Night Game Drives in Murchison Falls

Quick facts: Duration 2–3 hrs · Departs after dinner · Spotlight-guided · Special permit required, arranged through your lodge VERIFY availability/fee

What to expect

Night drives use a spotlight to pick out species that are far harder to see during the day — leopards active and hunting, hyenas, civets, genets, and, occasionally, lions on the move well after the last daytime drive has ended. It's a different rhythm to a standard game drive: slower, quieter, and led as much by sound and eye-shine as by open sightings.

Not every lodge offers this activity, and it typically requires a separate permit arranged in advance, so it's worth confirming with your operator when booking rather than assuming it's included.

Tips

• Bring a warm layer — temperatures drop fast after dark even in the dry season
• Sit toward the front of the vehicle for the best line of sight with the spotlight
• Best paired with a lodge that's actually inside or bordering the park, to minimise transfer time after dark

Included in these itineraries

Available as an add-on to most 4+ day itineraries — ask your operator to include it

See also

Game Drives · Things to Do hub