Uganda’s ever-changing landscapes, eccentric small Towns, remote villages, spectacular National Parks, and wide range of open spaces have cemented the safari destination’s eminence as one of Africa’s best places for unforgettable road trips. For the adventure seekers, it is very exciting to get off-the-beaten-track to the semi-arid areas of Kidepo Valley National Park or across the beautiful mountainous areas of southwestern and eastern Uganda. The smooth tarred roads across the country make road trips in Uganda very enjoyable and worthwhile.
Therefore, here is the list of 5 places in Uganda best explored by Car;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Although it is more than 8 hours’ drive from the bustling hub of Kampala City, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park always makes it onto the majority of Uganda safari package and is always the largest part of its appeal. Tucked away in the south-western side of Uganda and referred to as the ultimate gorilla trekking destination, this Park is characterized by soaring mountain peaks, hillsides, thick Tropical rainforests, and Valleys hence making road trips exciting and worthwhile.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is over 540 kilometers drive from the Capital and the journey goes through en-routes Towns of Masaka, Mbarara, Ntungamo/Rukungiri, and Kabale and incorporates s number of highlights such as the Equator landmark, Lake Mburo National Park, Mpambire Drum Makers, the long-horned cattle of Ankole and vast banana plantations. Along the way, there are also stopovers for lunch, stretching legs, and cultural centers like Igongo Cultural Center and Biharwe Eclipse site among others. This Park is popular for unforgettable gorilla treks, birding for the Albertine Rift endemics, and many others.
Murchison falls National Park
Murchison falls National Park is certainly one of the top 5 places in Uganda best explored by car and definitely not without good cause. This is Uganda’s oldest and largest Park marked by the unfailingly breathtaking landscape-dense Tropical rainforest of Budongo, sweeping savannah plains, picturesque Murchison falls, breathtaking rapids as well a wide range of tourist activities on offer and takes about 305 kilometers from Kampala.
The lush Budongo forest is famous for thrilling chimpanzee treks, bird watching, and forest biking in addition to being a haven to several primate species. Game drives, boat cruises, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and hiking to the top of the falls.
Kibale Forest National Park
The verdantly phenomenal and iconic destination named Kibale Forest National Park is about 350 kilometers from Kampala City. As you drive to Kibale Forest National Park, you will come across rolling hills with rugged Rock bounders and sometimes veer off to the verdant tea estates, through gravel roads and terraced hillsides. This Park is home to a notoriously high concentration of primate species and is best for chimpanzee trekking adventures, birding tours (with unique species such as the Green-breasted Pitta). The journey lasts 7-8 hours with en-route stops at the ancestral tree of Nakayima, Amabere Caves and waterfalls, and many others while driving on tar road.
Jinja City
Jinja is known as the adventure Capital of Africa, for its plethora of adrenaline-packed activities. Along the way, you will pass through Mabira forest where the atmosphere automatically changes (owing to the tall natural trees), through dramatic sugar plantations, wild and dusty roads, livestock farms, make stops at Ssezibwa waterfalls (a magnificent cultural site), and many others. Jinja City of best for quad bike rides, bungee jumping, Horseback rides, whitewater rafting, kite surfing, and boat rides to the source of the Nile. The journey lasts between 2-3 hours including en-route stops.
Lake Mburo National Park
If short road trips, photogenic landscapes, quirky experiences, exceptional attractions, and whispers of the wilderness get your pulse racing, then a road trip to Lake Mburo National Park is perfect for you. This journey will take you through small charming Towns along the way, stops at Equator crossing, and many other exciting adventures. Highlights of your journey are local brew tasting at Igongo Cultural Center, riding horseback amidst zebras, undertaking game drives through the savannah plains, quad bike rides through the wilderness, and many others.
