14 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari - Wildlife, Primates, white water rafting & leisure
20-Day Self-Drive Uganda Safari: This 20-day Self Drive Uganda with rooftop tent camping itinerary takes you to the central region & the southwestern areas of Uganda. This 20 Uganda Self Drive Safari itinerary leads to Kidepo Valley National Park, Ssese Island, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Kibale Forest national Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Aruu Waterfalls in Gulu, Sipi Falls and Jinja
20 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari – Roadtrip Uganda Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and pick up your rental Jeep, followed by shopping in Entebbe.
Day 2, embark on a ferry journey with your rental jeep to the Ssese Islands located on Lake Victoria.
Day 3: Ssese Island Exploration & Coastal Experience
Day 4: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Day 6: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest or Kyambura Gorge
Day 10: chimpanzees Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Day 11: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 12: Game drive and boat cruise
Day 13: Proceed to Ziwa Rhino for Rhino Tracking, followed by a visit to Aruu Waterfalls in Gulu.
Day 14: Drive from Aruu Waterfalls in Gulu to Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 15: Game drive
Day 16: Drive to Moroto
Day 17: Cultural Experiences and Drive to Sipi Falls
Day 18: Sipi Hike
Day 19: Drive to Jinja
Day 20: White Water Rafting and Drive Back to Entebbe.
Detailed 20 Days Uganda Self Drive Roadtrip itinerary
This 20-day Uganda self drive Safari tour begins and ends in Entebbe, Uganda. It’s a standard road trip in East Africa with reliable Land Cruiser LX manual vehicles.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe.
Upon your safe arrival, you will be greeted and provided with the rental vehicle (Landcruiser LX or GX) that you will be utilizing for the upcoming 20-day self drive holiday in Uganda. Your itinerary will begin with shopping, followed by a visit to the zoo in the late afternoon. Subsequently, you will then drive to Hotel Entebbe for your camping experience.
The zoo presents an opportunity to encounter animals typically found in Uganda. The collection includes zebras, lions, elephants, hippopotamuses, chimpanzees, and various species of birds, among others.
Day 2: Ferry crossing to Ssese Islands, Lake Victoria
Following breakfast, proceed to Nakiwogo and board the ferry to Kalangala, Ssese Islands. The ferry departs at 2 PM from Lake Victoria and arrives at Lutoboka Bay on Bugala Island after a 3-hour journey. While on the ferry, you will find a cafeteria where you can order a variety of options to satisfy your hunger. As you approach Kalangala, you will have the opportunity to view numerous islands, and having a set of binoculars can enhance this experience. You can also observe water birds and enjoy the serene breeze of the waters, all contributing to the unique experience of traveling by water.
Experience the tranquility and serenity of being distanced from the hustle and bustle of Kampala, allowing yourself to unwind and fully appreciate the essence of a holiday. An excellent opportunity to experience Lake Victoria as an alternative for a self-drive tour around the lake, exploring Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. This journey begins and concludes in Entebbe, including border crossings in East Africa.
Day 3: Ssese Island Tour – 20 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari
Following a substantial breakfast, embark on a nature walk through the forest and then enjoy a boat trip that will allow you to appreciate the islands on the lake. Among the various islands, Buggala, Bubeke, Bukasa, Banda, and Buvuma stand out as the more prominent options. Return to the hotel to savor a delectable traditional buffet. You can unwind and subsequently engage in a variety of activities, including swimming in the bilharzia-free waters, sunbathing, enjoying a steam bath, cycling, and exploring the forest and notable sites on the largest of the Ssese Islands, such as the BIDCO palm oil project. Fishing also presents a viable option. Please proceed back to your hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Five hours
Following breakfast, proceed to Masaka Town. Depart at 8am via ferry. Relish the final moments of the lake’s Victoria breeze and the lasting impressions you have created in Kalangala. You will then arrive in Masaka City and continue your journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Proceed to the Salt Lick, a strategically positioned wooden platform. Located 2 kilometers from the camp, this area provides an opportunity to observe various species of animals as they engage in the behavior of licking the mineral-rich soil. Game viewing can be unpredictable; however, it is possible to observe the animals without causing any disturbance.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a walking safari to discover the finest wildlife within Lake Mburo National Park. Return to Leopard camp for an overnight stay later.
Day 5: Safari excursion and aquatic adventure
In the early morning, embark on a game drive through the park to observe acacia-related birds and animals as they return to their hideouts. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and lunch, followed by a nature walk. You will have the opportunity to observe zebras and long-horned domestic cattle grazing together harmoniously. Prepare to gather your strength after lunch for the afternoon boat trip on Lake Mburo, where you will search for aquatic wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, various bird species, and sitatunga antelopes that inhabit the papyrus surrounding the lake.
Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Following breakfast, you will proceed with your tour by driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned as the habitat for half of the world’s Mountain gorillas. In Africa, Uganda stands out with two notable destinations for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
The journey from Lake Mburo to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park typically spans 4 to 5 hours, allowing you to appreciate the afternoon immersed in the beauty of the Bwindi Forest, enveloped by its serene mist.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Expedition: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Early in the morning, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and regulations regarding gorilla trekking. Following this, you will complete the registration of your gorilla permit, which includes verification by a UWA officer at the park headquarters.
Commencing your journey into the jungle, you will embark on a search for the gorillas in their natural habitat. This endeavor may require approximately 5 to 6 hours, contingent upon the gorillas’ movements and the availability of food in the wilderness. Upon locating the gorillas, you will observe them for one hour as they engage in play, feed, and allow for photography. Following this, you will return to the headquarters to receive your certificates before proceeding back to the camp.
Day 8: Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Following breakfast, embark on a game drive that will lead you to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha route, ultimately connecting to the Katunguru sector. Observe the remarkable tree-climbing lions, and subsequently, embark on a local community boat tour along the Kazinga Channel, where you may encounter waterbucks, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, and a diverse array of antelope species. Observe resident species such as flamingos, red-chested sunbirds, Papyrus gonoleks, pink-backed pelicans, malachite kingfishers, yellow-crowned bishops, water thick-knees, yellow-billed storks, and shoebills. Please remember to bring your camera. Subsequently, continue to Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite.
Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest.
Following an early breakfast, you will proceed to the Kalinzu Forest headquarters to commence your chimpanzee trek. Chimpanzees are regarded as the closest relatives of humans, sharing 98% of their DNA with them. During your exploration of these remarkable chimpanzees, you will encounter a variety of other primate and animal species, including LHoests monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, bush babies, and numerous bird species such as the yellow-spotted nictor, ramped tinker, and crowned eagle, in addition to elephants, which are mammals. This national park is situated at an average elevation of 3,300 feet and features a rain forest ecosystem that hosts numerous chimpanzee communities. Each troop consists of over 100 individuals, showcasing a complex social structure. In their groups, the adult males assert dominance and consistently protect the entire community from any threats and incursions by external females.
The location of these primates is determined by attentively listening to their pant hooting calls, followed by a prompt response to the area from which the calls originate. You have the opportunity to observe their behavior as they engage in play, feeding, socializing, and jumping among the trees. Upon completing the trek, you will return to Queen Elizabeth National Park and then proceed to Kibale Forest National Park, another prime location for observing chimpanzees. Evening meal and accommodation at Little Monkey Camp.
Day 10: Chimp tracking in Kanyanchu-Kibale National Park.
Following an early breakfast, you will proceed to the park headquarters to commence your chimpanzee tracking expedition. Chimpanzees are regarded as the closest relatives to humans, sharing 98% of their DNA with us. During your exploration of these remarkable chimpanzees, you will encounter a variety of other primate and animal species, including LHoests monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, bush babies, and numerous bird species such as the yellow-spotted nictor, ramped tinker, and crowned eagle, along with elephants, which are also mammals. Following your visit to the Bigodi Community, you will return to the camp.
Day 11: Travel to Murchison Falls via the Albertine Rift.
Commence the journey early in the morning to Murchison Falls National Park. Experience the stunning and picturesque journey along the Albertine escarpment in western Uganda. Upon arrival, proceed directly to the summit of the falls. Experience a seamless check-in and unwind at Red Chili Rest Camp.
Day 12: Game viewing and hike to the Delta
Embark on an early morning game drive in the Northern Nile delta circuit, an excellent opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife. Leopards can be observed along the designated leopard track, alongside Jackson’s hartebeest, significant populations of Uganda Kobs, and extensive families of the Defassa waterbuck, in addition to herds of giraffes and groups of the elegant Oribi. The abundant presence of Kobs draws a pride of lions to the delta as well. The delta is a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts, featuring species such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, shoebill, Senegal thick-knee, and Denham’s bustard, along with various herons, waders, and egrets found around small pools of water. What is absent? In the evening, embark on a launch trip along the renowned Nile River and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation at Murchison Falls, observing the largest crocodiles, hippos, and elephants as they interact in the water. Following such a pleasant encounter, return to your camp.
Day 13: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and continue to Aruu Water Falls Campsite.
Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located a two-hour drive from Kampala to Nakasongola, accessible via the Masindi route en route to Murchison Falls National Park. Rhinos inhabit a vast area of 7,000 hectares, approximately double the size of Mgahinga National Park, characterized by dry savannah interspersed with swamps and the distinctive euphorbia candelabrum trees. The experience begins with tracking the rhinos, allowing for walking and even camping in the bush. Following the Rhino Tracking experience, you will continue your journey by driving to Gulu, serving as a midpoint before reaching Kidepo Valley National Park.
Visit the Aruu waterfall the following morning before proceeding to Kidepo Valley, renowned as the premier national park in Uganda for wildlife observation.
Camping at Aruu Water Falls Campsite.
Day 14: Journey to Kidepo National Park
Following our visit to the stunning falls, we proceed northward to Kidepo National Park at an early hour. This park is situated in the extreme northeast of Uganda, adjacent to Sudan and Kenya to the east, and is home to the Ik people of Uganda. Kidepo Valley, in contrast to other national parks that boast a diverse array of wildlife, presents a more limited selection of animals while providing an authentic experience of wilderness. Travel through the northwest towns of Mbale, Soroti, and Lira, as well as the Kotido and Pader districts. Consider utilizing the Mbale-Soroti route, which has a duration of 7 hours, allowing for an appreciation of the scenic views of Lake Bisina, Lake Kyoga, the hilltops of Mountain Elgon, Matheniko Game Reserve, Bokora Game Reserve, and the peak of Mountain Moroto. If you have the opportunity, consider visiting Pian Upe Game Reserve. Upon your arrival, you may proceed to check in.
Day 15: Game drive in Narus Valley
Following breakfast, embark on a game drive in the Narus Valley to observe the diverse wildlife of northern Uganda, including cheetahs, caracals, hyenas, lions, side-striped jackals, leopards, various small cats, elephants, greater and lesser kudus, bohor reedbucks, and numerous bird species such as the Karamoja apalis, rufous chatterer, and Abyssinian roller.
Following lunch, participants will embark on a guided nature walk to gain insights into African culture. Explore the Karamojong dwellings (Manyatta), the kraals, traditional attire, stools, spears, bows, arrows, and jewelry. Later retire back to the Savannah Lodge
Day 16: Hiking and Cultural Performances
Following breakfast, you will commence your drive towards Moroto (Karatunga Moroto). The route will take you through Kaboong and Kotido, leading you to the Soroti-Moroto highway. Upon arrival, you will check in at the Karatunga Guest House, with the option to explore the cultural experience in Karamojong through Karatunga Tours. Dinner and overnight camping will be arranged in the Wild Community (Karatunga).
Day 17: Drive to Sipi Falls
Following breakfast, we proceed with our safari to Sipi Falls, navigating through Pian Upe Game Reserve before connecting to Mount Elgon National Park. Sipi Falls consists of a sequence of four picturesque waterfalls, culminating in a remarkable 99-meter drop located near the Sipi trading center. Start with the most popular walking trail which leads from behind the post office in Sipi trading center to the base of the main waterfall. Proceed to a cluster of caves, where the largest cave extends to 125 meters and features abundant salt deposits. You will reach the summit of the main waterfall and observe the local shrine nestled within a small forested cavern. At the base, there is a swimming pool. Enjoy a meal and a place to stay at Sipi Falls Rest Camp / Moses Camp.
Day 18: Hike to Sipi Falls
Following breakfast, you will embark on the Sipi hike to the falls within the Elgon Mountains National Park, where you can appreciate the natural surroundings, engage in cultural experiences related to coffee, and visit the local community with a knowledgeable guide.
Later, you will return to camp for some relaxation.
Day 19: Drive to Jinja
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Jinja City, renowned as the historic trading hub and recognized as the source of the Nile. In the evening, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Nile to explore its origins, after which you will proceed to camp at Nile Explorers Camp.
Day 20: White Water Rafting at Bujagali Falls and Transfer to Entebbe
Nile Explorers will facilitate your transfer for a half-day white water rafting adventure, followed by a return for lunch before you commence your drive back to Kampala/Entebbe for your flight home.