Uganda is one of the top tourism destinations in Africa. The country has green landscapes, towering mountains, beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls, cultural heritage sites and an amazing collection of wildlife. All these amazing attractions and features are spread out equally in each part of the country. In 
order to tour around the country and see all the amazing sites, one should consider taking a road trip. Road trips in Uganda involve traveling for long distances by road from the capital Kampala to the remote towns of the country. It is in these remote areas that the major tourism sites in Uganda are located.
Road trips in Uganda allow Travelers to observe things up-close and that is not the case with air transport. A rewarding road trip in Uganda should take between 5 days to a month for one to see the best of what the country has to offer. Everything depends on how much time one has and what they want to see. It’s vital that travelers do research and check out maps of the places where they plan to visit. The seemingly short distances between towns on the map could in reality turn out to be longer. Even if the distance turns out to be longer, Travelers can never get bored while on a road trip in Uganda. There are so many interesting things to see by the roadside. The landscape is always changing and watching the local people going about with their lives is very interesting.
A Road Trip in Uganda is more relaxing when you hire a Driver who understands the terrain of the country. The roads leading to the western part of the country and some parts of the east pass through hilly slopes. Those leading to other parts of the country are generally flat. It is important to note that not 
all roads in Uganda are in excellent condition. Most of the roads leading to the national parks in Uganda are pretty rough. Many are un-even because they are made up of gravel and other rough materials. During rainy seasons, these roads can get very muddy to the extent that only strong 4×4 vehicles can go through them. The roads in the urban centers may also not be in excellent condition especially if one goes into the suburbs. Potholes are always a concern and may surprise a Driver not familiar with Ugandan roads. It is important to always be on the alert for sudden unexpected potholes and speed bumps even in highways that look consistently good. Moreover, the road signs may not be clearly labeled or be non-existent. You might also be interested in how to plan a trip to Uganda.
Road Trips in Uganda: What to expect in the different part of the country:
Western Part of the Country: Road trips to the western part of the country is highly rewarding because the area has the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda. Along the Kampala to Mbarara highway, one can expect to stop at the equator crossing in Kayabwe to take photographs at 
the equator monument. There is also the Igongo cultural center which is a very important cultural heritage site in the country. As you drive through the roads of western Uganda, you will see vast tea plantations, beautiful green terraced hills and the amazing Ankole cattle grazing along the roadsides.
Eastern Part of the Country: Road Trips to the Eastern part of Uganda will enable you see vast sugarcane and tea plantations – especially between Mukono and Jinja. Jinja is arguably the most interesting town to spend time in while visiting Eastern Uganda. The key attractions in Jinja city include whitewater rafting, Bungee jumping and visiting the source of the Nile among others. There is also the dense Mabira forest reserve and the sezibwa falls. Road Trips in Uganda always involve opportunities to observe the local people working on their farms and selling merchandise in the roadside markets.
Northern Uganda: Uganda is a country blessed with great natural beauty and variety in what one can do. This beauty and variety will be witnessed even when you go to the Northern part of the country. You will see vast savanna grasslands, countless cattle farms, beautiful rivers and streams. There is thebeautiful Karuma falls along the river Nile and close to the Murchison falls National Park. Gulu City is one of the busiest in Uganda with many government and International Agency offices. As you go 
further north towards the border with South Sudan, you will be left awestruck by the endless tract of arable land.
Note: In order to enjoy a road trip in Uganda, we recommend that Travelers spend at least 2 to 3 days in each major location. Spending a night or two in a major urban center like Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale or Gulu will allow one time to rest. It is also an opportunity to enjoy all the activities in a particular part of the country and a time to mingle with the local people as you learn a lot about the particular culture of an area.
Note: Travelers also need to be aware of the climate of Uganda. Uganda has two rainy seasons and two hot seasons. The hot season is usually between November and early March and also June to September. Road trips can often times get you sweating because Uganda is generally hot during the day and cold during the nights or evening. An air-conditioned vehicle is essential to help manage the weather conditions.
Places to Visit during your Road Trip in Uganda
Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park: The two national parks are famous for hosting half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. People taking road trips to the western part of the country ought not to miss out on seeing mountain gorillas in the two parks. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is awesome and one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences. Gorilla Trekking offers you an opportunity to see wild gorillas up close for an hour. You will enjoy seeing how the gorillas live happily in their natural habitat. Follow the gorilla trekking rules because the dominant male silverback will be watching out for the safety of his family.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: This is arguably the most visited national park in Uganda. Travelers love the park because of its link with Queen Elizabeth II and the spectacular scenery. While at Queen Elizabeth national park, you will be sure to see the tree climbing lions, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes and many species of antelope among other creatures. Apart from the scenery are beautiful views of the Rwenzori Ranges of Mountains in the horizon, the Kazinga Channel, the Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo forest. The main activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park are the game drives, boat cruise at the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Lion tracking.
The Murchison Falls National Park: This is an ideal place to visit while on a road trip to the northern part of the country. The most popular activity in the park is the game drive to see elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, crocodiles and lots of water birds. Apart from the game drive is chimpanzee trekking in Budongo, the boat cruise along the river Nile and sport fishing. Murchison falls is next to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary allowing visitors to see all the big 5 animals within the same area.
The source of the river Nile: Travelers on a road trip to the Eastern part of the country ought not to miss out on visiting the source of the Nile river in Jinja. River Nile is the world’s longest river and has its source in the town of Jinja. The Nile starts from a specific point/gorge in Lake Victoria and then makes its way northwards through Sudan and then Egypt where it pours its waters into the Mediterranean Sea. While visiting Jinja, one can also take part in other water sports like tubing the Nile, bungee jumping, kayaking, whitewater rafting and even quad biking. A road trip further to the east takes you to Tororo for rock climbing, Kapchorwa to see the Sipi falls and to Mbale to Climb Mount Elgon.
Getting a Car for your Road Trip to Uganda
A Road trip in Uganda is highly rewarding but as earlier noted, one needs to take into consideration that the roads are not consistently good from one city to another. Murram roads still dominate certain 
remote areas of Uganda. One needs the right kind of vehicle whenever traveling in areas out of major towns and cities. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended because it can withstand all road imperfections. 4X4 vehicles are readily available for hire from registered tour operators in Uganda. Be wary of third parties or individuals who would want to offer you the same services under informal arrangements. Make sure that the vehicle you hire for the road trip is in good mechanical condition and comes with a tool box, spare tire and first aid kit. If you feel that you might find difficulty driving in Uganda’s roads, request for an experienced Tour Guide from the company hiring you the vehicle.
What to Pack for a Road Trip in Uganda
Before embarking on your road trip, remember that it will involve long distance travels. You need to pack all you need for the trip. Some of the major items to pack include drinking water and dry snacks to 
help you control hunger until you have your next heavy meal. A spare tire and a tool box is a must even if the vehicle is brand new given the state of some roads in the rural part of the country. Consider the appropriate clothing for both warm and cold weather conditions. Always remember to travel with binoculars, cameras, a hats, sunscreen and insect repellents. Don’t forget your travel documents, emergency contact details and any prescribed medicines from your Doctor. For more information, read about the packing list for a safari in Uganda or what to pack for gorilla trekking.
To conclude, road trips are the best way to discover Uganda and her many tourism sites or physical features. With the right planning, you will be sure to come out of your road trip with memories of Uganda. Thank you for taking the time to read this far.
