Uganda is a beautiful country located in East Africa, known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. One of the best ways to experience all that Uganda has to offer is by taking a road trip around the country. And what better way to do that than by renting a car in Uganda and hitting the open road on a journey of discovery?
Going on a road trip around Uganda is an adventure that promises to be unforgettable. From the rolling hills of the southwest to the lush forests of the north, Uganda is a country of contrasts that never fails to surprise and delight. There are many routes to choose from, but one of the most popular is the circular route that starts and ends in the capital city of Kampala.
The Routes Across Uganda to Enjoy on Your Road Trip
Uganda has so many routes to drive and enjoy on a road trip that leads to the various popular attractions in the country. These routes are also a highlight themselves because of the lush greenery, the soothing fresh air, and the interesting physical and manmade features stationed along the highways.
More to that, there are stopover points to buy fruits, eat, and also mix and mingle with the locals. Such moments captivated along the way tender exciting and enthralling experiences that make the journies even seem to be so short yet they are long. Below are some of the routes to take on a road trip through Uganda:
Kampala-Jinja Route
The first leg of the journey takes you from Kampala to Jinja, a bustling town on the banks of the Nile River. Here, you can indulge in a range of water-based activities, including white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping. You can also explore the source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins its 4,135-mile journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
Jinja- Mbale Route
From Jinja, you can head east towards Mbale, a town nestled at the foot of Mount Elgon. The road to Mbale is scenic, with stunning views of the countryside and the distant mountains. In Mbale, you can hike up Mount Elgon, one of Uganda’s highest peaks, and explore the lush forests and waterfalls that surround it.
Mbale- Karamoja Trail
The next leg of the journey takes you through the Karamoja region, a wild and rugged landscape that is home to some of Uganda’s most remote and traditional communities. This area is often overlooked by tourists, but it is well worth the detour. You can visit the Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remote and least visited parks, where you can see a wide range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Northeast (Karamoja) – Murchison Falls National Park Route
Continuing on, you can head north towards Gulu, a vibrant town that is the gateway to the Murchison Falls National Park. This park is home to some of Uganda’s most dramatic scenery, including the Murchison Falls themselves, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gap in the rocks, creating a spectacular waterfall that is over 40 meters high. In the park, you can go on a game drive, take a boat safari on the Nile, and even hike up to the top of the falls for an incredible view.
Murchison Falls National Park – Fortportal-Kibale Route
Leaving the park, you can head west towards Fort Portal, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. The road to Fort Portal is scenic, passing through lush tea plantations and rolling hills. In Fort Portal, you can visit the Kibale National Park, home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in East Africa. Here, you can go on a chimpanzee trek and watch these amazing primates in their natural habitat.
FortPortal-Kampala-Entebbe Route
The final leg of the journey takes you back to Kampala via Masaka, a town on the shores of Lake Victoria. Here, you can relax on the beach, go fishing, or visit the nearby Ssese Islands. From Masaka, it is a short drive back to Kampala, where you can return your rental car and reflect on the incredible journey you have just taken.
Uganda is a country of contrasts, and a road trip around the country is a fantastic way to experience all that it has to offer. From the bustling cities to the remote wilderness, Uganda has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in wildlife, culture, or simply exploring new places, a road trip around Uganda is an adventure that you will never forget. So pack your bags, rent a car, and hit the open road.
Fill the Form Below to Book Your Next Road Trip Around Uganda