Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Follow the northern savannah tracks past palms, grazing herds and woodland. Watch giraffes, elephants and buffaloes, and take time to search for lions and leopards.
Plan My Murchison SafariOpen plains, palms and the Victoria Nile
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park mainly follow the broad savannah north of the Victoria Nile. Grassland, borassus palms, woodland and river edges bring several habitats into 1 drive.
Look for giraffes above the shorter vegetation, elephants moving between feeding areas and buffaloes grazing across the plains. Uganda kob and hartebeests use the same open ground, while lions and leopards take a slower search.
Allow at least 3 hours for a morning drive. Your driver needs time to check fresh tracks, pause at sightings and adjust the route as animals move.
Murchison fits well into a Uganda safari with the Nile, Budongo Forest and Ziwa. To compare it with Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Lake Mburo, see our game drives in Uganda page.
Best game-drive areas in Murchison Falls
The northern tracks connect with one another. Your driver may use several during a session, depending on recent sightings, road conditions and your lodge location.
| Area | Landscape | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Buligi tracks | Open grassland, palms and patches of woodland. | Long views across grazing areas used by Uganda kob, giraffes, buffaloes and elephants. Search nearby cover for lions. |
| Pakuba area | Grassland mixed with woodland and more enclosed sections. | A changing view as animals move between trees and open feeding areas. |
| Victoria Nile side | Riverine vegetation and savannah near the water. | Look for waterbucks and animals travelling between the plains and river. |
| Albert Nile and Delta side | Open plains meeting wetlands towards Lake Albert. | A change of habitat with river views and waterbirds. A dedicated delta boat trip is better for focused shoebill searching. |
| Queen's Track | Northern savannah with palms and low woodland. | Another route through the plains when recent sightings or fresh grazing draw animals away from the main loops. |
| Chobe and the eastern area | More wooded country around the eastern Nile. | Best planned from an eastern base rather than added to a short Paraa outing. Route access depends on track conditions. |
Morning, evening and night game drives
Morning game drive
Early start, usually 3 to 4 hoursLeave early when lions, leopards and hyenas are a priority. The cooler air and soft light also suit watching grazing herds and photographing giraffes.
Around 6 am can work for guests based inside the park, subject to the permitted driving hours. Gate opening and transfer times affect visitors staying outside.
Afternoon game drive
Often from around 4 pmAnimals may still be resting at first, then become more active as the temperature falls. Elephants may move towards water and antelopes return to open grass.
A late drive can follow a boat cruise when the return time and road transfer leave enough daylight.
Night game drive
Usually about 2 to 3 hoursAn approved ranger uses a spotlight to search for nocturnal animals. Genets, civets, bushbabies and porcupines may be seen, alongside active predators.
Night drives require advance approval, a ranger and suitable vehicle arrangements. Guests must stay overnight inside the park.
Animals and behaviour to watch
Lions and Uganda kob
Uganda kob gather on open breeding grounds where males defend small territories. Lions may rest near these grazing areas.
Watch the response of nearby antelopes and listen for alarm calls. They can reveal activity that is difficult to see through the grass.
Elephants and buffaloes
Elephants move between woodland, plains and water, leaving footprints and broken branches. Buffaloes may spread out while grazing, then gather near shade as the day warms.
Give crossing herds space and wait while they clear the track.
Giraffes
Look above the shorter trees and palms for giraffes feeding. Open ground makes it easier to watch their movement between browsing areas.
A patient stop often allows better photographs than trying to move closer.
Leopards
Leopards take a slower search. Check branches, deep shade and woodland edges. A leopard can cross a track and disappear within seconds.
Sightings depend on where the animal is moving and resting.
Smaller mammals
Watch for warthogs, oribis, waterbucks, patas monkeys and olive baboons between larger sightings.
Their feeding, calls and movement add interest even when big cats remain out of view.
Birds on the plains
Look for Abyssinian ground hornbills walking through the grass and raptors scanning open country.
If birds are a priority, allow time for a slower pace or include a dedicated Uganda birding safari .
Murchison Falls game-drive fees
Park entry, vehicle entry, vehicle hire and private safari transport are separate unless included in your quotation. Confirm the applicable charges for your date.
| Arrangement | Charging unit | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day drive in a private vehicle | Per UWA guide | USD 25 | USD 20 | UGX 25,000 |
| Night drive in a private vehicle | Per person | USD 30 | USD 20 | UGX 30,000 |
| Night drive in a UWA vehicle | Per person | USD 40 | USD 35 | UGX 40,000 |
UWA vehicle use is subject to availability and minimum charges. Ask for a quotation that identifies the vehicle arrangement and all applicable fees.
Best time for game drives in Murchison Falls
Game drives take place throughout the year. Recent rain and local track conditions matter alongside the wider seasonal pattern.
Dry season
December to February is the main dry periodFirmer tracks and shorter vegetation can make animals easier to see. June and July can also bring relatively drier conditions. Expect heat and dust, and make time for early and late drives.
Wet season
Rain is more likely from March to May and later in the yearFresh growth turns the plains green, while water becomes available in more places. Some tracks become muddy after rain. A 4x4 and a flexible route help your driver adjust the day's plan.
What to combine with your game drive
| Activity | How it fits | Planning point |
|---|---|---|
| Nile boat cruise | Travel upstream towards the falls, watching hippos, crocodiles and shoreline animals. | Confirm the departure time, boarding point and road transfer from your lodge. |
| Top of Murchison Falls | Watch the Victoria Nile force through the rocky gorge from the viewpoints. | The viewpoints can be reached by vehicle. A hike from the river needs separate access and pickup arrangements. |
| Nile Delta boat trip | Follow the river downstream towards wetland channels and Lake Albert. | This is separate from the waterfall cruise and suits a focused shoebill search. |
| Budongo chimpanzee trek | Add a forest walk and chimpanzee search at Kaniyo Pabidi. | Arrange the permit and leave enough time for the drive to the forest. |
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Add rhino tracking on the road journey from Kampala. | Ziwa is outside Murchison Falls National Park and requires a separate visit. |
What to carry and how to behave
What to carry
- Binoculars for distant animals and birds.
- A camera, spare battery and memory space.
- A light jacket for early mornings and night drives.
- A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Drinking water.
- Insect repellent.
- A lens brush or clean cloth for camera dust.
Game-drive rules
- Stay in the vehicle unless park staff approve a safe stop.
- Use marked tracks and never drive across the grass.
- Keep to 40 km/h or below, following any lower posted limit.
- Give animals room and never block their crossing point.
- Avoid shouting, hooting and loud music.
- Never feed animals.
- Carry out all litter and follow your ranger's directions.
Murchison Falls safaris with game drives
Compare a focused park stay with longer routes including Budongo chimpanzees and Ziwa rhinos. Your quotation confirms the accommodation and included activities.
4 Days
4 Day Murchison Falls Safari
Stay 3 nights with a full-day game drive, a Nile cruise and waterfall viewpoints.
View This Safari
5 Days
5 Day Murchison Falls and Budongo Chimpanzee Safari
Combine Budongo chimpanzee trekking with Murchison game drives and a Nile boat cruise.
View This Safari
7 Days
7 Day Murchison Falls, Rhino, Shoebill and Chimpanzee Safari
Track Ziwa rhinos, search for shoebills, trek Budongo chimpanzees and spend time on Murchison's plains.
View This SafariPlan your Murchison Falls game drives
Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers and preferred lodge. BLS Safaris will help arrange your vehicle, game drives, Nile activities and optional Ziwa visit.