Uganda Wildlife Authority Launches Night Game Drives in National Parks

Introduction

Uganda’s national parks are renowned for their day-safari wildlife experiences, from forest primates to big cats in the savannah. In efforts to diversify tourist offerings and provide more immersive safari encounters, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has embraced night game drives. These nocturnal adventures give visitors the chance to witness wildlife behavior after dark, spotlighting nocturnal species and offering a different angle on Uganda’s natural heritage.

What Night Game Drives Are and Where They Are Offered

Night game drives are guided safari drives that begin after sunset, led by UWA-approved rangers carrying spotlights. They target savannah/mixed habitat national parks where there is opportunity to spot animals that are active at night—such as hyenas, leopards, bush babies, civets, hippos feeding, nocturnal birds, and various small mammals.

Currently, these night drives are offered in a few parks in Uganda:

• Murchison Falls National Park

• Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Lake Mburo National Park

In these parks, the drives typically start in the evening, often around 6-7 pm (depending on the park and season). Vehicles used are UWA-guided or approved tour-company vehicles, and an armed ranger is part of the experience.

Key Features, Rules & Costs

Some important details to know for night game drives include:

• Only pre-registered vehicles are allowed to conduct night drives.

• Use of UWA guides is mandatory.

• Spotlights are used to help spot nocturnal animals.

• Safety is emphasized; guides and rangers are armed to enhance security.

• Pricing differs based on whether using UWA vehicle or private/safari company vehicles, and depending on one’s residency (foreign, regional, local).

• Vegetation, weather, and season affect visibility and the likelihood of sightings.

Benefits of Night Drives

Adding night game drives expands what Uganda’s parks can offer in several ways:

• Unique wildlife viewing: Some species are primarily or exclusively active at night, so this opens up opportunities to see things not visible in daylight.

• Enhanced safari experience: For many tourists, the thrill of darkness, sounds of the night, and seeing predators on the hunt add an emotional and memorable layer to the safari.

• Tourism diversification: Extending safari hours into the evening helps maximize park usage and provides more options, especially for visitors with limited time.

• Economic benefit: It brings in additional revenue and encourages more nights in accommodations which supports local businesses.

Challenges & Limitations

While the concept is appealing, there are also challenges and caveats:

• Safety concerns: Driving at night with wild animals around has risks. Proper lighting, trained guides, and reliable vehicles are crucial.

• Animal disturbance: Spotlights, vehicle noise, and human presence at night can disturb wildlife behavior, potentially causing stress or changes in animal movement if not carefully managed.

• Limited areas: Not all parks are suitable for night drives, either for safety, visibility, or because of regulations. Only certain zones in parks are used for night drives.

• Weather and terrain constraints: Rainy seasons and rough terrain can make night driving dangerous or impractical.

• Wildlife density & visibility: Even with spotlights and guides, there’s no guarantee of sightings; some nocturnal animals are hard to find, especially in dense vegetation.

What to Watch Going Forward

For the night game drive initiative to succeed sustainably, these are important success factors:

• Strong regulation and enforcement, ensuring only well-prepared vehicles, trained guides, and safe routes are used.

• Monitoring of animal behavior to ensure that night drives do not negatively impact wildlife welfare or alter natural patterns.

• Clear pricing and transparency, especially for foreign vs local visitors, and ensuring that local communities benefit.

• Safety and infrastructure investment, for roads, vehicles, lighting, ranger training, and emergency protocols.

• Promoting as part of packages, combining night drives with other park experiences (day drives, nature walks, boat cruises etc) to give tourists a well-rounded safari.

Conclusion

Night game drives in Uganda mark an exciting expansion in safari experience offerings. They reveal a hidden side of the natural world, and when well managed, offer both tourists and conservationists new perspectives on wildlife. Uganda’s choice to offer night drives in parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo shows a commitment to innovation. As long as safety, wildlife welfare, and ecological sensitivity remain priorities, night drives have the potential to become a beloved component of Uganda’s safari legacy.