Exhilarating 7 Days Self Drive Wildlife Safari in Uganda

7 Days Self Drive Wildlife Safari: Embark on an unforgettable 7 Days Self Drive Wildlife Safari in Uganda with Car Hire Uganda, the perfect way to explore the Pearl of Africa at your own pace.

This Uganda safari adventure gives you the freedom to drive through Uganda’s stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills and lush forests to the vast savannahs teeming with wildlife.

With our reliable 4×4 rental, you’ll navigate national parks such as Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo, spotting elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, and countless bird species along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or on your first safari, a self-drive safari allows you to enjoy both flexibility and comfort while creating your own unique safari experience in Uganda.

7 Days Self Drive Wildlife Safari Trip Overview

This 7 Days Self Drive Wildlife Safari in Uganda takes you through some of the country’s most iconic national parks and breathtaking landscapes, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Beginning in Kampala or Entebbe, you’ll pick up your 4×4 rental and set off to experience the wild beauty of Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.

Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for thrilling game drives and the chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Your journey also includes Lake Mburo National Park, home to zebras, antelopes, and rolling savannahs.

This self-drive safari package covers park fees, accommodations, and primate permits. Designed for adventurers seeking flexibility, it blends game drives, boat cruises, and cultural encounters, offering a true taste of Uganda’s natural wonders and rich heritage—an unforgettable road trip through the Pearl of Africa.

Brief Itinerary of the 7 Days Self Drive Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, receive 4×4 safari vehicle, transfer to Kampala.
Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, afternoon game drive.
Day 3: Morning game drive and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, optional Bigodi Swamp walk.
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 6: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable.
Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, return to Kampala or Entebbe.

Detailed Itinerary of the 7 Days Self Drive Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival and Kampala City Tour

Your 7 days self drive wildlife safari begins at Entebbe International Airport, where our guide hands over your pre-booked, fully equipped 4×4 safari vehicle. options may include a Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser Extended or TX, or any other agreed-upon model.

Expect your vehicle to comes with rooftop tents for exceptional wildlife viewing and complete camping gear, perfect for nature enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in Uganda’s wilderness.

After a warm welcome, our guide provides a detailed safari briefing and vehicle orientation. If you have arrived late, you will head straight to your pre-booked accommodation in Entebbe town or Kampla for a restful night.

Early arrivals can opt for a vibrant Kampala city tour, taking them to explore vibrant market of Kampala such as Nakasero Market, cozy cafes, or head directly to Murchison Falls National Park. At Car Hire Uganda , we ensures a seamless start to your African safari.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, drive 5–6 hours to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park, known for its dramatic waterfall and Big Five wildlife. Your 4×4 safari vehicle handles the scenic route through rural landscapes.

Arrive for an afternoon game drive in the Buligi sector, spotting elephants, giraffes, and lions. The park’s savannah and Nile River offer prime wildlife viewing.

Have an overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge or opt for a budget campsite with your rooftop tent car. This day kicks off your Uganda safari with thrilling encounters in one of Africa’s top national parks.

Day 3: Explore Murchison Falls National Park

Start day three with a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, targeting Big Five animals like lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Your 4×4 safari vehicle navigates well-marked tracks for optimal wildlife viewing.

After lunch, enjoy a 3-hour Nile boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species.

Conclude with an optional hike to the top of the falls offers stunning views. Then return to you accomodations for dinner.

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park

After a warm breakfast, you will drive 5–6 hours to Kibale Forest National Park, also refered to as the Primate Capital of the World, home to 13 primate species.

After checking in at your prebooked lodge or settling at Kibale Forest Camp, opt for an afternoon nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Here, you will find different monkey species and rare birds like the great blue turaco. Your 4×4 safari vehicle ensures a comfortable journey through tea plantations and crater lakes.

This day blends scenic drives with early wildlife viewing, setting the stage for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in this lush rainforest.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Queen Elizabeth National Park

This day starts with a chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, taking you on a 2–4-hour trek to observe the fascinating chimps in their natural habitat, guided by expert rangers.

After an hour with these primates, have lunch, rest a bit and then embark on a 3–4 hours scenic road trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel.

Check into your lodge such as the Mweya Safari Lodge or a campsite. Go on an optional evening game drive offering sightings of elephants and Uganda kobs.

At Car Hire Uganda, we ensure that your 4×4 safari vehicle is ready for rugged terrains, making this day a highlight of your Uganda safari with thrilling primate encounters.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Transfer

Kick off day six with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kasenyi plains, spotting lions, leopards, and buffaloes.

A 2-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise reveals hippos, crocodiles, and abundant bird species. After lunch, drive 4–5 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to mountain gorillas.

Check into Buhoma Lodge or a campsite. This day combines classic wildlife safari experiences with a scenic transfer, preparing you for the ultimate gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s gorilla misty forests.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Departure

Your fineal day takes you to embark on a 3–5-hour gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tracking the endangered mountain gorillas with expert guides in their natural habitats. Here, you will spend an hour observing these gentle giants, a bucket-list wildlife experience.

After lunch, drive 8–9 hours to Entebbe International Airport or Kampala, with an en-route stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs.

Drop off your safari vehicle at the airport. This day concludes your 7 days self drive wildlife safari with unforgettable gorilla encounters and a smooth departure, leaving you with lifelong memories.

7 days self drive wildlife safari Inclusions & Exclusions

4×4 safari vehicle
All Park entry and activity fees
Chimpanzee tracking permits.
Accommodations.
Camping gear such as rooftop tents, fridge, cooking kit.
24/7 support.

Exclusions: Fuel, international flights, visas, tips, and optional activities like hot air balloon rides

Vehicle Details and Delivery

Car Hire Uganda delivers a fully equipped 4×4 safari vehicle upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, typically a Toyota Land Cruiser or Rav4, tailored for Uganda’s rugged terrains.

Vehicles include:

Rooftop tents and camping gear for budget travelers.
GPS, fridge, and dual battery for, air conditioners, among others for convenience.
tool kit for safety.
Comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Our guide provides you with a thorough briefing on vehicle operation and safari itinerary, ensuring you’re ready for Uganda wildlife safari experience. One-way drop-offs in Kampala or Kigali are available, offering flexibility for your self-drive safari.

Safety Tips for Self-Drive Safari

Vehicle Checks: Inspect tires, fuel, and tools before departure.
Navigation: Use GPS or offline maps like Maps.me and try to avoid night driving due to wildlife and road conditions.
Park Rules: Keep a safe distance from animals and follow ranger instructions during game drives.
Supplies: Stock water, snacks, and a first-aid kit in Kampala or big towns.
Emergency Contacts: Save our contacts and park ranger numbers for emergency reach.

Packing Essentials

Pack for your Uganda safari:

Neutral-colored clothing for game drives.
Sturdy shoes, hat, and sunscreen for sun protection.
Binoculars and camera for wildlife viewing.
First-aid kit, water, and snacks for long drives.
Warm layers for cool Bwindi evenings.

Cultural and Community Experiences

Enhance your self-drive safari with cultural experiences:

Visit Batwa communities near Bwindi for cultural performances.
Explore Bigodi village for coffee-making and basket-weaving.
Respect local customs by wearing appropriate attire before visiting, ask permission for photos, and supporting artisans.

We can also arrange community visits, enriching your Uganda safari with authentic connections to local cultures.

Why Car Hire Uganda?

While Car Hire Uganda is renowned for proving the best car rental services in Uganda, our expertise extends to crafting exceptional self-drive safari packages.

Our 4×4 safari vehicles are safari-ready, with rooftop tents and camping gear for budget travelers. We secure gorilla trekking permits and chimpanzee permits, and other different permits upon request, ensuring seamless wildlife experiences.

With car delivery at Entebbe International Airport, 24/7 support, and custom itineraries, we guarantee a safe, flexible, and memorable Uganda safari.

Additional Activities.

Enhance your wildlife safari with:

Hot air balloon rides over Murchison Falls .
Night game drives in Queen Elizabeth for nocturnal wildlife.
Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi post-gorilla trekking.
Birdwatching in Bigodi Swamp.

We tail all these activities to enrich your Uganda safari experience.

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons ranging from June–September, and December–February, are ideal for wildlife viewing as they come with good road conditions. Although Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda are year-round, dry months offer clearer trails.