An Epic 2 Week Uganda Self-drive Itinerary: An Honest Review

Our 2 Week Uganda Self-drive Itinerary through Uganda was an extraordinary Uganda road trip adventure. Uganda appears significantly undervalued relative to its East African counterparts, however it possesses abundant offerings with less tourists present. We highly endorse exploring this nation via a self-drive road trip! Uganda is an ideal African nation for a self-drive road trip; we consistently felt secure during our 2 Week Uganda Self-drive Itinerary. One may tour numerous national parks and waterfalls, featuring prominent species such as leopards, lions, elephants, and hippos. Uganda is uniquely distinguished as one of three countries where one can observe the last remaining mountain gorillas, and additionally, chimpanzees can also be seen in Uganda. In all national parks, visitors are permitted to conduct self-guided game drives in their vehicles; nevertheless, it is advantageous to occasionally engage a guide who may operate your vehicle for a nominal fee and provide insights on the area.

A Brief of 2 Week Uganda Self-drive Itinerary

• Day 1-2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Day 2-4: Murchison Falls
• Day 4-8: Kibale,(optional only 2 nights if you skip the community project Mwamba Kelele)
• Day 8-9: Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 9-11: Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 11-13: Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 13-14: Lake MBuro National Park

A Detailed 2 Week Uganda Self-drive Itinerary

Day 1-2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, collect your rental vehicle and allocate time to observe Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Its vastness resembles that of an ocean, and it can become perilous due to storms and large waves near the lake’s centre. If your flight arrives late in Entebbe, we recommend spending one night at the hotel ViaVia Entebbe. Alternatively, one can drive directly to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 4 to 5 hours, contingent upon traffic conditions in Kampala. We advise bypassing Kampala, unless you have a penchant for bustling urban environments. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the sole location in Uganda housing 36 wild rhinos, which can be observed with a guide during a walking safari. How impressive is that? We observed a mother accompanied by her offspring.

Until the 1990s, rhinoceroses were entirely extinct in Uganda; subsequently, they were reintroduced to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary from Kenya, and the population is presently experiencing significant growth. Upon reaching a total of 50 animals, they intend to release half of them back into the wild in Murchison Falls National Park. It is delightful to be in proximity to them on foot, and your ranger will ensure your well-being! The accommodations and the cuisine were quite pleasant. Due to the absence of a fence, it is highly probable that you will be encircled by rhinos at the lodging in the morning. Rhinos possess a keen sense of smell, although their visual acuity is limited.

Rhino trekking for approximately three hours (park entrance fee of 20 USD per person, rhino trekking fee of 30 USD per person)

Where to eat:

• The cuisine in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was excellent. They provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Where to stay:

• Accommodation is available at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, either in a hotel for 120 USD per night with a private bathroom or through camping for 20 USD per night.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is presently constructing new accommodations/lodges.
• For a stopover in Entebbe, consider lodging at ViaVia Entebbe.

Drive from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls National Park in 4h ✓

Day 2-4: Murchison Falls

Explore Murchison Falls National Park’s WILDEST Safari Adventure!

Murchison Falls was our preferred national park in Uganda. The scenery is strikingly lovely, with certain areas resembling the Masai Mara in Kenya, characterised by the tall yellow grass and solitary trees. Upon driving to Murchison Falls, initially visit the waterfall itself. The parking area provides access to several perspectives within one hour, offering an aerial perspective of the two majestic waterfalls. Following an additional 30-minute drive, you will arrive at the section of the northern national park where the majority of lodgings are situated. We observed lions, leopard cubs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and numerous more creatures. The region surrounding the airfield, particularly the area behind it, appeared most picturesque, resembling a savannah. The hippopotamus pool was quite impressive as well. During the Nile boat tour, we encountered a torrential downpour, causing us to fear capsizing amidst the numerous hippos in the river. Ensure you bring a dry bag if you are transporting a camera.

What to do

• One-hour walk to various viewpoints of the Falls (15 USD per person; the location where the boats previously arrived is currently closed).
• Embark on a self-guided game drive in the national park, priced at 40 USD per person and 10 USD each vehicle for a duration of 24 hours. The most scenic areas are located near the airstrip, and Gaia provides excellent navigation of the routes.
• Hire a guide to drive your vehicle and provide a tour of the National Park and its wildlife for $20.
• Embark on a Nile boat tour to the base of the falls (3 hours, $35 per person), where you will observe hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
• An opportunity exists to observe chimpanzees at Budongo Forest, located one hour away, at a cost of $130 per person; nevertheless, we only encountered them in Kibale.

Where to eat

• Red Chilli Rest Camp provides excellent and affordable cuisine. A vegetarian option is consistently available, and breakfast is prepared for your sunrise safari. Sample the freshly roasted peanuts!

Where to stay

• Red Chilli Rest Camp is the premier destination! 40 USD a night for a room without private bathrooms; tents are also available in a well-organised camp.

Drive from Murchison Falls to Kibale in 6h ✓

Day 4-8: Kibale,(optional only 2 nights if you skip the community project Mwamba Kelele)

Chimpanzee Tracking at Kibale National Park | Uganda

We much appreciated Kibale! Primarily, it is renowned for chimpanzee trekking, which was undoubtedly a highlight. We embarked on an extended 4-5 hour habituation trip, commencing early, which afforded us ample time in the bush with the chimpanzees. In the early morning, we observed them in the trees, after which they descended to the ground, bringing us within 2 to 3 meters of them. They were so proximate that we could observe all the same behaviours to people in their motions and mutual care. Their social behaviour is quite captivating to see. At the conclusion of the journey, they dashed across the jungle, with one individual seizing my leg while rising from the ground before pursuing another chimpanzee. In general, they exhibited a notable calmness towards humans. I am quite pleased that we could partake in this event; it is truly worth the expenditure!

We strongly endorse the Bicowa Community Walk! Two amusing young residents guided us through their village. They authentically presented the individuals involved in the production of coffee, baskets, banana juice, gin, and the village’s medicine man. We all engaged in dancing and enjoyed ourselves immensely. It is an excellent method to assist the neighbourhood!

Isunga Lodge was an ideal accommodation for a two-night visit. Despite the somewhat uneven roads leading to the resort atop the hill, the lodge itself was exquisite, offering a magnificent view of the jungle, and the cuisine was exceptional. We continue to envision this location.

We recommend staying at Mwamba Kelele Lodge for the final two nights, a remarkable community initiative. They consistently express joy towards individuals who impart knowledge to children on subjects they have yet to learn. The school is funded by the foundation’s financial contributions and the revenue generated from the rooms. They also sell handcrafted bags and clothing, and instruct children on computer usage. They initiated a dental project in the hamlet, along with numerous other remarkable initiatives. Your stay at the lodge significantly contributes to this initiative, and you may also partake in a boat trip of the crater lake, which is visible from the lodges. They also welcome volunteers for durations ranging from 1 to 6 months.

What to do

• Embark on chimp trekking: Opt for the extended chimp habituation route at a cost of 250 USD per individual, which allows for a 4-5 hour duration in the jungle, commencing after the chimpanzees are located. Isunga Lodge pre-purchased the tickets for us with a $50 allowance; regrettably, direct booking is no longer available.
• The abbreviated one-hour chimpanzee walk is priced at 200 USD, attracting a significantly larger number of travellers pursuing the primates.
• Expert advice for those willing to invest funds: Commence with the four-hour habituation trip, succeeded by a one-hour brief excursion, once the forest is devoid of visitors. The sole woman who experienced it informed us that it was remarkable devoid of the tourists.
• The Bicowa Community Walk is the genuine event in this area. For 50,000 UGX per person, a boy and a girl of our age (or younger) guided us through their hamlet. It was remarkable and highly authentic!
• The wetland trek is reportedly quite pleasant as well.
• Nyakasura Falls (20 minutes from Kibale)

Where to eat

• The breakfast included and the three-course dinner at Isunga Lodge, priced at 15 USD per person, constituted the finest cuisine we experienced throughout this trip.
• The café located at the convergence point of the chimp trek was quite pleasant.

Where to stay

• Certainly, spend two nights at Isunga Lodge, which offers an exceptional view, remarkable villas, and exquisite cuisine! 125 USD per night, including of an exceptional brunch; I am still reminiscing over the smoothie bowl and avocado toast.
• Extend your stay at Mwamba Kelele lodge for an additional two nights to gain insights into their community initiative. Alternatively, extend your duration as a volunteer.

Drive from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park in 3h ✓

Day 8-9: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, we observed fewer wildlife than in Murchison Falls National Park. Neither giraffes nor zebras are present. However, there exists a considerable population of lions, and they will be frequently observed. In the evening, we observed a lion family consisting of five males and one female for four hours; the following morning, we located and observed them once more. The most endearing moment occurred when the female lion embraced all the male members, accompanied by considerable caressing. Our guide additionally presented a leopard, and we observed a substantial herd of elephants. On your next drive to Bwindi, traverse the Queen Elizabeth National Park till you arrive to the South Ishasha region. A pleasant game drive is available near the large trees at the south entrance, where one can observe tree-climbing lions.

What to do

• Engage in a self-guided wildlife drive (40 USD per person plus 10 USD each vehicle for 24 hours; the Kasenyi region is optimal for observing lions and leopards, and the crater walk is enjoyable).
• Engage a guide for $20 to $30 per day who will operate your vehicle and exhibit various wildlife.
• The probability of encountering chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is slightly below 50%, prompting our decision to observe them in Kibale, the more prevalent location.
• Exit the national park through the Ishasha southern gate and do a brief game drive to observe the tree-climbing lions.
• boat excursion around the Kazinga Channel

Where to eat

• At Kazinga Wilderness Camp, the cuisine was satisfactory, however limited dining options are available nearby.

Where to stay

• Kazinga Wilderness Camp offers accommodations from 80 USD per night in a spacious tent featuring a private toilet, with nighttime views of hippos from the dining area.

Day 9-11: Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda Safari – Hiking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma to Nkuringo)

If you aspire to observe the remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is the destination. It is undoubtedly a costly event; nonetheless, it was certainly worthwhile for us to witness them at least once in our lifetime. Only three countries in the world host the last mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda (which has double the costs of Uganda), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (now experiencing significant instability).

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda comprises four distinct regions, each inhabited by different families of gorillas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Merely a small fraction of the 400 remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi are acclimated to human interaction. The trekking is limited to these animals, with a maximum of one group of eight individuals permitted to observe a single gorilla family each day. Consequently, the animals experience reduced stress and may consistently distance themselves from humans. Buhoma is the predominant location for gorilla trekking; nonetheless, it may be worthwhile to explore other less frequented regions such as Ruhija. Tickets for Buhoma sell out rapidly; purchase them at least one month in advance, as only approximately five families in Buhoma are accustomed to human interaction. You may choose a long, medium, or short walk; however, the duration may fluctuate significantly based on the animals’ movements. We requested a medium to long hike but encountered the animals after 45 minutes. However, you may also examine them for four hours. However, there is no cause for concern; the one-hour session with the gorillas commences only when they are positioned on the ground adjacent to you.

We commenced our walk at Buhoma at 7:30 AM. We were placed to the more distant Habinyanja gorilla family, including 13 members, including two silverbacks and two juveniles. We initially drove for one hour through the picturesque hilly terrain to reach the location. After about 45 minutes of traversing the dense rainforest, the guides informed us that they had observed them seated together on the ground. We donned our masks to prevent animals from contracting human infections. We then spent precisely one hour in close proximity to the animals on the ground. We positioned ourselves 2-5 meters adjacent to them; it was a truly enchanting experience! They exhibited remarkable composure, made direct eye contact, and appeared to relish our presence. We observed two mothers with their young offspring and the two silverbacks guiding the group. We observed them feasting, grooming one another, and even heard them farting for an extended duration. They produced deep humming sounds, which the rangers utilised to soothe them. Our female ranger, Florence, was exceptionally kind and proficient.

We also enrolled in a Batwa community tour; ensure that you reserve the authentic Batwa Experience established by the Kellermann Foundation. Understanding the circumstances of the Batwa people is crucial. The Batwa people formerly inhabited the Bwindi Forest; however, upon its designation as a national park, they were displaced without alternative accommodation or compensation. In 1993, Kellermann established this foundation for the Batwa people, providing them with housing and access to education. Today, children are permitted to attend school, and some even pursue higher education at university. One individual is a law school graduate who has initiated her own legal foundation advocating for the rights of the Batwa people. Nevertheless, the two amiable women who guided us informed us that the Batwa people continue to face significant obstacles in securing employment, are ineligible to become rangers, and do not possess any property. Consequently, they perceive a lack of belongingness. Despite our ambivalence over their modest show-village, hunting, and dancing exhibition, it was crucial for us to gain insight into their heritage.

The majority of the 800 USD ticket for gorilla trekking is allocated to national parks nationwide, compensating rangers (to deter them from accepting bribes from poachers) and developing roads and infrastructure in the Bwindi region. Regrettably, nearly all resources are excluded from the Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest. Our host from the charming local guesthouse informed us that major tour firms monopolise all the gorilla tickets, preventing small guest house proprietors from purchasing tickets for their clients. While it is commendable that they safeguard the magnificent gorillas, the circumstances for the local populace should be improved. We sensed that numerous tour companies exploit the country by favouring large hotels, undercutting costs, and misallocating funds. Our host indicated that private self-drive tourism would significantly enhance the experience. Consequently, we urge you to emulate our actions.

What to do

• Gorilla trekking is exclusively available for booking through a tour company. 800 USD each individual plus a 50 USD application fee. We reserved it through Sail Adventures just because there were no alternative options available other than reserving with a tour operator.
• Participate in a community tour with “Batwa Experience and Batwa Craft Banda,” established by the Kellermann Foundation (30 USD per person; this is the sole authentic company, while others are imitations).

Where to eat

• The food at Bwindi Forest Lodge was very good

Where to stay

• Bwindi Forest Lodge Seventy USD per night, inclusive of breakfast, located just meters from the hiking commencement site, including a charming staff and host, excellent cuisine, and simple yet immaculate and comfortable rooms equipped with private baths and hot-water bottles in the beds.

Drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi-Buhoma in 4h via Ishasha (South of Queen Elizabeth NP) ✓

Day 11-13: Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi (Gorilla Highlands)

The 2 Week Uganda Self-drive Itinerary from Buhoma over the narrow roads through the picturesque highland tea farms is enchanting and exquisite. A one or two-night stay at Lake Bunyonyi provides an ideal complement to the road trip, enhancing the experience alongside safari and wildlife observation. The lake is situated 1,950 meters above sea level and is an exceptionally tranquil and contemplative location. A motorboat, arranged by the resort, will transport you from the small boat jetty at Kabale to Byoona Amagara resort on Itambira Island in Lake Bunyonyi in around 10 minutes. Isn’t it fascinating to sleep on an island situated in the centre of a lake? Secure parking is available at the jetty for a fee of 1-2 USD.

We thoroughly enjoyed our charming bird nest, observing the avian life on the lake and the night sky. We were graced with an almost full moon — simply lovely! The island is exceedingly tranquil and rejuvenating.

What to do

• Observe the avifauna from your birdhouse (open wooden structure).
• Utilise the canoe to explore the lake.
• Attend a local educational institution
• Attend a nearby marketplace
• Ascend to Arcadia Lodge

Where to eat

• The cuisine at Byoona Amagara Lodge is exceptional, offering exclusively vegetarian dishes with numerous vegan alternatives.

Where to stay

• Byoona Amagara Lodge on Itambira Island at Lake Bunyonyi offers accommodations at 40 USD per night, with an additional charge of 30,000 UGX for boat transport. The lodge features stunning views, charming open bird nests, and commendable projects.

Drive the beautiful small roads through tea plantations from Buhoma to Lake Bunyonyi in 4h ✓

Day 13-14: Lake MBuro National Park

The final location of our 2 Week Uganda Self-drive Itinerary was Lake Mburo National Park before we returned to Entebbe and proceeded to Kenya. As we exclusively reserved lodgings in Uganda and intended to camp with a rooftop tent throughout our stay in Kenya, we secured this final night at the exquisite Rwakebo Rock Lodge. We received an excellent room, and the vista from the eating area on the cliffs was exceptional. The absence of elephants and lions in the park permits the booking of a guided walking trip. We observed a leopard, along with numerous giraffes, zebras, and hippos. The national park was dustier than the others; nonetheless, along with the excellent lodging, it provided a pleasant experience.

What to do

• Embark on a self-guided game drive in the National Park at a cost of 40 USD per person, plus an additional 10 USD per vehicle for a duration of 24 hours.
• Cycling excursion or pedestrian tour within or beyond the national park
• Equestrian activities at Mihingo Lodge (60 USD per individual per hour)

Where to eat

• The food at Rwakebo Rock was incredibly good (10USD per dinner per person)

Where to stay

• Rwakebo Rock (110 USD a night, inclusive of breakfast; exceptional location on the cliffs with stunning views, exquisite suites, and an attractive dining area)

Drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake MBuro National Park in 3.5 hours ✓