UGANDA SELF DRIVE SAFARI: THE PERFECT 2-WEEK ITINERARY
A self-drive safari in Uganda offers the opportunity to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture at your own pace. With its national parks, stunning mountain ranges, and thriving wildlife, Uganda is a hidden gem for safari lovers. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, Uganda offers some of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world.
In this guide, we have crafted the perfect 2-week itinerary for a self-drive safari, taking you through the highlights of Uganda’s national parks and scenic landscapes, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace while creating unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe
On your first day in Uganda, you will arrive at Entebbe International Airport and pick up your rental car. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel or explore nearby attractions like the Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. This is a good day to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa. Mid-range: 2 Friends Hotel.
Budget: Airport Guesthouse.
Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park (6-7 hours)
Start your journey early and drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most famous park. Along the way, you can stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. Once in the park, visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge. In the evening, enjoy a short game drive before heading to your lodge.
Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge. Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge. Budget: Heritage Lodge.
Day 3: Safari & Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls
Wake up early for a morning game drive on the northern side of the park, where you can see lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Nile to the base of the falls, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, and many birds. If you are feeling adventurous, hike to the top of the falls for an even better view.
Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge. Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge. Budget: Heritage Lodge
Day 4: Drive to Kibale National Park (6-7 hours)
After breakfast, take a long but scenic drive to Kibale National Park, home to chimpanzees and other primates. The road passes through small villages and beautiful green landscapes. Once you arrive, you can relax at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trek.
Luxury: Chimpundu lodge. Mid-range: Turaco Treetops. Budget: Isunga Lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Start your day with a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest, where you will walk through the rainforest and observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation project known for its many bird species and monkeys.
Luxury: Chimpundu lodge. Mid-range: Turaco Treetops. Budget: Isunga Lodge.
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (2-3 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest park, famous for its diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you can see lions, antelopes, and elephants.
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge. Mid-range: Elephant Plains Lodge. Budget: Bush Lodge
Day 7: Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin your morning with a game drive in search of more wildlife. Later in the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of the best places in Uganda to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds up close.
Luxury: Mweya SafarLodge. Mid-range: Elephant Plains Lodge. Budget: Bush Lodge
Day 8: Drive to Ishasha (2 hours) – Tree-Climbing Lions
Drive to the Ishasha sector, a remote part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its famous tree-climbing lions. Spend the day searching for these unique predators, as well as elephants and topis. The scenery here is stunning, with open savannah and fig trees.
Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge. Budget: The River Lodge.
Day 9: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (2-3 hours)
Today, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through beautiful hilly landscapes and small villages. Once you arrive, relax at your lodge and prepare for the gorilla trekking experience.
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge. Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
This is the highlight of your trip! Join a guided gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Forest. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find them, spend one magical hour watching these incredible animals.
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge. Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Day 11: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi (2-3 hours)
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and has 29 islands. Spend the day relaxing, swimming, canoeing, or taking a boat trip.
Luxury: Bird Nest Resort. Mid-range: Arcadia Cottages. Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort.
Day 12: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park (4-5 hours)
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park. In the evening, enjoy a walking safari or game drive, where you might see zebras, elands, and impalas.
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge. Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock. Budget: Eagle’s Nest.
Day 13: Safari & Boat Trip in Lake Mburo
Start the morning with a walking safari or game drive. Later, take a boat trip on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds. The park’s landscapes are different from other parks, with rolling hills and acacia woodlands.
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge. Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock. Budget: Eagle’s Nest.
Day 14: Drive Back to Entebbe (4-5 hours) & Departure
On your last day, drive back to Entebbe for your flight. If you have time before your departure, visit the craft market or relax at a lakeside restaurant.
