Night game drives are so important to the safari tourists who come to Uganda to enjoy wildlife tours; these can be carried out in two national parks of the country. In this article we are to delve in to the guided night nature walks activity this outdoor experience requires tourists to walk on foot following trailheads exploring and learning more about the ecological system of this park accompanied by armed rangers and tour guides.
Night Walks
Night Walks were launched by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the main aim of the initiative was to enhance visitor’s experience at the park for a unique and wonderful game drive. This move of the night game drives will help in generating revenue to the government and also help in enabling the safari tourists to view rare nocturnal wildlife species which are had to see during the day game drives.
The initiative was embraced by King of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Solomon Iguru as a sign of acceptance and he also experienced a long awaited programme. The cars to carry out night game drives were bought and they are expected to carry a maximum of 8 visitors. The cars are also open roofed and covered to provide protection to the tourists who engage in the activity. The activity is also expected to extend many other national parks including; Kidepo National park and Lake Mburo National Park.
During the night life game drive, the tourists are able to view many animals including; the antelopes, elephants, wild rats, elephants, kobs, buffalos and many other mammals which are found within the park, there are also many other animals which can be spotted during the drive and these include; leopards, hyenas, civerts, porcupines, hippos, bush babies, reptiles and the night jars. These have greatly made the safaris in Uganda more interesting hence increasing revenues.
The safari tourists will also experience a magnificent sun downer before driven to the designated view or the picnic points. These game drives also start 8:00pm and expected to end at 10pm. Bookings of these night game drives can be done at UWA headquarters and the park offices. The fees for the night game drives cost $40 and $30 for the day game drives.
Expectation during the Night Game drive
The activity is conducted with the aid of well-trained tour guides and armed rangers. Tourists are briefed with the safety precaution as well as equipped with spotlights the drive takes almost two to three hours.
A night game drive at Murchison Fall National Park presents enchanting experience in the wilderness granting chance to tourists to sight at nocturnal animals in their habitat that are rarely seen in the day light you are to hear distant roars of lions, rustling in the bushes hence creating un forgettable moments.
The commonly seen fauna species during the night game drive include
Leopards
During the night game drive leopards are always spotted in the woodland and grassland areas of the park they make use of the darkness to hunt their prey.
The other spot highlight include Nyamsiki Cliff were these animals hide scanning for their prey and also around the Buliga game track which is situated between Victoria and Albert Niles.
Hyenas and Jackals
For these species they are seen in fierce fights with their prey.
Lions
These species are more active during the night hours so its of greater extent to sight at them during the night game drive.
Hippopotamus
These fauna species mostly during day time they live in water bodies however during the night time they are always seen on land grazing sighting at them closely it is really a magical experience.
Bush babies
They nocturnal creatures are often seen leaping between different tree branches in search for insect’s others seen species are pottos, tree hyrax, occasional African civets, bats, giant forest hogs to mention but a few.
Also, you are to sight at some rare night birds namely African wood owls, nightjar’s insects like moths, crickets to mention but a few.
Essential gears to carry while going for Night Walks
Tourists are advised to always bring these items while going for this wild adventure include rain jacket, fully charged torch with other extra batteries garden gloves, head lamp, water bottle, insect repellent, warm long -sleeved clothes, water proof hiking boots among others
Best Months to Experience Night walks
Night walks can be conducted throughout the whole year however the best timing is during the dry season that typically happens from December to February and June to September when the trail heads are steady always the activity starts after the sunset and lasts for almost one to two hours.
In conclusion a night game drive in this park it is such a unique experience that offers rich sightings of nocturnal creatures pay a visit for great enjoyment in the wilderness.