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Self Guided Safaris

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Several travelers opt for self guided safaris into the impenetrable forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This journey requires proper planning since Bwindi lies within over 500km from Kampala or Entebbe, the major starting points for most safaris in Uganda.

Popular Self Drive Routes to Bwindi

  1. Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Route Overview: Starting from Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital, this route takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking. The drive covers approximately 500 kilometres (310 miles) and traverses some of the country’s most scenic landscapes.

Key Highlights:

  • The less known bit interesting Lake Mburo National Park is a great place to break your long journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Located about halfway between Kampala and Bwindi, Lake Mburo National Park offers a great opportunity to spot wildlife such as zebra, impala, and various bird species. The park is also known for its beautiful lake and serene environment. A stay of at least one night is highly recommended to travelers on self guided trips.
  • Kabale Town: Known as the gateway to Bwindi, Kabale is a charming town with stunning views of rolling hills and terraced landscapes. It’s a good place for a stopover before heading into the more rugged terrain of Bwindi.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This park is famous for its mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense forest to encounter these majestic creatures is a highlight of the journey. The park also offers various trails and viewpoints for exploring its rich biodiversity.

Driving Conditions:

  • Kampala to Lake Mburo: The road is generally good, though some sections can be busy with traffic. Expect urban traffic as you leave Kampala.
  • Lake Mburo to Kabale: This section includes some rough patches, especially as you approach Kabale. The road winds through hilly terrain, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
  • Kabale to Bwindi: The roads become increasingly challenging, with steep ascents and narrow, winding paths. A 4×4 vehicle is essential for this part of the journey, and it’s important to drive cautiously. It is important to have proper timings since driving at night through the forest can be done by local drivers. You can easily get lost along the way since there is no lighting and clear signage within this part of the journey.

Recommended Agencies Hiring Cars for Self Guided Trips

It is important to obtain your rental car from a reliable car rental agency. The long drive requires a reliable 4×4 vehicle. The popular vehicle options for journeys into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Land Cruiser TX, Land Cruiser V8 and GX. A few rental agencies offer the luxurious Toyota Land Cruiser Hard Top and Land Cruiser LX.

Here are recommended agencies;