It is holiday time and you are looking for unusual destinations that you can explore by car. There are lots of amazing Uganda tourist sites that you can easily access by car. Even if you don’t own a car, you can consider a Uganda car rental and explore the pearl of Africa on your own.
Get to explore Uganda- off the beaten path, discover the country’s hidden gems in the comfort of your 4×4 rental car from well-established car hire agencies within Kampala. Nothing is as rewarding as embarking on an off-the beaten path with a reliable car.
On top of that, Uganda is one of the least visited destinations in Africa which means it is very uncrowded. Off-the beaten path travel offers lifetime experiences, you get to discover the least visited places hence guaranteeing authentic African experiences.
The off-the beaten path/destinations to explore by a rental car in Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park still stands out as the least visited destination in Uganda, offering typical of the off-beaten path experiences. Located in the far Northeastern Uganda, Kidepo is best referred to as “A true African wilderness.” It was even ranked the 3rd best African park by CNN. Few make it to Kidepo and they experience true authentic wilderness, typical of the off-the beaten paths.
Kidepo sits on the land area of 1442sq.kms and it was established in 1962. Key areas of interest while at Kidepo National Park; game drive to see diversity of its wildlife including cheetahs, leopards, lions, buffaloes, elephants, hyenas, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, birds and more.
Tip: You need a strong 4×4 to traverse the Kidepo Valley National Park. A vehicle with good ground clearance is needed. Therefore you need vehicles such as Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux. Most of the car rental agencies do not allow their Rav4s to go to Kidepo national park.
Semuliki Game Reserve
Located in Western Uganda, Semuliki game reserve is one of the forgotten destinations by tourists. Though many people often mistake Semuliki game reserve for, Semuliki National Park the difference is quite huge. It is one of the only 2 destinations in Uganda where night game drives can be done. Other activities include, nature walks, fishing, birding, cultural encounter and more.
Semuliki game reserve is accessible from Kampala through Fort Portal 5-6 hours’ drive and from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara through Kasese 7 to 8 hours.
Semuliki shelters a huge profusion of Uganda Kobs, 441 bird species making it the birder’s paradise. The birds of Semuliki include the red-throated alethe, blue swallow, Abyssinian ground thrush, blue shouldered robin chat, white starred robin, fire-crested alethe, Northern bearded scrub robin, swamp palm bulbul, lowland akalat, capped wheatear, red eyed puffback, etc.
The mammal species in Semuliki include forest elephants, pygmy antelopes, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, leopards and others.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park, a compact gem and the most accessible National Park from Kampala city center/Entebbe. This is the most accessible national park in Uganda. Located in Western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is about 240kms off from Kampala city center and in the surrounding, there are about 4 districts; Lyantonde, Kiruhura, Isingiro and Mbarara.
Wildlife at Lake Mburo National Park; 350 bird species and several mammals, reptiles live here. The notable wildlife; elands, impalas, zebras, Defassa waterbucks, oribis, crocodiles, topis, hippos, leopards, lions, reedbucks, buffaloes, giraffes, bushbucks, etc.
It is possible to undertake a guided game drive -day starting at as early as 6:00am or night running from 6:30 to 7:00pm. Night game driving is all about getting exposed to the park’s nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, bush babies, nocturnal birds, etc.
Murchison Falls National Park
Located in the Northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in the Pearl of Africa occupying up to 3840sq.kms. This makes up part of the vast Murchison Falls Conservation Area and protects diversity of wildlife.
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park includes but not limited to the Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, hartebeest, oribis, Uganda Kobs, lions, warthogs, leopards, 451 bird species including the Senegal thick-knee, Abyssinian ground hornbill, grey crowned cranes, black-headed lapwing, yellow fronted tinkerbird, standard winged nightjar, grey headed kingfisher, shoebill stork, goliath heron, secretary bird,
Black bellied bustards, lesser flamingos, saddle billed stork, swamp flycatchers, Denham’s bustard, blue headed coucal, sandpipers, black billed barbet, long-tailed nightjars, African jacanas, osprey, yellow fronted tinker bird, malachite kingfishers, etc.
In conclusion, there is no shortage of off the beaten paths to explore in Uganda. There are lots of amazing places that offer numerous opportunities for adventure, holidaying and retreats!
Visitors can go game viewing, hiking and even retreat in many other exciting places inside Uganda. If you are really looking for truly off the beaten track places to visit this year, Uganda has more than what you seek. If you do not have a private car, just get in touch with Drive East Africa and you will get to get a reliable vehicle for your adventure trip.
