Morning Vs Evening Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Which is Better?

If you ask seasoned visitors about the best time for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, most will likely recommend the morning. In the early hours, many animals are active, making it the prime time to catch prey like Uganda kobs, buffaloes, antelopes, and warthogs, all out grazing. At the same time, predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are on the prowl, ready to hunt. This combination of prey and predator activity offers the perfect opportunity for tourists to experience a full safari adventure.

In addition, a morning game drive allows you to avoid the heat of the day. By the time the sun gets too hot, you will have completed your drive and can relax back at your accommodation. Whether you’re staying in a luxury lodge or a budget-friendly camp, you can unwind and take in the stunning views of the park as you wait for your next adventure in the afternoon.

Morning Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park usually begin at around 6:30 am and go on until about 10:00 am or 11:00 am. The afternoon can then be spent engaging in other popular activities such as a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel or a community walk at Katwe Salt Lake depending on your interests. This activity is a highlight of Uganda wildlife safaris, offering tourists an exciting chance to explore one of the most visited parks in the country. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in western Uganda and stretches across four districts: Rubirizi, Rukungiri, Kamwenge, and Kasese. Covering approximately 1,978 square kilometres, the park’s varied landscape includes savannah grasslands, forests, wetlands, and lakes, all of which provide a habitat for numerous wildlife species.

The game drive routes in Queen Elizabeth National Park take you through several key areas each with unique wildlife viewing opportunities. These areas include the Kasenyi Plains, the Mweya Peninsula and the Ishasha sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. While on a game drive, visitors can expect to spot large herds of elephants and buffaloes, along with warthogs, bushbucks, topi, hyenas, antelopes, and leopards, among others. The diversity of wildlife makes the park a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the thrill of Uganda’s national parks.

Evening Game Drives – A Second Chance for Wildlife Viewing

If you miss the morning game drive or feel like you want more, an evening game drive is a great alternative. These drives typically start at around 5:00 pm and continue until about 7:00 pm. During this time, many animals can be found near water sources such as the Kazinga Channel or Lake Edward, especially in the dry season when they come to drink. This offers another fantastic opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife.

Lions, leopards, and other big cats are often seen lounging in trees or resting after a day of hunting. The cooler temperatures also encourage more movement from other animals, which means you might see a lot of activity in the later hours.

While both morning and evening game drives are rewarding, the time of day you choose depends on your preferences. The morning offers a chance to see predators in action, while the evening gives you a more relaxed experience, with animals gathering around water bodies.

Best Time to Visit for a Game Drive

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are available all year round, but the best time to go is during the dry seasons. These run from June to September and December to February. During these months, the roads in the park are much easier to navigate, and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher as animals tend to gather around water bodies.

In the wet season, from March to May and October to November, the park’s roads can become muddy and slippery, making them more challenging to drive on. However, if you don’t mind the rain, the wet season also offers its own unique experiences, including fewer crowds and lush, green landscapes.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda, and it’s accessible by both road and air. If you’re travelling by road, the drive from Kampala takes about 5 to 6 hours, passing through several scenic towns along the way. For those who prefer flying, you can book a domestic flight with Aerolink Uganda or Bar Aviation from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. The flights land at either Mweya or Kasese airstrips, from where you can connect to the park by road.

Accommodation Options

The park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for luxury, mid-range, or budget lodging, there’s something for everyone. Some popular choices include Mweya Safari Lodge, Marafiki Safari Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Elephant Plains Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Engiri Safari Lodge, Kitandara Hippo Hill Lodge, and Pumba Safari Cottages.

Other Activities to Combine with a Game Drive

Apart from game drives, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in and around Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can go chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, go birdwatching, or even take part in a cultural tour to visit the nearby communities. For those interested in more primate adventures, you can extend your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, or visit the Batwa pygmies for a cultural experience.

Whether you choose to go for a morning or evening game drive, your experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park will surely be memorable. For more details on how to plan your safari, contact Iconic Africa Safaris for assistance.