10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari: Your Ultimate Adventure

10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari: Our 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari package is designed for independent travelers who crave freedom, flexibility, and immersion in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned road-tripper or a first-time explorer, this itinerary combines thrilling game drives, primate encounters, and scenic drives through some of Uganda’s most iconic national parks.

Self-driving in Uganda isn’t just a mode of transport—it’s an exhilarating way to connect with the country’s untamed beauty. You’ll navigate rolling savannas, misty rainforests, and the mighty Nile River, spotting everything from the Big Five to endangered mountain gorillas.

With our comprehensive support, including vehicle rental, permit bookings, and 24/7 roadside assistance, you can focus on the adventure while we handle the details. This package starts and ends in Entebbe, Uganda’s gateway, making it seamless for international arrivals.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: from tour highlights and a day-by-day itinerary to vehicle options, costs, safety tips, and practical advice.

By the end, you’ll be ready to hit the road and create lifelong memories. Let’s dive into why this self-drive safari is the perfect way to experience Uganda’s wildlife wonders.

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Why Choose a 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safariwith Us?

Uganda, often called the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, boasts over 10 national parks teeming with biodiversity. Unlike guided tours that follow rigid schedules, self-driving gives you the liberty to pause for that perfect photo of a lion pride or extend your time at a chimpanzee habituation site.

Our package is tailored for self-drive enthusiasts, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to explore safely and sustainably.

At Uganda Wildlife Tours, we believe in responsible tourism. We partner with local communities and conservation efforts, ensuring your journey supports gorilla protection and wildlife habitats.

Whether you’re trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or cruising the Kazinga Channel, every mile contributes to preserving Uganda’s natural treasures.

Self-driving also allows for spontaneous cultural interactions—stop at roadside markets or visit Batwa pygmy villages—adding depth to your wildlife-focused trip.

This 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari itinerary covers approximately 1,200-1,500 km, blending adrenaline-pumping drives with serene wildlife viewing. Expect a mix of paved highways and rugged park tracks, averaging 3-5 hours of driving per day (excluding game drives).

It’s ideal for 2-6 travelers, with options for couples, families, or small groups. Best time to go? June to September or December to February for dry weather and optimal animal sightings.

Tour Highlights of the 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari

Our 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari showcases Uganda’s premier wildlife hotspots, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Here’s what makes this package stand out:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Encounter endangered mountain gorillas up close in their misty rainforest habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows one hour of observation per family, witnessing their gentle family dynamics. Bwindi is home to nearly half the world’s remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park: Dubbed the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale offers 95% success rates for spotting habituated chimpanzees swinging through the canopy. Trek through lush forests teeming with 13 primate species, including red colobus monkeys and black-and-white colobus.
Big Five Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Spot lions (including the famous tree-climbing ones in Ishasha sector), elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos (via optional Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary add-on). This park’s diverse ecosystems—savanna, wetlands, and forests—host over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park Exploration: Witness the Nile River’s dramatic 43-meter plunge at Murchison Falls, Africa’s most powerful waterfall. Enjoy self-drive game drives spotting giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and Rothschild’s giraffes, plus a boat cruise to the falls’ base.
Scenic Drives and Cultural Immersion: Traverse the equator twice en route to Lake Mburo National Park, where zebras, impalas, and hippos roam freely. Interact with local communities, like the Batwa pygmies near Bwindi, for authentic cultural insights.
Boat Safaris and Nature Walks: Cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth for hippo pods and birdlife, or join guided walks in Lake Mburo for close encounters with antelopes—no predators here, making it family-friendly.

These highlights ensure a comprehensive wildlife experience, from primates to savanna spectacles. With self-driving, you control the pace—linger at a leopard sighting or detour to Sipi Falls for panoramic views.

Brief Itinerary Overview of the 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari

This 10-day loop starts and ends in Entebbe, covering Uganda’s western circuit for efficient travel. Total driving: ~1,400 km. Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at lodges/camps. Accommodations: Mid-range options (upgradable to luxury).

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Drive to Lake Mburo National Park (250 km, 4-5 hours). Pick up your vehicle, cross the equator, and enjoy an afternoon game drive spotting zebras and impalas. Overnight: Mihingo Lodge.
Day 2: Lake Mburo Exploration & Transfer to Kibale National Park (300 km, 5-6 hours). Morning nature walk or canoe safari, then drive to Kibale for chimpanzee briefing. Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale & Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (150 km, 3 hours). Trek chimpanzees, then head to Queen Elizabeth for an evening game drive. Overnight: Bush Lodge.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise. Full day of self-drive safaris in Kasenyi Plains, seeking lions and elephants. Boat cruise at sunset. Overnight: Bush Lodge.
Day 5: Ishasha Sector Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (200 km, 4-5 hours). Spot tree-climbing lions, then rugged drive to Bwindi. Overnight: Gorilla Valley Lodge.
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi. Early briefing and trek (2-7 hours). Evening relaxation or Batwa cultural visit. Overnight: Gorilla Valley Lodge.
Day 7: Optional Second Gorilla Trek or Buhoma Village Walk & Transfer to Murchison Falls (450 km, 8-9 hours; or fly-in option). Drive north via Kampala for breaks. Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge.
Day 8: Murchison Falls Game Drives. Morning drive spotting giraffes and buffaloes, afternoon boat to the falls. Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge.
Day 9: More Murchison Exploration & Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (100 km, 2 hours). Rhino tracking on foot, then return south. Overnight: Okuuka Wildlife Lodge.
Day 10: Ziwa Rhino Trek & Return to Entebbe (250 km, 4 hours). Morning rhino encounter, drive back for departure. Drop-off vehicle.

This itinerary is flexible—swap days or add rest stops. Permits (gorilla: $800/person; chimp: $200) are pre-booked by us.

Detailed Itinerary: 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari

Day 1: Arrival and En Route to Lake Mburo

Your adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport. Our team meets you for a briefing and vehicle handover—a rugged 4×4 Land Cruiser equipped for safari. Drive south on the Kampala-Masaka Highway, crossing the equator (photo op!).

Arrive at Lake Mburo (Uganda’s smallest savanna park, 250 sq km) by afternoon. Self-drive a 2-hour game drive: spot Burchell’s zebras, elands, and Cape buffaloes amid acacia-dotted plains. Lake Mburo’s unique feature?

No lions or elephants, so walking safaris are safe. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge (tented rooms with views). (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Lake Mburo to Kibale Forest

Morning optional canoe on Lake Mburo (spot hippos and otters) or guided walk. Drive northwest through tea plantations to Kibale (Uganda’s densest forest, 795 sq km).

En route, pass crater lakes and rural villages. Arrive for a community walk in Bigodi Wetland, seeing birds and monkeys. Kibale briefing prepares you for tomorrow’s trek. Overnight at Kibale Forest Camp (eco-lodges). (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 3: Chimp Tracking and Queen Elizabeth Arrival

Early chimp trek (5-6 AM start; 2-5 hours hiking). Observe chimps for 1 hour—watch them forage and socialize. Post-trek, drive south to Queen Elizabeth (1,978 sq km, Uganda’s most visited park).

Afternoon game drive in Mweya Peninsula: elephants, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks. Overnight at Bush Lodge (safari tents). (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Immersion

Full self-drive day: Morning Kasenyi Plains drive (lions, hyenas). Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise (2 hours; hippos, crocs, 100+ birds).

Evening drive for nocturnal sightings. Queen Elizabeth’s tree-climbing lions are a highlight—scan fig trees in Ishasha tomorrow. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 5: Ishasha Lions and Bwindi Drive

Drive to Ishasha sector (southern Queen Elizabeth). Self-guide for tree-climbing lions lounging in branches—a rare sight. Continue to Bwindi (331 sq km UNESCO site). Rugged roads wind through hills. Arrive for briefing. Overnight at Gorilla Valley Lodge (forest-edge views). (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Day

Bwindi trek: 7-8 AM briefing, then hike (2-7 hours; porters optional at $15). Spend 1 hour with gorillas—witness silverbacks, mothers with infants. Return for relaxation or cultural visit. Emotionally profound! (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 7: Bwindi to Murchison Falls

Long drive north (via Kampala; stops for lunch). Optional second gorilla trek ($800 extra). Arrive Murchison (3,840 sq km, Uganda’s largest park) evening. Overnight at Fort Murchison Lodge (Nile views). (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 8: Murchison Falls Spectacle

Morning game drive: giraffes, jackals, leopards. Afternoon boat to falls (3 hours; crocs, hippos). Hike to top of falls for rainbow views. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 9: Murchison to Ziwa Rhino

Final Murchison drive, then short transfer to Ziwa (7,000 acres sanctuary). Foot trek rhinos (2 hours; Uganda’s only wild rhinos). Overnight at Okuuka Wildlife Lodge. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 10: Ziwa to Entebbe

Morning rhino recap, drive to Entebbe. Vehicle drop-off; airport transfer. Farewell Uganda! (Meals: B,L)

End of the 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari

Vehicle Options and Rental Details

For self-drive, we recommend 4×4 vehicles for Uganda’s mix of tarmac and dirt roads. All include insurance, unlimited mileage, and 24/7 support.

Toyota RAV4 (2-4 people): Compact, fuel-efficient (10-12 km/liter). $50-70/day. Ideal for couples; pop-up roof for viewing.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX/TZ (4-6 people): Robust, high-clearance. $80-120/day. Great for families; rooftop tent option (+$20/day).
Land Cruiser V8/LX (5-7 people): Premium, powerful for remote areas like Kidepo (if extended). $150-200/day. Automatic, AC.

Add-ons: Rooftop tent/camping gear ($10-20/person/day), GPS ($10/day), extra driver ($20/day). Fuel: ~$1.50/liter; budget $150-250 total. We handle COMESA insurance for cross-border if needed.

Permits, Fees, and Costs for your 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari

Key to your safari: Pre-book permits (we do this free with package).

Gorilla Permit: $800/person (Bwindi; book 3-6 months ahead).
Chimp Permit: $200/person (Kibale).
Park Fees: $40/person/day (foreign non-resident); vehicle $30-150/day (Ugandan plates cheaper).
Rhino Trek: $50/person.

Package Pricing (per person, mid-range, 2 sharing): $3,500-4,000 (includes vehicle, accommodations, most meals, permits, fees). Solo: +50%. Budget camping: -$500; luxury: +$1,000.

Excludes flights, tips ($10-15/day guide/ranger), drinks. Breakdown: Vehicle 30%, Lodging 40%, Activities 30%. Customize via our team.

Safety and Driving Tips

Uganda’s roads are improving, but self-driving requires caution. We’re here 24/7.

Road Conditions: Paved highways (Kampala-Entebbe); dirt in parks (use 4WD low for mud). Avoid night driving (wildlife, poor visibility).
Speed Limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h highways, 40 km/h parks. Watch potholes, boda-bodas (motorbikes).
Wildlife Areas: Drive 20-40 km/h; stop for animals but stay in vehicle. No off-tracking.
Police Stops: Common; carry license, passport, insurance. Politely show docs; bribes rare but possible—stay calm.
Health/Safety: Vaccinations (yellow fever required); malaria prophylaxis. Carry water, first-aid. Lock vehicle; park securely.
Breakdowns: Our assistance covers towing/repairs. Spare tire, toolkit standard.

Uganda is safe for self-drivers—stick to main routes, and you’ll thrive.

Packing Essentials

Pack light for easy driving:

Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, green) for safaris; rain jacket (treks wet); hat, sunscreen.
Gear: Binoculars, camera, insect repellent, sturdy boots, daypack.
Documents: Passport, visa ($50 e-visa), license, permits.
Misc: Snacks, reusable water bottle, power bank (limited outlets).

Accommodations and Meals

Mid-range: Comfortable lodges like Mihingo (thatched tents, en-suite). Full board: Fresh Ugandan cuisine—matooke, posho, grilled meats, veggies. Vegetarian/gluten-free options available. Upgrades: Luxury like Kyambura Gorge Lodge ($300+/night).

Why Uganda Wildlife Tours?

With 10+ years, we’ve perfected self-drive packages. Local expertise ensures seamless bookings. Sustainable: 10% profits to conservation. Past clients rave: “Freedom to explore at our pace—gorillas were magical!” Contact us for customization.

Ready? Book now for your 10 Days Uganda Self Drive Safari. Uganda awaits—drive safe, spot big, live wild!