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Best Uganda Safari Lodges to choose on your self drive

Uganda safari Lodges to choose on your self drive road trip

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Uganda safari Lodges to choose on your self drive road trip

Planning to visit the pearl of Africa soon and haven’t got the right and perfect safari lodge for your stay? These are some of the best hotels in the various national parks where you will be heading to on your self drive Uganda roadtrip.

Safari Lodges in Uganda is a collection of high quality safari accommodation in traditional African style, located in the most popular national parks of Uganda. We offer you the most ultimate Safari Experience while staying at these private properties; a combination of uniquely built facilities and an outstanding service.

These intimate safari lodges are situated in the most prominent parts of the protected areas and are undoubtedly the best base for exploration of the national parks.

Murchison falls national park

  • Nile safari lodge
  • Paraa safari lodge
  • Sambiya River Lodge
  • Masindi Hotel
  • Red Chilli Hide-away
  • Rest Camp
  • Court View Hotel
  • Bamboo village lodge

 Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

 

  • Gorilla forest camp
  • Mantana Luxury tented Camps
  • Volcanoes camp
  • Buhoma Homestead
  • Lake kitandara bwindi camp
  • Buhoma community bandas
  • Rushaga gorilla camp
  • Gorilla Mist camp
  • Bwindi backpackers
  • Bweza Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort

Queen Elizabeth National Park

 

  • Mweya safari lodge
  • jacana safari lodge
  • Warujojo safari Lodge
  • Song bird safari Lodge and camp site
  • Engiri game lodge
  • Elephant plains Lodge
  • Ishasha Wilderness camp
  • Buffalo safari lodge
  • Queen Elizabeth bush lodge

Kibale National Park lodges

  • Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge
  • Primate Lodge Kibale
  • Ndali Safari Lodge
  • Lake Nyamirima cottages
  • Lake Murehe resort
  • Rwengo Lakeside Campsite
  • Nkingo Village Safari Guest House
  • Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary UCOTA

You can look at other destinations In Uganda like Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kidepo Valley National Park and more that have various accommodations regardless of your budget.

Whether you are looking for a budget, midrange or luxury you will get all that on your self drive Uganda safari.

Looking for a hotel that matches your preferences and budget, contact our reservations team today and we will arrange the right hotel for you.

Self drive Uganda tips for first time visitors in 2024/25

Self drive Uganda tips for first time visitors in 2024/25

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Self drive Uganda tips for first time visitors in 2024/25

Uganda has become a popular hub for travelers seeking to discover the country’s hidden gems. From visiting the source of Nile river in Jinja, Sipi falls, the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, to Murchison Falls National Park to see the world’s most powerful waterfall, Queen Elizabeth National park to see the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the park, and then to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see mountain gorillas as they roam freely in the dense rainforest.

There’s a lot more you will be able to discover on your self drive Uganda roadtrip but to get the best out of your roadtrip especially if it’s your first time visiting the pearl of Africa, we have put together the key tips you need to follow for a memorable experience. These do include;

  1. Is driving yourself in Uganda safe?

Safety has always been a major concern for travelers visiting Uganda for their first time but when it comes to driving to the various parts of the country, Uganda remains one of the easiest and safest places. The road network connecting to the different national parks are improved over the years with a number of them tarmacked and some with murram. On the various roads, the road signs are properly labeled for ease navigation.

Apart from the main towns like Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja and more, the rest are sparsely populated which does reduce the risk of accidents. We assure you that as long as you adhere to local and traffic guidelines, you will be safe throughout your roadtrip.

  1. Do I really need a 4×4 while self driving in Uganda?

This does depend on where you would like to drive to while in the country. For travelers planning to visit specifically national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park or more, you will need to have hired a 4WD to get you anywhere with ease. Some of the 4WDs you can check out include a Land cruiser TZ/TX, Land Cruiser V8/VX, Land Cruiser hardtop, Toyota RAV4 among others.

If you are staying within Kampala or Entebbe, you can hire a saloon car and it will be able to get you anywhere within the city with ease.

  1. What can i consider for my self drive Uganda roadtrip?

As you plan for a roadtrip in Uganda, you need to know that however much it is a small country, with a proper itinerary, you will get the best out of it. This means that you will need to plan accordingly the driving time between the different destinations. This helps you know the exact number of days you will need to spend on the roadtrip and know how long you will spend driving each day.

Make sure you do have enough drinking water and food especially for your game drives. The fact that you will be visiting remote areas of the country, you need to always need to ensure you do have enough fuel in the car. There are fewer gas stations up country and these are distanced between 50km to 100km.

  1. What side of road do I need to be on while self driving in Uganda?

Just like some of the European countries, while driving in Uganda you need to drive from the left hand side of the road and only overtake from the right when it’s safe for you to do so. Unlike Rwanda, the rest of East African countries, drive from the left hand side of the road.

  1. Do I need an international driving license while driving in Uganda?

The only essential document you are requested to have on your self drive road trip in Uganda is making sure you have a valid driving license that does prove that in deed you have the desired experience to be on the road. An international driving license will be required if you plan to cross the border into Rwanda or Kenya.

  1. What equipment should I carry with me on a self drive Uganda trip?

As a car rental company we do have a number of extras we can avail to you prior to the start of your trip so that you have a hassle free experience and this includes equipment’s like a rooftop tent, wheel spanner, spare tire, car jack, complete camping gear. We always advise you to thoroughly check the car before the start of the trip and make sure everything you requested for is available.

Some of the essentials you will need to consider include a local simcard to reach out to us easily, a satellite phone, a torch, mosquito or insect repellent and proper clothing depending on the time of the year you are traveling.

Can tourists drive in Uganda

can tourists drive in Uganda

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Can tourists drive in Uganda?

Can tourists drive in Uganda

Uganda is popularly becoming a leading destination in the world attracting various people from different ethnicity, backgrounds and much more. The country does have a lot to offer within her boundaries that you can spot on either a guided safari (car rental in Uganda with driver) or self drive in Uganda roadtrip.

Are you visiting Uganda and still wondering whether tourists you allowed to drive a car on your roadtrip? That’s very possible. Whether you want to drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see man’s closest relative – mountain gorillas, to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see tree climbing lions, Murchison Falls National Park to see the world’s most powerful waterfall which is formed by the Nile river forcing its way through a narrow gorge among other destinations, we have the right 4×4 cars for your trip.

These are regularly maintained and serviced to give you a memorable road trip and hassle free experience.

Why you need to drive yourself in Uganda?

There a number of benefits that come with car rental in Uganda especially to tourists interested in self drive Uganda roadtrip and these do include;

Privacy; If you are someone who values privacy, a self drive in Uganda will present you just that. This means you will have the freedom to do anything anytime without worry about a third party.

Flexibility; One of the best things about self drive car hire in Uganda is the flexibility it presents you while on your trip. You will have the time to visit any destination of your choice at your own pace or even adjust your travel itinerary to how you need it.

Affordable: Self drive car hire in very affordable compared to when you hire a car with a driver and for travelers hiring for longer periods of time, we have amazing discounts that you will be able to enjoy.

How much do I need to hire a car in Uganda?

Planning to drive yourself as a tourist in Uganda but wondering how much it would cost you to hire a car for such a trip? Worry not. We have the best cars at unbeatable prices for tourists. Our car rental vary and these will be determined by the type of car you choose to hire, the rental period and the time of the year you are planning to drive through Uganda’s top destination.

Reach out to Uganda Self Drives today and we will be glad to arrange you a memorable self drive road trip in the ‘Pearl Of Africa’.

Our car rental Uganda prices come with insurance for the car, pick up and drop off at any hotel of your choice within Entebbe and Kampala or even Entebbe airport, roadside assistance in case of breakdown and much more.

What do you need to hire a car in Uganda?

Car hire in Uganda is very simple. All you need is a copy of a valid driving license to prove that indeed you are licensed to be on the road. We will as well request for a copy of your passport for identification purposes and right after that, we will take you through our smooth booking process.

To book that car for your next self drive Uganda road trip, you can simply fill in your details including the tme you will need it and for how long and our agent will be able to take you through our smooth booking process.

Alternatively, you can reach us on +256 759498123 and our reservations team will as well take you through each and everything you would like to know about Uganda, Rwanda and more other countries we do operate in.

Top Safety driving tips during the rainy season in Uganda

Top Safety driving tips during the rainy season in Uganda

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Top Safety driving tips during the rainy season in Uganda

Top Safety driving tips during the rainy season in Uganda

Uganda continues to be the leading destination amongst travelers due to abundance of activities you can do within her boundaries. The East African country can be visited any time of the year and whether it’s during the rainy season or dry season of the year, you will get the much needed memorable experience.

For travelers planning to visit the country during the rainy season of the year, we have put together key safety tips you need to keep in mind as you drive on the roads to various destinations within Uganda. Whether you plan to visit the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, drive to Murchison Falls National Park to see the world’s most powerful waterfall and more other destinations, we have put together the best tips to follow to safely drive on the road during the rainy season. These include;

  • Avoid large Puddles

As you drive on the road on either tarmacked or murram roads during the rainy season in Uganda, we recommend avoiding going through puddles because sometimes you can’t tell how deep these maybe. Roads especially those situated in national parks are hard to go through during the rainy season and these have puddles.

Avoid driving on the shoulders of the road as sometimes water concentrates on such positions. Drive from the middle of the road and only when there’s enough space for the incoming vehicle.

  • Don’t over speed

You are required to keep the driving speed at 50KM/hr for your safety on the road. If you are driving at a high speed, you may loose control of the car and then cause an accident. If you highly doubt your driving skills, park the car and wait for the rain to clear.

  • Be on the look out

During the rainy season, trees tend to fall off on a number of roads. As you drive on the road, be alert and spot where the danger may be that would lead to an accident. During rain, your hearing is always interrupted with. Its important you reduce the noise inside the car to concentrate on the noise coming from the outside.

  • Avoid causing confusion on the road

Driving through major cities of Uganda during the rainy season needs some level of patience. During the rush hours traffic jam tends to be much more than expect which forces other road users to leave their lanes. Once you do this especially during the rainy season when visibility is altered with, it will cause confusion to other driving hence increasing chances of causing a collision.

Its important you turn on signals to let other road users know your intentions while you drive during the rainy season.

  • Check your car

Before we give out our cars to travelers, we make sure everything perfectly functions very well. It’s very important that as a traveler you get to check the car before you head out for your trip. Check for the wipers, the tyres and ask whether the spare tyre has enough pressure to help you in case you get a flat tyre.

These are some of the best tips you can follow to have a memorable roadtrip in Uganda on your self drive. We have the best 4×4 cars that are strong enough to navigate the rugged terrains in National parks especially during the rainy season.

Top things to pack on your self drive Uganda safari

What to pack on your self drive Uganda safari?

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Top things to pack on your self drive Uganda safari

Nothing frustrates like forgetting the most essential item, document as you head for a self drive in Uganda. However, the good news is that we have put together some of the most important things that you definitely don’t have to forget to include on your packing list for a memorable and Uganda self drive trip.

These have been grouped into essentials, clothing and rest that you are not so necessary but contribute to a rewarding safari in Uganda. Whether you are considering to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale or even to see the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, our packing list will work for you.

For travelers who are planning to self drive through Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania, this packing list will as well work for you.

Travel essentials on self drive Uganda

  • Valid passport and Visa: If you are coming into Uganda as a foreigner you are required to have got yourself a visa that allows you to be in the country legally. A passport is always required for identity purposes.
  • Photo copy of passport and driving license: As a car rental company we always request you to present your driving license and passport before we go ahead to reserve your vehicle. This does act as proof that in deed you have the much needed experience on the road.
  • Airline ticket: Of course, there various airlines that fly to Uganda and to be able to be among those flying into the country, you will need to have booked and paid for your flight ticket.
  • International health card with immunizations (yellow fever): this is required from travelers who are visiting from high risk countries.
  • US$ cash / travelers cheques/ credit card: This helps purchase anything magnificent that you may come across during your trip. Be it locally made clothings, food, or even a tip to your favorite driver or hotel staff, you can do so with the above.
  • Small lock to lock zippers together
  • Sleeping bag for adventure camping: For travelers planning to spend sometime in the wild(camping), worry not we have the best and clean sleeping bag and camping equipment to make your overall self drive in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya unforgettable.
  • Small diary and pen: you love journaling and documenting so much that you may come across on a roadtrip, pack your diary and pen to record these moments.

Clothing

Who wouldn’t pack clothes? Of course as you come for a safari in Uganda, you will need a few clothing and these and the types of clothings you need to put into consideration.

  • Neutrally colored clothing: Bright colors tend to scare away wildlife animals or even radiate danger for these species. Black and white colors attract insects.
  • 4 – 5 short sleeve t-shirts: Sometimes depending on the time of the year you have visited Uganda, the weather patterns seem to change but once it’s a chilly afternoon and hot, a short sleeved t-shirt will do much better.
  • 2 – 3 pairs of shorts: Chill under a tree on a hot sunny day or even in the evening in a short and the whole experience will be truly memorable.
  • 2 sweaters or sweatshirts: Night hours tend to get so cold thus you will need something quite heavy to keep you warm during that time. Even when it rains during day, these will do the magic for you.
  • 2 pairs of casual trousers
  • 2 long sleeve shirts: for travelers heading for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, we recommend making sure you have long sleeved shirts which may protect you from insect bites and thorns.
  • Lightweight rain jacket: Uganda is located close to the equator and this means it can rain any day of the year, to be on a safe side, we recommend you pack a jacket to keep you dry during a rainy day.
  • Fleece jacket
  • Hiking shoes: to easily hike through the steep slopes and the muddy roads, we recommend packing hiking shoes for a hassle free experience.
  • Lightweight shoes: for an evening walk, or a walk through the community, these shoes will do the magic for you.
  • Swimsuit: planning to swim, having this is an essential
  • Warm sleeping outfit for camping safaris:
  • Wide-brimmed hat: to keep you away from the hot sun during your game drive or natural walk.

Accessories

  • Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, handy wipes, etc. It’s best to bring small trail size containers.)
  • Towel
  • Sun screen and lip protection (SPF 30)
  • Ziploc bags to protect camera, binoculars and other such things from dust
  • Money belt
  • Insect repellant spray

First aid

  • Aspirin
  • Imodium
  • Valoid
  • Painkillers
  • Bandages
  • Throat lozenges
  • Eye drops

Other accessories

  • Camera, lenses and extra film, where applicable (ASA 200 film recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • Pocket knife
  • Insect repellant
  • Reading and writing material
  • Snacks
  • Sweets
  • Nuts
  • Video camera
  • Video tapes (if applicable)
  • Battery packs
  • Tri-pod
Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda

Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda

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Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is famously renowned as the climax of all tourist activities in Uganda. At any time of the year, gorilla trekking is possible in the pearl of Africa.

Uganda is a natural habitat for over 400 mountain gorillas. The pearl of Africa has harbored over 12 different families of these primates in its dense rainforests.

Uganda still remains the prime destinatons where you can spot mountain gorillas as the country has the highest population density that any other place.  These gentle massive creatures inhabit high terrains in the montane and bamboo forests between 1500 meters to as high as 4000 meters above sea level, sparsely surrounded by agriculture and local communities.

Where to see Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is home to over 400 mountain gorillas clustered in over 12 families. Tracking these gentle giants is an adventure like no other, though only one family can be trailed by 8 people each day – a reason as to why its important to book your trip months prior to your trip so that you don’t miss out on seeing man’s closest relative.

Gorilla trekking is practicable in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These parks that are situated within the Virunga Conservation area are the renowned destinations for gorilla tracking in the pearl of Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the most public acknowledgement credit for gorilla trekking. This park is seated on over 120 square miles of montane and dense bamboo forests in Kanungu district, south western Uganda.

The park independently harbors over 10 distinctive families of the mountain gorillas in its nature habitation, i.e. Rushegura, Katwe, Bitukura, Oruzogo and many more. Recent census tolled over 300 mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable National Park with 11 silverbacks. The park offers this exhilarating experience in a single itinerary, commenced depending on travelers’ tastes and preferences. This further beautifies the adventure.

There 4 sectors in Bwindi that you can visit if you plan on doing gorilla trekking and these include; Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Each sector has a unique gorilla families that are found there and you can as always select a sector depending on the lodge you plan to stay at while in Bwindi. We advise you to always ensure that you book a lodge close to the sector you plan to track gorillas. Forexample if you plan to stay in Rushaga, select a lodge within this sector as this allows you to reach the park headquarters easily in the morning hours for briefing.

Mgahinga National Park/ Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only other tourism park notable for gorilla trekking in Uganda. This national park is located also in south western Uganda in Kisoro district. It is the smallest national park in Uganda, seated on only 34 square kilometers.

The park is a natural habitat for two mountain gorilla families, that is the Nyakagezi family and the Hirwa Gorilla Family.

The Nyakagezi family is largely populated in the low land areas of the park. It is one of the easiest gorilla families to track in Uganda. It has a rich historic background lofted by its guardianship of 2 dominant silverbacks. The highlight of this family’s legacy is that its predominant silverback, Bugingo, is estimated to be 54 years and counting. This is completely uncommon for a gorilla life span.

The Hirwa family mainly inhabits the Virunga conservation area. This family is an easier one to locate and encountering it takes not more than an hour when trekking in the Mgahinga Gorilla National park.

Although these gorillas can be tracked at any season of the year in Uganda, the best times to encounter these gentle giants should be in the long dry season (June to September) and the short dry season (mid December to early February). During these months, majority of the trails within the park are dry and less slippery  making your hiking experience quite easy and memorable. 

Cost of Gorilla trekking permits  

To engage in tracing these mountain Gorillas in their natural habitats, travelers need to purchase a gorilla trekking permit. This permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to only tourists over the age of 15.

Booking a Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs 700 USD for each foreign nonresident tourist, 600 USD for every foreign resident and 250,000 UGX for only an East African tourist. These prices are fixed for both Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park.

Crucially consider booking and purchasing of your Gorilla trekking permit from only trusted tour operators. Acknowledged operators on the market are spearhead by  Uganda Self Drives. Be rest assured with Vizuri Africa Safaris to consider your ideal dates of travel, travel destinations, accommodation preferences and booking of your gorilla trekking permit.

Contemplate on other costs along the delightful adventure of gorilla trekking such as transportation, food, VISA, packing lists, porters and tips for on trip guides. These costs move along with your gorilla trekking experience modelling the adventure a magnificent one.

Tips on minimizing costs along your gorilla trekking journey should be prioritized, as emphasis on them not only saves you an extra penny but makes your gorilla trekking journey a comfortable one as well. Tips like booking gorilla trekking permits and accommodation in time, hiring chauffeur, changing currency into small notes and following a tight budget should be prioritized. To best exploit your adventure, we recommend you to entrust Uganda Self Drives to plan your wildlife experience.

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

The adventure and the opportunity to connect with nature makes gorilla trekking a worthwhile for wildlife enthusiasts. Gorilla trekking is renowned for its unique and rewarding adventure allowing tourists to encounter these holistic primates in their natural habitats. Gorilla trekking is truly amazing and worthy every second accounted on it.

self drive in Uganda FAQS

Frequently asked questions about self drive in Uganda

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Frequently asked questions about self drive in Uganda

Like any other traveler visiting a foreign country for the first time, there those particular questions that you will always ask yourself before you go ahead to hire a car. But the good news is that if you are visiting the “Pearl Of Uganda” and would like to self drive in Uganda, we have compiled some of the frequently asked questions on self drive Uganda so that you are able to book with confidence.

Renting a car in Uganda is one of the best ways you can fully explore and discover what this country does have within her boundaries. Some of the questions about self drive in Uganda include:

  • How much is to rent a car in Uganda?

The cost of car hire in Uganda for self drive varies and this depends on the type of car you would like to rent, the number of people, the rental period and your destination. At Uganda Self Drives, we have a the best fleet of self drive cars for hire in Uganda that does include small compact cars and 4×4 SUVs best to use on the rugged terrains in the various parts of the country. The more comfortable and strong the car is, the more you are likely to pay for it.

For travelers renting on long term car rental Uganda basis, we have amazing discounts if you hire a car for more than 28 days thus reducing on the cost of car rental in Uganda. For travelers who plan to cross into the neighboring countries, we request that you do inform us days prior to your trip so that we arrange the necessary required documents for you to cross the border.

  • What do I need to hire a car for self drive in Uganda?

To hire a car in Uganda, you will need to provide us with a valid copy of driving copy of your driving license, an international driving permit and a copy of your passport for identity purposes. With these documents, we will have the confidence that in deed you have the experience to drive on the road.

  • Is it safe to self drive in Uganda?

Your safety is our top priority and we give you the assurance that you will be safe while you drive in Uganda. A number of roads in Uganda are now tarmacked while others are being worked on. Driving in Uganda is quite easy as long as you follow the set traffic guidelines.

In terms of security, Uganda remains among the safest countries in sub Saharan Africa where you can go and have uninterrupted safari regardless of which destination you are visiting. Please note that like any other developing country, you will need to be cautious while going through crowded places like major cities, and traffic jam. Ensure all your car doors are locked and your windows are up as you drive through busy areas.

  • Can I hire a car with a driver?

Yes. You can now hire a car with a driver in Uganda with a driver with us. Our drivers are well trained, English speaking and disciplined to give you the best experience as you explore the country. These are well versed with the road network in the country making sure you do arrive at your desired destination on time.

Our car hire in Uganda with a driver allows you to sit back, relax and let our driver take you to anywhere you would like to go within Uganda and beyond.

  • In case of a breakdown, what do I need to do?

We have agents all over the country that will work on the car once it breaks down while you are on your trip. We always request you to inform us, tell us the location and our agent will locate you as soon as possible to work on the car so that you continue with your trip.

In cases where it’s likely to take us so long to fix the car, we will be able to send you a rescue vehicle so that you get to finish your trip at no extra cost.

  • What type of insurance that does come with the car?

Our cars are comprehensively insured but cases where you cause a damage on the car out of recklessness or ignorance, you will be responsible and accountable to repair that damaged part of the vehicle.

  • What is the minimum age required to hire a car in Uganda?

For travelers interested in self drive in Uganda, you need to be aged between 25-65 years. Those who would prefer to rent a car Uganda but are aged below 25 years, you will be subjected to an underage surcharge.

To rent a car in Uganda for self drive you can send us an email on info@ugandaselfdrives.com and our customer care team will be able to take you through the booking process. You can as well talk to us directly  on +256 759 498 123 and our customer care agent will brief you and take you through the booking process.

Top 4 activities to do when on a tour in Kibale Forest National Park

Top 4 activities to do when on a tour in Kibale Forest National Park

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Situated in the western part of Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is among the top leading and most visited places in Uganda that has a number of activities that you can engage in. This is also known as the ‘primate capital of the world’ and this is because of the fact that it does have more primate species than any other place in East and central Africa.

The highlight of your trip to this park located in Fort Portal is to see chimpanzees as they play, feed and seen both on ground and tree branches. Its during the tracking that you will come across other primate species that reside within the park’s boundaries. These include a Black and white colobus monkey, Patas Monkey, Red Tailed Monkey, Mangabeys, Red Colobus Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, potto and other species.

Apart from primate safaris, there other exciting activities you can engage in while in Kibale Forest National Park and these do include;

Chimpanzee habituation

It’s absolutely memorable and rewarding getting close and staying close to man’s closest relative – chimpanzees for more than an hour. It’s during this time that you can observe and study their behavior as they play and feed, take as many photos as you want and much more. To participate in chimpanzee habituation, you will need to have purchased a chimpanzee habituation permit that is availed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Birding

Kibale is also among the best birding destination in Uganda with the park hosting over 350 species of birds that be seen in its boundaries and 6 of these are endemic to the region. While on a safari to this park, you definitely don’t have to miss out visiting the Bigodi wetland sanctuary also known as the ‘birder’s paradise’ which has over 138 species of birds.

These can be seen on a guided safari through boarded walk trails and from the viewing points. Some of the bird species you can look forward to seeing include; the popular papyrus gonolek, white collared olive, African pitta, black capped apalis, crowned eagle, black crowned waxbill among others.

Natural walks and hikes

This is another way you can fully explore what the park does have within its boundaries. While on a nature walk you can visit the amabere caves, the various rivers, swamps and also get the opportunity to have a look at other wildlife species that reside here.

Community tour

Your safari to Kibale is incomplete if you don’t get the opportunity to the local community and get to see how they interact and live their lives. Kibale is surrounded by the Batoro people and visiting these people will equip you with information about their rich culture, their lifestyle, and also get the opportunity to visit the Tooro kingdom palace – where the king resides.

Another tribe that you don’t have to miss visiting while on your trip in Kibale is Bakiga people. These are mainly known to be strong and subsistence farmers and visiting them is an experience worth it.

Best time to visit Kibale Forest National Park

Tourism is an all year round activity which does imply that you can visit any time of the year and still have that much needed rewarding experience you need. However to have that very best experience, you will need to visit the park during the months of June to September and December to February. It’s during this time that the country and Kibale receives less or not rainfall at all which makes the trails in the parks dry and less slippery which eases movement.

During the wet season that takes place during the months of march to May and October to early December, the park receives a lot of rainfall which does make the trails within the park hard to pass through since they are slippery. To have a rewarding experience, you will need to visit the park during the dry season.

Regardless of the season you choose to visit the park, we assure you that you will have a fun packed time.

How do I get to Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park can be accessed by either road or air. By road you can use the Kampala – Fort portal route through Mubende which is a 6hr drive from Kampala city. It can also be accessed through Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara- Kamwenge – Fort portal route. However, this is the longest and favorable for those planning to visit Lake Mburo National Park on their trip.  For travelers already in Fort Portal, the park is just an hour away.

By air, you will need to book a chartered plane from Entebbe or Kajjansi airstrip to Kasese airstrip which is close to the park or Nyakisharara in Mbarara and then drive to the park through Kamwenge.

Top destinations to visit while on a Uganda Self Drive

Top destinations to visit while on a Uganda Self Drive

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Top destinations to visit while on a Uganda Self Drive

Top destinations to visit while on a Uganda Self Drive

Your safari to Africa is incomplete if you don’t get the opportunity to visit Uganda– also popularly known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ to see so much that you can find within her boundaries. The East African country was recently among the top countries listed by CNN to visit in 2023 and this is attributed to the diverse land scape, wildlife species, the various tribes with each presenting a unique lifestyle experience and so much more.

Whether you are planning for a solo trip, family safari or even a honey moon experience and looking for a perfect destination that will give you that much needed rewarding experience, Uganda is the right place you are looking for. At Uganda Self Drives, we do have reliable cars for hire whether on a self drive or car rental in Uganda with a driver to take you to your preferred destination with ease and these are both 4×4 vehicles and small SUVs available at unbeatable and pocket friendly rates.

Whether its going to going to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls National Park to see the world’s most powerful waterfall, Kibale Forest National Park for a primate safari experience and more other locations, we assure you that you will be left in awe with what you will find in these locations.

In Case you are planning for a Uganda Self Drive and looking for destinations you can visit, this article is here to ease that for you by listing the areas you can consider to visit.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This is one of the top leading destinations in the country known to be home to almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas that can be seen play, feed and close to man’s closest relative is an unmatched experience but to do so you will need to have purchased a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority that does cost only $700 per person for foreign residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000/= for East African citizens.

While doing gorilla trekking, you will also get the opportunity to see other wildlife species that can be found within the park’s premises. These include several species of birds, butterflies, insects and so much more.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is a must visit destination while in Uganda as it has a lot to offer. Part of what you can do in Queen Elizabeth National Park include going for a game drive in the Ishasha sector of the park where you can see the tree climbing lions, the Kazinga channel where you will be able to see a number of crocodiles, hippos and others on the shores like elephants, buffaloes and more.

You can as well visit the Kasenyi plains where you can do a game drive that will introduce you to antelopes, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas and more others. While in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can also visit the Kyambura gorge where you will be able to see chimpanzees. Seeing these primates might be challenges but its rewarding.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison is Uganda’s oldest, largest and most visited national park. The highlight of visiting the park is to see, hike to the top of the world’s most powerful water fall – Murchison Falls. The experience is rewarding as you will get to witness how the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge forming a thunderous sound. It’s also here that you will be able to see the famous rainbow that is seen in photos.

You will definitely have to do a game drive in the park that gives you the opportunity to see wildlife species as they roam in the park. Some of the species you will be able to see in the park include; birds, lions, hyenas, elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, among others.

You will need to as well go on a boat cruise up stream where you will be able to see crocodiles, hippos, species of birds and more others species on the shoreline. This also allows you to see the Murchison falls from below giving you the chance to capture the once a lifetime rewarding photo.

A visit to Bundongo Forest that’s situated within this national park, gives you the opportunity to see chimpanzee species as they play and feed both on ground and tree branches.

Kibale Forest National Park

If you are looking for the best place you can go for a primate safaris in East and central Africa, Kibale Forest National Park is the best destination to see these in their natural habitat. The park has over 13 primate species that does include chimpanzees, red tailed monkey, olive baboon, blue monkey, black and white Colubus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, among others. The highlight of your safari in this park is chimpanzee tracking and to do this, you will need to have purchased permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

While in Kibale, you can as well visit the Bigodi wetland sanctuary best for birding that can be seen on your nature walk.

Lake Mburo National Park

If you are looking for the closest destination you can visit while on your safari in Uganda then Lake Mburo is that perfect location that will give you so much that you are looking for. A game drive through the park will introduce you to wildlife species like the zebras, elands – lake mburo is the only place in Uganda where they are seen, topi, sitatunga, bush pigs, birds like red faced barbet, pied king fisher and so much more. While here you can as well go for a boat cruise where you can see crocodiles, hippos, birds and capture the beautiful scenic views.

Kidepo Valley National Park

If you are looking for a less crowded place to visit while on your Uganda self drive, Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem that you will definitely need to explore. Situated in the North eastern part of Uganda, this park will present you the real African experience especially on a game drive where you will see wildlife species like the zebras, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, klipspringer, Rothschild’s giraffes and many more others.

You can as well go for a nature walk through the Apoka camp which does introduce you to bird species like the ostrich among others. You will as well be able to capture the beautiful scenic views of the different parts of the park.

There other places you can visit while on your self drive in Uganda include; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – known to be the only place in Uganda where you can see the golden monkeys. Rwenzori Mountains, Mt. Elgon National Park, Semuliki National Park among other destinations.

Fleet of cars to select while on a Uganda self drive

We have reliable cars that you hire in Uganda whether with a driver or self drive and these do include a Toyota RAV4, Land Cruiser TX, Land Cruiser GX, Nissan patrol, safari van, Land Cruiser V8, and more. All these are well maintained and serviced to give you the best experience on and off road.

How to rent a car in Uganda

To rent a car in Uganda, you can fill our request form with your details about your preferred car, number of days, number of people and our team will process your booking  upon receiving your request.

Alternatively, you can talk to us directly on +256 759498123 and we will make sure your booking is reserved.

Family car rental in Uganda

Why rent a car in Uganda

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Whether you are visiting the ‘Pearl of Africa’ for a business trip and safari, rent a car for self drive or car rental in Uganda with a driver is the cheapest and the easiest way to get around the different destinations situated in different parts of the country.

If you are looking for a place to visit and get to have a memorable and rewarding experience, Uganda is a must have on your bucket list. The country is endowed with so much that you can find within her boundaries and these range from the rare wildlife species like the mountain gorillas, tree climbing lions, chimpanzees among others to nature beauties the world’s most powerful waterfall- Murchison falls, crater lakes in the western part of the country, the rolling hills and valleys and so much.

 

While you can choose to use public transport to get to these destinations, most of these buses reach at certain points which makes it hard for you to proceed right from there to the destined and final destination.

However, through renting a reliable car that you will be able to visit any of these places to have rewarding and an experience you will ever look for. At Uganda Self Drives, we have a fleet of self drive cars for hire in Uganda at very affordable and unbeatable rates.

With a car rental in Uganda with a driver or self drive, you will be able to get to any of the national parks or specific destination without worrying about being left behind by the public means of transport you would opt. Many public means like buses and air crafts, have a specific they set off to and from such locations which implies that if you come before or after that time, you likely to suspend your travel. But with car hire Uganda, you can drive to any location at any time and any day.

Renting a car in Uganda also gives you the privacy you need while on a trip, meaning you can take a nap when you want to, get a snack you need or even have endless stop overs in order to capture the different unique features within the country’s boundaries.

On top of giving you the freedom to travel anywhere anytime, car rental is pocket friendly compared to any other means. Imagine traveling from Kampala to Kidepo and then to Murchison using public means, this is costly but when you rent a car you are very sure that you will get to any of these destinations at your own pace. In other words, its cheap car hire in Uganda that will definitely get you to your final destination.

Renting a car is cheap because there are no costs involved like maintenance costs, pick up and drop off fees. As Uganda Self Drives, the only fee you will be asked before you proceed with your trip and right after that, there is no other amount of money you are expected to pay to maintain the vehicle in case it breaks and more other car services. In case a car breaks down while you are still on your trip, we have a number of agents across the country who will handle such a case at no cost expected from you.

Is car rental in Uganda Safe?

Absolutely right. Whether you are renting a car for self drive or car rental in Uganda with a driver we assure you that you will be safe as long you follow the set traffic laws. While driving on Ugandans roads you expected to drive from the left side of the road and overtake from the right only when it’s safe for you to do so.

In terms of security, Uganda remains among the top safest countries in Africa with no record against international travelers or foreigners for about two decades. Making it one of the safest countries you can go to.

How much is renting a car in Uganda?

The cost car rental in Uganda is determined by a few factors and these do include the type of car you are renting, the number of days, the number of people and the destination. The cost of car hire varies given that cars have different engine power and comfort. For example the cost of renting a RAV4 is quite low compared to when you are renting a Land Cruiser TX because the two cars do differ in terms of comfort and strength especially when navigating the different terrains in the country.

When on more than monthly car rental Uganda, expect to get a discount on any of the car of your choice from us. Renting a car per day is quite expensive, however if you rent for more than 14 days or even a month, you are likely to get a discount which does make car hire affordable.

Are you planning to cross the border into another country, we always advise you to inform us prior to your car rental booking to enable us prepare the necessary documents required for you to cross the border and please note when you cross a border to another country, the cost differs as that of 4×4 car rental Uganda.

What do I need to rent a car for self drive in Uganda?

Like any other country, to rent a car for self drive, you will need to avail a few documents that indeed prove that you know to how to drive and licensed. These include a valid copy of a driving license, an international driving permit and a copy of a valid passport. These are required for identification purposes.

Upon receiving these, we will then proceed and take you through the booking process where you can share with your preferred vehicle for rental, number of days and more other details.

Can I self drive in Uganda as a tourist?

Yes. You can drive in Uganda as long as you have the necessary documents and willing to follow the country’s traffic laws while on the road. Traffic officers in Uganda are very friendly and once they ask you to stop, you can do so since this is usually done to check whether you have the right documents to be on the road and the mechanical conditions of the car you are driving.

Once you are found with no offence, you will be set free to proceed with your trip.

Overall car hire in Uganda will get you to any destination of your choice giving you the privacy, comfort and affordable rates you would prefer. To rent a car, talk to us today on +256 759498123 and we will be able to reserve you the car of your choice.

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