Exploring Uganda’s natural beauty: a self – drive safari guide to the national parks and their distances.
Uganda, located in East Africa, is known as the “Pearl of Africa” for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Uganda boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. With a rich cultural heritage and friendly people, Uganda welcomes visitors and provides an unforgettable travel experience.
Advisable itinerary travel options for your Self-drive Safari in Uganda
Option 1: Kampala – Murchison – Kibale – Rwenzori – Queen – Bwindi – Kampala
Option 2: Kampala – Rwenzori – Kibale – Queen – Bwindi – Kampala
Option 3: Kampala – Mburo – Bwindi – Kampala
Option 4: Kampala – Elgon – Murchison falls – Kampala
Option 5: Kampala – Elgon – Kidepo – Murchison falls – Kampala
It’s always a good idea to plan your journey ahead of time and take into consideration these variables when estimating travel time.
The following are the distances between Kampala and the ten national parks.
| From | To | Distance (km) | Approximate Driving time (hrs) |
| Entebbe | Kampala | 40 Km | 1hr |
Kampala | Lake Mburo national park | 222 Km | 4hrs |
| Murchison falls national park | 282 Km | 4 – 5hrs | |
| Mount Elgon national park in Mbale | 260 Km | 6hrs | |
| Kibale national park | 276 Km | 5 – 6hrs | |
| Rwenzori mountains national park | 374 Km | 7hrs | |
| Kidepo valley national park – Karenga | 545 Km | 10 – 12hrs | |
| Mgahinga gorilla national park | 500 Km | 10hrs | |
| Queen Elizabeth national park | 388 Km | 5 – 6hrs | |
| Semuliki national park | 380 Km | 6 – 7hrs | |
| Bwindi Impenetrable national park | 502 Km | 9 – 10hrs | |
| Murchison falls national park | Kibale national park | 252 Km | 5hrs |
| Kibale national park | Rwenzori mountains national park | 119 Km | 2hrs |
| Kibale national park | Semuliki national park | 107 Km | 2hrs |
| Rwenzori mountains national park | Queen Elizabeth national park | 56 Km | 1hr |
| Queen Elizabeth national park | Bwindi impenetrable national park | 143 Km | 4hrs |
| Bwindi impenetrable national park | Mgahinga gorilla national park | 107 Km | 3hrs |
| Lake Mburo national park | Mgahinga gorilla national park | 297 Km | 6hrs |
| Lake Mburo national park | Queen Elizabeth national park | 186 Km | 4hrs |
| Lake Mburo national park | Bwindi impermeable national park | 274 Km | 6hrs |
| Mount Elgon national park | Murchison falls national park | 485 Km | 9hrs |
| Mount Elgon national park | Kidepo valley national park | 498 Km | 9hrs |
| Kidepo valley national park | Murchison falls national park | 346 Km | 7hrs |
Each route has community and cultural encounters that add significant value to your vacation. I.e. options like lodges, homestays, and campsites.
When embarking on a self-drive trip in Uganda, it’s essential to be well-prepared for the diverse terrains, potential challenges, and the unique experiences the region offers. Here’s a list of items you should consider packing;
- Documentation:
- Valid passport and visas.
- Itinerary.
- Driver’s license.
- Life insurance.
- Travel insurance.
- Emergency contact numbers (Alpha Rent A Car & embassies).
- Navigation and Communication: GPS navigation device, smartphone or Google maps.
- Local SIM card for your phone.
- Clothing and Personal Items:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for both hot and cool weather.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Closed-toe shoes for hiking and walking. Rain gear and waterproof jacket.
- Personal hygiene items and medications.
- Food and Water: Non-perishable food items.
- Bottled water or water purification tablets.
- Snacks for the road.
- Safety and Security:
- Secure your belongings in the vehicle or lock them away when not in use.
- Be cautious of wildlife and follow safety guidelines, especially in national parks.
- Stay updated on weather conditions and road closures.
- Keep emergency supplies, medications etc. easily accessible.
- Others:
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories.
- Guidebooks or travel guides for the region.
- Cash (local currency and USD), mobile money for remote areas where card payments may not be accepted.
- Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Flexibility and a sense of adventure are key to enjoying a self-drive trip in Uganda!
If you require any kind of support, please contact Alpha Rent A Car, and we will advise you on how to best plan your trip for a memorable experience.
To be continued
