Dubbed the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is a landlocked country situated in the east of African continent. It covers total land area of 197,000sq. Kilometers and 43,935 sq. kilometers of water. It is bordered by Kenya in the east, Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, Tanzania in the south and Rwanda in the southern west. Uganda is a beautiful paradise made up friendly and warm people, shimmering lakes and rivers, and famous for its breath-taking wildlife. Uganda is blessed with unique features such as jagged mountains, rolling plateau, abundant wildlife, vegetation, national parks, African cuisine and rich culture. These are some of the must visit places in Uganda.

Kasubi tombs – Must visit places in Uganda.
These are famous burial site for the four kings of Buganda. It is located in the outskirts of Kampala and also a UNESCO world heritage site. The site was recently by unknown fire in 2010 though efforts by the government to restore the historical and cultural tombs are soon yielding results to enable visitors access the site once again. The tombs are a unique cultural paradise to the people of Uganda and more specifically to the Bugamba kingdom.

Visit to Kampala- Must visit places in Uganda.
This is the capital city of Uganda, welcomes to a paradise of friendly and welcoming people. This is one of the most calm and peaceful city in the region, regardless of its traffic during rush hours. Visitors get opportunities to view the towering buildings in the city and a handful of sky scrapers will portray how Uganda is growing into a modern and vibrant destination. The must visit places include Rubaga and Namirambe cathedrals, Namugongo martyrs shrine, impressive Bahai temple and Parliament building, Uganda national museum, craft markets, and numerous historical monuments scattered all over the city. The local markets of Nakasero and Owino markets are right spots for visitors to test on organically grown food stuffs and fruits.

Lake Mburo national park-Must visit places in Uganda.
This is one of the nearest wildlife parks to Uganda’s capital city, Kampala and it is famous for vast savannah grasslands and a treasure for acacia vegetation, magnificent lake, wetlands and rolling hills.

The lake is an ideal place for viewing the aquatic life like Hippos, crocodiles and a spot for boat cruise experience and sport fishing adventure. Lake Mburo national park is notably Uganda‘s smallest savannah park one of the best places to sight the large Eland Antelopes and zebras, a home to Rothschild giraffes, leopards, hippos, Buffaloes and a few lions which are rarely seen during day time but the roars can occasionally be heard across the plains.

With a total surface area of 68,800 km2, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by area and the world’s second largest fresh water lake by surface area, after Lake Superior in North America. A visit to Lake Victoria will expose you to the sole source of the world’s longest river – River Nile at Jinja where the monument of the American explorer, Speke who discovered the source of river Nile still stands to mark the starting point where the Nile starts its maiden journey to Mediterranean Sea.

Murchison falls national park – Must visit places in Uganda.
Located in north-western Uganda, this is another experience to behold. This park is known for the amazing wildlife and stunning views of resident wildlife including the big 4 mammals like elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes. Murchison falls national park used to be home to endangered southern white rhinos in 1980s but were later extinct due to illegal hunting by poachers but now restored in the adjacent Ziwa Rhino sanctuary which can also be visited enroute from Kampala. Murchison Falls Park is bisected by the spectacular Victoria Nile which first races down 80km of white-water rapids before plunging 40m over the hanging rift valley wall at Murchison Falls, the proud highlight of the park.

The water falls drains the river’s remaining energy, turning it into a wide, calm stream that flows gently across the rift valley floor for 55km to Lake Albert. This stretch presents one of Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife views, including elephants, buffaloes, water bucks, Kobs and the permanent residents, Hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Rwenzori Mountains – Must visit places in Uganda.
These are located in the south western corner on the boarder with D.R. Congo, the jagged Rwenzori ranges is an adventure world of its own. Labelled the mountains of the moon, the towering Rwenzori raises to height of 5,109m above sea level and presents some of the rarest adventure encounters in Africa and beyond.

The remote Rwenzori Mountains presents impressive treks through stunning landscapes and varied montane vegetation and the views of Africa’s third-highest summit, which is one of the less explored peaks. Margherita Peak which is notably Africa’s third highest peak offers its real beauty in the climb up through the valleys, forests and gentle slopes. The trees are populated with numerous bird species and primates and as you walk up the trails there are endless chances of viewing chimp nests amidst tall trees.

Bwindi impenetrable national park.
This is situated in south western Uganda and it is one of the top 10 travelers’ paradise in Uganda. The park has got both birds and mammals; presently it has more than 120 different mammal species and around 350 species of birds. The park boasts more than half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and other primates including chimpanzees, baboons, and several species of monkeys. Also common to this park are impressive nature walks to discover the resident Batwa pygmies who have lived in this forest for centuries.

Kidepo valley national park.
This is Africa’s finest wilderness park that boasts of a rich biodiversity and stunning scenery. From Apoka, in the heart of this wilderness park, an undulating savanna landscape that stretches in all directions, disappearing into the horizon marked by distant mountain ranges.

Kidepo national park experiences a semi-arid climate with just one rainy season throughout a year (April-September). The southern part of the park, the Narus river valley receives about 890mm of rain per year and the northern part in Kidepo valley receives just 635mm of rain per year.

Kidepo national park is home to Uganda’s notable wildlife including the Big 4, and the rarest cheetah, ostrich, spotted hyena and a variety of birdlife. Other animals include large herds of Buffaloes, elephants, antelopes and Giraffes, intertwined with marvelous culture of the Karamojong people which is one of the unspoilt culture in the world.

Here is how you can avoid Sleep When Driving In Uganda. Crystal car hire is full of adventure experiences as you become the manager of yourself on the road with that perfect car hire of your dream. With a self drive tour, planning for your trip remains in your side and you enjoy total freedom to explore variety of tourist attractions at your own pace unlike the guided safaris that come with mixed travel interests.

Once you think of self drive safaris in Uganda, make sure that you have adequate driving skills and perfect yourself with the kind of African roads. Renting and driving in the pearl of Africa is completely the perfect way for you to explore what this spectacular destination offers to the world. While self drive safaris have become the most sought after travel experiences, you ought to have enough sleep prior embarking on your road trip.

In case you feel like sleeping, make sure that you park aside and take some minutes to rest and then proceed after and it isn’t a crime for you to do so. But the good part of it the bumpy roads will keep you awake especially in potholes. To have the most comfortable and enjoyable road trip in Uganda, the following tips must be put into consideration to avoid Sleep When Driving In Uganda;

1. Do not drive when you are very tired.
   When it comes to road trips in any destination, the first thing to come at the back of your mind is your safety. If you are planning to set off for self drive safari, you certainly need to have enough rest and avoid driving when you are very tired. For some of you who are planning to embark on an independent trip, you will have a flexible safari and you can spend some time for you to grab some rest and then proceed to a destination of your choice. In case you had a busy schedule previous day, you can use the following day for relaxation and you will set off for your actual trip when you are very fine. To go for a self drive, you will need a strong mind especially when it comes to long distant tours.
2. Do not drive under pressure-rushing.
   This is common with people who find themselves late and they start driving like there is no tomorrow. Life is precious! If you do not know how long you will spend on the road, it is advisable that you set off earlier to avoid night driving. Contact our receptionist and we shall book for you the best car for you in advance to help you have the enjoyable tour as earlier as possible.
3. Utilize caffeinated products.
   Driving with assistance of caffeine makes you to be awake in most of the times especially when it comes to solo travel in Uganda. Whenever, you feel like dosing you can grab a cup of your coffee and take and then you proceed with your journey, this will help you not fall a sleep.
4. Have breaks or drive in turns.
   With self drive safaris, you become a controller of your car though not the owner. For long distant safaris, you will need to have breaks after each 2 to 3 hours or 100 kilometers as one way for you to have enough time to rest and refresh the mind. You can park the car aside where it is safe and thereafter, catch a glimpse at the sceneries and take your snake or listen to a good song. After, you can proceed after 15 to 30 minutes. In case you are two people on self drive and your colleague also knows how to drive, you can alternate to relieve the other party also.
5. Always have enough sleep.
   Uganda road trip with car hire for long distances requires you to have adequate sleep prior embarking on your actual safari the next day. Or you can spare about 20 to 30 minutes for you to take a nap to help you stay alert for the rest of hours while on safari. And in case sleep persists after even taking caffeine, you can simply park aside and take short sleep and you won’t feel any sleep again. Sleep is a natural and you can’t do without otherwise you can be stressing yourself if you persisted to do without while on long distance drive.
6. Travel and share driving with friend or spouse.
   In order not to waste time, you can simply alternate with your colleagues driving so as to maximize the time and to avoid sleep. This strategy is of great value for visitors on long distant journeys.

In conclusion, self drive safaris are exciting but stressing especially for long distant journeys. If you are planning for your next vacation and you are interested in self drives and long distance journeys in Uganda, follow the above tips and you will have the most enjoyable safari in your life.

New expats frequently ask where the best places are to live in Kampala and we always recommend trying to live the same side of town as you work. Scroll down and you’ll understand why. Kampala does not have an organised public transport system as such (it’s all privately owned, the taxis) but there are many different ways of travelling to and around the city. Here is how to get to different places around Kampala.

⦁ Walking
⦁ Cycling
⦁ Boda boda motorbikes
⦁ Cars
⦁ Taxis and special hires
⦁ Matatus
⦁ Buses and coaches
⦁ Train

Walking in Kampala.

If you’re within walking distance of where you work, then lucky you! You don’t get to experience the tiring daily traffic jam on the roads of Kampala. 

It’s only in the center of town and around the central business district (CBD) that you will find decent pavements. In other parts of town, pavements may suddenly end without warning . Drainage covers may be there today and gone tomorrow so always tread carefully. If you have kids, forget bringing the buggy to Kampala. You won’t be able to push it very far.

Cycling in Kampala.

I know very few expats who dare to cycle on Kampala’s crazy streets. I used to cycle when I lived in London but here we have little awareness of cyclists or their safety. You wouldn’t find me cycling around Kampala unless it is down by Lake Victoria or on the quiet hills of Kololo or Nakasero. Save your biking for weekends in Lake Mburo or Fort Portal. (Did you know there is an annual mountain bike tour in Karamoja?)

Boda boda motorbikes.

These are undoubtedly the quickest way of getting from A to B and the city couldn’t function without them. Boda boda drivers are our best friends, our Mr Fix It, frequently our saviours – just choose with discretion. They can be a real menace too.

If you take a boda boda, do yourself a favour and wear a helmet. Don’t just accept a lift from random guys driving past either. Get to know riders from your local boda boda stage or download one of the ‘ride hailing apps’. I use the Uber app all the time in Kampala. Their boda riders are registered and bring you a high quality helmet to wear.

Driving a car in Kampala..

Lots of people prefer the comfort and privacy of having their own cars. I bought my car from expat friends and enjoyed the independence of it for many years. What I didn’t enjoy were the many hours sweating in traffic jams at Jinja Road. Neither did I appreciate being pulled over by the traffic police for some minor offence they had just cooked up when they spotted a loan muzungu. (They pick on Ugandans too, I know!)

The weirdest occasion was one Christmas Eve when I was driving through the industrial area. The traffic policeman ahead of me motioned me to pull over. “What have I done?” I asked him innocently. He walked around the car.

“I’m pulling you over for having a faulty rear brake light” he said.

“How could you see that when you were standing in front of me?” I asked him.

“For us, we have special powers” came the reply.

Taxis and special hires.

This is where it gets confusing!

Private cars, like Uber, which we now have in Kampala, are called ‘specials’ or special hires.

When a British person like me thinks of a taxi, this is what I see:

Matatus.

In Kampala however, ask for a taxi (pronounced taxiiiiiii) and someone will point you to a matatu or minibus. The crowded old taxi park in downtown Kampala is an experience in itself! It can be pretty intense.

The 12 seater minibus taxis (generally white with turquoise ‘go faster’ stripes) are the cheapest way to get around but the routes can be annoying as you have to go into the centre of town to get out to the other side. People often walk a bit, take a matatu and then take the second one or jump on a boda boda for the last part of their journey.

Matatus are very cheap. There are no price lists, no receipts and no timetable. They have set prices but the conductor (who sits by the sliding door and takes your money) will frequently try and overcharge you if you’re a muzungu. It is inevitable but you will quickly get to know what’s a fair price. Most routes charge 1,000 shillings (equivalent to 20 British pence or 30 US cents). If you’re not sure how much to pay, fellow passengers will usually help you out (and scold the conductor at the same time!) Travel with loose change or small notes if you’re using a taxiiiiiii in Kampala.

Matatus are good if you are on a tight budget, have a good book to read and can go to work very early (or arrive home very late). Play with your expensive phone at your peril. Thieves are known to put their hand through taxi windows and snatch phones when you’re stuck in traffic.

The downside with matatus is that they frequently get stuck in traffic, especially around the taxi park and Clock Tower roundabout. It’s not uncommon to sit for one or two hours without moving. Their drivers are often aggressive. Also, you have to be careful of your belongings on these crowded minibuses as there are lots of cunning pickpockets. One friend was relieved of her laptop in a matatu. She had no idea she was being robbed until she got out of the taxi and opened her bag to see her laptop had been replaced by bricks!

If you are using a taxi upcountry, expect to fit a lot more than 12 people in!

Note: Uganda’s matatus are twelve-seater minibuses, slightly different from Nairobi’s matatus which are buses, coaches or ‘coasters’ (slightly smaller than a bus).

Buses and coaches.

Within Kampala city, Pioneer are the only bus company that I know of. Their buses are new, well-maintained with fixed routes, fixed prices and even tickets! Oh how I wish the city had more of these.

If you want to travel outside Kampala, upcountry or across one of Uganda’s borders, buses are safer than matatus,  which have a particularly poor safety record. My preferred bus companies – who I use regularly – are Mash, Link and Jaguar Executive Coaches. Other people also recommend Oxygen, Coast and Modern Coaches.

Train.

If you are lucky enough to live in Kireka or Namanve, you can even get the train into town! The downside is that the service is infrequent although it does have a daily timetable and it’s very cheap. Click on the image to read more about Kampala’s commuter train service.

Helicopter.

I once crossed Jinja Road by helicopter!

When I was a volunteer, I got to know the pilot of the helicopter stationed at International Hospital Muyenga. I begged him for a ride (not thinking there was any likelihood of it).

One morning he called me. “Can you get to the hospital in fifteen minutes? I have to transfer the helicopter to the grounds of the Serena Hotel to pick up a private client. You can hop in if you want to?”

God I was excited – but no sooner had the helicopter lifted off the ground than we were landing again… and that sums up my travel experiences in helicopter!

What’s the muzungu’s preferred way of travelling around Kampala?

These days I’m a big fan of Uber and use them every day I’m in Kampala.

Although Uber isn’t Kampala’s only ride hailing app, it does offer the most flexibility and for tourists and new expats, it’s a recognised brand that you may already have installed on your phone. The system works exactly the same way as it does ‘back home’ but cash is always preferred by drivers. Few of them accept credit cards which is understandable. Very few shops in Uganda accept credit cards – we just aren’t there yet.

What’s great about their service in Kampala is that Uber have both cars and boda bodas. When I have time, I’ll take a car. This gives me a chance to schedule my meetings, check my email, do a Facebook update (and do my make-up (!) of course). Uber is my mobile office, regardless of the weather or the heavy traffic. When I’m in a rush, I order an UberBODA from the same app. When I’m in Kampala, I won’t get on a boda unless I have my helmet. The great thing with UberBODA is your driver will arrive with a helmet for you to borrow (meaning you don’t have to carry your helmet with you all day long). I love the flexibility this gives me. Contact us for more information.

The Best Meal Stopovers on a Road Trip in Uganda are places where you can relax, freshen up before getting back your journey to your desired destination.

Igongo cultural center to Bwindi and Mgahinga national park.

A road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National park is a long safari which can take about 10 hours of driving from Kampala to Bwindi. This means that visitors heading for gorilla trekking in these two destinations will definitely require some enroute stopovers for relaxation, meals, body stretching and refreshment and for the smokers to have a chance to have their cigarette.

Most safaris from Kampala to Bwindi and Mgahinga start in the morning at 6am or 7am and the journey continues up to lunch time where the favorite place is in Mbarara town. The two places for meals are either Agip motel or Igongo cultural center.

Besides providing meals for visitors heading for gorilla trekking safaris, Igongo cultural center also offers other wonders that visitors can experience such as the traditional museum which is the best museum in south west of Uganda and arguably one of the best in Uganda.

This museum is organized with well-trained and experienced site guides displaying unique cultures and ethnographic collections.  Exploring the museum after a wonderful lunch is absolutely historical for a real culture lover.

This center has other shops that display and sell Africa art and crafts which visitors can buy. These features make Igongo cultural center a remarkable spot for shopping, lunch, relaxation and culture for visitors having a road trip to either Bwindi impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth or Mgahinga national parks.

Kabalega resort hotel to Murchison falls national park.

Kabalega resort hotel is situated along the road heading to Murchison falls national park, 45 km from Ziwa Rhino sanctuary . Due to its location, it has become a perfect stopover not only for lunch but also for accommodation en route to Murchison falls national park.

This  hotel’s strategic location on the route to one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Uganda has made it so easy for visitors to have a brief moment during their road trip especially from Kampala to Murchison falls national park.

The property is situated in the reach of Masindi town enjoying the breeze of the wetlands and the view of the hills while having a delicious lunch under the real breeze of land and water combined. Kabalega resort hotel is ideal for honeymooners, business travelers, tourists in transit and the best for backpackers.

Some of the services are offered at Kabalega resort hotel include; accommodation, conference facilities and workshops, space for in-door and out-door parties, camping facilities, gardens for recreation events, Bar and Restaurant.

Boma Hotel – en route to Kidepo valley national park.

Boma hotel is situated in northern Uganda in Kitgum district along Uhuru road about 452km from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. It is built in a tropical environment offering excellent services for visitors to relax before or after a long day of travel from or to Kidepo valley national park.

Boma hotel is also one of the hotels in northern Uganda known for being a real spot for visitors heading to Kidepo national park. Because the journey to Kidepo national park tends to be a long one and some travelers can’t cover it in a day; however, Boma hotel gives the opportunity for visitors to have a nap of rest and continue with the trip the next day.

This hotel offers luxurious yet affordable services to the visitors. It is the perfect place to stay in with the best restaurant, providing excellent meals and breakfast with great passion juice and pineapple grown from the Karamoja plains.

Visitors who love swimming can use the onsite swimming pool as well as the services of sauna and steam bath are also waiting for you.

Gardens restaurant, Fort Portal en route to Kibale forest national park.

Gardens restaurant is located in Callaway gardens’ historic original clubhouse. The property overlooks the beautiful serene mountain creek lake and the picturesque 10^th hole of the lake view Golf course. To make it amazing dressing is casual and the best service can be offered to visitors if reservations are made.

This is the one of the best places in fort portal for visitors to have an en route stopover for meals during a road trip from Murchison falls national park to Kibale forest national park, Rwenzori mountains, Semuliki national park or Queen Elizabeth national park

This is a fine dining venue with elegant atmosphere and creative dishes which cover regionally grown foods. Meals here are carefully crafted with change in seasons to grab the advantage of peak flavors and features unique appetizers, healthy salads, vegetables and sea foods are also available.

Contact us to know more about the best meal stopovers on a Road Trip in Uganda.

Road trips in Uganda are usually full of fun and excitement. With its wildlife diversity, misty mountains, hospitable smiley people and the unique amazing cultures, the country simply offers experiences like no other destination in Africa. Just a matter of fact, life doesn’t always guarantee joy, sometimes it is risked. And if you get a flat tire in the jungle, it  shouldn’t be something to hinder the thrills that would have filled your heart already on a road trip in Uganda.

A flat tire is an uncertain situation that happens to most of us at the very best moments. It can happen in two scenarios, whether you wake up to only a shock of a flat tire on your vehicle parked outside your camping tent. Or even while driving in the jungle, whether on a game drive or transferring to another destination.

However, if this inconvenience happens to any traveler on a Uganda safari, here are the simple steps one ought to follow to peacefully escape the challenge.

Pull off the road. Driving through the different destinations in Uganda can mean to be full of fun but when the vehicle gets a flat tire doesn’t mean that is the end of the trip. When this incidence happens when in the jungle don’t panic just pull off the vehicle at the side in order to create space for other vehicles to pass.

Don’t force the brakes of the vehicle to gradually reduce the speed and eventually stop. When driving and suddenly notice the flap sound of an airless tire, it’s automatic that it’s a flat tire. But in such a case, don’t panic to force the brakes to stop randomly, leave the vehicle to gradually reduce the speed and stop.

In an occurrence of a flat tire while in the jungle, having stopped and pulled off the road, if with an armed park ranger, let him first move out of the vehicle to inspect whether the place is safe and free from dangerous predators before you all move out of the car.

If it was a self-driven game drive, it is then advisable to first call to the park headquarters to request for an armed ranger before moving out the car. This is to prevent any risky attacks from wild animals. Make sure you keep in the vehicle with windows and doors closed well until the ranger comes.

Place safety cones behind and in front of the vehicle as an implication to other drivers in the park that the vehicle is not in good conditions. This is only done after the ranger has confirmed the safety of the area where the car got stuck.

After placing the safety cones, now secure the car. Get some loads like big stones or rocks and place them behind the tires so that the vehicle doesn’t move during the process of changing the tire.

Change the tire. Having secured the vehicle, start to raise the car using the jack but make sure that there is no body in the car during the process of raising it. It is always advisable not to place the jack on soft grounds such as dirt, soil or grass. After raising the vehicle, remove the flat tire then place the new one on the wheel hub then screw in all of the bolts until hand tight.

If it was a self-driven trip, and not comfortable with changing the car tire by yourself, then call for roadside assistance and patiently wait for the mechanic / engineer in the car with doors and windows well closed.

When all the tire changing is done, pack your safety cones, clean up the place and then drive safely to the predetermined destination.

For safety measures, on any road trip in Uganda, whether self-driven or chauffeur driven, always ensure that you travel with a spare tire and a tool box that would be of help in case of an emergency like a flat tire. Also endeavor to carry with you emergency numbers that you can contact in case of a problem.