Road Trips in Uganda

If you are into cultural exploration, you should definitely start your journey from the country’s capital. In Kampala, you’ll be delighted with the beautiful architecture making up a hilly urban sprawl located near Lake Victoria. While in the capital, you can’t miss Kololo, the diplomatic quarter, and the beautiful Mengo Palace.

If you’re fed up with the urban flair of Kampala, you should direct your steps to one of the nature reserves that Uganda offers. The two most popular and well-known places to see are the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Kidepo Valley National Park. You’ll be enchanted with the breathtaking views that will stay in your memory for long. The nearby Lake Bunyonyi is also a perfect spot to contemplate Mother Nature.

For a greater cultural immersion explore the traditions of pygmy tribes who live in Fort Portal. With plenty of traditional housing and top-notch cuisine, the town will surprise even the most experienced travelers.

Northern Uganda is most praised for the Murchison Falls located near the beautiful town of Paraa. The falls present the relentless power of nature. Interestingly, it is a place where Ernest Hemingway crashed his plane in the 50s of the 20th century.

Suggested Road Trips in Uganda

• Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This road trip takes you from the bustling capital city of Kampala to the lush and beautiful Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, you'll pass through rolling hills, vibrant towns and villages, and stunning countryside scenery. Once you reach the park, you can go on a gorilla trekking safari, which is an incredible and unforgettable experience.

• Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park: This road trip takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most popular and diverse wildlife reserves. Along the way, you'll drive through charming towns and villages, lush green forests, and stunning countryside landscapes. Once you arrive at the park, you can go on a safari to see some of Africa's most iconic animals, including lions, elephants, hippos, and more.

• Kampala to Jinja: This road trip takes you from the capital city to the town of Jinja, which is situated on the banks of the Nile River. Along the way, you'll pass through scenic countryside and small villages, before reaching Jinja, which is known as the adventure capital of Uganda. Here, you can go white-water rafting on the Nile, bungee jumping, kayaking, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

All three of these road trips offer unique and unforgettable experiences for first-time visitors to Uganda. Whether you're interested in wildlife, adventure, or culture, there is something for everyone in this amazing country.

Even though Uganda offers an extensive network of minibuses and boda-bodas, it would be advisable to avoid this mode of transport as the vehicles don’t meet western safety standards. The most comfortable and safest choice is to opt for a rental car. Rental vehicles can be found at international airports and in the capital.

Travelling by road can be dangerous at times, especially if you decide to travel long distances between the cities. The standards in Uganda are really low and most road surfaces are poorly maintained. You should stay careful at all times as native motorists often drive without their lights on. What’s more, avoid travelling at night.

If you are planning to stay in Uganda for a period of no longer than three months, your driver’s licence will be enough. After that period, you’ll be required to carry an International Driving Permit. When it comes to speed limits, you are obliged to drive no faster than 50 km/h in built-up areas and no faster than 80 km/h in rural areas. Breaking speed limits may result in fines or even imprisonment. 

While Uganda is an amazing destination for a road trip adventure, there are a few things to be aware of to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Road conditions: Many of Uganda's roads are unpaved, and can be rough and bumpy, especially in rural areas. It's important to drive carefully, and to be aware of potholes and other hazards on the road.

• Wildlife encounters: Uganda is home to some incredible wildlife, including elephants, lions, and gorillas. While it's exciting to see these animals in their natural habitats, it's important to remember that they are wild and unpredictable. It's important to follow the guidance of experienced guides and rangers, and to keep a safe distance from the animals.

• Safety and security: Like any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions while on a road trip in Uganda. This includes locking your doors and windows while driving, not leaving valuables visible in your car, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Cultural norms: Uganda is a conservative country with strong religious beliefs, and it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly, especially in rural areas, and being aware of local customs and taboos.

• Health precautions: Uganda is a tropical country with a high risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses. It's important to take appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. It's also a good idea to drink bottled or boiled water and to be aware of food hygiene practices.

The best time to take a road trip in Uganda is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and from June to August. During this time, the roads are generally in better condition, and there is less chance of getting stuck in mud or other hazards.

Additionally, the dry season is a great time to go on safari or visit national parks, as the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources and is easier to spot. The temperatures during this time are also mild and comfortable, making for pleasant driving conditions.

However, it's worth noting that Uganda's climate can be unpredictable, and it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before embarking on a road trip. In particular, heavy rain can cause flooding and road closures, making travel difficult or impossible.

When entering national parks in Uganda, there are a few things you need to know to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Entry fees: You will need to pay an entry fee to enter the national park. These fees vary depending on the park, and are used to support conservation efforts and local communities. Make sure to check the latest fee information before entering the park.

• Permits: Some activities, such as gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking, require a permit that must be purchased in advance. These permits are often in high demand, so it's important to book them well in advance of your trip.

• Rules and regulations: National parks have rules and regulations that are designed to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Make sure to read and follow these rules, which may include things like staying on designated trails, keeping a safe distance from animals, and not feeding wildlife.

• Guides: In many national parks, you will be required to have a guide to accompany you on activities such as gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking. These guides are experts in their field and can provide valuable information about the park and its wildlife.

• Health precautions: National parks in Uganda are located in tropical areas with a high risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria. It's important to take appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when entering national parks in Uganda.

Here is a breakdown of the entry fees and permit costs for some of the most popular national parks in Uganda:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

  • Gorilla trekking permit: USD 700 per person

  • Park entry fee: USD 40 per day for foreign non-residents

• Queen Elizabeth National Park:

  • Game drive: USD 40 per person per drive

  • Launch cruise on Kazinga Channel: USD 30 per person

  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge: USD 50 per person

  • Park entry fee: USD 40 per day for foreign non-residents

• Murchison Falls National Park:

  • Game drive: USD 40 per person per drive

  • Launch cruise on the Nile: USD 30 per person

  • Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (on the way to the park): USD 50 per person

  • Park entry fee: USD 40 per day for foreign non-residents

• Kibale National Park:

  • Chimpanzee tracking permit: USD 200 per person

  • Park entry fee: USD 40 per day for foreign non-residents

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

  • Gorilla trekking permit: USD 700 per person

  • Park entry fee: USD 40 per day for foreign non-residents

Note that these costs are subject to change and may vary depending on your nationality, residency status, and other factors. It's always a good idea to check with the park authorities or a reputable tour operator for the most up-to-date information.

Here are some guidebooks and road maps that can be helpful for a road trip in Uganda:

• Bradt Travel Guide Uganda: This guidebook is a comprehensive resource for traveling in Uganda, including information on national parks, wildlife, culture, and history.

• Uganda Road Map by ITMB Publishing: This detailed map covers the entire country and includes major roads, highways, and landmarks.

• National Geographic Adventure Map Uganda: This waterproof and tear-resistant map provides detailed topographic information, including contour lines and elevations, as well as locations of national parks, game reserves, and other attractions.

• Lonely Planet East Africa: This guidebook covers not only Uganda, but also neighboring countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, making it a great resource for planning a multi-country road trip.

• Uganda Travel Atlas by Uganda Tourism Board: This atlas includes detailed maps of major cities, national parks, and other attractions, as well as information on local culture, wildlife, and history.

It's always a good idea to have both a guidebook and a road map when traveling, as they provide different types of information and can be used together to plan and navigate your road trip in Uganda.