Top 5 Road Trips to Take in Uganda
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa is one great destination that any traveler enthusiast should consider visiting in 2023. Road trips in Uganda offer a remarkable opportunity to travelers to explore and experience what this spectacular country has to offer. Uganda is a rich destination, the best place where many come to spark their travel spirits.
In a 4x4 safari car, there are plenty of road trip opportunities that you can enjoy while in Uganda. Amazingly, each road trip in Uganda leads you to great destinations to explore and experience something unique. Here are the top 5 road trips to take in Uganda;
The Kampala –Kabale/Kisoro road trip
The Kampala-Kabale road trip is undoubtedly the most enjoyable road trip in Uganda. The 8-9 hours’ drive trip introduces enthusiastic nature lovers to amazing destinations in Western and far Southwestern Uganda. The Kampala-Kabale circuit trip allows you to explore iconic destinations such as Lake Mburo National Park, visit the Equator crossing, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. This is perfect for tourists on a road trip via Masaka-Mbarara side.
Embarking on Kampala-Kabale/Kisoro road trip via Fort Portal comes with abundant opportunities to experience the beautiful Uganda. The key destinations along this route include Kibale National Park, an excellent spot to get up close and personal with chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing and not to miss watching the relaxed tree climbing lions on fig tree branches and you proceed to get up close with mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
The main highlights of the Kampala-Kisoro/Kabale road trip include guided game drives, birding, chimpanzee tracking/chimpanzee habituation experience, leisure time at Lake Bunyonyi, mountain gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experiences, etc.
Kampala- Kidepo circuit road trip
Experiencing unusual is every traveler’s desire and with the Kidepo circuit road trip, you won’t regret. Set off from Kampala via the Eastern part of Uganda, with plenty of attractions and exciting experiences available for you to enjoy. First, start with visit to Ssezibwa waterfalls in Mukono, Mabira Forest (for zip lining, forest walks, birding), Jinja (engage in white water rafting, kayaking, jet boating, boat cruise, tubing, horseback riding, quad biking), Sipi Falls tour, Nyero rock visit and conclude with Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo National Park for authentic wilderness experiences.
Kampala –Fort Portal –Rwenzori road trip
This road trip is perfect for enthusiastic travelers who are interested in chimpanzee tracking and mountaineering adventures. You will immerse yourself in the jungles of Kibale Forest National Park where over 13 species of primate live and include 1500 chimpanzees. The 795 sq.km Kibale National Park offers memorable chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation experiences.
From Kibale, you can connect to Semuliki National Park/Reserve, the best birding destination in Uganda and home to the powerful Sempaya hot spring. If you are interested in mountaineering adventures, then a visit to Mount Rwenzori should be a must-do. Mt. Rwenzori is the tallest mountain in Uganda and the only block mountain range that is snow-capped.
Kampala-Masindi-Murchison Falls National Park
Nothing rewards nature enthusiasts on Uganda safaris more than a road trip to Murchison Falls National Park. This park is Uganda’s largest and most visited destination. It is the only National Park lying in the Northwestern part of Uganda, spanning in the districts of Nwoya, Masindi, Kiryandongo and Buliisa.
Driving to Murchison Falls NP allows visitors make a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos and combined with wildlife tour in the park, there is a guarantee to encounter all the big 5 game in a single tour. Murchison Falls NP, created in 1952 covers a land area of 3840sq.km and it is part of the extensive Murchison Falls Conservation Area. This extensive park is comprised of savanna and rainforest with huge concentration of wildlife such as giraffes, buffaloes, lions, elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, black and white colobus monkeys, 451 bird species, and more.
Kampala-Kapchorwa road trip
The Kampala-Kapchorwa road trip is an excellent road trip taking you through the Eastern circuit. Along this circuit, you have several places to be visited including the Source of the Nile in Jinja where you can enjoy white water rafting, bungee jumping and other recreational activities. The grand tour encompasses the hike to the 3 Sipi Falls and climbing Mount Elgon among others. Those interested in mountain hiking can choose from the different tails that include the Sasa trailhead at Budadiri, the Piswa trailhead at Kapkwata and the Sipi trailhead at Forest Exploration center-Kapkwai. The hike takes 3-7 days depending on your hiking speed, fitness and experience. Wagagai is the highest peak at 4321 meters above sea level.
In conclusion therefore, Uganda, also known as the true pearl of Africa is worth to explore on a road trip. However, whichever road trip you plan to take in Uganda, you need a strong 4x4 vehicle especially if you are planning to go off-road. You canrent a 4x4 car in Kampala from as low as USD50 per day and drive your own adventure while exploring the Pearl Of Africa. Among the 4x4s recommend in a Road trip in Uganda include Toyota Prado Tx, Land cruiser V8, Land cruiser Gx, Nissan Patrol and a Toyota Rav4 for travellers on tight budget.