Game drives in East Africa offer a close look at animals in their natural habitats, moving freely across open savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and riverbanks. In Uganda and Rwanda, national parks support a rich variety of species, many of which you can observe from the comfort of a safari vehicle. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for sightings, when animals are most active and the light brings out the colors and textures of the landscape. While wildlife is never guaranteed, these are some of the animals you’re likely to encounter on a game drive.
African Elephant
The largest land mammal on Earth is a regular presence in Uganda’s Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Elephants move in family groups led by an older matriarch, often seen crossing roads, feeding on acacia trees, or drinking at waterholes. Watch for their slow, deliberate movement and strong social bonds. In Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, elephant numbers are growing steadily, and sightings have become increasingly common.
African Lion
Lions are most often found lying in the shade or hidden in tall grass during the heat of the day. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, some prides are known for climbing fig trees—a rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa. Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks also support healthy lion populations. In Rwanda, lions were reintroduced to Akagera and now roam the park’s southern plains. Spotting them often requires a sharp-eyed guide and a bit of patience.
Leopard
Solitary and elusive, leopards are often found in wooded areas and rocky outcrops. They hunt mostly at night but are occasionally seen lounging on tree branches or crossing tracks at dawn or dusk. Sightings are more likely in Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially near the Ishasha sector, and in parts of Akagera. Their camouflage and quiet nature make them harder to spot than lions, but finding one feels like a reward.
Buffalo
African buffalo move in large herds and are known for their size and strength. They are not as territorial as other animals and are often seen grazing in wetlands or savannahs. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls host massive herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. These animals are powerful and unpredictable, especially solitary males, which guides are trained to monitor closely during drives.
Rothschild’s Giraffe
Uganda is home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, now mostly found in Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo National Parks. With their long necks and patchy coats, giraffes are easy to spot browsing high tree branches or striding across open plains. Akagera National Park in Rwanda also supports a growing giraffe population following successful reintroduction efforts.
Zebra
Zebras are common in open grasslands and often travel in small herds. Their bold stripes stand out against the golden backdrop of the savannah, making them one of the most visually striking animals on a game drive. You’ll likely see them in Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, and Akagera. They often associate with other grazing animals like impala or topi.
Hippopotamus
Hippos spend much of the day submerged in water, emerging to graze at night. In Queen Elizabeth’s Kazinga Channel and Murchison Falls’ Nile River stretch, you can see large pods of hippos grunting, yawning, or floating quietly with just their eyes and ears visible. Though they seem calm, they are among Africa’s most dangerous animals, so they’re always observed from a distance.
Nile Crocodile
Rivers and lakes in East Africa host the Nile crocodile, Africa’s largest reptile. These creatures are often seen sunning themselves along the banks or gliding just beneath the water’s surface. Their ambush hunting style makes them fascinating to watch, especially during boat safaris in Murchison Falls or Akagera.
Antelope Species
Uganda and Rwanda are home to a wide range of antelope. Uganda kob, the country’s national animal, is commonly seen in open areas of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Waterbuck, bushbuck, impala, eland, oribi, topi, and Jackson’s hartebeest are among the many species you might encounter, each adapted to different habitats and often seen grazing in groups.
Warthog
These small, pig-like animals are often spotted trotting with their tails up or kneeling to graze on grass. They are widespread across Uganda’s parks and also present in Akagera. Though often overlooked, they are fun to watch and tend to appear in open clearings or near water.
Spotted Hyena
Hyenas are mostly nocturnal but are sometimes active in the early morning. They are known for their strong jaws, complex social behavior, and eerie calls that echo across the bush at night. You might see them scavenging, resting near dens, or trailing other predators. In Akagera, their numbers are rising following conservation efforts.
Birdlife
Game drives also offer excellent birdwatching. Uganda has over 1,000 recorded species, and Rwanda is not far behind. Look for saddle-billed storks, African fish eagles, crowned cranes, secretary birds, and colorful rollers perched on shrubs. Wetland areas host kingfishers, herons, and jacanas. Even casual visitors often come away with unexpected bird sightings.
Wildlife in Motion
Part of the magic of a game drive is unpredictability. You may find a lion stalking prey, a herd of elephants crossing the road, or a hippo emerging from water. No two drives are the same. Skilled guides help spot animals and explain their behavior, bringing context to every sighting. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned safari-goer, each outing adds new detail to your understanding of the wild.
