Uganda Self Drive Routes

Uganda’s appealing allures dot the various regions of the nation. In every region there’s something to see. These parts include the western, eastern, northern, and southern area. When you want to explore the pearl of Africa. Base on what you are more interested in and choose one of the Uganda self drive routes listed below. They all start and end in the central region.

Central – Eastern – Northern – Western (round trip)

This is longest self-drive route in Uganda. It covers the four regions of the nation. Starting in Entebbe or the capital you drive and stopover in Jinja. Located along the shores of Lake Victoria and River Nile, Jinja is one of the reasons for a tour in Uganda. Days spent here are worthy it. There’s enough accommodation of all categories including camping sites. You enjoy a lot of appealing activities such as boat cruise, rafting, bungee jumping, water sliding and more. For a mix of these mind-blowing pursuits, be sure to stay at Jinja Nile River explorers.

From Jinja you continue to Kapchorwa for the gushing Sipi Falls. A full day hike of these falls exposes to plenty of hidden allures. It also includes a coffee tour and a visit to the local villages to associate with the locals. Don’t forget to check out Sipi River lodge for the top most experience. They have a local guide to take you around.

After Sipi, connect to Moroto and soak up the rich culture in Sub region. Stay at Karatunga. Continue with the drive to Kotido and stopover to tour the Nakaperimoru village. Another stop is in Kaabong. You see more of the people in this area. You further proceed with the drive to Kidepo the most isolated park in Uganda. This protected area s for the Wildlife addicts. On a game drive in Kidepo you see a wealth of pretty Wild animals such as elephants, leopards, lion antelopes and more. It’s also home to multiple bird species.

After Kidepo, the western region has a lot waiting for you. Connect direct to Murchison for more beautiful moments. Here there’s Wildlife encounters and waterfall exploration. Proceed further to Kibale for the chimpanzees if you like them. The permit to see these primates costs 200 USD per person.  Next is Queen Elizabeth National Park a protected area that was named after the Queen of England. From here you connect to Bwindi for those who can afford to buy the Gorilla permits at a cost of 700 USD per person. From Bwindi, start the drive back to Kampala. On your way after Mbarara, there’s another interesting spot popularly known as Lake Mburo National Park. Nothing new here just Wildlife and boat cruise. You can just decide to skip it and continue to Entebbe.

Central – Northern – Western

This route eliminates the Eastern region. You start with a drive to Kidepo where you spend some days enjoying nature. Later return to Murchison via Gulu – Kampala road. After Murchison connect to the western side and see protected areas like Kibale, Queen, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Lake Mburo, Mountain Rwenzori, Sempaya hot springs, and Lake Mburo.

Central – North West – Western

With this one you don’t visit the eastern and Northern region. You start with Murchison Falls National Park. After concentrate to spots in the deep western province. You follow it as indicated in the explanation highlighted in the round trip above.

Central – Western – North West

Here you drive first to Lake Mburo National Park. After here, you continue to Bwindi impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and end in Murchison Falls Park. From here, you connect to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. From Ziwa you drive back to the capital.

Central – Western only

This route focuses only on the western part of Uganda. It has allures like Lake Bunyonyi, Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi, Semliki, Queen, and Mountain Rwenzori. Once done with the adventures you return to the Entebbe or the capital.

Central – Eastern – Northern only

Start from the central and drive to Jinja and the northern part of Uganda. It totally eliminates the Western side of the country. You enjoy the beautiful moments in Jinja, north eastern Uganda, and the Karamoja sub region.

Multi country Road trip

After doing one of the road trips mentioned above you can connect to other nearby countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. To cross the borders with the car you must have the documentation that authorizes this process. Have a written letter from the operator and must be signed by the responsible person.

Never try crossing the vehicle to another country without permission from the provider. You will be calling for penalties. For Rwanda you use Katuna or Cyanika border. With Tanzania you use Mutukula border. Then to Kenya, you cross via Malaba or Busia border. You have to buy the COMESA insurance at the border. It depends on the period you will be in the other country.