Self Drive Safaris
Have you ever wanted to explore the wild beauty of Uganda without the constraints of a tour guide? A new trend emerging in the tourism industry, self-drive safaris in Uganda is the perfect way to experience the country’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. From the lush rainforests of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the rolling hills of Lake Mburo National Park, a self-drive safari in Uganda offers an unforgettable adventure. With its unique combination of wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery, a self-drive safari in Uganda is a once in a lifetime experience. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path, a self-drive safari in Uganda is the perfect choice.
Self-drive safaris allow tourists to explore Uganda’s national parks and game reserves and any other destination of their choice at their own pace, without the need for a tour guide or driver. This means travelers have more control over their itinerary, can take as much time as they need to observe wildlife, and can enjoy a more immersive experience in nature. Kofi Travel Safaris gives you a variety of vehicles to choose ranging from saloon cars for town service and nearby areas, range rovers, built land cruisers, drones among others. Our prices vary from car to car, number of days you are intending to have the car and the distance. Dear esteemed client before you hire our company vehicles, we argue you to go through our car hire terms and conditions on website for you will have to agree to them before any car is rendered at your service.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking adventure in Uganda
Uganda has several tourism destinations that are ideal for self-drive safaris, each with its unique wildlife and scenery. These include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Each park offers a unique experience and is home to different species of wildlife. Here are some of the most popular national parks for self-drive safaris in Uganda:
Murchison Falls National Park is known for its spectacular waterfalls and abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. The park is famous for Murchison Falls, where the Nile River flows through a narrow gorge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. This park is located in the western region of Uganda and offers a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and chimpanzees. The park also has a variety of landscapes, including savannah, forests, and wetlands.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: This forest is home to almost half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, and a self-drive safari in this region provides a unique opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close.
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the remote northeast of Uganda, is less visited but offers stunning scenery and rare wildlife sightings, such as cheetahs and ostriches. The park is home to lions, elephants, zebras, and other wildlife, and the landscape features savannah, mountains, and valleys.
Lake Mburo National Park: This park is the most accessible national park from Kampala, is located in the central area of Uganda, and is the only national park in Uganda that supports a range of animal habitats, including wetlands, savannah, and forests. It’s home to zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and several species of antelope.
These are just a few of the popular national parks for self-drive safaris in Uganda. It’s important to plan your route based on your interests, time, and budget, and to research the road conditions and safety before embarking on your adventure.
Before embarking on a self-drive safari, it is important to prepare properly. Uganda’s road infrastructure is improving, but many roads in national parks are still unpaved and can be challenging to navigate. It is essential to have a reliable four-wheel-drive vehicle, a detailed map, and a basic understanding of the local driving rules.
Tourists must also obtain a valid driving permit from the Uganda Revenue Authority. This can be done in person or online and requires a valid international driving license and a payment of the required fees.
Once on the road, self-drive safaris can be a thrilling adventure. Travelers can stop wherever they like to take photos, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy the scenery. Many campsites are available in national parks for overnight stays, or tourists can opt for more luxurious lodges for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Tips for self-drive safari (in Uganda)
- Plan your itinerary: Research and plan your route in advance, including the destinations you want to visit and the time it will take to get there. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid getting lost or stranded.
- Rent a 4×4 vehicle: To navigate the rugged terrain of Uganda’s national parks, a 4×4 vehicle is essential. Make sure your rental vehicle is in good condition and equipped with all necessary safety equipment.
- Obtain necessary permits: Depending on the national parks you plan to visit, you may need to obtain permits for self-driving, wildlife viewing, or other activities. Be sure to research and obtain all necessary permits in advance.
- Hire a guide: While a self-drive safari is an exciting adventure, hiring a local guide can enhance your experience and help you spot wildlife that you might miss on your own. A guide can also provide valuable information about the park’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
- Pack the right gear: Pack appropriate clothing, camping gear, and equipment for your safari. Bring a good camera with a long lens to capture wildlife and scenery, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
- Respect wildlife and nature: Remember that you are a visitor in the animals’ home. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, avoid disturbing their natural habitat, and follow all park rules and regulations.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a satellite phone or GPS device in case of emergencies. Know how to change a flat tire and have a spare tyre and jerk in your vehicle.
- Avoid driving at night; nights in Uganda are dangerous since you can encounter highway robbers or even get lost, especially in remote regions.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Uganda?
The cost of renting a car in Uganda for self-drive safaris can vary depending on several factors such as the type of vehicle, rental duration, rental company, and season.
In addition to the rental fee, it’s also important to budget for fuel costs, park fees, and other expenses such as food, accommodation, and activities. It’s always a good idea to compare prices from different rental companies and read reviews before making a booking.
Self-drive safaris in Uganda offer a unique way to experience the country’s natural beauty and wildlife. It allows travelers to connect more closely with nature and enjoy a more personal experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. However, it is important to prepare well and follow local driving rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Verified
katharinab4302022-07-08Great tour guide! Definitely recommended! I had a wonderful time with Gaddafi in Uganda - great tour guide with a lot if knowledge and kindness.Verifiedwolfgang g2021-02-22Unterwegs mit Gaddafi Hallo ich bin Wolfgang.Ich fliege regelmäßig nach Uganda.Mit Gaddafi war ich auch schon unterwegs,es hat mir jedesmal sehr gefallen.Er kannsehr gut reden und hat mir viel erklärt.Es war wunderschön.All die Tiere wie Elefanten, Nashörner, Vögel U,s,w, in der Freien Natur zu sehen,ist um einiges besser,als in den Zoo .Allein das Land ist schon wunderschön.war 2018 und2019 dar mit GaddafiVerifiedRafael P2021-02-04Safari whith Kadafi I Very went on two trips with Kadafi , because one really wasn't enough. It doesn't matter where Kadafi takes you, he loves to tell you everything about Uganda. His enthusiasm makes you love Uganda just as much as he does. Kadafi can customize every trip and will make sure it will be everything you want it to be. He liked answering all of my interested questions. Plus kadafi is very funny and can turn every trip into a party.I would definitely recommend Kadafi to everyone who wants to fall in love with Uganda!VerifiedRuff N T2021-01-23Best ever If you do not take Kofi tours as your Ugandan experience, then you would have missed on the most vital aspects of the true inside local visit. They are experienced, professional, patient, and adventurous. And plus, with all those packages, they are relatively cheaper than others. And most of all, you need to be safe, relaxed and insured when into any African tour. They give you all these. We are happy we used Kofi tours for our trip..VerifiedNakayiza J2021-01-23I need more and more The beatuful natural seneries Uganda is endowed with, especially sipi falls and the mountain Rwenzori sites.Plus, the different animals some of which ive never seen with my own eyes.The hugeness of an elephant blew my mind away🤔🤔.And the guides,OMG,courteous and willing to walk me to all corners .It was such an amazing experience and can't wait to have more of this.Thanks to kofi travel safaris🤗🤗VerifiedAngela2021-01-22Wunderbare und wertvolle Erfahrungsreise zur "Perle of Africa" Vielen lieben Dank für diesen wirklich sehr professionellen 12 Tage Trip!! Wir hatten die Chance viele atemberaubende Orte zu sehen und die Touren waren an unsere Bedürfnisse angepasst und sehr gut strukturiert. Die Kommunikation war im Vorfeld und während der Touren sehr angenehem und freundlich. Wenn ihr einen Trip in Uganda bzw. Ostafrika machen wollt dann seid ihr bei Kofi Travel Safari absolut richtig.
