A Game Drive

Many times in our trips or safaris you will encounter the word game drive almost every where but do you really understand what it means?

So, we have tried to explain all the details of a game drive and what it means so that you dont get confused while booking for your next African safari.

What is a game drive?

Like its call; its a game of chances where you drive out from our booked lodge or camp to wild in search of wild animals. its based on probability of sighting a particular animal or not. Forexample, you may see the lion or you may not see it. That means its nit guaranteed that at a particular time A you will see your favorite animal. Let‘s define it thoroughly here;

A game drive is an excursion through wild areas to find some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife. It is led by a tourist guide or game ranger who is familiar with the wildlife area and can lead you to amazing sightings. You may also be joined by a tracker who specializes in “reading” natural signs—like broken branches or marks in the dirt—to find animals.

A leopard sighted on a game drive in Africa

What time is a Game Drive carried out?

Game drives are timed for when animals are most active. Typically, this means leaving your lodge or camp for a 2-4 hour game drive beginning at sunrise refered to as the Morning game drive. You will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, you can as well opt for another game drive late in the evenjng as temperatures begin to cool, which is known as the evening game drive.

There is also a Night game drive in some National Parks which is aimed at searching for nocturnally active creatures, and usually last 1-2 hours.

Beautiful sunsets on an evening game drive

What type of Vehicles are used in a game drive?

In East Africa, a game drive typically takes place in a 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser, where the roof can be lifted to allow you to stand up in the car and look out at the animals (when the car is stationary!). The good thing about this is that it puts you at a good height in relation to the animals and gives you a fantastic view. If you have a large camera with you, you can also rest it on the ledge of the car to take pictures.

In eastern Africa, the safari cars are typically open, i.e. with either a roof and no windows or neither a roof nor windows. The advantage of this is that you really get the feeling of being at one with nature because it is so close you could touch it (please keep your hands inside, though!). What’s more, you can constantly survey the landscape and help spot the animals – even when the car is driving. Game drives are typically carried out in Savannah National parks such as Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, Akageera National Park in Rwanda, and the famouse Masai Mara in Kenya.

A safari vehicle with a pop up roof for easy and comfortable views

Who is eligible for a Game Drive?

Its a none descriminatory activity as individuals of all ages can free join a game, however it is recommended for one to be physically fit while engaging in this activity.

What you need to carry for a Game Drive.

This questiom comes up several times when you are planning for a game drive om your next adventure safati to Africa, and not so many items are needed while heading out for a game drive. However, a camera and an extra pair of batteries is a must carry for your safari as we only move back home with memories ans these memories are kept in photographs. If you can not afford a camera, make sure that phone is fully charged so you dont miss out.