Considering a trip to Uganda? Embark on an exhilarating self-drive safari, with this Uganda Self-Drive Adventure Itinerary that features the most favored adventure road trip. Uganda boasts an array of captivating attractions, from breathtaking wildlife and majestic landscapes to expansive water bodies, snow-capped mountains, diverse ethnic groups, and more. Opting for a self-drive tour not only allows you to save on expenses but also grants you the freedom to explore numerous destinations at your own pace and ensuring unparalleled privacy.
For some travelers, going on a self-drive safari holiday can indeed be a bit demanding, as you navigate unfamiliar routes to your desired destinations. However, despite the occasional challenges, self-drive road trips offer a captivating charm, allowing you to immerse yourself in the true adventure of exploring the Pearl of Africa – Uganda.
In this article, we introduce you to an exhilarating Uganda self-drive itinerary to experience, particularly if it’s your first time visiting the country – “a beginner“.
Entebbe To Kampala
Start your Uganda Self-Drive Adventure Itinerary in Entebbe before heading to Kampala on the same day. While in Entebbe, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo) for a sneak-peek into what Uganda’s wildlife has to offer. If you love nature walks, a visit to Entebbe Botanical gardens will be exciting too.
When done, continue your Self-drive Adventure to Kampala, your second destination on your self-drive tour. Many tourists prefer to start their road trip adventures in Kampala city although many simply pass through. In this Itenerary spend some time in the city and discover a plethora of remarkable tourist attractions to explore during your self-drive city tour.
A visit to the the Uganda Museum, religious landmarks in Namugongo Martyrs shirine, Rubaga and Namirembe, Kasubi Tombs, the King’s Palace, the King’s man-made lake and more. While navigating the city streets, anticipate encountering some traffic, but with helpful tips, you can efficiently navigate through the bustling streets as you explore these fascinating places.
Murchison Falls National Park
After a delightful experience in the city, continue your journey by driving north to the enchanting Murchison Falls National Park, renowned as the oldest and largest safari park in Uganda.
This park is celebrated for its majestic Murchison Falls, formed as the waters of the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking sight with its cascading waters. Besides the spectacular waterfall, the park is home to approximately 76 mammal species and around 451 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork. Notably, it boasts the largest population of Nile crocodiles in Uganda.
There’s much to explore in Murchison Falls National Park, and a self-drive tour offers an excellent opportunity to indulge in various activities. For $30 per person, you can embark on a Nile boat cruise, which takes you to the base of the falls for an unforgettable experience. Additionally, you can enjoy a rewarding game safari in the park, encountering Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, lions, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and bushbucks. The game drive costs $20 per person per day.
Your accommodation options are plenty, catering to various preferences and budgets. You can choose from luxury, mid-range, and budget lodges. Some notable options include Heritage Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, and many others.
Kabale Forest National Park
A 10 hour Self-drive journey will take you from Murchison Falls Park to Kibale Forest. Here, you will come face to face with your close relatives, the chimpanzees. This renowned primate destination boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife, including approximately 13 primate species. Many tourists are drawn to Kibale Forest for its substantial population of chimpanzees, with an estimated 4950 individuals thriving within its lush confines.
While chimpanzees are the main attraction, you’ll also have the opportunity to encounter other fascinating primate species such as L’Hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and numerous beautiful bird species.
Queen Elizabeth national park
Continue your Uganda Self-Drive Adventure Itinerary with a shorter 3 hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth Park is a tourist favorite. The protected game reserve is home to a diverse array of awe-inspiring wildlife, including the renowned African Big Five. This park boasts approximately 95 mammal species and around 600 bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Notably, the Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a major drawcard for travelers visiting this safari park.
During your self-drive tour in the park, be prepared to enjoy unforgettable experiences such as a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll witness an abundance of wildlife along the shores, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes among others. In addition to wildlife viewing, you can also partake in chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park, priced at USD $50 per person for a single trek.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Continuing your self-drive adventure, your next destination is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in Uganda. While here, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to encounter the endangered Mountain gorilla species in their natural habitat.
Bwindi Forest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with approximately 19 habituated gorilla families open to tourists for gorilla trekking safaris year-round. The duration of the trek can vary from 30 minutes to half a day, depending on the location of the gorilla family. As you observe and photograph these magnificent creatures, you’ll gain insights into their fascinating behaviors in the jungle. To participate in mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, you’ll need to obtain a Gorilla trekking permit $800 per person for a single trek, or UGX 250,000 for all East African Residents.
Lake Bunyonyi
Following the unforgettable experience in Bwindi Forest, its time to slow down and relax as you come to the end of your Self drive adventure itinerary. A visit to Lake Bunyonyi offers both leisure and relaxation. Here you will unwind by the water and enjoy a tranquil canoe ride to explore its 29 islands.
Lake Mburo National Park
On your way back to Kampala, if you still want some more activities, pass by Lake Mburo National Park. The park comprises rolling hills, lush grasslands, and acacia woodlands, offering a unique safari experience. This is one of Uganda’s smallest game parks covering a mere 370 square kilometers.
The park’s most prominent feature is Lake Mburo, after which it is named. The lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by swamps and fringed with papyrus. The lake is home to a variety of aquatic species, including hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
While here, you participate in game drives or guided walks to spot a wide array of animals, including zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and warthogs. The park is also home to elusive predators such as leopards and hyenas.
For those seeking adventure, Lake Mburo offers opportunities for horseback riding safaris, mountain biking, and boat safaris, providing a unique perspective of the park’s beauty and wildlife.
After a fun time in Lake Mburo, head back to Kampala via the Equator where you can stop for photo moments.
Jinja Town
While you can start with Jinja, We have chosen to end our journey with Jinja because it offers a lot serenity to unwind before you travel back home. Jinja, the “Adventure Capital of East Africa,” renowned for being the source of the mighty River Nile. The Nile is the longest river in the world. Jinja offers an exhilarating activities, with white water rafting being a highlight for adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re into golfing, bungee jumping, boat trips, horseback riding, kayaking, quad biking, tubing, or other adventures, Jinja has something for everyone.
Like they say, all good things come to an End. Make the last lap by either driving the car back to the rental company or to the airport in Entebbe where the company representative can pick it up before your flight back home. We do hope that this is inspirational enough to help you plan your next self-drive adventure in Uganda.
If you would like help planning your next trip or you simply want to rent a car for your next road trip holiday, talk to us and we will be glad to help you. Call or WhatsApp +256702525877 or email ask@selfdriveadventureuganda.com. See you on your next visit.
Self-Drive Adventure Uganda is a lead Car rental company in Uganda. We specialize in Self drive car hire and road trip safaris in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and East Africa at Large. We also offer Car rental with a driver and Entebbe Airport Pickup and drop off Taxi Services.
