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Where to go on a game drives in Uganda

Where to do game drives on self drive in Uganda

Looking for the best places you can do game drives on a self drive in Uganda? Worry not because in this article we will cover that relevant information you are looking for so that you get a memorable and unforgettable time while in the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda is a rich tourism country gaining its popularity from attractions that include unique landscapes and diverse wildlife species that a lot of travelers from outside countries come to visit. The country has a variety of National parks which makes Game drives so popular and rewarding to the visitors – a reason as to why as to why it was recently listed among the top destinations by CNN to visit in 2023

Game Drives in Uganda

Game drives are a special highlight everyone should consider while on a Uganda safari. These drives normally include driving with safari vehicles through National parks and game reserves in search for wild life. Game drives always give a rewarding experience as many animals are spotted as they roam around the specific locations or their habitat.

While on a game drive in Uganda, you should expect to spot a lot of wild life depending on the specific destination you have visited. Some of the wild life you are to spot during a game drive in Uganda’s national parks and game reserves include; leopards, elephants, giraffes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, hippos, buffaloes , elands, cheetahs , kudus, oribi, Bohor reedbucks, zebras, Jackson’s hartebeest, lions, hyena and many more.

Best Destinations to do game drives on self drive Uganda

Uganda has about 10 National Parks and 12 game reserves. With all these, Uganda becomes one of the best tourism destinations specifically for game drives. Among all these destinations, there are those which offer the best experience when you talk of game drives on a self drive Uganda and they include;

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park that’s situated in the western part of the country is among the most visited national park in Uganda. The park is home to almost 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. While game driving on self drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you should count it on your plan to spot various animals such as, tree climbing lions in the ishasha sector off the park, elephants, leopards, spotted hyenas, Ugandan kobs, Buffaloes, topis, bush bucks, side-stripped jackals, hippos, bush pigs etc. Birds to be spotted such as, Shoebill, Haerkopm, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, and great White Pelicans among others.

The best time to enjoy game drives on a self drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is during early morning hours and late evenings when the animals are always looking for what to eat. The dry season which takes place during the months of June to September and December to February will obviously give you a rewarding experience as the animals usually gather on water bodies to drink water and relax.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park is the oldest and largest of all national parks in Uganda. It is located in the North western part of Uganda and game drives in this park mostly takes place within the delta region which is situated next to lake Albert although the entire park is good for a game drive.

While on a game driving on a self drive in Murchison falls National Park, you should expect spotting various animals such as lions, elephants, leopards, oribis, bush bucks, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs among others. Some of the birds to spot include; shoebill, giant king fisher, African darter, long toed plover, osprey and many others. The park has safe routes to use while driving through.

During morning and late evening hours, it is guaranteed that you are likely to spot most of the animals and birds due to the fact that they are always active during that period. On sunny days, you will indeed get the best viewing experience because a lot of animals gather on water bodies to drink water and refresh themselves.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest National Park of Uganda, the closest park to Kampala and it is located in the Western part of Uganda in Kiruhura district. Game driving in Lake Mburo National Park involves spotting various animals in their habitats such as, Zebra, bush bark, buffaloes, jackals, elands, hyenas, warthogs, leopards and there are a unique and special species of animals called the Impalas which make the park unique from other national parks of Uganda.

Lake Mburo is also one of the national parks in Uganda where night game drives can be conducted. During night game drive, visitors get an opportunity of spotting nocturnal animals such as hyenas and hippos getting ready for the night and hence offering a memorable and rewarding experience to the visitors.

The best time to conduct game drives on a self drive in Lake Mburo National Park is during the early morning hours and late evenings where animals and birds are more active.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park is located in the north eastern corner of Uganda in Kaabong district near Karenga. It is one of the best national parks in Uganda to go for a game drive on self drive Uganda that will give you that real African experience you need. Game driving in Kidepo National park involve driving through the park’s trails looking for animals, birds and other wildlife nature as you capture the different scenic views.

While on a game drive in Kidepo National Park, look forward to seeing wildlife species like cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, eland, cape buffaloes, kangoni, lions, elephant, leopards, birds (about 475 species) and beautiful features such as savannahs, Kanangorok Hot springs, River Kidepo and The Narus Valley.

Why you shouldn’t miss game drives while on your Uganda self drive safari

Game driving is a must do activity or call it an essential activity you must include on your list when planning for a self drive Uganda safari or be it a guided Uganda safari.

Game driving is one of the most interesting Uganda safaris as it helps you to get closer to the nature and finding the animals in their habitats.

While on game drives in Uganda’s national parks, there s no doubt that you will have a chance of spotting 4 of the big five animals especially when you go to Murchison Falls National Park Or Kidepo Valley National Park.

Still about game drives in Ugandan National Parks, you will get beautiful scenic views of the savannah grasslands which also harbor most of the animals and birds.

During morning hours, you will have an opportunity of listening to the singing birds and seeing beautiful morning sunrise.

Frequently asked questions about game drives on self drive Uganda

Where can I go on game drive in Uganda?

Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo National Park.

What is the biggest game park in Uganda?

The biggest game park in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park

What is the smallest game park in Uganda?

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest game park in Uganda

Which game park is nearest to Kampala?

Lake Mburo National Park

Why you need to hire a car for self drive in Uganda

Why you need to hire a car for Self drive in Uganda?

When visiting Uganda for whether a business trip or safari you may need a reliable means of transport to get you from one point to another? And one of the available options is renting a car for self drive in Uganda.

With a rental car, you can drive to any destination without worry of being delayed by anything which isn’t the case when you are using public means.

Uganda is endowed with so much from the beautiful scenic views, rare wildlife species like the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park where you will be able to see the world’s most powerful waterfall – Murchison Falls to Lake Mburo National Park to see Elands and Zebras and more other places.

You can as well visit the source of the Nile River in Jinja where you will be able to participate in a number of exciting and rewarding activities along the river like the white water rafting, bungee jumping and more.

We have a fleet of well-maintained and serviced cars that range from budget to Luxury designed to give you a hassle free experience while on and off road in Uganda. These cars do include a Toyota RAV4s, Land Cruiser TX/TZ, Saloon cars, Safari Van, Land Cruiser V8, Land Cruiser GX, Land Cruiser VX among others.

Reasons why you would rent a car for self drive in Uganda

There various advantages that come with renting a car for self drive in Uganda and these range from comfort, safety and financial issues.

Renting a car is the cheapest transport option.

If you are looking for the cheapest means of transport two or more people can use whether on a business trip or safari in Uganda, then car rental is something you must consider if you want to save money and still get to enjoy the comfort and privacy that comes with it.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to drive to any location, anytime without worry of being left out especially for individuals who would use public means. Public transport in Uganda has designated points where it stops and after that point, you will need to get another means of transport to get you to your final point which wastes a lot of time compared to when you rent a car to take you at once to your destination.

Offers you the privacy you need?

Imagine being traveling by a public means and someone is looking into your phone or even playing their music on a high volume? There’s nothing as irritating as this and that’s why you need a rental car to do anything you want at your own pace, giving you the privacy you need and peace of mind.

Safety

Many accidents that happen on various roads in Uganda are attributed to a slight human error therefore, various travelers usually prefer to drive themselves to their final destination to eliminate errors made by a third party that could end their lives.

What do I need to rent a car in Uganda?

Like any other country, to rent a car in Uganda you will need to avail a few crucial documents for identification and these do include a valid copy of your driving license or International driving permit and a valid copy of your passport.

Upon verifying these, we will be able to arrange you your car rental option, reserve and give it to you once you arrive in the country.

Cost of renting a car for self drive in Uganda?

The cost of renting a car for self drive in Uganda is mainly determined by a few factors and these do include the type of car you are renting, the number of people, and the destination.

The cost of cars usually varies given that different cars vary in terms of comfort and strength. For example renting a RAV4 on self drive in Uganda is less costly compared to renting a Land Cruiser V8. The cost of the above cars is $40 per day and $80 per day respectively. A Land Cruiser V8 is expensive because it has a stronger engine and more comfortable compared to a RAV4.

If the number of people is beyond 4, this means the cost of car rental will likely increase so that we avail a car that they can fully occupy.

The beauty about renting a car from Uganda Self Drives is that we have no hidden car rental costs. This implies that what we give you is always the final cost and we don’t have other costs that we will top up after you have rented a car from us. Our cost also comes with unlimited mileage – as long as you get to inform us of your destination and whether you will be crossing the border so that we get to arrange the required the documents for you to cross

Is it safe to rent a car for self drive in Uganda?

It’s absolutely safe to rent a car for self drive in Uganda as long as you have the right documents and follow the set traffic rules. For about two decades, Uganda hasn’t recorded any case against international travelers rendering it to be among the safest countries anyone can travel to anytime of the year. The country was recently listed by CNN among the top destinations to visit in 2023 and this is attributed to its security and abundant activities you can do while in the country.

Guide to Driving in Uganda as a tourist

Get up close with Uganda’s hidden unique features while driving in Uganda as a tourist. In this article we have detailed what you need to know:

Uganda was recently ranked among the top destinations anyone can visit in 2023 by CNN and this is attributed to the fact that the country has a lot it can offer that’s within her boundaries and all this can be explored while on a self-drive as a tourist in the country.

Whether you are planning on visiting the south western part of Uganda to see the mountain gorillas, Queen Elizabeth National Park to see the tree climbing lions, Murchison Falls National Park to see the world’s most powerful waterfall and more, we have detailed all the necessary information you need to know while you are driving in Uganda as a tourist.

In Uganda we drive from the left side of the road unlike for example France or Netherlands where they drive from the right side of the road. If you are not used of driving from the left side of the road, we highly recommend that you take extra caution and pay so much attention so that you don’t make any mistakes. Usually mistakes are done by drivers who are from countries that drive from the right side of the road on junctions and roundabouts.

What you need to have to driving in Uganda as a tourist

Before a rental car is availed to you for self drive in Uganda, you will need to have availed important documents like a valid copy of your driving permit, international driving permit and a valid copy of your passport. Driving in Uganda as a tourist is absolutely for free expect along the Entebbe expressway where there’s a toll gate that you will need to pay where you can pay to access the road. This road is used by tourists who intend to avoid traffic jam in Kampala city and would want to get to the airport or any destination on time.

To drive a car in Uganda you have to be aged above 18 years and posses the above documents.

Quality of the roads in Uganda

The roads in Uganda are greatly improving with now so many roads within the city centre and towns tarmacked. If you’re planning to travel to any national park or remote areas in the country, The roads there aren’t as good as you can expect them to be and we heavily recommend hiring a 4×4 rental car like a Land Cruiser TX/TZ/ Land Cruiser V8 and if you prefer a budget option, we have a Toyota RAV4.

Traffic rules and signs

As you drive in Uganda, there traffic rules and regulations you are expected to respect and adhere to. Once you commit an offense against these, there’s a penalty that will be issued that you will be able to pay. Or even imprisonment.

Some of these include respecting the road signs put at different points on various roads within the country. These include warnings, animal crossing signs and more. Some of the signs are always telling

You are also expected to stop once a traffic officer asks you to do so. Traffic officers in Uganda are friendly and they will stop you to confirm whether you have the right documents to be on the road and the conditions of the car you are driving.

Driving with a seatbelt on a legal requirement in Uganda. Once you found without this on, you will be penalized.

The speed limit on Ugandan roads

Are you planning on driving in Uganda as a tourist? It’s important to know the speed limit for your own safety and other road users. While driving in towns, you are expected not to exceed 50KM/hr and 80KM/hr while driving on a highway.

Some of the roads in Uganda have these speed limits indicated on sign posts to guide you.

Road behavior

Generally, driving on Ugandan roads is easy but like any other country, there will be that annoying driver who will either overtake when they are not supposed to do so, honk so much to distract you. We advise you to fully be pay attention to the car you are driving and the road as well.

If you happen to meet cars on the road that are labeled “L” on the road, this implies that the person in the car is being guided by an instructor and learning how to drive.

FAQs

Is it safe to self drive in Uganda?

The road network in Uganda has been improving and getting to any of the destinations is now quite easy than centuries ago. In terms of security, Uganda is one of the safest countries in Africa and has no record against international travelers for more than two years. Therefore, driving in the country is safe and we assure you a hassle free experience.

How much is driving in Uganda as a tourist?

The cost of self drive in Uganda depends on the rental car you prefer to use, the number of days and the number of people. Having put these in mind, we will be able to provide you with a quote. If you are renting for more than a month, you will automatically qualify for a discount on car rental in Uganda.

Our prices include unlimited mileage meaning we don’t limit you on when or where you can stop or even charge you an extra fee for exceeding a given point. We also don’t have hidden costs, what we give you is always the final amount and we always give you that figure before you proceed with renting a car with us.