Best Uganda Self drive itinerary Destination to explore
Self Drive East Africa operates Self drive holidays in the region including Tanzania , Kenya & Rwanda for the best memorable Self drive adventures. The team of Self Drive Uganda has listed the best destinations to explore including the 10 National Parks to explore on Uganda Safari
Mount Elgon, found at the border of Uganda and Kenya, makes up the park, has the largest volcanic base in the world and is also the oldest and largest volcanic mountain in East Africa with the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent standing at a height of 4,321m. it is is home to over 300 species of birds.
Kidepo Valley National Park is a breathtaking wilderness area located in northeastern Uganda known for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it is often regarded as one of Africa’s hidden gems. The park covers an area of approximately 1,442 sq km and is nestled between the rugged hills and valleys of the karamoja region, bordering South Sudan to the north and Kenya to the East.
At this park, one gets to see different animals like ostriches, valleys, hills, some seasonal rivers and hot springs while embarking on different activities like game drives and nature walks
Formerly known as Kabalega national park, Murchison falls is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda with a coverage area of 3840 sq km. It is famous for having the world’s most powerful waterfall that emits large volumes of water about 300 cubic meters per second through a 7-meter-wide gorge at a very powerful pressure that causes its surrounding to tremble. It is also one place where one gets to meet 4 of the African big five animals and a multiple of other animals and birds.
Mount Rwenzori National park is located in western Uganda, bestriding the border between Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko districts covering the Rwenzori Mountains range, which are the third highest mountain range in Africa and extend along the western edge of the East African Rift Valley. The park, covering an approximately 996 square kilometers is home to diverse wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of the notable animal species found in the park include elephants, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, giant forest hogs, and various bird species like the handsome francoline, unique and endemic species, such as the Rwenzori three-horned chameleon.
Semuliki national park is a protected area in western Uganda found in the Albertine rift valley, named after river Semuliki that flows through its eastern boundary. The park is also home to the famous Sempaya hot springs made up of the male and the female hot springs. The Male Hot Springs is the larger of the two and is characterized by a boiling geyser that shoots hot water and steam high into the air. The water can reach temperatures of up to 103 degrees Celsius (217 degrees Fahrenheit) while the female hot spring is a natural pool of hot water without the geyser-like activity.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a renowned wildlife conservation area located in southwestern Uganda. Established in 1952, it is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in the country, spanning an area of approximately 1978 sq km. Th e park is named after Queen Elizabeth 11 of England to commemorate her visit to Uganda in 1954. The parks ecosystem supports variety of wildlife, making it a top destination for wildlife and nature lovers. It is home to over 95 mammal species, including the famous African elephants, tree climbing lions, buffaloes, hippos, leopards and many antelope species such as Uganda Kob.
Kibale national park is a protected area in western Uganda known for its largest population of chimpanzees in Africa. It is estimated that the park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The park also supports a wide array of other wildlife, including 13 species of primates, over 300 bird species, and various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
The best activity for you here is chimpanzee trekking and habituation yet you can choose to also add things like cultural encounters and nature walks.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a remarkable protected area located in southwestern Uganda. Renowned for its incredible biodiversity and unique conservation efforts, Bwindi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds great significance for both wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.
The name Bwindi means dark and as one hikes in this forest, he will soon discover why it is called dark and impenetrable. The park’s dense, ancient rainforest is characterized of a network of lush vegetation, steep slopes, and deep valleys. This thick forest provides a haven not only for the gorillas but also for a wide range of other wildlife species, including chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants, antelopes, and numerous bird species. The park boasts more than 120 mammal species, over 350 bird species, and various reptiles and amphibians.
The park’s famous activities is gorilla trekking and habituation alongside Batwa cultural encounters. There is other couples like nature walks, painting and art work, guided children walks that can be done after the long gorilla visits.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is done in 4 sectors namely: Rushaga, Ruhija, buhoma and nkuringo all of which are home to different gorilla families.
Accommodation in this park is provided by a number of lodges some of which include buhoma lodge
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a captivating protected area located in southwestern Uganda sitting high in the clouds at an altitude of 2,227m and 4,127m boasting over 76 mammals which include elephants, giant forest hog, bush pigs, bush back, Buffaloes, leopards and a bird checklist of over 180 species and most importantly the gorillas and the golden monkeys.
In this park, one can see golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, different bird species, volcanoes like sabinyo, Mgahinga, muhabura and other small mammals like monkeys. Activities include gorilla trekking and habituation, golden monkey trekking and habituation, volcano climbing and nature walks.
Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem located along the Kampala – Mbarara highway, connecting the central region to the west. It is the smallest of Uganda’s national parks covering 370 sq km and is home to over 350 bird species as well as zebras, impalas, buffaloes. The park offers a unique combination of acacia woodlands, savannah grasslands, and wetland habitats, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem
After a long drive from the deep west, a stop at this park, on your way to Kampala is a rewarding experience. Here, you get to do horseback rides, game drives, boat rides on the lake, game drives and nature walks. During these activities, you can spot animals like the impalas, zebras, and hippos as you cruise of the lake.
