scenic landscapes, the park offers a safari experience that rivals the best in Africa.

Whether you are searching for lions in the Kasenyi Plains, tracking tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, or enjoying scenic drives near the Kazinga Channel, every moment spent on a game drive is filled with wonder and discovery.