8 Best Self Drive Destinations in Uganda to visit offer you amazing Wildlife Safaris on holiday in Uganda. The Best Self Drive Destinations in Uganda are Bwindi Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kampala City, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Most travelers to Uganda, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, embark on a safari
adventure and then fly back home. However, this country is so much more than that, as it is
rich in diversity and natural wonders. The combination of these two makes Uganda a
wonderful safari destination for a phenomenal self-drive experience.
From the vibrant streets of Entebbe and Kampala, sprawling savannahs of Murchison Falls
National Park, lush rainforest of Kibale National Park, the grasslands of Queen Elizabeth
National Park, all the way to the verdant green forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,
a self-drive in Uganda is simply unmissable. Each stop on this journey uncovers something
exceptional and phenomenal, hence making it a dream experience for all nature enthusiasts.
Read on for some of the best self-driving safari destinations in Uganda.
8 Best Self Drive Destinations to visit in Uganda
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Kampala: A city of diversity and natural beauty
Start your self-drive trip through Uganda from Kampala. Originally built on 7 stunning hills,
the City is a perfect blend of historical depth, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. Check in
at one of the remarkable accommodations and take time to explore its beauty and diversity.
Don’t miss the Kasubi Royal Tombs, famous for being the burial site for four former Kings
(Kabakas) and other members of the Buganda Royal Family. This cultural/historical site sits
only 5 kilometers from the City Center. Also, you can continue with the drive to the King’s
palace in Mengo, the Kabaka’s Lake. Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers and other historical sites.
2. Lake Mburo National Park
This self-drive safari destination is about 3-4 hours from Kampala, and includes some of the
best safari highlights: excellent game drives, guided bush walks, cycling and horseback rides
through the grasslands and woodlands, birding tours, and boat rides on Lake Mburo. This
destination is an enjoyable mixture of discovery and wildlife delights amidst jaw-dropping
scenery.
3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This 8-9-hour self-drive safari provides a wonderful option for enjoying scenic highlights of
western and southwestern Uganda. The journey then climaxes with a stay at one of the
accommodations providing views of the forest and rolling hills.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on arrival at this destination, most of which are done on foot due to the rugged terrains and verdant forest vegetation. These include gorilla trekking and the Habituation Experience, guided forest walks, bird watching, Batwa cultural tour, and mountain biking around the surrounding areas.
4. Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the highlight for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. This 3748-
square-kilometer Protected Area boasts sprawling savannah grasslands, dramatic woodland
areas, and breathtaking waterfalls and river views. This safari destination is one of the
interesting hubs for game drives, boat cruises to the bottom of the falls, guided bush walks,
sport fishing, hot air balloon tours, and community tours. Spend several days here and
prepare to be awed by the wildlife diversity.
5. Kidepo Valley National Park
A nine-to-ten-hour drive from Kampala, through Eastern or Northern Uganda, leads you to
Kidepo Valley National Park, another incredible self-drive destination in Uganda. This
144200-hectare Park is renowned for its Cape buffaloes (the highest population so far in
Uganda), African bush elephants, impalas, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, Topis,
Rothschild’s giraffes, Zebras, and others that can be seen up close in their natural
environment. This Park isn’t just about animals- it is home to over 450 bird species. A self-
driving safari through Kidepo Valley National Park is a phenomenal option for unforgettable
experiences.
6. Queen Elizabeth National Park
No trip to Uganda would be complete without a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This
iconic 197800-hectare offers some of the most unforgettable game viewing experiences in
Uganda.
You can enter the Park via one of the three gates (Katunguru, Kabatoro, or Ishasha
Gate). Before you embark on your self-drive, pick up a Map and a guidebook with all the
wildlife species you can see in Queen Elizabeth National Park and embark on your
adventure.
Get ready to encounter some of the species that include Lions, leopards, Uganda
Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, spotted hyenas, Topis, Olive baboons, Hippos, Cape Buffaloes,
and African bush elephants, alongside a myriad of bird species. Drive slowly and attentively,
and don’t get out of your vehicle during the self-driving adventure.
7. Semliki National Park: Off the Beaten Path
For a more secluded wildlife safari experience, head to Semliki National Park in western
Uganda. This 22000-hectare Protected Area is known for its unspoiled nature and low visitor
numbers, hence providing more intimate wildlife encounters.
The Park is a haven for nature lovers and photographers, providing once-in-a-lifetime game viewing opportunities, including day and night game drives where elusive wildlife species come to life. With over 470 bird species, this Park is also a wonderful Important Birding Area, increasing chances of spotting exotic and resident avian species in their natural habitat.
8. Kibale Forest National Park
Continuing the self-drive trip through the Pearl of Africa into the jungle, we guide you to the
verdant Kibale National Park. This 79500-hectare Protected Area is famous for being the
“Primate Capital of the World” with over 13 primate species, including 1500 of Uganda’s
5000 chimpanzee population. Guests are provided unparalleled opportunities to enjoy
chimpanzee tracking and the Habituation Experience, day and night forest walks, bird
watching, and guided walks through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Best time to go for a self-drive safari in Uganda
Uganda’s vast landscapes and routes are open for self-drive safaris at any time of the year.
However, through our many years’ experience, we believe that the best time for a self-drive
trip through the Pearl of Africa is during the dry season months, from June to September.
This is because the season provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals
gather around water holes and the vegetation is shorter and sparser. This makes animals
easier to spot during game drives. Even if you choose on-foot adventures, this season is
perfect because forest trails are drier and less slippery, thanks to the reduced rainfall levels.