Uganda Nomads – Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Watching in Uganda- Self Drive Guided

Discover the “Pearl of Africa” with Self Drive East Africa’ Uganda trips.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the River Nile, the world’s longest river. Explore the diverse ecosystems of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kidepo Valley, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Experience the thrill of gorilla trekking at Bwindi, chimp trekking, or rhino trekking at Ziwa, and witness the unique phenomenon of tree climbing lions in Ishasha. Hike to the summit of Mount Elgon, a dormant volcano with stunning views or snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains, or relax on a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria or River Nile.Immerse yourself in cultural encounters with the Acholi people and Karamojong warriors, gaining insights into their unique traditions and lifestyles.

Choose from our flexible self-drive options to explore Uganda at your own pace. Our group/convoy self-drive trips offer a social and supportive experience, while our solo self-drive trips provide ultimate freedom and independence. For a more adventurous journey, join our overland truck trips and experience the camaraderie of fellow travelers.

Book your Uganda adventure with Self Drive Uganda and create unforgettable memories.

Plan and book to Join a group of Uganda nomads to explore the primates and Wildlife on 16 days adventure holiday on private guided tour with self drive Uganda the leading tour operator offering Private guided trips within East Africa. The 16 Days Self drive itinerary is the  alternative for the nomad adventure that explores Northern Uganda cultural sites.

Discover the Uganda primates like the Chimpanzees , Golden Monkey and Mountain Gorillas in the wild while traveling in Luxury Landcruiser lx 76 series that comes with Tentco Rooftop tents combined with simple accommodations & Lodges( Nature Lodges Uganda Accommodations) .

“Experience gorilla trekking, boat cruises, wildlife safaris, and authentic local culture while staying in comfortable lodges or in a rooftop tent. Our detailed Road book, travel map, and support team ensure you explore safely and at your own pace.”

Detailed 16 Days Uganda Nomad adventure – Self Drive Guided Adventure

Plan an unforgettable trip to Uganda for the Name a Rhino ceremony at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on August 21, 2025. Hosted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), this event celebrates the naming of 17 newborn southern white rhino calves, spotlighting Uganda’s conservation success. Here’s your guide to attending, exploring, and making the most of this unique experience.

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and spend the night by Lake Victoria. 

Welcome to Uganda. Our company tour guide and company representative will pick you up from Entebbe international airport and transfer your hotel in Entebbe. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.  Camping & Glamping Via Via Guest House

Day 2: drive to jinja

After breakfast, you will transfer to Jinja, reaching in lunch time, check in, have lunch, relax dinner and a night at the lodge.  Camping at Nile River Explorers Camp

Fueling: list of fuel recommended fuel stations

  • Recommend fueling at Entebbe (TOTAL, SHELL & STABEX  )
  • Please note: some cars have 90-liter tanks while others have modified tank holding 120ltrs of fuel. This means the cost of tanking up is approximately 150-180$/vehicle at Entebbe

Supplies: list of supermarkets recommended

  • Victoria Mall (CarreFour)

Route: Entebbe – Kampala – Mukono – Jinja

Description of the route: Departing from Entebbe, travellers head eastward on a well-maintained highway, passing through Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The journey offers views of rural landscapes, occasional congestion in urban areas, and glimpses of Lake Victoria.

 

Day 3: Drive to Moroto

Check out of your Jinja accommodation and start your journey to Moroto. It’s a longer drive, taking about 7-8 hours, so make sure to leave early in the morning. With enroute lunch. Camping at Kara tunga Safari Camp

Route: Jinja – Mbale – Soroti – Moroto

Description of the route: Departing from Jinja, travellers head northeast on the Jinja-Tirinyi Road, passing through agricultural landscapes and small communities. Continuing on the Mbale-Soroti Road, the journey progresses through more rural terrain, eventually reaching Soroti. From Soroti, travellers proceed northeast on the Soroti-Moroto Road, crossing semi-arid landscapes before arriving in Moroto, the largest town in the Karamoja sub-region of northeastern Uganda.

 

Day 4: morning visit to Kraal. Drive to Kidepo and settle

Have breakfast and you will go experience milking in the Kraal drive back to the lodge for lunch. After lunch check out and proceed to Kidepo National Park.  Kidepo National Park is located in the north-eastern corner of Uganda along the international frontier with South Sudan in Kaabong District. Kidepo National Park is a home to about 86 mammal species and about 500 bird species. Reaching late evening, check in the lodge, refresh, have dinner & a night.

Notes:

  • You will pay park entrance at the time of entry. On this itinerary, you will need to pay park entrance for two days both for car and people. Please secure the payment voucher since that will get checked multiple times are different gates.
    • Park entrance: 40$/head/day
    • Vehicle: 12$/vehicle/day
  • Campsite UWA charges: 6$/head (to be paid at the park entrance gate)
  • However, if you do not want to camp, then we recommend following:
  • Private Campsites
  • Apoka Rest Camp
  • Adere Safari lodge campsite

Route: Moroto – Kotido – Kaabong – entry at the park

Description of the route: Departing from Moroto, travellers drive through towns like Kotido and Kaabong before reaching Kidepo National Park. The journey takes several hours and includes driving on both paved and unpaved roads, with scenic views of hills and valleys along the way. It’s important for travellers to be prepared for remote and rugged conditions, and to ensure their vehicle is suitable for off-road driving.Top of Form

 

Day 5: game drives in Kidepo

After breakfast, you will for a game drive where you will spot lions, cheetah, leopard, bat-eared fox, giraffe, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, lesser kudu, Chandlers Mountain reedbuck, klipspringer, dikdik and bright gazelle, Beisa Oryx and roan antelope among others. Overnight at the campsite.

  • Private Campsites
  • Apoka Rest Camp
  • Adere Safari lodge campsite

 

Day 6: drive to Murchison fall NP. Visit the top of the falls and then head to the campsite Have an early breakfast or get packed breakfast from the hotel and drive to Murchison Falls National Park.  Manage lunch enroute. Later proceed to Murchison Falls NP, reaching in the park immediately drive to the top of the falls, enjoy and take pictures.

Notes:

  • You will pay park entrance at the time of entry. On this itinerary, you will need to pay park entrance for two days both for car and people. Please secure the payment voucher since that will get checked multiple times are different gates.
    • People: 45$/head/day
    • Vehicle: 12$/vehicle/day
  • Entry to top of the falls: 10$/head
  • Campsite UWA charges: 6$/head (to be paid at the park entrance gate)
  • However, if you do not want to camp, then we recommend following:
  • Private Campsites:
  • Red Chilli Rest Camp

Route: Via Kitgum road

Description of the route: The route from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park takes travellers through Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and northwest through towns like Masindi. The journey passes through rural landscapes and small villages before reaching the park.

 

Day 7: morning game drive, afternoon Nile cruise

After breakfast you will go for a game drive. You might spot animals like elephants, Buffalos, Impalas, Uganda Kobs and lions. Various birds can be spotted too and they include the African skimmer, Pink- Papyrus canary, Shoebill stork, martial eagle. After drive to the Campsite, check in, have lunch.  Later after lunch you will go for an afternoon boat cruise. Drive back at the campsite for relaxation.

  • Private Campsites:
  • Red Chilli Rest Camp

 

Day 8: drive to Kibale and settle in lodge

Enjoy breakfast and start your long, scenic journey to Kibale national park. This is a full day drive and you will have lunch en-route in Fort portal city at Garden restaurant for a lunch. Proceed to Kibale arriving late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Notes:

  • People who are trekking chimpanzees don’t pay park entrance fees because the fees for chimpanzee typically cover the cost of permits specifically for those activities. These permits contribute to conservation efforts and directly support the protection of these endangered species and their habitats.
  • Campsite
  • Kluger Guest Farm
  • Little Monkey Camp

Route: Murchison – Masindi – Hoima – Fort Portal – entry to the park

Description of the route: The journey begins at Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda and passes through towns like Masindi, Hoima, and Fort Portal.

 

Day 9: morning chimp hike and Bigodi swamp walk

Wake up to an early morning breakfast and head out to the park headquarters to attend briefing and later embark on the trek together with the park ranger guides and you will spend 1 hour with the chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best destinations in Africa for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale National Park contains one of the most beautiful and with the most varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda.  After trekking, proceed to the campsite for lunch and relaxation.  Later visit Bigodi wetland area for a great nature walk and remarkable bird life. Spend your evening relaxing at the campsite.

  • Campsite
  • Kluger Guest Farm
  • Little Monkey Camp

 

Day 10: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today after breakfast you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Within this park there is Lake Edward and Lake George and the Kazinga channel. On arrival you will have lunch. You may spot animals like elephants, Buffaloes, Impalas, Uganda Kobs and lions. Various birds can be spotted too and they include the African skimmer, Papyrus canary, Shoebill stork, martial eagle.

Notes:

  • You will pay park entrance at the time of entry. On this itinerary, you will need to pay park entrance for two days both for car and people. Please secure the payment voucher since that will get checked multiple times are different gates.
    • Park entrance: 40$/head/day
    • Vehicle: 12$/vehicle/day
  • However, if you do not want to camp, then we recommend following lodges:
  • Private Campsites:
  • Simba Safari camp
  • Kasenyi Safari camp
  • UWA Campsite (Mweya)

Route: Kibale – Kamwenge – Fort Portal – Kasese – entry the park

Description of the route: The route from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda offers a scenic journey through rural landscapes and small towns. Travel southeast from Kibale to Fort Portal, a gateway town nestled at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. From Fort Portal, continue south on the Kasese-Fort Portal Road towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 11: morning lion experience and camping at Enjojo Lodge Campsite

After breakfast, embark on a lion trekking experience. This activity typically involves tracking lions with the guidance of experienced rangers, providing a unique opportunity to observe these majestic predators in their natural habitat.  Enjoy dinner at the Campsite and rest for the night.

 

Day 12: drive to Bwindi and settle

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park through Ishasha sector. Arrivals during lunch time, check in, have lunch, and relax. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Notes:

  • People who are trekking Gorillas don’t pay park entrance fees because the fees for Gorillas typically cover the cost of permits specifically for those activities. These permits contribute to conservation efforts and directly support the protection of these endangered species and their habitats.
  • Campsites:
  • Ruhija Community Rest camp

Route: Queen – Ishasha – Kihihi – Kanungu – Ruhija Sector

Description of the route: The route from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda covers approximately 200 kilometres. Traveling south from Queen Elizabeth National Park, the journey takes you through rural landscapes, small towns, and agricultural areas. Upon reaching the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

 

Day 13: Gorilla Trek

You will have early morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing by the ranger guide and later head into the forest trekking until you encounter the mountain gorillas. This could take 2-4 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. On finding them, you will be allowed to spend one hour with these gentle giants and after trekking, you will eat your packed lunch from the lodge. Later return and transfer back to the lodge where you will have your lunch, relax.

  • Private Campsites:
  • Ruhija Community Rest camp

 

Day 14: Drive to Lake Mburo

Have breakfast and drive through Kabale in the Kigezi region, known as the Switzerland of Africa characterized by terraced cultivated hills and later connect to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest of Ugandan National Parks. Take an evening game drive before sunset in search for the beautiful impalas, elands, topi and many antelopes, buffaloes, and zebras among others. Camping at Leopard Camp

  • You will pay park entrance at the time of entry. On this itinerary, you will need to pay park entrance for two days both for car and people. Please secure the payment voucher since that will get checked multiple times are different gates.
    • Park entrance: 40$/head/day
    • Vehicle: 12$/vehicle/day

Route: Ruhija – Ntungamo – Mbarara – Lake Mburo

Day 15: Morning Game Drive and transfer Entebbe

Begin your final day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, where you may spot zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, topis, warthogs, and many birds. The cooler morning hours give you a good chance to see wildlife active before the heat of the day. After the game drive, start your journey back to Entebbe. The drive takes about 4–5 hours depending on traffic and stops. You may pause at the Equator for photos and lunch en route, take any final photos or buy souvenirs if time allows. Arrive in Entebbe early evening in time for your international flight or at the Hotel, bringing your unforgettable Ugandan adventure to a close.

Camping & Glamping Via Via Guest House

Route: Mbarara – Masaka – Entebbe

Description of the route: The journey from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Entebbe covers approximately 450 to 500 kilometres and typically takes around 8 to 10 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

 

Day 16: fly out

Have morning breakfast, relax at the lodge until your time to transfer to the Airport for departure back home.

 

PRICE PER PERSON – 3041USD BASED ON 10 PAX

 

The Package includes:

  • 5 Ground Transportation 4×4 land cruiser with 1 rooftop tent each
  • Camping Equipment
  • Chimp tracking permit
  • Gorilla tracking permit
  • Park entrances & Car entrances
  • Game drives in all national parks
  • Boat cruise in Murchison
  • Top of the Falls
  • Gorilla tracking permit
  • Services of English-speaking Driver
  • Lion Trekking in Queen

 

Excludes:

  • Travel &Personal insurance.
  • Enroute lunches
  • Airfares
  • Visa Fees
  • Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone & cigarettes.
  • Tipping fees.
  • Soft or alcoholic drinks

Planning Your Trip

Getting to Uganda Nomads

  • By Road: Located 176 km north of Kampala (about a 3-4 hour drive on the Kampala-Gulu highway).
    • Option 1: Hire a private car or 4×4 from Kampala (recommended for comfort).
    • Option 2: Book a guided tour with operators like Wild Frontiers Uganda or Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.
  • By Air: Charter flights to nearby airstrips like Nakasongola are available; contact ugandawildlife.org for details.