Doing a self-drive Uganda is perfect for those of you who want to enjoy the drive themselves, want privacy, lots of flexibility and are looking to travel around Uganda on a budget. You’ll be able to pull over anywhere, change plans as you see fit and have full control over your itinerary! With great flexibility also comes great responsibility though, so you will be the one responsible for whatever happens on the road.
We have amazing policies for self-drivers, so even if your car breaks down, they’ll send you a new one within 10 hours anywhere in Uganda. So, make sure you go with a company that maintains and services its fleet well, and also knows how to provide backup support in case something happens.
The real adventure starts when you take a turn towards the smaller roads and safaris. So, if you plan on having the same vehicle for your entire self-drive Uganda experience, you must rent a 4×4 with rooftop tent camping and gears.
Self-drive trips to Uganda will probably involve the capital city of Kampala, although it’s worth mentioning that the international airport is actually in Entebbe. It will take you at least an hour to get to Kampala from Entebbe unless the traffic is horrendous.
Hang out in Entebbe to escape city pollution and traffic. Spend a few days relaxing on the shores of Lake Victoria at the Protea Entebbe and found it to be a nice refuge away from the city. If you are looking for a few days to chill in the area, head to the Mabamba Swamp, where the famous Shoe bill Storks live. Alternatively, take a boat ride out on Lake Victoria or relax in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Head to Jinja dubbed “the adventure capital of East Africa.” The city of Jinja is located at the source of the Nile River. Yes, the world’s longest river starts right in Jinja, making it a hotspot for tourists in Uganda. Spend a few days here relaxing on the great Nile River and enjoying some delicious coffee and cafe treats at The Deli. Of course, the highlight of the time in Jinja is white water rafting down the Nile.
White water rafting on the Nile is one of the most popular things to do in the country starting at 9am. Meet a local Ugandan guide, an experienced rafter and spend a good deal of time instructing you on the basics of paddling and what to do in emergencies. Spend the entire day dodging rapids, flipping rafts, and gulping in fresh Nile River water.
Head to Murchison Falls national park; it’s hard to believe that the entire Nile River squeezes itself through just a 7-meter-wide gap making Murchison Falls. The waterfall is 43 meters high and makes for an impressive sight to see.
Besides the beautiful falls, Murchison National Park is the home of 76 mammals and 451 birds. It also holds Uganda’s largest population of crocodiles, so I wouldn’t recommend sunbathing along the river banks. A boat trip to the base of the falls runs visitors $30 per person.
The Red Chili Rest Camp is an excellent place to camp while visiting Murchison. They have a full restaurant and, more importantly, a full bar. Red Chili Rest Camp also organizes safaris in Murchison.
Head to Kibale National Forest if you want to come face-to-face with our closest living relative. Located about an hour’s drive from Fort Portal, Kibale National Forest is the world’s primate capital. With 13 different species of primates, it’s no wonder where they get their name.
Visitors flock here to get an up-close encounter with our closest relative – the chimpanzee. The Ugandan Wildlife Authority can organize chimp permits at $200; they come in as a much cheaper alternative to gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Arrange for your permits before getting to Uganda; however, you find that people organize their trips the day off during the low season. Finding the chimps takes less than an hour, and you observe them at a close distance once you spot the first troop. Visitors are given an hour of observation time with the chimps, during which you can see about 20 different chimps.
The male chimps are the most habituated to humans and are the least shy group. You hear them call and interact with one another and even you can see some grooming! You can see female chimps, but they tend to hang out high in the trees with their young.
Chill out at the Primate Lodge for a few days in the lush Ugandan forest. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of life, The Primate Lodge is a five-minute walk away from the Kibale forest entrance. Each of the nine Banda’s is spread out to allow complete privacy for all guests. All meals are fully inclusive at the Primate Lodge, and the food is delicious.
Take off to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is 1978km in size. 95 African animals and over 600 different species of birds call the park home!
Queen Elizabeth is the perfect place to head before or after you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Go to the southern region of the park is known as Ishasha. It is a great spot to search for some famous tree-climbing lions.
The tree-climbing lions only hang out in two places worldwide (Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania is the other). You go into the park just before sunset, and low and behold, 30 minutes in, you spot her – a real tree climbing lioness or him.
Join the mountain gorillas; Bwindi National Forest is famed for its population of mountain gorillas. The UWA offers the unique experience of a trek into the forest to catch a glimpse of critically endangered species. It is a highlight and draws many tourists who come to Uganda, one of Africa’s most incredible experiences.
Gorilla trekking permits are not cheap at $700 a permit; however, the experience is unforgettable. You will trek high into the Bwindi Forest to find a family of 17 gorillas. Visitors are given an hour with the gorillas to watch the group play, eat, and socialize.