The 3 Weeks Uganda Self-drive Itinerary: An Honest Advice
This 3 Weeks Uganda Self-drive Itinerary enables you to traverse Uganda and thoroughly explore the offerings of the Pearl of Africa. We commence our expedition by seeking the Great Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Swamp, subsequently proceeding northward to Jinja, the source of the Nile. Proceed to the picturesque Sipi Falls before traversing the secluded regions of the country to Kidepo Valley National Park. Currently situated in the remote northern region of Uganda, characterised by pristine wilderness and the intriguing Karamojong populace.
The expedition southward commences, leading to Murchison Falls National Park, renowned for its plethora of giraffes, and subsequently to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an on-foot rhino trek. We subsequently proceed south for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and continue to the Rwenzori Mountains for a walk. The subsequent destination is Queen Elizabeth National Park, featuring a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel and an expedition to locate tree-climbing lions. We have now arrived at the pinnacle of Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The final segment of the 3 Weeks Uganda Self-drive Itinerary offers relaxation in the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi, followed by a quest for zebras in Lake Mburo National Park. The evenings you occupy at luxurious safari lodges in Uganda.
Got time on your side? Then schedule this spectacular 3 Weeks Uganda Self-drive Itinerary and you’ll understand why Uganda is nicknamed ‘Africa condensed’. Uganda’s Grand Circuit is our most popular travel plan combining wildlife drives, primate trekking, cultural encounters and Uganda off the beaten track.
- Embark on an expedition to observe gorillas and chimpanzees in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Rainforest.
- Witness the formidable Nile River surge at Murchison Falls.
- Experience abundant animal observation on your self-drive safaris in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison, and Kidepo National Parks.
- Discover Karamoja, the residence of the esteemed and traditional Karamajong people.
- Conclude your road adventure with an exhilarating rafting experience on the Nile River, followed by a tranquil stay at one of the charming riverside lodges in Jinja.
A Day-to-day 3 Weeks Uganda Self-drive Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe
Drive: 10 km | 0.5 hour
Greetings to Uganda! Upon entering the airport, you will be greeted by a nice temperature and the amiable smile of a Ugandan immigration officer. Utilise this day to recuperate from your journey. Entebbe is a little town featuring a picturesque lakefront, several quality restaurants, and an expansive swimming pool at Laiko Hotel.
Day 2: Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park + Mabamba Swamps, Uganda
Drive: 265 km | 6+ hours
It is time to embark on your journey! The voyage from Entebbe to Lake Mburo in Uganda is a distinctive experience characterised by the equator crossing.
Day 3: Lake Mburo National Park
Delight in a day in the park. Lake Mburo, devoid of perilous predators like lions, is an ideal destination for strolling, bicycling, or equestrian safaris. This national park in Africa permits night game drives, providing an opportunity to observe rare nocturnal creatures such as the mongoose, hyena, leopard, and serval cat.
Day 4: Lake Mutanda
Drive: 313 km | 7+ hours
Travel to the Kigezi Highlands, which are a region of vast blue lakes and steep terraced slopes that border the rainforest of Bwindi National Park. This area is arguably the most fertile and picturesque in all of Uganda.
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Today you will track the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi’s dense forest protects approximately 320 mountain gorillas, nearly half of the global population. This includes 11 habitual groups that only a few people can keep track of. Either Rushaga or Nkuringo is where you will be leaving from.
Day 6: Lake Mutanda
You should stay at Lake Mutanda for a few days. There are many things to do at the resort for people to enjoy. The lake with fresh water is safe to swim in. Take a ride in a dugout canoe like the local fishermen, go birdwatching, on a nature walk or on a cultural village walk. To end the day, take a boat cruise at sunset.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive: 283 km | 7+ hours
Travel to the oldest national park in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is not surprising that Queen Elizabeth National Park has one of the greatest rates of biodiversity of any game park in Africa, given its diverse landscapes, which include wide savannas, verdant rainforests, dense papyrus swamps, crater lakes, and the expansive Lake Edward.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Take pleasure in a safari in Queen Elizabeth. Game drives around Mweya Lodge and the Northern Circuit, as well as boat trips on the Kazinga Channel, provide excellent opportunities to see wildlife.
Day 9: Kibale National Park
Drive: 153 km | 3 hours
Travel to Kibale Forest, which is close to Fort Portal, a charming town. 13 primate species and a remarkable variety of birds can be found in the 800 km2 tropical rainforest that is Kibale.
Day 10: Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park, Uganda | Crater Safari Lodge
Kibale Forest is an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts, offering exceptional birdwatching and chimpanzee tracking, along with chances to observe many other primates. Chimpanzee trekking is a half-day endeavour that commences either in the early morning or shortly after lunch and requires prior reservation. A picturesque expanse of crater lakes is situated between Fort Portal and the forest, ideal for swimming or hiking.
Day 11: Murchison Falls National Park
7 to 8 hours, contingent upon whether one resides at a lodge adjacent to the Northern or Southern gate.
Day 12: Murchison Falls National Park
The majority of the wildlife resides in the northern region of the park. The southern half merits a visit, since ascending to the summit of the waterfalls provides a breathtaking experience. A boat excursion to the base of the falls is available, or for birdwatching enthusiasts, a smaller vessel can be taken downriver from Paraa towards the Nile River delta, which empties into Lake Albert. Experience a revitalising respite at Paraa Lodge, located in the park’s centre.
Day 13: Murchison Falls National Park
Explore Murchison Falls National Park’s WILDEST Safari Adventure
Since every day in a national park is different, you never know what animals you could see this time. You can spend today lounging at your lodge or going on another game drive.
Day 14: Kidepo Valley National Park
Drive: 376 km | 8 hours
Since you have a full day of driving ahead of you, leave early.
Northern Uganda is the least developed part of Uganda and radically distinct from the lush southwest. We suggest Café Larem for coffee and a piece of banana cake; Gulu is a good place for a morning coffee break. People are speaking to you (Mzungu) if they yell Muno. Kopango? Kopêh! (Good!), (How are you?). It takes about three and a half hours to travel the 140 km from Kitgum, the final fuel stop, to Katurum gate via Orom.
Day 15: Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is among Africa’s remaining significant wilderness regions. It is an expansive region of extensive savanna plains and mountainous terrains. In the savanna, one may observe substantial herds of ostriches, hartebeest, buffaloes, and giraffes, as well as potential predators including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Although the game viewing is exceptional, it is the exhilarating feeling of profound isolation that many individuals find most appealing.
Day 16: Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Uganda
Given that Kidepo Valley is a highlight of the trip, it is prudent to allocate an additional day for exploration. Embark on a scenic trip to arrive at the modest hot springs, unwind on your veranda while appreciating the vista, or partake in a hiking route with a UWA guide – exhilarating!
Day 17: Kidepo Valley National Park
Drive: 249 km | 5+ hours
Leave Kidepo through the Mataba gate and travel to Kaabong and Kotido, where the landscape abruptly shifts to desert terrain with big stones (kopjes). It takes two hours to drive from Kotido to Moroto.
Day 18: Moroto
The guides from Kara-Tunga may take you into the manyattas, which are traditional communities of the Karamojong tribe. Immerse yourself in the nomadic pastoral culture of the Karamojong by experiencing daily living in a manyatta. One could even reside overnight in the kraal. Alternatively, ascend the concealed Mount Moroto on a one- or two-day trek.
Day 19: Sipi Falls
Drive: 202 km | 5 hours
Sipi Falls is situated at the base of Mount Elgon, featuring a trio of magnificent waterfalls, renowned Arabica coffee, and stunning sunsets. Sipi Falls is an exquisite location for relaxation and tranquilly in a serene atmosphere. This region is also superb for walking, hiking, and cultural excursions.
Day 20: Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is an ideal location to exchange your luxurious car seat for hiking boots and engage in physical activity. The location is picturesque, featuring verdant hills, extensive banana and coffee plantations, a waterfall, and stunning vistas. For a tranquil respite, visit Endiro Coffee at Lacam Lodge, where you can savour quality coffee and lunch while admiring the vista of the greatest waterfall.
Day 21: Jinja
Drive: 198 km | 4+ hours
The Source of the Nile is the topic of discussion today. Designated the “Adventure Capital of East Africa,” the region has numerous activities, including class-5 rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horseback riding, Nile River sunset cruises, fishing, and more pursuits. Jinja town is delightful for an afternoon stroll.
Day 22: Jinja
Rafting the Nile – Jinja, Uganda
An ideal day for leisure. Participate in a mountain biking excursion with Bike Ventures Uganda, where all proceeds are allocated to charity, or engage in an exhilarating day of world-class, grade-5 rafting.
Day 23: Jinja
Drive: 134 km | 4+ hours
All favourable circumstances must ultimately conclude. You are returning to Entebbe today. The Roadtrip Uganda team will retrieve your vehicle from your reserved lodging. Relish a delightful warm evening filled with numerous newly formed memories to reflect about.
Day 24:
The majority of international planes depart in the evening. Entebbe is an exquisite place to conclude your journey and unwind by the shores of Lake Victoria and the pool of your accommodation.
End of the 3 Weeks Uganda Self-drive Itinerary