The Best 2-Week Itinerary for Self-Drive Safari in Uganda
Uganda is increasingly and easily becoming one of the most unmissable places to enjoy self-drive on the African Continent. After our 2-week self-drive trip you will understand why.
This country, dubbed the “Pearl of Africa” is so diverse and our two-week itinerary for a self-drive will take you through the unbeaten landscapes that range from semi-arid, savannah, to jungles, to rolling hills or mountain slopes blanketed by dense vegetation.
Continue reading this article for inspiration on your anticipated 2-week itinerary for a self-drive in Uganda, while choosing some of the recommended places to stay, where to have meals and things you will love about the destinations to be visited. Firstly, the best time to enjoy a self-drive in Uganda depends on the activities you wish to do. The dry season (December to February and June to September) is mild, with occasional downpours occasionally. This makes vegetation sparser hence making it easier to spot wildlife. On the other hand, the wet season (March to May, and October to November) sees verdant vegetation as well as clearer skies.
Here’s the best 2-week itinerary for a self-drive in Uganda;
Day 1: Explore Entebbe and Kampala
Entebbe is known as the “gateway” into Uganda and is home to Entebbe International Airport. Not many places in Uganda offer what this Town offers: pristine sandy beaches, the calm waters and shores of Lake Victoria, extraordinary tourist spots (such as Uganda Wildlife Education Center/or the zoo, Uganda Reptile Village, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the Botanical Gardens, and many others, mouth-watering food, and friendly people. Thanks to the numerous activities, visitors are always spoiled for choice when deciding how they wish to spend their time in Entebbe.
Recommended places to stay in Entebbe are the Boma Guesthouse, Hotel Number Five, Protea Hotel by Marriott, 2 Friends Boutique Hotel, and others. However, for this trip, we shall be staying in Kampala.
That said, just 40 kilometers from Entebbe is Kampala, the Capital City of Uganda. This is another extraordinary tourist spot with lots of places to visit. These include Kasubi Royal Tombs (the burial place for four former Buganda Kings), the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, the Uganda Museum, and others. The best accommodation options in Kampala are the Sheraton Hotel Kampala, Kampala Serena Hotel, Latitude 0 Degrees Hotel, Emin Pasha Hotel, Humura Resort, and Yellow Haven Lodge among others.
Day 2: Wrap up Kampala and drive to Sipi Falls
Your 2-week itinerary continues to Eastern Uganda, home to the Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa. This journey is about 277 kilometers and takes 5 hours with stops along the way for refreshment and toilet breaks.
Things to do in the Sipi Falls area include abseiling/Rappelling, rock climbing, coffee tours, and hiking. The recommended places to stay are Sipi Falls Lodge and Sipi Heritage Lodge among others.
Day 3: Wrap up Sipi Falls and drive to Kidepo Valley National Park
Be up early, because you can’t afford to miss the sunrise over the breathtaking Sipi Falls. Continue your self-drive in Uganda by heading to the “African Wilderness”- Kidepo Valley National Park. This journey through the sweeping savannah plains extending to Karamoja should take you about 4-5 hours with some of the best views you have ever seen. Make sure to carry a packed lunch, which you will enjoy at one of our favorite picnic spots in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Our recommended accommodation options in Kidepo Valley National Park are Apoka Safari Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Zebra Safari Lodge, Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp, and Kidepo Savannah Lodge.
Day 4: Begin the self-drive tour of Kidepo National Park
Another day to rise and shine, because today is about exploring the extraordinary game tracks of Kidepo Valley National Park. This starts at about 6:00 am with a game drive whereby lots of animals will be spotted. Here, Jackson’s hartebeests, Topis, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, cheetahs, Lions, leopards, Olive baboons, blue monkeys, zebras, and giraffes are likely to be sighted.
In the afternoon, you can take a short drive to the local community to immerse yourself in the rich Karamojong culture.
Day 5: Wrap up Kidepo Valley National Park and drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
Anything wildlife or bird-related you missed the previous day can be wrapped up before you head to Murchison Falls National Park, home to the “World’s most powerful waterfalls”. While here, you can take a self-game drive exploring some of the trails. Your journey to Murchison should take about 5-6 hours and some of the places to stay are Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, and many others.
Day 6: The Murchison Falls self-game drive.
Today, you are taking a 3-4-hour game drive through Murchison Falls National Park with the hope of seeing African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Lions, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Topis, Olive baboons, and leopards among others. Other activities you can do in this Park are bird watching, the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, the drive to the top of the falls, community walks, guided bush walks, and hot air balloon tours.
Day 7: Drive to Kibale National Park
Today, you are taking the long route from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park, and it is quite a lot of driving. For visitors with more time, we would recommend spending some time in Hoima to appreciate it. Be prepared for 7-8 hours of driving with stunning vistas that include the Escarpment, Valley, Craters, and rural homesteads. Driving here feels like driving to a whole new destination hence making it worthwhile.
Accommodation is in/around Kibale National Park and the recommended choices are Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Turaco Treetops, Chimpundu Safari Lodge, and many others.
Day 8: Spend part of the day with mankind’s closest relatives in the animal kingdom
Spend the better part of the morning in Kibale Forest National Park, searching for chimpanzees on foot. These primates are interestingly are closest relatives in the animal Kingdom. The day will of course start with breakfast at your Lodge, then a transfer to the Kanyanchu visitor center for briefing before entering the forest to search for these Great Apes.
You will need to dress up for the forest and in the afternoon, you can choose to relax at the Lodge or undertake Crater Lake Hikes or a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for another walk.
Day 9: Drive to the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park
Another great day to hit the road and this 3-4-hour journey will lead you to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Spend your afternoon on a game drive with tons of opportunities to stop along the way to spot different wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, Topis, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, Waterbucks, Olive baboons, and others.
You can stay at Elephant Plains, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, Kazinga Wilderness Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Katara Lodge, and Parkview Safari Lodge if you are exploring Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is ideal if you are exploring the Southern side of the Protected Area.
Day 10: Continue with the Queen Elizabeth National Park adventure
This day will see you enjoy two activities with breaks in between; Morning game drives and afternoon boat rides on the Kazinga Channel.
On our 2-week itinerary for a self-drive in Uganda, we are foregoing a lot of time in Queen Elizabeth National Park to make time for the other two destinations to be explored. However, people who spend more days in the Park can enjoy other activities such as lion tracking, guided bush walks, community tours, hot air balloon tours, and bird counts among others.
Day 11: To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Our 2-week itinerary for self-drive in Uganda continues to the ultimate gorilla trekking destination- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey to this Park goes through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (home to the tree-climbing lions) and the journey should take about 4 hours. A great adventure awaits here and since we are visiting the Northern sector of Bwindi, we shall be staying at Buhoma Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman Cottages, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, or Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Day 12: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is surely the highlight of our 2-week itinerary for a self-drive in Uganda. This is the day you get to track the mountain gorillas, on foot and get the chance to learn about their riveting behavior. You however need to book your permit several months in advance to enjoy this experience.
You can choose to relax for the rest of the afternoon or take a mountain biking adventure, Batwa cultural experience, or even a forest walk.
Day 13: To Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is about 4-5 hours away and provides another extraordinary wildlife viewing experience. Enjoy more self-game drives here with an opportunity to see unique animals like impalas, Elands, zebras, the Rothschild giraffes, Cape buffaloes, Topis, Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and so much more.
Here, you can stay at Eagle’s Nest Camp, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Mpogo Safari Lodge, Mburo Safari Lodge or Hyena Hill Lodge among others.
Day 14: Drive to Kampala or Entebbe, then fly out.
Luckily Lake Mburo National Park is just a 3-4-hour drive to Entebbe, whereby you can have a fly out of the country. You can have a stop at the Equator crossing for a moment of photography before proceeding to Entebbe via the Expressway. You can book a day room at any of the Entebbe Hotels to freshen- up before taking your International flight.
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Why a Hired Car is better than a Taxi while Traveling in Uganda
The idea of using taxis (whether public or private/special hire) is one of the most popular means of getting around Uganda but travelers who desire exceptional experiences are opting for Car Rentals for self-drive tours. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, public transport means have slowly been avoided for purposes of following Standard Operating Procedures especially maintaining the 2-meter distance from other travelers. However, for this article, we bring you the reasons why a Car Rental is far better than a taxi in Uganda;
Privacy
It is difficult to discuss personal or business issues when traveling by taxi but easier to talk about different aspects of your World (business, relationship, family, and even crack jokes) when traveling with your friends or family by a Rental Car. Conversations are the most interesting things done during road trips and you wouldn’t want to ruin the spirit of the drive-by having another person/driver chipping in your conversations, smirking at your dilemmas, or laughing at your jokes. Therefore if you wish for privacy during your road trips in Uganda, opt for a self-drive Car Rental.
Car Hygiene
Given the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the World, you can never be sure whether the taxi you are traveling with is even properly sanitized or not. This is not the case with self-drive Car Rental that you can make certain that it is properly sanitized (in your presence) before you even embark on the self-drive trip.
Limit to duration
Another reason why a Car Rental is better than a taxi in Uganda is the limit to duration, whereby taxis can be used for a shorter period. You can use a taxi for a day or maximum of a week yet for self-drive Car Rentals you can enjoy services for months and can interestingly extend the period of use as long as you book with the Company in advance.
Freedom while driving
If you hop into a taxi, you don’t have a say on anything but instead entirely depend on the driver. You will agree that it is even difficult or embarrassing to request the driver to make a stop for meals or even answer nature calls. This is different when you are on your self-drive Car Rental where you are guaranteed of relishing the Road trip at your own pace and way, make stops when required, and even choose what music you desire to listen to without bothering anyone (especially any driver). Similarly, there is flexibility for Self-drive Car rentals given the fact that you are your own boss and can change plans if you so wish. You can leave home earlier or later than earlier planned, make as many stops as possible to take photos without fear of a running meter or being charged extra for spending more time at a particular destination.
Cost-effectiveness
Taxi services in Uganda charge per hour or according to the meter. You will be shocked to pay more money during rush hours associated with heavy traffic jams hence the more time spent in traffic, the higher the amount you are likely to be charged. This is interestingly not the case with Car Rentals where you pay at once and regardless of the traffic, you will not be charged extra.
Safety
It is difficult to know whether your taxi Driver in Uganda is a professional and experienced or a novice, how long he/she has possessed the License. It is not safe to take chances while driving along the tricky and hilly terrain roads hence choose the option of Self-drive Car Rental where you are very sure of your skills and experience of driving through Ugandan roads. Additionally, drivers are one of the most overworked yet least paid people in Uganda, hence sometimes have to work harder to earn a living which sometimes brings about exhaustion. It becomes cumbersome to keep reminding the driver “not to rush” than ensuring your own safety in your self-drive Rental Car in Uganda since you will have the freedom to stop and rest whenever you feel exhausted.
Read More3 Best Boat Ride Experiences in Uganda
With lots of water bodies within its territory, Uganda is really the most amazing place to have a boat ride experience. Uganda is located in the great lakes and has a total of 27 lakes, rivers, and streams all combined. More to that, Uganda has the largest inland water body in Africa in Lake Victoria and the longest river in the world, the Mighty Nile.
With a series of freshwater bodies, Uganda is an ideal gem for boat ride experiences. There are a plethora of boat ride spots in Uganda but there are some spots that have a cutting edge over the others. These spots give a vacationer a lifetime experience, an experience that one would cherish for ages.
Below are the 3 best boat ride experiences in Uganda;
1. Kazinga Channel Boat Ride Experience at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga channel is a 20-mile water stretch that connects the two great lakes of Edward and George in the western part of Uganda. This peculiar water channel is found in Queen Elizabeth national park, one of the most popular national parks in Uganda. The Kazinga channel is one of the major highlights of the park. The Kazinga channel pulls lots of amazing wildlife that epitomizes its beauty.
While on the waters of the Kazinga channel, a tourist has an opportunity of encountering a pool of hippos, the ruthless Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, and elephants at the banks quenching off their thirst. The eye-catching colorful and beautiful bird species on the waters of the Kazinga channel cannot be forgotten.
The boat ride at Kazinga channel is majorly organized by Uganda Wildlife Authority and Mweya safari Lodge under Marasa. There are two boat ride sessions namely the morning boat ride that takes place between 9 am-11 am and the evening one from 3 pm-5 pm. On special request, it can be done in the late morning from 11 am-1 pm. The boat ride starts from Mweya dock close to Lake Edward sails to other parts of the channel.
While at the Kazinga boat ride, there is an interesting and insightful commentary about the channel and its wildlife rendered to the tourists by the guide. Like they say you cannot truly get the real picture of something unless you experience it. The real euphoria of a boat ride at the Kazinga channel can be consumed by visiting the spot.
2. The source of the Nile boat ride experience in Jinja
This is one of the most famous places in Uganda. Many of the people who have been to Uganda have visited the source of the Nile due to its rich history and legendary status. The source of the Nile is where the longest river in the world “The Mighty Nile” starts its journey of about 6600km to the North of Africa in Egypt. A boat ride on the waters of Lake Victoria to the actual spot known as the source of the Nile is a breathtaking one. On a boat ride, you have a panoramic view of the different developments on the shores of the water body from the fishing landing site, the new bridge on the river, the resort beaches, bars, and restaurants to the few greenery that is left around the place.
The boat ride takes you to the small island where one visibly watches the water vigorously force its way out of the underground streams to spread out to create a flowing river. Seeing this amazing watermark gives you the contentment that indeed Lake Victoria is the source of the Nile.
3. Boat ride experience at Murchison falls
As the Nile gets to the north of Africa, it passes through one amazing natural biodiversity, the Murchison falls national park in the north of Uganda. The Nile forms a sensational feature “the Murchison falls” that has made the national park the most visited park in Uganda and East Africa at large. Within this park, the Nile meets another water body in Lake Albert to make a boat ride experience possible. There are two boat ride experiences that are done in the Murchison falls region. There is the bottom of the falls boat ride and the Albert delta boat ride and these all start at the Paraa dock.
The bottom of the falls boat ride is one of the most fascinating water experiences one can ever come across. While you sail towards the falls, you get an opportunity of viewing a wide range of wildlife species namely; a school of hippos docking in water, elephants taking a bath at the shores, and countless bird species trying to poke seafood. This gets better when you get to a spot where you can clearly have a view of the magical falls but you cannot get near the devil’s cauldron because of the ragged rocks and the vigorous flow of water around it. The bottom of the falls boat ride is also a link to the hike of the top of the falls.
The Albert delta boat ride is an amazing water encounter as this is where tranquility meets unique nature. The waters here are serene and very calm with lots of biodiversities around like the elephants, hippos, warthogs, oribis, and also the elusive shoebill adds a spark to this boat ride experience. The shoebill is one of the most sought-after birds in the world and for any bird lover, this is an avenue for you to get sight of the incredible shoebill.
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