Guide to Self-Driving Uganda

Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the most beautiful and diverse safari destinations in East Africa and Africa at large. From mist-covered mountains and lush tropical rain forests to sprawling savannah grasslands and the mighty River Nile, Uganda offers every kind of adventure a traveler could dream of. One of the most exciting and affordable ways to explore this spectacular country is through a self-drive safari — where you take the wheel and experience the freedom of Africa’s wild landscapes at your own pace.

This article – Self-Drive Safari Guide to Uganda, will help you understand everything you need to know: from planning your route and choosing the right vehicle to obtaining park permits, safety tips, and the best national parks to visit.

Why choose a self-drive safari in Uganda

A self-drive safari in Uganda is all about flexibility, adventure, and independence. You get to decide your schedule, where to stop, and how long to stay. You can pause to watch elephants cross the road, stop by a roadside market for fresh fruit, or explore lesser-known corners of the country without rushing.

While guided safaris are great for first-timers, a self-drive safari is ideal for those who love adventure and want to experience Uganda on their own terms.

Best time to go on a self-drive safari

Uganda’s climate is favorable year-round, but the best time for a self-drive safari is during the dry season, that is, June to September and December to February.

During these months, roads are in better condition, and wildlife is easier to spot around water sources. The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) can make some roads muddy, especially in national parks, but they also offer lush scenery, fewer tourists, and discounted lodge rates.

Top national parks for a self-drive safari

1. Murchison Falls National Park

Located in the north-western region, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park and one of the most thrilling for self-drivers. During the adventure at the park, watch the Nile River crash through a narrow gorge of 7meters to form the powerful Murchison Falls. Apart from the falls, the park protects numerous wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.

To have the best viewing experience, take part in adventures like game drives, boat cruise to the base of the falls, and a visit to the top of the falls viewpoint.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second-largest park in Uganda after Murchison. Located in the western region of the country, the park is known for offering classic game drives that expose you to 4 of the 5 big African game – lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Also in the park, enjoy the incredible boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos and buffalo line the banks.

Queen Elizabeth National Park also protects some primate species like chimpanzees in its Kyambura Gorge. Still in the park, have a unique sight of the rare tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In the south-western region, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The park protects 4 gorilla trekking sectors – Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhijja and Rushaga that provide a close view of endangered mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking experience. While gorilla trekking must be done with a ranger, self-driving allows you to explore the scenic highlands at your own pace before or after your trek.

4. Kibale National Park

The primate capital of the world, famous for chimpanzee tracking and rich forest biodiversity. Kibale is an easy drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it a natural stop on a circular safari route. While at the park, take part in adventures such as bird-watching, a forest walk, and primate watching.

5. Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is the closest park to Kampala and perfect for short self-drive safaris. The park features beautiful rolling hills, lakes, and a diverse array of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, elands, and hippos. While at the park, engage in experiences like walking safaris, boat rides, biking, and horseback safaris.

Driving tips and road conditions

• Roads are generally well-maintained highways between major towns, but gravel or dirt roads inside national parks may require a 4×4 vehicle.
• Drive on the left side of the road in Uganda.
• Avoid night driving, as roads can be poorly lit and animals or pedestrians may appear suddenly.
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways.
• Use offline navigation apps like Maps.me or Google Maps.
• Always carry cash, as ATMs are rare in remote areas.

Vehicle hire and equipment

Most car rental companies in Uganda offer fully equipped 4x4s suitable for self-drive safaris. Common models include Toyota Land Cruisers, Hilux Double Cabs, and RAV4s.

Optional equipment:

• Roof-top tent or camping gear
• GPS or offline maps
• Cooler box and cooking set
• Extra fuel and spare tyre

Note: Ensure your vehicle has comprehensive insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance coverage.

Accommodation options

Uganda offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget:

• Luxury lodges: Ideal for comfort and scenic views.
• Mid-range lodges & tented camps: Balance of comfort and value.
• Budget camping: Many parks offer campsites for self-drive travelers with basic facilities.

Always book gorilla-area accommodations early, especially during peak seasons.

Safety and travel tips

• Respect park rules — no off-road driving or feeding wildlife.
• Carry a first-aid kit, mosquito repellent, and sufficient drinking water.
• Stay informed about local weather and road conditions before setting out.
• For gorilla and chimp treks, always follow ranger instructions.
• Engage with local communities respectfully and consider community-run lodges or cultural experiences.

Conclusion

A self-drive safari in Uganda offers unmatched adventure, flexibility, and authenticity. From the thundering waters of Murchison Falls to the tranquil misty forests of Bwindi, the experience connects you deeply with nature and the country’s vibrant culture. With proper preparation, reliable navigation, and a spirit of adventure, you can explore Uganda safely and create unforgettable memories on one of Africa’s most beautiful self-drive routes.

Guide to Self Drive in Uganda

Uganda has a relatively efficient air transport system among the East African countries. It also has the virtue of being a small country, and relatively cheap, which allows even budget travelers the option of an occasional internal flight. Entebbe international airport is about 30km from the city center of Kampala. This airport is regularly serviced by mostly airport taxis. The main domestic airline is Air Uganda, though there are other international airlines and charter planes available which include; Fly Emirates, KLM, KQ, BBA and many others. All flights in this country either begin or end in Entebbe.

The moment you step on the Ugandan soil, you will automatically need a car on standby to pick you up to your destination especially your hotel of stay. This service is provided by various companies in the country of which the most striking one is Self Drive Uganda. From Entebbe international airport, we provide car service to your hotels all around the country since 2005.

There are a number of car rental agencies which offer good car services for Hire Company in the East African region. We already welcomed thousands of clients for their ride and airport transfers to Entebbe, Kampala, and the surrounding towns. Chauffeur service is what we do best so don’t forget. Easy driver’s car service became successful by providing luxury car service for taxi prices. Rav4s, 4×4 Land cruisers or luxury vans and elegant drivers are our signature, from 50 USD for Entebbe airport transfer to Kampala city center so where is your quotiency to wait for a cab at Entebbe airport?

Once your ride for either chauffeur drive or self drive in Uganda is booked, your driver will meet and greet you in the lobby of the Entebbe airport terminal arrival. A bilingual and elegant driver is at your service for your airport transfers. If more than 3 passengers, then book a 3 -seater car like Prado or TX

From your hotel, transportation to Entebbe airport has never been so easy, luxury and cheap. Taxi prices for Entebbe airport transfers solution and luxury car service is our main objective. You can book a private driver by the hour “as directed chauffeur” for only 30 USD per day to discover the wonderful villages of the country. Just book a driver for a number of days and discover the undiscovered.

If you find a cheaper Entebbe airport transportation for the same chauffeur service to Kampala, we will give you 10 % discount on your booking. Don’t be fooled by Entebbe airport taxis or Entebbe airport shuttle, they all will charge you hidden fees, extra charge while self drive Uganda will give you a full all inclusive rates. Never forget this simple fact: if you book elsewhere then you will pay too much! We proudly drive you since 2005 in Uganda

We provide also as directed by the hour chauffeur service from 50USDper day

Our English speaking drivers will be happy to show you the best spot of this pearl of Africa.

MONEY MATTER

Since time immemorial, the main currency being used in the country is the Ug.shillings.It is in denominations of 1000,2000,5000,10000,20000 and 50000 notes and 50,100,200 and 500 coins. However, the country boasts of several forex bureaus that help in exchanging the different kinds of currencies that enter into the country courtesy of the foreigners. These currencies include; dollars, pounds, Euros and any other currency. Currently the exchange rate of a dollar to the shillings is 1$=2500 Ug shs.There is no restriction as to how much cash or traveler cheques you are allowed to bring into the country.

While we recommend that you bring most of your money in the form of traveler’s cheques so you can replace them if stolen or lost, you should also carry some cash, especially in out-of-the-way places such as the central business district. Carry mostly $1, $5, and $10 bills, and make sure they are in good condition or you could have trouble using them as everybody checks for fraud bills if it’s a 5 or higher

Local Taxes and Tipping

With each purchase, you pay an indirect tax which is not known and visible since it’s included in the price so you don’t think that there is a tax. For hotels and restaurants services you pay another 10% service tax, kind of as an automatic tip. Tipping is completely to your discretion, but because of the 10% service tax in restaurants and hotels most people don’t feel the need to tip, but if you are pleased with the service, feel free to leave a tip.

Banks and Business

Office hours are generally from 8:30 am to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, a few offices stay open until 8pm in the city centers but these are mostly private but not government offices. A few banks are also open on Saturday mornings. Shopping centers are open from 10:00 am to 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. There are limited bank machines which dispense a limited amount of cash.

Changing Money & Cheques

As a result of dollarization, we recommend more than ever that you carry both US bills and traveler’s cheques while in Uganda. Other foreign currencies can be difficult and in most cases are impossible to change outside of Kampala. There is quite a range of banks, ATMs and foreign exchange bureaus.

Traveler’s Cheques

Traveler’s checks are a great way to keep track of your funds while away from home. Best of all, if they end up lost or stolen they are relatively easy to replace, though some companies reimburse you faster than others. American Express usually replaces checks within 24 hours, while lesser-known companies can take well over a week.

You should be aware that checks can sometimes be difficult to change outside of big cities. In small towns, unless highly touristic, traveler’s checks will be met with blank looks. So it’s a real good idea to get them cashed before you go on a side trip outside of the big city.

Credit Cards

VISA, Master card, American Express, and local banks’ cards are the most widely recognized cards in Uganda. Credit cards are useful for purchases in hotels, shops, restaurants, and for cash advances from Automated Teller Machines or banks. Also, the emergency services offered by your credit card may be a saving grace if you fall ill or encounter some other serious problem. American Express has excellent emergency services for cardholders on the road, especially if you purchase your plane ticket with your card. Check with the card services division of the company handling your account to see the type of coverage they offer in emergency situations. You may also want to raise the limit on your cards before getting on the plane, so you have extra funds in the event of an emergency.

Money Transfers

Most of Uganda’s urban areas have international money transfer offices where you can pick up money sent from abroad, there’s practically a Western Union, money gram or DHL in almost all urban centers mostly located in local banks’ branches and no lack of them in the rest of the country. Your credit card company may also be able to make an emergency advance against your account to one of these money transfer offices.

Exploring Uganda on a Self Drive Safari

Travel independently with a self-planned itinerary on such wonderful safaris in the pearl of Africa.

Most travelers have got different desires when it comes to making trips that will always make a difference in their life. Visitors as of current prefer making their own esteemed safaris depending on the dream destinations; a self-esteemed traveler has a choice to make when it comes to ideals of benefit.
It all starts by making a booking with the best of your travel’s agency that is well organized with a potential of hiring you a well facilitated vehicle. It requires reading terms and conditions for the potential company that hires you a car in the original place. There are many car hire agencies in Uganda but it will depend on the choice that you make after successful negotiations with ample car hire company.

There are several fleets to hire in the meantime depending on the places of interest to visit, in this case there are long serving trips that will extend to upcountry drive and those that will cover short distances for example road trips in town or cities. Lots of comfortable cars are on market and for you to hire for both budget cars and luxurious cars, the opportunity to hire a car of you interest is welcome.

Clients have always ran for RAV4 cars that are not only cheap to hire but also very easy to relate with. For the fact that they are pocket friendly when it comes fuel consumption, a RAV4 is a saving car for tourists that go travel for longer distances. They are also comfortable and they have a 4 wheel drive transmission in which it’s very had to get stuck in slippery areas. At only USD 50 you are guaranteed a 4x4wheel drive Rav4 at that price negotiable depending on the days of use hired at the analysis of the terms and conditions that you sign before your departure.

Nowadays, there are numerous visitors who prefer traveling with their families and more so there are serviced family cars to hire for self-drive safaris in Uganda. A super custom is one of the best family cars that several clients have opted to use for longer distances like those may extending to national parks. Booking for a super custom will only require you from as low as USD 80 per day for self-drive and a guided booking with a chauffeur driver will require you from USD 110 per day depending on the number of days hired.

Spend your holiday with a self-proclaimed principle. For clients interested in honey moon plus those aiming at long term rentals for holidays in Uganda, driving up country routes is eventful, full of experience and adventure. There are different places to visit that will bring a smile on your face. Go spend your holiday and kill off the stress in the jungle.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is the jungle you should not miss when it comes to explore the unexplored; on a safari of your own you can take a gorilla trekking adventure to Bwindi, an activity that attracts many visitors all year. You can enjoy a gorilla safari experience in only 3 days; at the park you are entitled for a detailed briefing before a trail starts for rare mountain gorillas in the mist. The hike is an educational trek where by a professional guide well knowledgeable will take you around this awesome activity. The trek is estimated to take 3-4 hours in a search for gorillas in the park. Clients are given one hour to relate with giant apes after finding them.

A Self drive in Uganda is one of its own.You enjoy deciding where, when and how to go by yourself with no pressure exerted on which activity you are start with, in other words you’re your own guide to a tailor made trip.

Independent travelers enjoy making special activities, when clients visit Uganda they are always optimistic to go to the wild. Some even yearn to get close to the king of the jungle and the other’s fortune is finding the big five wild animal, full filling this can only be done through extending the bounds to perimeters of the game parks well known for wildlife.

A land cruiser safari car is better for this; at times clients may prefer camping gears for true wildlife safari camping experience in the reserved places. Hiring a Toyota Land cruiser at a simple cost is flexible after getting to agreed terms for car hire services. Link to Uganda wildlife safaris on a self- drive itinerary, making a trip to Queen Elizabeth national park is full of wonders. In this park you will enjoy an early guided game drive in search for wildlife with a chance of seeing the lions in there hunting for kobs to feed on.

This kind of adventure is full of amazements and wonders as it covers visiting the nearby fishing grounds of Kasenyi on Lake George as a community activity in the park. Before Kasenyi, you will get to LakeBunyampaka to experience salt extraction and also relax to buy crafts as souvenirs.

During the afternoon you will be proceeding to Mweya for a boat cruise, they are two boats companies and each company has a scheduled time for when to depart for a cruise; the UWA boat usually goes at 3pm and the other is king fisher that sails at 2:00 pm, at the boat here you will get close with wildlife on bunks of Kazinga channel, herds of buffalos, elephants, different species of antelopes, and several of bird spices, for almost 2 hours an experienced guide will provide educative and information on the species that you will come across.

For self-drivers who wish to extend to Uganda’s biggest national park commonly Murchison Falls, it’s their mandate to prepare accordingly for a 3 or more days in this park, a journey starts from your respective lodge or any sort of accommodation for the a planned road trip with the essence of driving upcountry.

It is suitable that you take an early self-drive depending on the itinerary drawn to follow and the activities intended to do that very day. For the first day before you reach Murchison Falls Park, you may decide to make a stopover at theZiwa Rhino sanctuary located almost 176 km from kampala along Gulu Road in Nakasongola district to embrace the re-introduced Rhinos in their family, here you can have a rest too, before heading to your destiny.
Reaching Murchison is estimated to be 5 to 6 hours with your time calculated from Kampala the capital city of Uganda to Murchison Falls, along Kampala – Guluroad you branch to road a way to connect to Murchison via Budongo forest.

The top of the falls is a distance before you reach the main falls gate to cross the ferry; here you can decide visiting the top for a long lasting memory adventure as you will witness the rainbow with waters splashing into the narrow gorge and also a nature walk to view both the top and bottom of the falls.
After this experience you check in to your accommodation depending on the where you booked, there are several lodges in the central part of the park or the Para side; Red chill Rest Camp, Geo lodges Nile Safari Lodges, Para Safaris Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Shoebill Camp Site, Yobe Safari Camp to mention but a few.

A word para is a Luo word that means the land or home of hippos, and accessing the southern and the northern banks will mean crossing the ferry to access the roads either way.

Game drive is a fascinating activity in Murchison national park;travel and watch different wildlife species in their families, enjoy a morning game drive that usually start early morning after crossing with a ferry for the case of those who checked in at either red chill, Nile safari lodges, sambiyi river lodge.

The king of the jungle can be seen early morning in the den although it’s not always a must due to nature as a factor where by lions keep hiding in different areas not on the demarcated tracks to go wild. Other wildlife species include the giant African elephants, buffaloes that always keep in their herds, Uganda kobs, oribs, bush bucks and other antelopes

Boat cruise
A link to the fascinating river Nile bunks is a special one, booking the boat in advance is ever recommended especially when it comes the pick seasons, cruise and sail on the white waters where you will have chances to see hippos swimming and diving as they splash waters by their nose while floating, it is such an adventurous moment sharing the route with crocodiles sun bathing and lying stride the rocks, wild animals go by on river bunks to rest in big numbers, elephants, herds of antelopes and buffaloes , birds and predators .
The cruise takes you down to the bottom of Murchison falls for the magnificent view of the falls eye close; here water fixes its self in a narrow gorge to make roaring sound forming a fantastic thunderous water fall with a beautiful rain bow.

The fruits of a self-driving safari are still amazing and the experience takes you along with adventure of a life time.

Exploring Queen Elizabeth Game Park in Just 3 Days

Several Uganda tour operators offer a popular 3-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular national park. This is the best adventure for travelers with limited time in Uganda who want to take advantage of wildlife drives, beautiful scenery, and boat rides on the Kazinga channel.

One of the largest and most well-known national parks in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth Game Park is best visited year-round for activities like chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura canyon, boat excursions, and game viewing. It is situated in western Uganda. In Kampala or any other small town in Uganda, the safari begins and ends.

What to expect

You will travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is situated at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Two Ugandan bodies of water, Lake Edward and Lake George, which are joined by the Kazinga channel, are found in the park.

You’ll spend time touring Uganda’s most popular conservation area, which is home to around 100 animal species. 600 species of birds, 9 kinds of primates, including chimpanzees, and 5 types of habitats, including forest, shrub, wetland, savannah, and maritime, are all known to exist. With almost 600 hippo schools in the lazy channel, and a 45-kilometer-long river connecting lakes Edward and George, the park is renowned for having the highest concentration of hippos.

Additionally, the surrounding area of the park is breathtaking. A game drive and boat trip will put you extremely near to the park’s nature. It wouldn’t be a terrible idea to decide to go on a crater drive around the crater lakes belt, and meeting up with locals in Katunguru or Katwe kabatooro will also be a wonderful option.

Day 1 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park

To drive to the park (QENP), you will be picked up from your lodge or hotel in the early morning. Our tour operator will give you a briefing on what to expect, and the driving time, and make sure you have the necessary gear for your three-day safari. You will pass through the tiny settlements along the Kampala – Mbarara road on your travel. Along the trip, you will get the chance to view royal drum makers, and tiny markets and an equator break will be worthwhile for stretching and taking photos. Lunch will be provided en route, and then you’ll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a little break and, if time permits, an evening game drive.

Dinner and overnight stay at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 2: Game drive and Boat cruise to Kazinga channel

After a pleasant breakfast, you will go to Kasenyi Plains for your 3-day wildlife safari game drive. Kasenyi Plains is home to a variety of wild creatures, and whether you see any of them depends on the luck of the day. On a good day, you might see small mammals like warthogs, buffalo, elephants, many antelope, and big cats like lions and leopards hunting. After lunch, head back to the lodge before making your way to Mweya Peninsula for a two-hour boat tour on Kazinga Channel. The channel is where most animals congregate to drink water and boasts the biggest number of hippos in the entire globe along with over 400 different bird species. There is a good probability that you may see hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and many more animals. Return to your lodge to spend the night and have dinner.

Overnight stay and dinner at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 3 Transfer to Kampala and end of a safari

Depending on your flight out of Uganda, you might choose to go on another wildlife drive before making the drive back to Kampala. En route, you might choose to stop and see some crater lakes, the rift valley floor, and escarpments. You’ll arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon after having lunch.

End of the Tour

Why rent a 4×4 vehicle for a road trip?

The car type you choose to use during your road trip will determine its success rate. Many cars are available in stock and ready to hit the safari roads. 4×4 cars are the perfect safari vehicles and have outmatched other car types (2×2 cars) in Uganda. It is highly demanded on the travel market since it can reach rugged terrain areas.

These cars are used mostly for safaris, drive guided travels, airport pickups, solo travel, wedding transportation, camping, picnics, city rounds and many others. 4×4 wheel drive vehicles include safari vans, Toyota land cruiser, Land cruiser Prado, Toyota super custom, Rav 4, coaster among others. These cars can be obtained at any car hire agency after reaching an agreement and offered at an affordable price. They are given out on a self-drive basis but tourists who are not well conversant with the location are given a driver on request. This is why you should rent a 4×4 vehicle in Uganda for a road trip.

Convenient and comfortable

Every dollar of our client counts and we look forward to giving back equal services paid for. 4×4 wheel drive cars will never disappoint but offer satisfaction to whoever uses them. Its mechanism is customized to travel and enables clients to reach their desired destinations safe and sound. 4×4 WD cars are spacious and convenient providing enough space for clients and their cargo. The car mechanism enables it to pass through difficult rugged places and off beaten tracks at far distant parts of Uganda. The unique bit of it is, it has a hard carrier tented rooftop which offers a camping platform and a popup top for easy viewing of game in various Uganda’s national parks.

Flexible and reliable

The number one adventure before reaching your destination is Uganda’s road network. The roads are twisted in a way that some are in good conditions making driving easy and others are scary and full of potholes such as the off beaten tracks but as long as you are in a 4×4 WD vehicle worry not. These customized machines are a saviour during the rainy season when roads get slippery and dry seasons when dust limits the movement of cars. Saloon cars or 2×2 wheel Drive cars cannot be used for safaris rather be taken for city rounds. The roads are part of the adventure so experience and get a story to tell.

Quality and affordable

The appearances of the 4×4 wheel drive vehicles tend to scare off people thinking that they are way too expensive for their budget. Trust me the way they look doesn’t determine their prices but the need to be used and satisfy clients is the main aim. The quality of these cars reaches the standards of the client’s tastes and they are affordable to hire. You can access any of the desired cars from Car Rental in Uganda, scattered mostly in the urban parts of the country. Cars are available but prices vary depending on the type of car and the number of people it accommodates.

Ultimate Guide to One-Way Rentals in Uganda

Need one-way rental services rather than a round-trip? There is no better way to enjoy a flexible road trip than one-way travel experience. One-way rentals offer visitors freedom to get where they wish without any worries of driving again to where they began their trips from. Here is a guide to one-way car rentals to Uganda.

What is a one-way car rental?

One-way car rental is basically when person hiring a car picks the car in one place and drops it somewhere else. The rental company charges you some fee to meet expenses of returning the car to its original place. This usually applies especially for visitors planning to navigate between cities, towns and countries or airports within the same town. These rental services are preferable for travelers with plans to embark on long distance trips or you are on business trip.

What is a drop off fee for one-way rental in Uganda?

One-way rental fee also popular as ‘drop-fee’ and it is indicated on your rental invoice. It is what states your one-way hire charge.

How much is a one-way rental car in Uganda?

The rates for one-way rentals in Uganda differ significantly from company to company or distances between 2 locations. Some locations provide free one-way hire but for long distance trips, you may incur a charge slightly higher.

Why are one-way hire cars expensive?

One-way rentals are considered expensive usually because of the distances between destinations that travelers on Uganda safari cover. The longer your pick up and drop off locations, the more costly your hire becomes. This is to help rental company re-arrange and determine the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. Also, the rates are influenced by factors of supply and demand.

When can I pay for my one-way rental?

Fees for one-way rentals are normally paid at the start of your renting a car. Once you make a deposit at rental counter but not online when reserving, you are guaranteed of navigating to other country or city of your choice.

Can I drop one-way rental at different place?

Drop off policies differ from company to company and it is important to find out what applies in a company you plan to deal with. Some rental companies restrict and others permit drop off rental at specific points based on insurance policies or border crossing restrictions.

Restrictions on drop off may apply depending on the demand for one-way rental services and this is regardless of whether you are dealing with small rental company or big company with so many locations.

How to Travel Mgahninga National Park Made Easy

For those who would like information about travel Mgahinga national park in Uganda, we have dedicated this full page for you. You can hire a car in Kampala to drive  to the park but for public travel and transport, there are daily buses/minibuses, which set off at 7.00 pm from Kampala.

Once in Kisoro Town, you can hike to the park if you are strong enough or hire a cab to the park gate. Mghinga National Park can be reached by way of the road through Kabale and Kisoro, 510 km from Kampala. Kabale is where the tarmac finishes though construction of this road is in progress. From Kampala to Kabale a 434 km journey can be completed in 8 hours on good tarmac.

Once in Kisoro Town, you can hike to the park if you are strong enough or hire a cab to the park gate. Mghinga National Park can be reached by way of the road through Kabale and Kisoro, 510 km from Kampala. Kabale is where the tarmac finishes though construction of this road is in progress. From Kampala to Kabale a 434 km journey can be completed in 8 hours on good tarmac.

Kabale is 88 km to Kisoro on a mountainous marram road with steep inclines and descents. Large trucks with trailers proceeding to and from the DRC via the border at Bunagana (14 km from Kisoro) use this route. Great care should be observed in trying to pass such vehicles.

 In Kisoro visit the Mgahinga National Park office for directions to the Park HQ at Ntebeko Camp located 13Kms from Kisoro. They have a map you may be able to make a photocopy of before setting out.

NP Kisoro office- pass the Caltex station and Commercial Bank of Uganda on your left coming from Kabale and proceed for 500m up a slight hill, NP office immediately on the right. It is well signposted.

 The route to Mgahinga Ntebeko Camp

Take the direction of Bunagana from the NP Office, after 100m take a left turn at the Travelers Rest.

Almost immediately after TR makes a right turn (straight on leads to the Uganda/Rwanda border at Cyanika). A further 250m takes a further right turn. You are now on the main track to Mgahinga National Park. All further junctions are well signposted. At junction 4.3 km there are 2 signposts.

One leads to Muhavura Ranger Station (straight on) and the other (a right turn) to Ntebeko Gate. Parts of the road at 6 kilometers from Kisoro are liable to flooding after heavy rain. It can be very muddy. The steep ascent road to the Ntebeko Gate starts 7.3 km after leaving the NP office in Kisoro.

The route from junction 4.3 km to Muhavura Ranger Station is rough. Vehicles can be left at the campsite or at the end of the road below the Ranger Station where you should find someone to take care of it.

Leaving a vehicle here is a good idea if the Gorilla family is currently located on Mt. Muhavura. It will save a 16 km walk from the Ntebeko gate and back from the Muhavura Ranger Post.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park starts from the Ranger Station where a tracker from the previous days tracking is picked up to help locate the family.

Car hire in kisoro

For those without their transport, you can hire a car in Kisoro either for self drive or a special hire to take you to and from the park.