Game viewing has always been a favourite past time of ours and to be on the back of a Quad in the open bush was just the ticket. It’s an awesome feeling being on the back of these quads at the best of times and to be on one in the middle of the bush spotting game, is just superb. The ATV’s allow greater freedom, better views and a feel of the wide open spaces when compared with traditional car based safaris.

The drive to Lake Mburo National Park took us just under 4 hours. We drove up on the Friday afternoon and spent the night at Mihingo Lodge (located outside the park in the Eastern side). We had a really lovely time, albeit short, at Mihingo Lodge. After a super breakfast we headed off to Kimbla-Mantana Tented Camp where the African ATV Safaris are operating. We met up with PK who kitted us out in the latest Harley helmets, Aviator goggles and All Terrain Overalls and Bandanas (these are a must for the dust out there) – there are gum boots available for those who don’t have closed shoes. After an essential briefing of the Do’s and Don’ts of the Safari (emphasis is placed on strictly adhering to Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations – in particular to no off-track riding or speeding), PK showed us to the training/practice grounds where we had a quick training session to familiarise ourselves with the ATV’s – experienced guides are on hand to show those who have never ridden before how the ATVs operate.

There are two safaris a day, the first being at 09H00 and the second at 14H00 and you have the choice of one of the two safaris; The Eland Track Safari which takes about 2 & ½ hours (this track takes you through the acacia forest where you can see herds of zebra, groups of waterbuck, topi, eland, warthogs and many bird species). The Ruroko Track Safari takes about 4 hours (this track is for the more adventurous and it takes you through open valleys and over difficult sections of the park tracks, stopping off at Ruroko Kopje and Kazuma Lookout Point before finally returning via either the Warukiri Track or Lakeside Track).
The Eland Track is normally run in the morning and The Ruroko Track in the afternoon.
Prices: (Inclusive of all gear, training and refreshments)
The Eland Track Guided ATV Safari is 100,000 UGX (approx. $70)
The Ruroko Track Guided ATV Safaris is 180,000 UGX (approx. $110)

We opted for The Eland Track Safari – as we had arrived a little later than 14H00 we found that we didn’t have time to do Ruroko. The four of us set off along with PK, Geoffrey (ATV Guide) and the UWA Guide. Our first game sighting was the Zebra followed by teams of Impala, Uganda Cob, Topi, guinea fowl and warthog. At times along the track we found that we were really close to the game who stood motionless next to small shrubs or trees, their beady eyes curiously staring back at us.
The terrain throughout the safari was flat with us having to negotiate the odd muddy patch of dirt road every now and then. On our travels we came across two hippo’s neck high in a muddy pond of water. At first I didn’t see them as they were well camouflaged by the mud but when I did see them I wanted to take a photograph of them but the UWA Guide advised against it as we had lingered a little too long for their liking. I was riding at my own pace so I didn’t feel like I was under pressure to go faster or to slow down and on throughout the safari I saw a lot of different bird species (including crested cranes), vultures, eagles, Buffalo and a lot of game.
When we stopped for refreshments we got a chance to quickly swop stories of what we had or hadn’t seen as we all pretty much rode at our own pace. We all had similar sightings but we had different views and opinions of our safari, however we all agreed we would be doing it again and the next time we would do The Ruroko Track.
After refreshments we headed out again but on the track that would take us back to base camp. Although we never saw much on the road back it was so lovely to be in the great wide open and to have absolutely nothing else around you other than nature itself. This may sound like a contradiction but even though you can hear the sound of your quad, it is very peaceful being out on the open bush roads - this is my kind of safari.

After returning all the gear and bikes to PK we headed up to Kimbla-Mantana’s luxury tented camp where we were staying the night. We had sundowners on the deck of the newly refurbished bar and dining area while swopping stories. Dusty and tired from the safari we headed off to our tents for a well deserved hot shower and then dinner.
We woke up the next morning and all agreed that we had the best night’s sleep in ages. From the drive to Lake Mburo National Park, to the nights spent at Mihingo Lodge & Kimbla-Mantana to our first ever awesome ATV Safari, we reckon that we had one of the best weekends ever in a long while and we cannot wait to get back on safari again.

For more Information/Bookings, please contact:
African ATV Safaris, Email: info@africanatvsafaris.com. Mobile: +256 776 377186/7
Kimbla-Mantana Uganda, Email: mantana@africaonline.co.ug. Tel: (0413) 421552
All Terrain Adventures, Email: info@atadventures.com. Mobile: +256 772 377185 or +256 772 869037.
Website: www.africanatvsafaris.com / www.atadventures.com
Website: www.kimbla-mantana.co.ug