Game viewing is the activity of observing wildlife in their natural habitats. It is mainly done in national parks, game reserves, and private conservancies where animals and other wildlife species are protected and can thrive. It involves going on a safari or tour either by walking or driving I a safari vehicle in the protected and conserved places. Visitors and nature lovers are given an opportunity to see and appreciate the beauty and diversity of wildlife. Various animals can be spotted during game viewing such as zebras, lions, giraffes, warthogs, antelope species, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, leopards, and many others that live in national parks, and conserved areas. Game viewing is a popular tourist activity in many countries with abundant animals that is normally carried out during the day or night hours with the help of park guides and rangers who are familiar with the places you visiting as well as animals found in the park. These guides use their expertise to track and locate these wild animals, helping visitors get up close to various species while providing information about animals’ behavior in the wild and the importance of conservation to animals.
How to conduct game viewing
There are various ways of conducting game viewing in national parks and other conservation areas depending on the safari destination and preferences of the visitor, and some of the common ways include;
Game drives: These are the most popular and common ways of conducting game viewing. Visitors are driven in open safari vehicles by experienced tour guides who navigate through the designated areas in search of wild animals. This always offers visitors an opportunity to cover large areas which also increases the chance of seeing numerous animals. The best game drive experiences in Uganda are carried in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo National Park. In African countries, game drives can be much enjoyed in Kruger National Park, Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, Chobe National Park, Serengeti National Park, Etosha National Park, and others. Visitors should plan their African safaris well especially with the help of a tour operator to enjoy the best game-viewing experiences for an unforgettable African safari adventure.
Additionally, night drives offer a chance to see nocturnal animals that tend to hide during the day and comes out in the night to look for prey. Visitors can go on guided drives after sunset, using spotlights to observe animals in their nighttime activities. This allows visitors to sight predators such as leopards, hyenas, and lions, and other animals like owls, pangolins, bats, foxes, fireflies, Bushbabies and Pottos are some of the wildlife to encounter on a night drive.
Walking safaris: Waking safaris provide a unique and more intimate experience of game viewing. Here visitors are accompanied by armed guides who lead them on foot through the wilderness. This allows for closer observation of species like plants, butterflies, animals, and birds.
Boat safaris: In areas that occupy water bodies and streams, boat tours are conducted to view wildlife especially those who love residing around water. Animals like elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and bird species can be seen when you take a boat ride. This provides a different perspective and is always more peaceful while enjoying games. For a wonderful boat cruise on Uganda safari, visit Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks for a spectacular experience of game viewing. In addition, canoe trips are also conducted to navigate quietly through streams and riverbanks to spot animals and bird life.
Horseback safaris: These safaris cater to those who enjoy horse riding and want to explore the unbeatable path in the natural environment. Horseback rides offer an amazing experience to visit different places where a vehicle nor a canoe boat cannot access, these places include, visiting the local communities, tea plantations, sugarcane plantations, and vast areas of farmland.
Best Game viewing seasons
It is essential to research the specific destinations and national parks to understand their unique game viewing seasons and factors that may affect animal viewing such as vegetation changes, rainfall patterns, and peak migration periods. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with the local tour operators who have in-depth knowledge about the region and area you are visiting to provide guidance on the best time to visit for the rewarding game-viewing experience.
The dry season/ peak season
The best time for game viewing is the dry season when the paths are navigable
An African safari is best done during the dry season basically because little rains are experienced and due to its resultant reduced water sources. The animals gather easily around the few remaining water bodies which makes them easily located. There is increased visibility due to the shortness of the grass and the scant nature of the vegetation. In addition, the chances of navigating the gravel roads are better. By traveling in the dry season, you will avoid the dry season inconveniences of drought and high temperatures.
The wet season/ low season
Apparently, there are fewer visits to Uganda during the heavy rains since most of the attraction sites are inaccessible. Gorilla trekking is also hard to undertake due to the impassable dump of the forest floor coupled with the foggy rain that will block visibility. However,
The shoulder season
The shoulder season is between the rainy season and the dry season in the months of when they experience short rain. This is the best time to do a safari in Uganda is the short rainy season that normally peaks between October and November. The short grass is green, and most of the animals on the plains can be vividly seen.
The fats of hippos and buffaloes are melting, the snakes are out of hibernation, the plants have sprouted, the leaves are green and ripe, and tree fruits are plenty enough to attract all wildlife. During this period, migratory birds are very common, along with the fact that gorilla tracking is at its best.
Remember each way you decide to experience game viewing is hilarious and offers a different experience and allows travelers to connect with nature in their own ways. It is always better to choose the best methods that align with your personal preferences, physical fitness, and the rules and regulations that are set by the travel destination. Tourists with short holidays can opt for our 8 days of Uganda Safari to be able to explore the diverse attractions in a short period of time. we have 14 days of Uganda classic safari for travelers who are planning their trip to Uganda to experience the best of uganda with enough time..
