Posted in WHERE TO GO FOR SELF DRIVE SAFARIS IN UGANDA
Known for its stunning natural sceneries, Uganda is a wonderful place for enjoying self-drive Safaris, as there are numerous amazing roads throughout the country that will lead you even to the remotest areas. For self-drive safaris in Uganda, be prepared to get introduced to the magnificent landscapes, unique wildlife species, plethora of birds, warm and friendly people, and outstanding accommodation facilities. Let’s look at the different places to go for self-drive Safaris in Uganda that include;
Lake Mburo National Park
Known as Uganda’s smallest savannah National Park, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the best places you can go for self-drive safaris in the Pearl of Africa for its rare wildlife, birds, and stunning landscapes. This is the only Park in the country where you can see Impalas in addition to the Burchell’s zebras, Rothschild giraffes, giant elands, Topis, Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Oribis, Hippos, bushbucks, leopards, and others. Just about 240 kilometers from Kampala, Lake Mburo is one of the easier and most popular destinations for self-drive safaris in Uganda (for even beginners) with opportunities for game drives.
Kidepo Valley National Park
The 1440-square-kilometer Kidepo Valley National Park is an extraordinary self-drive destination, especially if you have explored other savannah National Parks in the country. In addition to exploring rare wildlife species (such as cheetahs, Roan antelopes, lots of buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Topis, Jackson’s hartebeests, elephants, zebras, and others), visitors are usually blown away by the breathtaking landscapes. The remote Park is over 571 to 792 kilometers from Kampala (depending on the route used) and to tackle the long road and its game tracks on your self-drive safari, you will need a 4X4 Safari Vehicle. You will need to schedule a 4-day Kidepo safari if you plan to uncover its natural beauty.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located about 300 kilometers northwest of Kampala and is another amazing destination for self-drive safaris in Uganda. This safari destination is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes (that include the Murchison Falls, hills, savannah plains, wetlands, forests, woodlands, and Rivers), wildlife, and bird species that occupy these ecosystems hence making it one of the recommended places for your self-drive safari. This 3840-square-Kilometer Protected Area is the largest Park in the country and visitors can enjoy self-game drives, as well as guided bush walks, birding, boat rides, and other adventures.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The 1978-square-kilometer Queen Elizabeth National Park is best known for its sweeping savannah plains dotted with various ecosystems (freshwater and Crater Lakes, wetlands, and woodlands) and while there, you are most likely to be immersed in the beauty of the savannah. There are also great chances of spotting lots of elephants, Hippos, Cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, Oribis, Topis, warthogs and you will be lucky to see lions, leopards, Mongoose, spotted hyenas, and other nocturnal wildlife species. This self-drive safari destination is only about 400 kilometers from Kampala and can be reached in 6-7 hours and if you wish to explore it to totality then you will need 3-4 days.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Uganda is World famous for being a stronghold to half the World’s population of endangered mountain gorillas and self-drive safaris can lead you to the most popular one known as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While mountain gorilla trekking is the commonest activity in this Park, there are also chances of undertaking birding tours, mountain biking, community/village walks, and forest walks to see other animals, waterfalls, and plant species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 520 kilometers/8-9 hours from Kampala.
Kibale Forest National Park
The 795-square-kilometer Primate Capital of the World is another classic destination for self-drive safaris in Uganda, known for its 70 mammal species that include 13 primate species. Driving 320 kilometers from Kampala through the breathtaking western route will lead you to Kibale Forest National Park, but the Park is explored on foot with an experienced Ranger guide. Activities to take part in are chimpanzee tracking, guided forest walks (day and night), and birding.
