Understanding Road Conditions
Uganda’s main highways are paved and in fair condition, but once you leave the main roads, expect potholes, dust, or mud. During the rainy season, some roads may become impassable. Always drive slowly in rural areas and keep your lights on, even during the day. Avoid driving at night because it’s harder to see people, animals, and motorcycles. Always keep enough fuel, especially before entering remote areas.
Road Rules and Safety Tips
In Uganda, people drive on the left side of the road. The speed limit is usually 50 km/h in towns and 80–100 km/h on highways. Always wear your seatbelt and do not use your phone while driving. Be careful of boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), animals on the road, and large trucks. Traffic police often set up roadblocks, so carry your license, car documents, and passport. And ask for a written receipt for any fine. Check for the new rules on traffic
Create a Good Itinerary (Top places to visit)
Uganda has many beautiful places to visit, so it’s good to plan your route before you arrive. Some popular places include Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Lake Mburo and Lake Bunyonyi. Make sure to include rest days and allow extra time in case of delays. If you want to see mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, book your permits early. Having a flexible but clear itinerary helps you enjoy your trip without stress.
To see mountain gorillas, you must buy a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It costs $800 per person and allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. For chimpanzees, you need a permit too, which costs around $250. These permits are limited, so book them early, especially during the dry season. You can only purchase them through a local tour operator. Original permits will be given to you on arrival into Uganda.
Best Time to Visit Uganda
The best time for a self-drive trip in Uganda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. During these months, the roads are easier to drive on and wildlife is easier to spot. The rainy seasons are March to May and October to November. In the rainy season, the landscape is green and beautiful, but some roads can be muddy and slippery. Plan your trip based on the activities you want to do and the areas you want to visit.
Camping or Lodging Options
If you rent a car with a rooftop tent, you can sleep in campsites around the country. Many national parks have simple but safe camping grounds with toilets and showers. If you prefer more comfort, you can stay in lodges, guesthouses, or hotels. Most parks offer budget, mid-range, and luxury options. In towns and cities, you will find a mix of hotels and Airbnb homes. Book in advance during the high season (June–September and December–February).
Money and Payments
Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Most small shops, lodges, and fuel stations accept only cash. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, Big Fuel Stations and supermarkets, but there may be a fee. It’s a good idea to bring some U.S. dollars (new notes) and change them at a forex bureau or bank. ATMs are available in most towns and cities, but not in rural areas. Always carry enough cash when traveling to remote areas.
Buying a Local SIM Card
Staying connected is helpful for navigation and emergencies. You can buy a local SIM card from MTN or Airtel at the airport or in town. You will need to show your passport. Mobile data is cheap and works well in most parts of Uganda. With a local SIM, you can use Google Maps, WhatsApp, and make calls easily. Make sure to charge your phone daily and carry a power bank.
Useful Apps for Self-Drive Travel
Download useful apps before you start your trip. Google Maps or Maps.me helps with navigation. WhatsApp is the best way to communicate in Uganda. These apps will make your trip smoother and help you stay informed.
Note: Never rely on one app
Respect Local Culture
Uganda is a friendly country with many different tribes and traditions. Greet people politely and ask before taking photos. Dress modestly, especially in villages and religious areas. The pearl of Africa has a very strong cultural heritage well-endowed with different cultural and historical sites. With more than 50 different indigenous languages belonging to two distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts, Uganda is a one stop centre for a rich African cultural experience, ranging from Bantu in the Central, West, South-west, and East, to Nilotic groups of people in the North, North-East and North-West.
Ugandans are remarkably hospitable and hail from a diversity of rich cultures and lifestyles with each tribe having its own distinct cultural values that describe who they are. All these values are based on tribal traditional activities from all spheres of life; including, food and welfare, traditional dances, clothing and organization of societies. Many regions in Uganda have kingdoms, including Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Toro. Other regions still value their heritage of chiefdoms which is traceable and equally treasured.
The different kingdoms and chiefdoms in Uganda have different norms that they follow from the way they conduct themselves in public, the dance moves that is the Banyankole have kitagururo, the Baganda have Bakisimba, the west Nile people have the Agwal dance, the Acholi have Otole and Bwora dance, the Bagisu have Imbalu dance that they perform during the circumcision celebrations and the Banyoro and Batooro have Runyege dance. All these show the richness in every tribe and culture in Uganda.
Safety and Security
Uganda is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always smart to stay alert. Don’t leave valuables in the car or walk alone at night in unknown areas. Lock your car when parked and don’t pick up strangers. Always listen to local advice, especially about road conditions or weather changes. If something goes wrong, contact your car rental company. Most Ugandans are helpful and will assist if you need directions or support.
What to Pack
For a self-drive trip, pack light but smart. Bring comfortable clothes, hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and warm clothes for cool nights. Don’t forget your passport, driver’s license, IDP, insurance documents, and permits. Also bring a flashlight, reusable water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, power bank, and snacks. If you are camping, bring your sleeping gear, headlamp, and cooking supplies. A pair of binoculars will help you see animals better during game drives.
Emergency Contacts
It’s important to know what to do in case of an emergency. The emergency number for the police is 999. Save your car rental company’s number and your insurance company’s emergency contact. If you lose your passport, go to the nearest police station and contact your embassy in Kampala. Keep a printed list of contacts in case your phone battery dies.
Airports
Entebbe International Airport is the only international Airport in Uganda that acts as the main gateway point to and fro from other countries. Entebbe international Airport is located in Entebbe close to the shores of Lake Victoria which is Africa’s largest fresh water lake, it takes about 10 minutes’ drive from Entebbe town and about 1 hour from Kampala city to Entebbe Airport. Entebbe international Airport is a hub for the Uganda Airline which resumed operations after 18 years of rest. Uganda Airline operates direct scheduled flights around East Africa and other destinations such as Nairobi, Dar es salaam, Mombasa, Bujumbura, South Africa, Dubai, Kilimanjaro, Juba among others.
Domestic Flights in Uganda
Most tourists fly into Uganda through Entebbe International Airport and is served by major airlines including British Airways, SN Brussels, Kenya Airways/KLM, Emirates, South Africa Airways, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airways. Emirates with daily flights will fly to Entebbe and will link to the whole world, Charter flights are available with small aviation companies. We arrange them on request privately with those clients that prefer charter holidays. If you want to save time, you can take domestic flights within Uganda. Several small airlines offer flights to places like:
Airlines like Aero link & Bar Aviation operate these routes. Domestic flights are small and often have luggage limits, so check before you fly. Flying is helpful if you don’t want to drive long distances or if you are short on time.
Conclusion
Driving yourself across Uganda is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to explore the country. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road, visit amazing national parks, and connect with local culture. Whether you want to see gorillas, go camping, or just take in the views, Uganda welcomes self-drive travellers with open arms. Pack your bags, start your engine, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip in the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda + Kenya Self Drive itinerary 4 weeks
Northern Uganda & Gorilla Trekking
