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Planning a trip around Uganda for the first time? If you are planning a road trip to Uganda for the first time, there are several things that must be put together to make it memorable. With this guide, we believe that you will have a well-planned road trip to Uganda this holiday.

Where to go for a Road trip in Uganda

When it comes to road trips, Uganda is that one country with several amazing tourist sites for you to explore. Most importantly, you need plenty of time to allow plan appropriately for your holiday. This will allow you put everything together and in the end, make your holiday successful. Prior to embarking on a road trip make sure that you have where to spend a night whether in Kampala or at the national park where most of the safaris are conducted.

Uganda comprises numerous tourist sites which means you have somewhere to visit. There are 10 national parks in different parts of Uganda where safaris are done and they include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park (the two parks are popular habitats for mountain gorillas), Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park (amazing for its tree-climbing lions at Ishasha sector), Lake Mburo National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Mount Rwenzori National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. There are also many wildlife reserves that are equally ideal for safaris and they include among others Matheniko wildlife reserve, Pian Upe wildlife reserve, Katonga wildlife reserve a mention but a few.

Things to See and Do in Uganda

Uganda is home to intense biodiversity. It is remarkably a famous home to about 500 mountain gorillas making it a home to half the total number of these creatures that still thrive on earth. This makes it one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking. To track these creatures, you need $800 to help you secure your permit.

Over 5000 chimpanzees are confined in different parts of Uganda making it an ideal place for chimpanzee tracking. Other primate species to look out in Uganda include golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and many more. There are also many wildlife species including African elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, warthogs, antelopes a mention but a few thus making this beautiful country the best for wildlife viewing.

Equally, over 1080 bird species are all confined within this magical African destination including the rare African green breasted pitta, African green broadbill, shoebill stork, bee-eaters, great blue turaco, and many others. Its huge concentration of bird species makes it an ideal place for bird watching. Others include otters, the Nile crocodiles, hippos, butterflies, bush pigs a mention but a few.

Key things to Note of before Embarking on a Road Trip in Uganda

  • When driving in Uganda keep left. If you are looking for a self-guided road trip, you should put this in mind so that you can drive safely through the Pearl of Africa.
  • If you are a first-time visitor to Africa, you should avoid self-drive in Uganda. Driving is not for the faint-hearted in Uganda most especially in Kampala. Self-drive is recommended for those who have ever driven through East and Southern Africa.
  • Always wear your seat belt. This is not only a safety measure but also can be a traffic offense in Uganda
  • Be mindful of the speed limit and signpost. Recommended speed limits for towns are 50km/hour and the recommended safe speed for highways is 80km/hr.
  • Have GPS if you are to embark on a road trip to Uganda
  • Be mindful of the season-the dry and wet seasons are two important seasons to put into consideration while planning for a road trip. The dry season starts from June to September and December to February. The dry season is characterized by low rainfall and is perfect for a road trip as the routes remain relatively drier. The wet season begins from March to May and October to November
  • Don’t drink and drive
  • Don’t use a mobile phone while driving and many others
  • Accommodation in Uganda can go at $20 to $50 for budget depending on the area, luxury hotel facilities can be got at shs 600000 and above.
  • Decide the route
  • Arrange for stop points

Transportation

There are many Uganda car rentals that you consider to find yourself that dream car for your road trip in Uganda. Our fleet of cars ranges from SUVs to large trucks. They include Toyota Rav4, safari land cruiser, land cruiser TZ, Toyota land cruiser, super custom, Minivans, and many others. All these are comfortable and pocket-friendly.

You can obtain a great rental cars for your safari from one of the car rental agencies listed below;

Best Time for a Self-Drive Adventure in Uganda

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a stunning blend of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it a fantastic destination for a self-drive adventure. Timing is key to fully enjoy the journey, as Uganda’s equatorial climate brings both wet and dry seasons that greatly impact road conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities. Understanding the best time to embark on your adventure ensures a smoother experience, allowing you to make the most of the country’s remarkable national parks, vibrant cities, and scenic drives.

January

  • Weather: Dry season with sunny skies and warm temperatures.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads are generally in good condition. Dirt roads are firm and easier to drive.
  • Highlights: Perfect for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. This is an excellent time for safari drives and exploring national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is also ideal as the trails are drier.
  • Tip: Book accommodations early, as this is a popular time for tourists.

February

  • Weather: Still part of the dry season, with warm days and cooler nights.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads remain dry and well-maintained.
  • Highlights: Excellent for spotting wildlife and bird watching. The dry weather makes it easy to access remote areas. This month is great for visiting parks like Lake Mburo for game drives.
  • Tip: Be prepared for slightly higher prices as this is peak season.

March

  • Weather: The start of the rainy season. Expect short, heavy showers, often in the afternoons.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads may become muddy, especially in rural areas. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.
  • Highlights: The landscape becomes lush and green, creating beautiful scenery. Fewer tourists mean you’ll have popular spots almost to yourself.
  • Tip: Pack waterproof gear and prepare for potential delays due to weather.

April

  • Weather: The rainy season continues with frequent, heavy rain showers.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads can be challenging, with muddy and slippery conditions. A 4×4 vehicle is essential.
  • Highlights: The parks and countryside are at their greenest and most picturesque. This is a great time for photographers. The rain brings life to the parks, and bird watching is excellent as migratory birds are present.
  • Tip: Plan flexible itineraries and avoid remote areas if the weather is severe.

May

  • Weather: Still part of the rainy season, but the rain starts to ease by the end of the month.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads may still be muddy but begin to improve as the rain decreases.
  • Highlights: Fewer tourists make this a quieter time for exploring. Wildlife viewing can be less predictable as animals are not concentrated around water sources.
  • Tip: It’s a good time for those looking for lower prices and fewer crowds but be ready for rain.

June

  • Weather: The dry season begins with sunny, warm days and cooler nights.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads are in good shape, and driving becomes much easier.
  • Highlights: This is one of the best months for wildlife viewing and exploring national parks. Gorillas are easier to track, and game drives are enjoyable in places like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
  • Tip: This is the start of the peak season, so book accommodations early.

July

  • Weather: Dry season continues with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads remain in excellent condition, making travel smooth and safe.
  • Highlights: Perfect for all outdoor activities, including game drives, boat safaris, and gorilla trekking. The wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather near water.
  • Tip: Be prepared for higher prices and more tourists. Early booking is essential.

August

  • Weather: Dry season with warm, sunny days and cooler evenings.
  • Driving Conditions: Excellent for driving as the roads are firm and easy to navigate.
  • Highlights: This is one of the best months for exploring Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty. Parks like Kidepo Valley and Bwindi are popular, and the dry weather enhances visibility for photography.
  • Tip: Expect busy roads and popular spots; make reservations well in advance.

September

  • Weather: The start of the rainy season with short, heavy showers.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads can be muddy, especially in remote areas. A 4×4 vehicle is still recommended.
  • Highlights: Fewer tourists make this a quieter time to explore. The landscape is lush and green, offering great opportunities for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Tip: Keep an eye on the weather and plan for possible delays.

October

  • Weather: Rainy season with frequent showers.
  • Driving Conditions: Muddy and slippery roads make driving challenging. A 4×4 vehicle is crucial for safety and access.
  • Highlights: The parks are vibrant, and wildlife viewing is still good. Bird watching is excellent, as many migratory species are present.
  • Tip: Prepare for wet conditions and be flexible with your plans.

November

  • Weather: The rainy season continues, with rain becoming less intense towards the end of the month.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads may still be slippery, but conditions are starting to improve.
  • Highlights: Lush green scenery makes November beautiful for photography. The crowds are minimal, offering a more peaceful experience.
  • Tip: Plan for a flexible itinerary, and keep waterproofs handy.

December

  • Weather: The dry season begins, but there may be occasional rain.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads are generally in good condition and easy to drive on.
  • Highlights: The start of the peak season means great conditions for wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, and other outdoor activities. The festive spirit in Uganda also makes December a lively time to visit.
  • Tip: Early bookings are a must as tourist numbers rise.

Conclusion

The best time for a self-drive adventure in Uganda is during the dry season, from December to February and June to August. The roads are in better condition, and wildlife viewing is at its peak. However, for those who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the rainy season (March to May, September to November) offers a unique experience with lush landscapes and more solitude. Whether you choose the dry or rainy season, make sure to prepare for the conditions and plan ahead to make the most of your journey in Uganda.