Your adventure in Africa would be incomplete if you did not include a self-drive safari in East Africa's leading destinations - Kenya and Uganda on your travel bucket list. While on a Uganda safaris adventure, there is a lot to see, including rare primates, and this is also the case with Kenya expeditions.
Giraffe encounter in Uganda
From the lush savannahs of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, to the wild landscapes of Tsavo National Park, and from Uganda's misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half the world's mountain gorillas, this road trip promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Exploring these fantastic destinations on a self-drive, which means you drive yourself within these places, will make everything about your trip much more memorable.
To easily navigate the rugged and tough terrains in these countries, you will need a 4x4 vehicle, such as a Land Cruiser or Land Cruiser Prado. They're strong enough to conquer challenging terrain, while also providing a hassle-free experience on both road and off-road conditions.
Car camping in East Africa
In this article, we will take you through what makes these countries exciting and introduce you to the top 10 destinations to consider for an authentic African experience.
In southwest Kenya, the Masai Mara is the country's most famous national park and one of the leading destinations in Africa amongst travelers from all corners of the globe.
This is the best place to spot the Big 5 game animals, which include elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. It's also renowned for being the best park to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Masai Mara is also among the few game reserves that offer a year-round game viewing experience, where you will be able to spot various wildlife as they roam free in the open savannah.
This is yet another exciting destination to look out for during your self drive Kenya road trip in East Africa. Diani Beach is situated on the east coast of Kenya, along the Indian Ocean coastline, and stretches for approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers).
Whether you're planning a honeymoon, family getaway, or a solo adventure, Diani Beach delivers. From the swaying palm trees and white sand to coral reefs, it has a lot to offer.
Outdoor activities you can enjoy here include deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and much more. If you're also seeking a place to relax and unwind after your Kenya self-drive road trip, this is a good spot to consider.
Flamingos in Lake Nakuru (photo: Bibhash Banerjee)
Famous for its large flamingo populations, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya's best-known birding destinations.
The park takes its name from Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake whose high alkalinity attracts over 450 species of birds, including pelicans, cormorants, and the vibrant pink flamingos that often blanket its shores.
Beyond its birdlife, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including giraffes, buffalo, lions, leopards, and both black and white rhinos.
Lake Nakuru's setting, located along the floor of the Great Rift Valley, also provides visitors with sweeping views of escarpments, woodlands, and open grasslands, making it an ideal stop for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Situated just a few minutes from Nairobi's city center in Kenya, the Giraffe Centre, established by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), is yet another exciting attraction.
Here, you'll get an up-close experience with the rare Rothschild's giraffes and have the opportunity to feed them. Even if you're in Nairobi on business and plan to travel to other parts of the country, this is a must-visit attraction.
A baby mountain gorilla in Bwindi (photo: Gabriel Schumacher)
Your self drive Uganda road trip would be incomplete if you do not include a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated in southwestern Uganda.
Bwindi, one of Uganda's leading travel destinations, is renowned for its mountain gorillas and is among the few places in the world where you can spot these endangered gentle giants as they roam freely in their misty forest habitat.
Mountain gorillas share about 98% of humans' DNA, and an up-close experience with these species is truly remarkable. In Bwindi, you can spot mountain gorillas in four sectors or locations: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma.
To witness wild gorillas in Uganda, you must purchase a gorilla trekking permit through a licensed tour operator, such as Your Drive Uganda. Each permit costs $800 per person and allows you to spend up to one hour with the mountain gorillas once you have found them.
To spot mountain gorillas, it's essential to book your tracking tour at least three months in advance. Permits are limited and sell out quickly.
Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the country's most visited park. It's named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a tight gorge to create one of the world's most powerful waterfalls.
Apart from the waterfall, there are more activities to enjoy within the park's boundaries. These include game viewing, where you can spot various wildlife species as they roam through the open savannah. The park is home to lions, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, several species of birds, and antelope.
In Murchison, travelers can also try the boat ride experience, which takes them to the base of the falls. From the cruise, species such as the Nile crocodile, hippos, and various water birds, as well as animals on the riverbank like elephants, can be observed.
En route to and from Murchison, take the opportunity to stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda (currently) where you can spot these endangered species.
A chimpanzee in Kibale (photo: Simone Dinoia)
Also situated in the western part of Uganda is Kibale Forest National Park, popularly known as the "primate capital," because it's home to over 13 species of primates.
A highlight of visiting this national park, located near the border of the DRC and within Fort Portal, is spotting chimpanzees as they play and hang from tree branches. Unlike mountain gorillas, these are playful and cheerful.
To spot them, you will need to obtain a tracking permit through a licensed tour operator, which costs $250 per person for foreign nonresidents.
Apart from the chimpanzees, there are other enjoyable activities to experience in Kibale. These include the Bigodi swamp walk, which introduces you to various bird species that reside in the area.
In this local community, you can learn about the different activities that take place, such as regional winemaking and coffee brewing.
Jinja might not be on your travel bucket list, but it's well worth a visit during your time in Uganda. Located just two to three hours from the capital, Kampala, this vibrant town has become a must-visit destination for international travelers.
It's best known as the source of the Nile River, which begins its long journey here before winding through Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.
Jinja offers numerous adrenaline-pumping sports to enjoy, including kayaking, whitewater rafting, and bungee jumping.
If you would like to learn about the history of this part of town, which was once Uganda's industrial hub, a visit to the city will introduce you to the town's history.
Known as East Africa's most vibrant city, Kampala is a must-visit on your road trip. There are various historical sites, cultural attractions, and other amazing places to visit while in Uganda's busiest city.
Visit landmarks such as the Kasubi Tombs, Namugongo Catholic Shrine, and Gaddafi Mosque, which offer sweeping city views. Then, experience Kampala's upbeat nightlife, where the energy and warmth of Ugandans truly shine.
You can wind down your self-drive road trip in Uganda with a stopover in Entebbe. Relax on the beaches or visit the Mabamba swamp, a popular destination for birders seeking to track shoebills.
A lion hanging out in a tree (photo: Maarten van den Heuvel)
Last but not least is yet another destination that attracts a considerable number of travelers from all corners of the world. Queen Elizabeth in western Uganda is home to tree-climbing lions, which can be seen in the Ishasha sector of the park.
While visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can spot herds of elephants, buffalo, antelope, and numerous bird species, along with leopards. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife along the water's edge.
The park also provides stunning vistas of the Rwenzori Mountains and easy access to nearby crater lakes.
There's more you can do on your adventure in Uganda and Kenya. Whether you would like to immerse yourself in their rich cultures, visit the various national parks, or do both, these countries have much to offer adventure travelers.
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This story is published in partnership with Maranatha Tours and Travel, Your Drive Kenya, and Your Drive Uganda.
The post Top 10 Destinations To Visit on a Self-Drive Adventure in Uganda and Kenya appeared first on Go Backpacking.
Giraffe encounter in Uganda
From the lush savannahs of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, to the wild landscapes of Tsavo National Park, and from Uganda's misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half the world's mountain gorillas, this road trip promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Exploring these fantastic destinations on a self-drive, which means you drive yourself within these places, will make everything about your trip much more memorable.
To easily navigate the rugged and tough terrains in these countries, you will need a 4x4 vehicle, such as a Land Cruiser or Land Cruiser Prado. They're strong enough to conquer challenging terrain, while also providing a hassle-free experience on both road and off-road conditions.
Car camping in East Africa
In this article, we will take you through what makes these countries exciting and introduce you to the top 10 destinations to consider for an authentic African experience.
Top Destinations
1. Masai Mara Game Reserve
In southwest Kenya, the Masai Mara is the country's most famous national park and one of the leading destinations in Africa amongst travelers from all corners of the globe.
This is the best place to spot the Big 5 game animals, which include elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. It's also renowned for being the best park to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Masai Mara is also among the few game reserves that offer a year-round game viewing experience, where you will be able to spot various wildlife as they roam free in the open savannah.
2. Diani Beach/Indian Coastline
This is yet another exciting destination to look out for during your self drive Kenya road trip in East Africa. Diani Beach is situated on the east coast of Kenya, along the Indian Ocean coastline, and stretches for approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers).
Whether you're planning a honeymoon, family getaway, or a solo adventure, Diani Beach delivers. From the swaying palm trees and white sand to coral reefs, it has a lot to offer.
Outdoor activities you can enjoy here include deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and much more. If you're also seeking a place to relax and unwind after your Kenya self-drive road trip, this is a good spot to consider.
3. Lake Nakuru National Park
Flamingos in Lake Nakuru (photo: Bibhash Banerjee)
Famous for its large flamingo populations, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya's best-known birding destinations.
The park takes its name from Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake whose high alkalinity attracts over 450 species of birds, including pelicans, cormorants, and the vibrant pink flamingos that often blanket its shores.
Beyond its birdlife, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including giraffes, buffalo, lions, leopards, and both black and white rhinos.
Lake Nakuru's setting, located along the floor of the Great Rift Valley, also provides visitors with sweeping views of escarpments, woodlands, and open grasslands, making it an ideal stop for photographers and nature lovers alike.
4. The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
Situated just a few minutes from Nairobi's city center in Kenya, the Giraffe Centre, established by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), is yet another exciting attraction.
Here, you'll get an up-close experience with the rare Rothschild's giraffes and have the opportunity to feed them. Even if you're in Nairobi on business and plan to travel to other parts of the country, this is a must-visit attraction.
5. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A baby mountain gorilla in Bwindi (photo: Gabriel Schumacher)
Your self drive Uganda road trip would be incomplete if you do not include a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated in southwestern Uganda.
Bwindi, one of Uganda's leading travel destinations, is renowned for its mountain gorillas and is among the few places in the world where you can spot these endangered gentle giants as they roam freely in their misty forest habitat.
Mountain gorillas share about 98% of humans' DNA, and an up-close experience with these species is truly remarkable. In Bwindi, you can spot mountain gorillas in four sectors or locations: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma.
To witness wild gorillas in Uganda, you must purchase a gorilla trekking permit through a licensed tour operator, such as Your Drive Uganda. Each permit costs $800 per person and allows you to spend up to one hour with the mountain gorillas once you have found them.
To spot mountain gorillas, it's essential to book your tracking tour at least three months in advance. Permits are limited and sell out quickly.
6. Murchison Falls National Park
Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the country's most visited park. It's named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a tight gorge to create one of the world's most powerful waterfalls.
Apart from the waterfall, there are more activities to enjoy within the park's boundaries. These include game viewing, where you can spot various wildlife species as they roam through the open savannah. The park is home to lions, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, several species of birds, and antelope.
In Murchison, travelers can also try the boat ride experience, which takes them to the base of the falls. From the cruise, species such as the Nile crocodile, hippos, and various water birds, as well as animals on the riverbank like elephants, can be observed.
En route to and from Murchison, take the opportunity to stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda (currently) where you can spot these endangered species.
7. Kibale Forest National Park
A chimpanzee in Kibale (photo: Simone Dinoia)
Also situated in the western part of Uganda is Kibale Forest National Park, popularly known as the "primate capital," because it's home to over 13 species of primates.
A highlight of visiting this national park, located near the border of the DRC and within Fort Portal, is spotting chimpanzees as they play and hang from tree branches. Unlike mountain gorillas, these are playful and cheerful.
To spot them, you will need to obtain a tracking permit through a licensed tour operator, which costs $250 per person for foreign nonresidents.
Apart from the chimpanzees, there are other enjoyable activities to experience in Kibale. These include the Bigodi swamp walk, which introduces you to various bird species that reside in the area.
In this local community, you can learn about the different activities that take place, such as regional winemaking and coffee brewing.
8. Jinja
Jinja might not be on your travel bucket list, but it's well worth a visit during your time in Uganda. Located just two to three hours from the capital, Kampala, this vibrant town has become a must-visit destination for international travelers.
It's best known as the source of the Nile River, which begins its long journey here before winding through Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.
Jinja offers numerous adrenaline-pumping sports to enjoy, including kayaking, whitewater rafting, and bungee jumping.
If you would like to learn about the history of this part of town, which was once Uganda's industrial hub, a visit to the city will introduce you to the town's history.
9. Kampala City Tour
Known as East Africa's most vibrant city, Kampala is a must-visit on your road trip. There are various historical sites, cultural attractions, and other amazing places to visit while in Uganda's busiest city.
Visit landmarks such as the Kasubi Tombs, Namugongo Catholic Shrine, and Gaddafi Mosque, which offer sweeping city views. Then, experience Kampala's upbeat nightlife, where the energy and warmth of Ugandans truly shine.
You can wind down your self-drive road trip in Uganda with a stopover in Entebbe. Relax on the beaches or visit the Mabamba swamp, a popular destination for birders seeking to track shoebills.
10. Queen Elizabeth National Park
A lion hanging out in a tree (photo: Maarten van den Heuvel)
Last but not least is yet another destination that attracts a considerable number of travelers from all corners of the world. Queen Elizabeth in western Uganda is home to tree-climbing lions, which can be seen in the Ishasha sector of the park.
While visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can spot herds of elephants, buffalo, antelope, and numerous bird species, along with leopards. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife along the water's edge.
The park also provides stunning vistas of the Rwenzori Mountains and easy access to nearby crater lakes.
There's more you can do on your adventure in Uganda and Kenya. Whether you would like to immerse yourself in their rich cultures, visit the various national parks, or do both, these countries have much to offer adventure travelers.
_____
This story is published in partnership with Maranatha Tours and Travel, Your Drive Kenya, and Your Drive Uganda.
The post Top 10 Destinations To Visit on a Self-Drive Adventure in Uganda and Kenya appeared first on Go Backpacking.