🦁 Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park take place primarily on the north bank savanna and cost between $30 and $80 per person, depending on whether you use a park vehicle or bring your own with a hired UWA ranger. The north bank covers roughly 2,000 km² of open grassland, acacia woodland, and seasonal waterholes — the core wildlife zone of the park. Half-day drives run 4 to 5 hours; full-day drives cover more ground and often include a packed lunch at a viewpoint.

Murchison’s north bank holds Uganda’s largest populations of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, Uganda kob, and Rothschild’s giraffe. Lion sightings are reliable — multiple prides use the northern circuit, and sightings occur on most early-morning drives. The Rothschild’s giraffe population, reintroduced from Murchison to other Uganda parks, is one of the few established wild populations of this subspecies left in existence.

Wildlife on the North Bank

The northern circuit roads pass through prime lion territory, and the cats are most active in the first two hours after sunrise. Leopards are present but harder to find — a guide with current information on sightings will significantly improve your chances. Elephant herds move between the Nile, seasonal wetlands, and the woodland margins throughout the day. Buffalo form large herds during the dry season, often numbering several hundred animals. Uganda kob, the emblem of Uganda, are abundant and highly visible on open ground. Warthog, waterbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, and bushbuck are all regularly encountered. Spotted hyena are active at dusk and dawn.

Planning Your Game Drive

The park opens for game drives at 06:30. Starting at this time gives you the best wildlife activity and coolest temperatures. Most lodges on the north bank offer shared or private game drives with experienced guides. If self-driving, a UWA ranger-guide is compulsory on the north bank and adds significant value in locating specific animals. The southern loop road near the Nile is worth combining with the northern circuit — elephants and waterbuck concentrate near the river, and the light over the water is excellent in late afternoon. Park entry fees are $40 for adults and $15 for children under 15.

Night Game Drives

UWA permits night game drives on the north bank between 18:30 and 22:00. The activity costs an additional $20 per person and requires a certified night guide. Leopard sightings increase significantly after dark, and nocturnal species such as civet, genet, porcupine, aardvark, and African wild cat become active. Most north bank lodges offer night drive packages. Book by 15:00 on the day through your lodge or UWA gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 4×4 vehicle for game drives?

A 4×4 with good clearance is strongly recommended. Some tracks are passable in a saloon car during dry season, but after rain the murram roads become very slippery. Most lodge vehicles are purpose-built safari 4x4s with pop-up roofs.

What is the best time of year for game drives?

June to September is the dry season. Vegetation is shorter, animals concentrate near remaining water sources, and road conditions are better. However, game drives are worthwhile year-round.

Can I spot lions reliably?

Lion sightings are not guaranteed but are among the more reliable in Uganda at Murchison. Experienced guides know the home ranges of the main prides and current sighting reports from other drivers improve your odds significantly.