Road Trip Uganda: A Month/4 Week Self-drive Uganda Itinerary & Destinations
The Road Trip Uganda: A Month/4 Week Self-drive Uganda Itinerary & Destinations. Self-driving in Uganda is remarkable, and this four-week self-drive Uganda Itinerary will enable you to explore several exceptional destinations that Uganda presents. With four weeks to traverse Uganda, you will have ample opportunity to savour each destination, and a rental car Uganda will facilitate access to the most remote areas of the country.
Even if you do not intend to rent a car for the entire four weeks in Uganda, continue reading this post. I provided two travel plans for Uganda that integrate self-driving and public transport. I would assert that it represents the optimal combination of both worlds.
The automobile enables swifter travel and access to less reachable locations. Utilising public transport allows for the observation of Ugandan life. Moreover, it is an amusing event that one should not overlook. As previously stated, I believe that utilising public transport is an essential experience in Uganda.
Now, let us examine all the locations featured in the 4-week self-drive Uganda itinerary and the 4-week public transit combined with self-drive schedule.
Highlights: Road Trip Uganda: A month or 4-weeks Self-drive Uganda Itinerary
- Day 1: Entebbe
- Day 2-3: Lake Mburo
- Day 4-6: Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 7-8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 9-10: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 11-12: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Day 13-15: Fort Portal/Toro Crate Lakes/ Kibale National Park
- Day 16-18: Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 19-21: Kidepo Valley National Park
- Day 22-24: Sipi Falls
- Day 25-26: Jinja
- Day 27-28: Entebbe/Kampala
A Detailed Road Trip Uganda: A month or 4-weeks Self-drive Uganda Itinerary
Day 1 Entebbe
Upon your arrival in Uganda, you will land at Entebbe International Airport. Rather from proceeding directly to the capital, Kampala, I recommend that you spend one night near the airport prior to commencing your self-drive tour in Uganda.
Unless you arrive early in the morning and feel sufficiently fit to commence your Road trip Uganda or 4 week self-drive Uganda Itinerary immediately. However, I would utilise the initial day to acclimatise and unwind in Entebbe, rather than in Kampala.
There is limited sightseeing and activities available in Entebbe. However, you are reluctant to commence driving in Kampala. As I elucidated in my Kampala Travel guide, the city is exceedingly congested, and traffic conditions are deplorable. This is not an ideal way to commence driving in a foreign country.
Entebbe is quieter, so it will be easier to start your self-drive adventure.
We resided at the Sunbird hostel in Entebbe; however, other affordable lodging options are available on Booking.com.
Additionally, you can procure your SIM card, acquire your rental vehicle, and explore the botanical gardens in Entebbe in preparation for your subsequent day of driving in Uganda.
Day 2-3 Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo National Park + Mabamba Swamps, Uganda
On the second day of this 4 week Uganda self-drive trip, you will depart from Entebbe and proceed to Lake Mburo, approximately a 5-hour drive away.
I must candidly acknowledge that we did not visit Lake Mburo ourselves. We intended to visit Lake Mburo; but, while departing Queen Elizabeth National Park en route to Lake Mburo, our vehicle malfunctioned. Consequently, we were compelled to halt at an alternative location.
Visit the Lake Mburo website to discover all available activities. Among the most favoured activities are visiting the Equator sign, hiking, nature walks, boat cruises, and wildlife drives.
I recommend allocating a minimum of two nights here to ensure you have at least one complete day for exploration of Lake Mburo. Alternatively, you might allocate 3 nights to Lake Mburo and 2 nights to Lake Bunyonyi, your subsequent destination.
Day 4-6 Lake Bunyonyi
On the fourth or fifth day, you will go from Lake Mburo to Lake Bunyonyi, a journey of a further six hours.
Lake Bunyonyi is more renowned among tourists, which accounts for the greater availability of accommodation alternatives in the vicinity. We resided in Byoona Amagara, an excellent eco-resort.
However, you may explore booking.com for further options.
At Lake Bunyonyi, one primarily engages in relaxation and appreciates the lake’s beauty. Additionally, there are various physical pursuits available surrounding Lake Bunyonyi, including canoeing, hiking, and other excursions.
Consult my Lake Bunyonyi Travel Guide to discover further activities available in the area.
Day 7-8 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | The Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking
If you have funds available, I highly recommend acquiring a Gorilla trekking permit to spend an entire hour with these endangered species.
However, even if you are unwilling to invest 600 dollars in the permit, I still believe that a visit to the Impenetrable Forest is worthwhile.
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed forest or consult my travel guide for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, intended for those not participating in gorilla trekking.
The duration from Lake Bunyonyi will be approximately 3-4 hours, contingent upon your chosen destination. It is advisable to allocate a minimum of two nights here to avoid hastening across Uganda and to allow your legs to recuperate after the walk in Bwindi.
We resided at Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, which was excellent; however, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park comprises various portions. Refer to my guide to determine which section to visit, and subsequently locate lodging on Booking.com.
Day 9-10 Queen Elizabeth National Park
Similar to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park comprises various areas.
The duration of the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park varies between 5 to 7 hours, contingent upon your accommodation location.
We opted to camp within the park at the Ishasha sector and spent the night at Simba Safari Camp, where we also stayed. Both were remarkable, although distinctly different experiences.
However, there are options available for all budgets in various areas of the park.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you may like to partake in a safari, a boat excursion, and chimp trekking, however the choice is entirely yours. In my Queen Elizabeth National Park Travel Guide, I detailed the essential information for undertaking a self-drive safari in the park.
Day 11-12 Rwenzori Mountains
Uganda Safari – Our Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Boat Cruise
Following two nights at Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is time to proceed to another UNESCO World Heritage site in Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon.
The travel from Queen Elizabeth National Park is brief; however, it varies based on the specific regions you choose to explore. Due to the existence of multiple access points to the Rwenzori Mountains.
Hiking is a prominent activity in the Rwenzori Mountains; nevertheless, consult my Travel Guide for additional options.
If you opt for a day hike, two nights in the Rwenzori Mountains may suffice; nevertheless, you are welcome to extend your stay for relaxation. We resided at the Rwenzori Trekkers in Kilembe, while accommodation is also available in Kasese.
Day 13-15 Fort Portal, Toro Crater lakes and Kibale National Park
The southern Toro Crater lakes are a brief two-hour journey from the Rwenzori highlands. I recommend exploring the Kasenda, Rweetera, or Rwaihamba regions, as well as the southern crater lakes, and securing accommodation in those areas, since Fort Portal is not particularly captivating for an extended stay.
If time permits, exploring another Ugandan city is advisable; nonetheless, I recommend remaining in proximity to the Toro Crater Lakes or Kibale National Park, located approximately 30 minutes from the Crater Lakes.
We resided in a lodge, granting us access to their amenities while providing economical lodging.
At the crater lakes, one can drive to various locations or engage in hiking or biking to experience the distinct lakes.
At Kibale National Park, one can engage in chimpanzee tracking or partake in a nature walk. Refer to Kabira Safaris Blog Uganda for additional information regarding Kibale National Park.as I did not visit personally.
Day 16-18 Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
The travel from Kibale National Park or the Crater Lakes to Murchison Falls National Park takes approximately six hours. Another essential destination and stunning National Park.
Regardless of your prior wildlife experiences, I recommend incorporating Murchison Falls into your self-drive Uganda itinerary to witness the remarkable Murchison Falls.
In addition to photographing the Falls, a boat excursion to observe hippos and crocodiles, as well as a game drive to view the numerous giraffes and other wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park, are the most popular activities in the area.
We undertook a tour with Red Chilli from Kampala, during which we resided at their Red Chilli Rest Camp; however, alternative lodgings near the park are available. When constrained by a budget, seek lodges that permit camping on their premises for minimal costs.
If you consider the Road Trip Uganda: A Month/4 Week Self-drive Uganda Itinerary from Kibale to Murchison Falls excessively lengthy, you may additionally incorporate a stop at Lake Albert. I have not personally stayed there, hence I am unable to provide recommendations for activities or sights near the lake. As the seventh largest lake in Africa, one would presume there are activities available, correct? Consult this guide to discover activities at Lake Albert.
Day 19-21 Kidepo Valley National Park
If you are passionate about wildlife and seek a more unconventional destination in Uganda, incorporating a visit to Kidepo National Park in the northern region is certainly worthwhile for your 4 week self-drive Uganda itinerary.
I have not visited the location personally; thus, I suggest you read the article by The Bespoke African Safari Co.
The 4 week self-drive Uganda itinerary from Murchison Falls National Park requires a minimum of six hours of travel, which is why I recommend allocating three nights in Kidepo (two options are available on Booking.com) to avoid fatigue before the subsequent lengthy trip.
Day 22-24 The Sipi Falls
On day 22, there is an extensive trip of 7-8 hours to Sipi to observe the Sipi Falls. I have not personally seen Sipi Falls, but I have observed photographs, and it is an exquisite cascade, accompanied with a commendable walk to reach there. Had I possessed additional time, I would have certainly added it.
I recommend that you read the guide by Car Rental Drives Africa prior to your visit to understand how to organise a walk, identify accommodation options, and other essential information.
Day 25-26 White water rafting at Jinja
Whitewater Rafting on the Nile | Wildwaters Lodge, Jinja, Uganda
The Sipi Falls are approximately a 3-4 hour drive from Jinja, the location of the Nile’s headwaters and a site for white-water rafting.
It is an essential destination for thrill-seekers! However, consult my Jinja Travel Guide if you do not identify as an explorer yet wish to explore activities available in Jinja.
Day 27-28 Entebbe/Kampala
On day 27, you will return to Entebbe, Kampala, or the vehicle rental agency. Contingent upon your prior agreement.
I recommend visiting Kampala for a day. If you are sufficiently confident in your driving abilities in Kampala, you may opt to take a car. However, you will navigate more swiftly on the back of a boda.
Alternatively, you may consider securing accommodation near Entebbe at Lake Victoria and unwind until your return journey home.
I anticipate that following this four-week self-drive Uganda itinerary, you would have experienced the majority of the country’s highlights. This Road Trip Uganda: A Month/4 Week Self-drive Uganda Itinerary undoubtedly encompasses the essential destinations, however plenty additional locations remain to be explored.
End of the Road Trip Uganda: A Month/4 Week Self-drive Uganda Itinerary