5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WHILE ON A SELF DRIVE IN UGANDA

Located in the center of East Africa, Uganda provides a remarkable fusion of rich cultural heritage, varied fauna, and natural beauty. Uganda, dubbed as the “Pearl of Africa” for its breathtaking scenery, is a haven for nature lovers and explorers alike.

What is a self-drive safari?

A self-drive safari refers to a wildlife viewing experience where travellers explore game reserves or national parks in their own vehicle, other than being guided by a tour guide. Uganda is among those ideal destinations that offer incredible self-drive safaris to clients.

In this article, we’ll explore five handpicked activities that transform a simple road trip into a truly immersive journey through the Pearl of Africa.

GORILLA TREKKING

Without experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking, a trip to Uganda is always incomplete. Get ready for an exhilarating trek through a dense forest in pursuit of endangered mountain gorillas at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is tucked away in the southwestern highlands.

Gorilla trekking experience

Very early in the morning, you will rise up have breakfast then your guide will drive you up to the park headquarters for a briefing. The briefing enlights trekkers about the rules and regulations to follow while in the jungle. In the jungle you will be able to view a number of monkey species, birds, wildlife and many more. Upon meeting up with these gentle giants only one hour is offered to you. it includes interaction, taking photos, see them feed, and how they go about their activities.

The journey is challenging, but coming face-to-face with a gorilla family in their natural habitat is a moment that will stay with you forever.

Best to visit: Dry season (June to August, January to February)

Best place for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable NP.

GAME DRIVES

Game drives are one of the ideal activities for self drive clients in Uganda. Game drives in Uganda are famously carried out in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls national park. One of the most visited safari locations for game drives in Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is situated along the western rift valley in the south western parts of the country.

Expect to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and an abundance of birdlife. For a unique experience, try the Kasenyi plains for early morning game drives or head to the Ishasha sector to search for the famous tree-climbing lions.  Queen Elizabth owns various attractions apart from wildlife for example chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, bird species, crater lakes and many more.

Best time to visit: (June to August)

Best place for a game drive: Queen and Murchison falls NP

BOAT SAFARIS

One of the unique and tranquil way to experience the country’s incredible wildlife and scenic beauty is embarking on a game drive.  Game drives in Uganda are carried out in various places for example in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth national park. After a scenic drive to the northwestern region, Murchison Falls National Park awaits with its dramatic landscapes and the mighty Nile River.

Do a guided boat safari along the river as you view a number of wildlife for example the hippos, crocodiles, and elephants on the river banks sand a spectacular view of the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge.

Best time to visit: (June to August)

Best place for a boat safari: Murchison and Queen

CHIMPANZEE TREKKING

For those seeking for an immersive experience to meet up with the chimpanzees face to face in their habitat should participate in chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees in Uganda can be spotted in various areas with Kibale national park as the number one top place for trekking. The park is sometimes referred to as the primate capital of the world due to its large concentration numbers of these chimpanzees.

Travel through the verdant countryside to this tropical forest, where you may embark on a guided hike along the thick jungle paths. Along the walk, you will see chimpanzees, as well as a variety of birds and butterflies, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and red colobus monkeys.

Chimpanzee trekking experience.

The experience commences with a briefing at the park head quarters about the rules and regulations to follow while in the jungle. On your way you will be able to view a number of bird and monkey species. Upon meeting up with these chimpanzees only one hour is offered for you to spend with them.  This one hour includes taking photos, see these apes feeding, jumping and many more.

Best time to visit (June to September)

Popular area for trekking: Kibale national park.

CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS

The pearl of Affrica is a home to many tribes with each depiction its own cultures. Self drive clients have a chance to stop at various random locations in nearby towns and villages to interact with the locals as many times as you want.

Tourists can still carry out cultural counters by visiting various tribes such as the Batwa, Ike, Karimojongs and many more.  A visit to these tribes helps you learn about their cultures through music, dance and also through some cultural ceremonies.

You will still learn how various local cuisines are prepared depending on each specific culture.

Some people can visit different cultural sites specifically to learn more about a specific culture for example the Kasubi tombs, Amabere ga nyina Mwiru and many more.

Best Tribes to encounter with: Batwa, Ike, Karimojongs.

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