Tag: Safari

A Complete Guide to Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

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Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of Uganda’s star tourist attractions. Situated a couple of hours’ drive north of the capital city Kampala, it provides a unique and memorable wildlife experience to all visitors.   

I’ve been meaning to go to Ziwa for as long as I can remember, but because I live in the south-west of the country, it has always seemed a little bit out of the way. But when my parents came for a visit last month, we took a road trip and finally made it to Ziwa, and we weren’t disappointed.   

So, in this article, I’ve put together a guide to visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda to help you decide whether you should include it on your upcoming Uganda itinerary!   

Is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary worth visiting?

Yes!! Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary surpassed my expectations in practically every way imaginable (other than the accommodation – more on this shortly).   

It’s the only place in Uganda (other than the Zoo) where you can view southern white rhinos in something like their natural habitat since the species was hunted to extinction in the 1980s.   

Ziwa was established in 1983 with the aim of initially protecting rhinos from extinction. In recent years and as the park has flourished, the park now has lofty ambitions of reintroducing some of the southern whites into some of Uganda’s national parks – perhaps Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls.  

Ziwa is also relatively inexpensive for the wildlife opportunity that it provides, and it really is a memorable way of seeing these magnificent animals up close.  

What can you see at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

As the name of the park suggests, the star attraction at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the ever-growing (you guessed it) rhino population. There is only one species of rhino at Ziwa – the southern white – and at the start of 2023, there were 32 rhinos living in the park.   

Such is the danger that humans pose to rhinos that each group that lives within the park is assigned armed rangers who follow them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In other words, rangers have eyes on each of the rhinos all day long, protecting them from poachers.   

Southern white rhinos are relatively indifferent towards humans and aren’t considered dangerous. Therefore, you can trek to within 10-20 meters of them without any issue, providing you with great photography opportunities.   

Don’t confuse southern white rhinos with their notoriously grouchy cousins – black rhinos! Black rhinos are extremely aggressive, and you would be in trouble if you got too close to them in the wild!   

In addition to rhinos, you will spot various other interesting species within the park, including warthogs, water bucks, and several other antelope species.   

Ziwa is also home to a swamp with the prehistoric shoebill, and you can arrange an early-morning birding trip to see this magnificent bird in its natural habitat.   

I asked our guide if there were any predators in Ziwa, and he told me that there were a handful of leopards in the park. Not sure what to make of that, as I’ve still never seen a leopard on safari in Uganda, but I don’t see why he would lie about it!   

My favourite thing about Ziwa is the fact that you track the rhinos on foot – you don’t have to sit in your safari vehicle all day. After parking up at the visitor’s centre, you arrange a guided tour with an armed ranger and head out into the bush to find the closest group of rhinos!   

It’s a truly wonderful way to experience the African bush, and you’re guaranteed to see rhinos on your walk, which isn’t the case with all wildlife experiences in East Africa.  

How much does it cost to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

Another great thing about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is that it’s relatively inexpensive. At the time of writing, it’s only $30 to enter the park and a further $20 to track the rhinos. If you’re an East African resident, you receive a discount on these fees.   

When you consider the fact that gorilla tracking in Uganda is $750, seeing the rhinos at Ziwa is extremely good value, and it’s a great way to contribute to their conservation without breaking the bank.   

You can check the latest rates at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary here.  

What about food and accommodation at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary?

If you want to stay at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, there is some basic accommodation on site close to the visitor’s centre.   

At present, it costs $80 per room per night, and in my opinion, it’s a little outdated and basic and isn’t necessarily great value for money.   

But in fairness, it’s not hugely expensive given the cost of staying in and around other national parks in Uganda. Again, to use Bwindi (home of the gorillas) as an example, it’s not uncommon to pay $1,000 per night at some places, unless you use my guide to cheap accommodation options in and around Bwindi to help you!   

Although I found the accommodation at Ziwa a tad disappointing, the restaurant more than makes up for it. The on-site bar and restaurant serves lovely meals at a good price (typically $10 or less), as well as cold beers, wines, spirits, and various soft drinks.   

The morning breakfast is also generous and tasty, and the coffee was a huge bonus after getting up early to spot more rhinos before heading on the road.   

If you don’t want to eat in the park, you can head to the brilliant Kabalega Diner on Kampala-Gulu Road, which is just a few kilometres past the park entrance as you drive from Kampala. It has to be one of the best roadside restaurants in Uganda.   

Helpful information about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to help prepare your trip

Now that I’ve covered the basics, I want to run through some helpful information about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary that will help you plan your trip:   

  • The best time to track the rhinos is between 8.00 am and 10.00 am or between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm. This is due to the heat of the day, and rhinos are often inactive from 10-4. It would also be extremely hot for you to head out into the bush at this time!   
  • You should plan for between one and two hours for your visit to Ziwa. The park isn’t particularly big (7,000 hectares), and if the rhinos are far away from the visitor’s centre, you can drive to a different location in the park before beginning your trek from there.  
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is not a zoo or a form of captivity. It is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in something similar to their wild habitat, and is a unique and rewarding wildlife experience.   
  • In addition to a rhino trek, Ziwa is one of the best places in Uganda to see the prehistoric shoebill, one of the birds that tourists are most eager to spot. The shoebill tour takes place early in the morning, so you’re better off staying over if you want to arrange it.   
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located just off the Kampala-Gulu Road, approximately 165 km from Kampala. Depending on traffic, you can make the drive in 2-3 hours from the capital city.   
  • Many tourists use Ziwa as a stopover on their way from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, and it’s a great way to include both parks on your itinerary if you’re a little short of time.   

The verdict: Is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary worth it?

In my humble opinion, Ziwa is one of the best wildlife parks in the whole of Uganda. Given the reprehensible treatment we (humankind) have dished out to rhinos over the years, Ziwa is a refreshing attempt by UWA to reintroduce southern whites to some of Uganda’s national parks.   

For day visitors, it’s relatively inexpensive and easily accessible from Kampala in the south and Murchison Falls in the North.   

So, if you’re keen to see rhinos on your upcoming safari in Uganda, you will need to pencil a trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary onto your itinerary, as it’s the only place in the country where these wonderful creatures live in the relative wild.   

A Complete Guide to Planning a Self-Drive Safari in Uganda (Step-by-Step)

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Welcome to this complete guide to planning a self-drive safari in Uganda. I’ve been on more self-drive safaris than I can remember in each of Uganda’s stunning national parks, and I want to provide you with detailed information about how to plan your upcoming adventure. 

You can work through this guide step-by-step as you plan your safari independently, ensuring that you cover all bases when planning your dream trip to the African savannah. 

So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about planning a self-drive safari in Uganda.

Step 1: Start with a budget

Okay, so the first and arguably most important step when planning a safari in Uganda is to begin with a budget. But how much do Ugandan safaris cost? 

Well, the cost of any safari differs significantly as there are so many variables to consider. But realistically, you can spend anywhere between $300 and $5,000 (excluding flights) on a Ugandan safari, which is why you need to decide on the budget that you have available to you. 

The costs that you need to plan for include the following: 

  • Park entrance fees: The cost of park entrance fees in Uganda for foreign visitors is currently $40 per day (for most parks). You need to pay the fees per 24 hours that you’re in the park, so it’s handy to work out the most efficient way to plan your safari so you can be inside the park for as little time as possible, so you can save on fees! Be sure to check the current park entrance fees as listed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to consider how much it will cost you to enter the respective parks. 
  • Vehicle hire/fuel: It costs between $50 and $150 per day to hire a 4WD for a self-drive safari. On top of this, you will need to plan for the cost of fuel, which in Uganda is currently between $1 – $2 per liter. As is the case with fuel costs all around the world, this is much higher than it has been in the past! AJ Tours and Travel offer affordable vehicle hire for self-drive safaris in Uganda and are a great option if you’re planning to arrange a safari yourself in Uganda or anywhere in East Africa. 
  • Food & accommodation: It won’t surprise you to learn that food and accommodation in and around Ugandan national parks are fairly expensive. For exclusive safari lodges and campsites in the wilderness, you are looking at costs exceeding $250 per person per night. It’s not cheap to head on a luxury safari! However, if you’re happy for something a little more basic but would still like the experience of being in the wild, there are budget safari camps in each of Uganda’s parks, all of which come in at less than $50 per night. So, it is possible to arrange your food & accommodation on a budget, and you can use the likes of booking.com to help you find the best rates. 
  • Other activities: When planning a self-drive safari in Uganda, there are several other activities you need to consider, in addition to game drives. For instance, taking a boat trip in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls is a great way to improve your wildlife sightings and adds to the experience. Boat trips in each park start at around $30-$50 per person – you can find the information in the UWA brochure already introduced. 

To give you a rough idea and based on my experiences of self-drive safaris in Uganda, here’s a handy guide to budget/mid-range/luxury self-drive safari costs in Uganda: 

Budget (without fuel)

  • 2 days park entrance fees – $80
  • Small vehicle hire (Rav4 or similar) for 2 days – $120 
  • Camping or hostel-like accommodation in a national park (2 nights) – $100 
  • No additional activities – game drives only – $0

Total without fuel = $300 

I would say that $300 without fuel is about the cheapest you could arrange a self-drive safari in Uganda, but I’m happy to be proven wrong! 

Mid-range (without fuel)

  • 3 days park entrance fees – $120 
  • Mid-size vehicle hire for 3 days (Land Cruiser or similar) – $300 
  • 3-star lodgings inside the national park (3 nights) – $300 
  • Boat trip for enhanced wildlife sightings – $50 

Total without fuel = $770 

Luxury (without fuel)

  • 3 days park entrance fees – $120 
  • Custom safari vehicle hire for 3 days – $450 
  • 5-star lodgings inside the national park (3 nights) – $1,500 
  • Boat trip and other activities (leopard tracking, horseback safaris, etc.) – $200 

Total without fuel = $2,270

Please recognize that the above prices are rough estimates only and are based on my own experiences of planning self-drive safaris in Uganda. I have also touched base with my friends at AJ Tours to make sure that the prices above are representative of what you can expect to pay in the current market. 

Although you might find in your experience these prices to be lower or more expensive than I’ve included here, you can use them as a very rough guide to get started. Another thing to mention here is that safaris become cheaper when there are more people in your group. 

Naturally, you can share the cost of vehicle hire and accommodation rates, as well as fuel, so it becomes more affordable when there are more people in your group. Just be mindful to check whether you’re being charged per person or per room when booking accommodation in Ugandan national parks, as this is something that I’ve been caught out with in the past! 

Even if you plan to drive yourself, Andrew and the team at AJ Tours would be only too happy to help you put together a budget for your upcoming safari in Uganda – and you can get in touch with them to get a much better idea of the costs associated with your trip. 

Step 2: Think about what you would like to see

A lioness in Murchison Falls NP. Photo Credit: Gabriel Schumacher.

Okay, so with a rough budget in mind and an understanding of how much a safari is likely to cost, you can start thinking about what you would like to see. There are four main safari destinations in Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. 

They are all in completely different parts of the country and offer unique viewing experiences and landscapes, meaning that you need to think carefully about what you would like to see on safari. Of course, when you go on safari, you’re not guaranteed to see anything. Wild animals are exactly that – wild! Some days they might be near the game drive tracks, while other days, they might be hiding. 

However, it’s helpful to think about what you would like to see before planning your trip, and you can use my handy overviews below to consider which Ugandan safari destination is best for you: 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The numbers: 95 mammals, 10 primates, 610 birds (of which 54 are raptors). 

Best for: Widely regarded as the #1 safari destination in Uganda and home to the magnificent tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. 

What you might see: Tree climbing lions, elephants, hyenas, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and much, much more! 

What you won’t see: Cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes are notably absent from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Verdict: Given the presence of the tree-climbing lions and the sizeable elephant population (approximately 3,000 in number), Queen is the obvious choice for so many people planning a self-drive safari in Uganda.

If you’re keen to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, read my recent article that explains everything you need to know to plan a self-drive safari in this stunning national park.

Murchison Falls National Park

The numbers: 144 mammals, 556 birds, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians.

Best for: The boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is spectacular and arguably the best thing about the park. There is also the world’s largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes here, which are a draw for many tourists. There are also thought to be 20 prides of lions here, too.

What you might see: Lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, and more. The historic shoebill also calls Murchison Falls home! 

What you won’t see: Cheetahs, rhinos, and zebras. Leopards do live in Murchison but they’re rarely spotted. 

Verdict: There are many similarities between Murchison and Queen Elizabeth and both offer excellent game viewing. The eponymous falls are truly special and make for a wonderful boat cruise, which in my opinion, marginally trumps the boat cruise in Queen’s Kazinga Channel. 

Kidepo Valley National Park

The numbers: 77 mammals, 470 birds (60 of which are found only in Kidepo), 1,000 elephants, 10,000 buffalos.

Best for: For those that make it to the extreme north of Uganda, Kidepo Valley NP provides incredible wildlife viewing, with a dense lion population and cheetahs and leopards regularly sighted. Although off the beaten track, it’s worth making an effort to reach Kidepo Valley for so many reasons.

What you might see: Lions abound in Kidepo, as do side-striped jackals. Cheetah and leopard sightings are more common than in other national parks in Uganda, and Burchell’s zebra is commonly seen on the plains. There is also a small population of Nubian giraffes in Kidepo. 

What you won’t see: Hippos are perhaps the most notable absentee. 

Verdict: Although it can take two days of driving (or a seriously expensive domestic flight) to reach Kidepo Valley National Park, it is undoubtedly the most predator-rich national park in Uganda, offering exceptional game viewing opportunities. 

Lake Mburo National Park

The numbers: Several mammal species and primates, 315 birds, 15-30 Rothschild’s giraffes, and 0 lions. 

Best for: Lake Mburo is the only place in Uganda you will see the impala. Zebras are abundant here, and the sizeable population of Rothschild’s giraffes is increasing. Lake Mburo is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with regular sightings of the elusive African finfoot and other native species noted. 

What you might see: Zebras, giraffes, hippos, Nile Crocodiles, topi, duiker, and impala, among others! 

What you won’t see: There are no lions in Lake Mburo, and although leopards are occasionally sighted, they’re extremely rare. 

Verdict: Given its relatively close proximity to Kampala, Lake Mburo is a super popular national park with city-dwellers and given its small size, it’s really easy to navigate. It’s one of my favourite places in Uganda. 

For more information about planning a self-drive safari in Lake Mburo, read my recent article, where I explain why Lake Mburo is worth visiting. 

Other notable parks in Uganda include Pian Upe and Semiliki, as well as the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. I haven’t included them here as they’re not as abundant in terms of wildlife, but they’re all worth considering for their own reasons, but for the most diverse wildlife viewing, stick to one of the four parks introduced in detail above to begin with!

Step 3: Pick a destination

A giraffe enjoying a meal in Murchison Falls NP. Photo Credit: Matthew Essman.

Using the above information as your guide, you’re now ready to pick a destination for your self-drive safari in Uganda. But in addition to considering what you can see in each national park, you should also think about their location in relation to your other plans: 

  • Queen Elizabeth is in the southwest of Uganda 8-10 hours away from Kampala by road. You can begin your self-drive safari in the southern section of the park, entering from Kihihi, or in the northern section entering from Kasese. An advantage of Queen is that it’s around one hour’s drive from Bwindi National Park – Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking venue, meaning you can plan for both activities while in this part of the country.
  • The southern gateway to Murchison Falls is Masindi, which is 3-4 hours north of Kampala. As such, Murchison is a great option for those looking for a relatively short journey from Uganda’s capital, but it sprawls much further north than the southern entrance would have you initially believe.
  • Kidepo Valley National Park is in the extreme north of Uganda, close to the border of South Sudan. Most tourists arrive at Kidepo via the northern town of Gulu, itself a good 8-10 hours drive from Kampala. If you’re planning a self-drive safari in Kidepo National Park, give yourself two full days to get there via road.
  • Lake Mburo is located a 3.5 hour drive west of Kampala along the Kampala-Mbarara road. It’s easily drivable in a morning, meaning you can explore Lake Mburo in the afternoon, before returning to Kampala the following day if you wish. This is why Lake Mburo is a popular weekend trip for city dwellers.

When planning a self-drive safari in Uganda, it makes sense to group destinations together so you can get the most out of your trip. It’s widely accepted that Uganda’s southwest is the country’s star attraction, with Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi NP not far away from one another. But for those of you looking for unrivaled game and predator viewing – making it to Uganda’s north is also well worth it.

Step 4: Think about hiring a ranger

I absolutely love going on self-drive safaris in Uganda, as heading into a national park with a map is extremely liberating. However, sometimes, it pays to hire a park ranger before heading into the park itself, which is something that you can do at the entrance of each national park in the country.

The main benefit of hiring a ranger is that they can direct you to where the animals currently are, which is particularly helpful if you’re looking for something specific, like the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. 

Hiring a ranger is inexpensive and you don’t need to plan it in advance. Just be sure to give them a generous tip as you drop them back off at the park gate if they’ve helped you spot an elusive leopard! 

Step 5: decide on duration and accommodation

An elephant in Murchison Falls NP. Photo credit: Sam Balye.

You’re almost ready to make your reservations, but you need to first think about how long you want to go on safari for. Most people plan trips for anywhere between 2-5 days, and your choice really depends on how long you’re spending in Uganda and what else you want to see while you’re in the country. 

In my experience, a 2-night, 3-day safari is more than enough time to see everything on offer in the different parks in Uganda. But of course, every day you spend in a national park is different, so feel free to stay for as long as you like if you want to maximize your wildlife sightings! 

Most lodges and hotels within Uganda’s national parks offer full board options, which is advisable given that there’s nowhere really to buy food and drink (other than local shops) for the duration of your safari.

As I’ve already mentioned, there are lots of accommodation options to suit different budgets, so head over to booking.com or another booking site to find the best deals for your upcoming safari trip in Uganda.

Step 6: Make your reservations!

With all things considered, the only thing left to do is to make your reservations! You only really need to book a car and accommodation, as you can deal with your park fees on the day of your safari. 

If you’re booking your safari independently, it always makes sense to contact lodges directly to ask for their best price, as it’s often lower than advertised on third-party sites. 

Otherwise, I hope you’ve found this article helpful and you now have all the information that you need to plan a self-drive safari in Uganda. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you!

Need help with planning a self-drive safari in Uganda?

If you’re not comfortable with planning your self-drive safari in Uganda yourself, please feel free to get in touch with Andrew and the team at AJ Tours and Travel. They are friendly, affordable, and accommodating, and will help you plan every step of your self-drive safari if you don’t want to go it alone.

What to Wear on an African Safari (Tips!)

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If you’re wondering what to wear on an African safari, you’ve come to the right place!

Something that amazes me about living in Uganda is that tourists often feel the need to buy specific clothes to go on safari. As a result, so many visitors that arrive in East Africa for a safari are dressed in the same gear – khaki shirts and pants and some expensive hiking boots. 

I’d go as far as to say that it’s like a safari uniform, and for some reason, people assume that there is a dress code to adhere to before heading out into a national park for a safari! But let me share a secret with you – the animals don’t mind what you’re wearing! 

Okay, jokes aside, there are reasons why people turn to khakis for their safari outfit – they’re comfortable and loose-fitting, making them ideal for long and hot journeys across the savannah. But before you hop online and order the latest safari gear for your upcoming trip to East Africa, consider the following tips to save yourself some money! 

What should you wear for safari in Africa?

The best outfit for an African safari consists of loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. For some people, this might be khaki slacks and a button-down shirt, while for others, it might be a loose-fitting tee and some cargo pants or shorts.  

The key thing to remember about going on safari is that you spend the vast majority of your time inside a vehicle! As such, you don’t need to fork out for expensive gear that helps you look the part, and you certainly don’t need to buy a pair of hiking boots that cost several hundred dollars. 

Having been on more safaris in East Africa than I can remember, I typically dress in a tee shirt and shorts, and if I’m driving, I wear a pair of trainers (sneakers). If I’m not driving, I usually wear flip-flops (sandals) as I don’t want my feet to get too hot while sitting in the car for several hours. 

It’s also really helpful to have a hat of some description, as well as a pair of sunglasses to help you when it comes to sighting animals in the sun. 

Essentially, you don’t need to give your safari outfit a great deal of thought! Wear something that you know will be comfortable so you don’t grow tired of sitting in the vehicle for several hours while looking for animals. 

You should also prepare for the fact that the air conditioning might not be working in your vehicle, so the last thing you need is several layers! If you’re wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants, make sure they’re lightweight and breathable, as it gets super hot out on the savannah when you’re in a car. 

What other items do you need to take on safari in East Africa?

Photo credit: Robin Stuart

So, please don’t spend too much time worrying about what to wear on your upcoming African safari, and don’t feel the need to splash out on the latest outdoor gear from Patagonia or the North Face! Instead, wear something that is comfortable and loose-fitting so you don’t overheat during your trip. 

Now, there are also several items that can prove to be useful to you while on safari, so consider adding the following to your day pack: 

  • Sunscreen: Something that I always forget to do before going on safari is to apply sunscreen. At the end of the day, my forearms are bright red and painful, given that I’ve been sitting in the direct sun all day! So, make sure you apply sunscreen and take some in your day pack with you for those in your party that forgets to apply it in the morning! 
  • Insect repellent: The African savannah is teeming with life, and insects abound. While you won’t necessarily have to deal with mosquitos during the day, the likes of Tsetse flies, horse flies, and other potentially dangerous insects might make their way into your safari vehicle. So, spray your bear arms and legs with insect repellent before taking your seat so you don’t get any unwelcome bites of nips throughout the day! 
  • Rain jacket: Although you will be in the car for the vast majority of your safari, there will be points in the day when you need to step outside (when nature calls, when you’re heading for lunch/supper, etc.). Depending on the time of year that you go on safari, you could get caught in an almighty downpour, so it’s helpful to equip yourself with a rain jacket, so you don’t get ringing wet when you leave the safety and comfort of your vehicle, albeit temporarily! 

While the above items aren’t necessarily essential, I always make sure I take them in my day pack, and given that they don’t take up a great deal of space, they’re helpful to have with you for the duration of your safari. 

What’s the best footwear for safari?

I’ve already mentioned that you don’t need to splash the cash on the latest outdoor gear before heading on safari, so I won’t repeat that here. But another thing to mention is that you should be sensible when choosing your safari footwear. 

Now, I’ve already mentioned that I wear flip-flops (sandals) when someone else is driving on safari. Why? Because I find them comfortable, and I don’t want my feet to overheat in the car, something that I hate during long trips on the road in Africa! 

However, when I’m driving, I always wear trainers (sneakers), as driving in flip-flops isn’t ideal. What’s more, I might need to get out of the car and replace a flat tire, which would be extremely difficult in a pair of flip-flops, particularly during the wet season! 

Lots of people who go on safari in Africa wear hiking boots. While you don’t need to wear them in East Africa, hiking boots are sturdy and helpful when you’re walking on difficult terrain. Of course, they’re a must-have if you’re planning to go gorilla trekking or something similar! 

But due to the fact that they take up a fair amount of space in your luggage, I wouldn’t pack a pair of hiking shoes solely to wear on a safari. As I’ve mentioned, you spend nearly all of your time inside the vehicle, so you don’t need to worry too much about your footwear. 

Without wanting to sound like a broken record, just wear something that is comfortable on your feet, as is the case with the clothes that you should choose when heading on your first African safari.

Recap: What to wear on an African safari

As I’ve explained throughout, you don’t need to wear anything special on an African safari, and you certainly don’t need to spend money on the latest outdoor gear from big and expensive brands (unless you want to, of course). 

Rather, you can use this simple checklist to help you plan what to wear on an African safari so you’re comfortable throughout the duration of your trip: 

  • Light, loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for traveling. 
  • Comfortable footwear (flip flops, sneakers, and hiking boots can all work, depending on your preferences!). 
  • A hat and sunglasses to improve your animal viewing experience. 
  • Sunscreen – this is particularly important if you’re not wearing a long-sleeved top.
  • Insect repellent to keep those pesky flies at bay. 
  • A rain jacket in case there’s a sudden downpour when you’re heading for lunch or supper! 

So, as you can see, you don’t need to wear anything specific when heading for an African safari, and I would encourage you to choose your wardrobe based on comfort as opposed to anything else! 

If you’re planning to go birdwatching in Africa, you do need to think carefully about the clothes that you wear, as birds are scared of certain colors. Discover the ideal outfit for birding in East Africa here.

Is Lake Mburo Worth Visiting? (Yes – Here’s Why!)

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When you think about a safari in Uganda, most people turn their attention to Kidepo NP or Murchison Falls in the north or Queen Elizabeth NP in the southwest. 

But in this article, I want to introduce you to another excellent safari location in the Pearl of Africa as I answer the question – is Lake Mburo worth visiting? 

I’ve been on three self-driven safaris around Lake Mburo, and I absolutely love the place! While it doesn’t offer the same level of wildlife sightings as some of the bigger parks, it’s a gem of a location for those in the know.

So, read on to find out what you need to know about Lake Mburo NP, as well as six reasons why I absolutely think that Lake Mburo is worth visiting during your upcoming vacation in Uganda.

Where is Lake Mburo?

Lake Mburo is located in western Uganda, close to the city of Mbarara. It takes around four hours to drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo, making it a much closer safari destination than the likes of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kidepo, both of which are considerably further away in the southwest and northeast of the country, respectively. 

One of the best things about Lake Mburo is the fact that it’s just off the main road from Kampala-Mbarara, making it super accessible and really easy to get to from Uganda’s hectic capital. As such, it’s a popular tourist destination with Ugandans and foreign visitors alike. But is Lake Mburo worth visiting? What can you see there?

What can you do at Lake Mburo?

A pair of fish eagles in Lake Mburo National Park. In my humble opinion, they’re the most beautiful birds in Africa.

Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s safari destinations, and it’s a gazetted national park, meaning that the main activity is spotting wildlife! You can arrange a self-drive around Lake Mburo or plan your trip to the national park via a tour agency. You can also do walking, cycling, or even horseback safaris (yes, really!) in Lake Mburo National Park, another reason why this gem is becoming more and more popular.

Of course, as the name of the park suggests, there’s also the eponymous lake to check out, and boat cruises around Lake Mburo are leisurely and an absolute must for birders. There are so many birds in and around the lake that it’s actually difficult to keep track – the shoebill is here (though I still haven’t seen one!), while the majestic fish eagle is a star attraction on the lake shores. 

In spite of its incredible beauty and the huge range of wildlife and birds you can spot within the confines of Lake Mburo National Park, it is often known for what it is lacking – a significant number of predators, as we explain below.

Are there lions in Lake Mburo National Park?

The short answer is no – there are not thought to be lions in Lake Mburo National Park, at least not to the same extent that they exist in other parks in Uganda. That being said, the park itself reports that half a dozen lion sightings have been recorded in recent years, suggesting that the lion population could be on the rise.

I’ve been to Lake Mburo for a self-drive safari on three separate occasions, and I’ve never seen a lion. I haven’t seen a leopard either, although there is known to be a small leopard population in Lake Mburo, with sightings much more common than those of their feline counterparts. If you’re looking for lions, Queen Elizabeth Park is a much better option than Lake Mburo, with the famed tree-climbing lions of Ishasha within the park. 

When you visit Lake Mburo, you will also notice the absence of elephants. The park is simply too small to cater to their nomadic lifestyle, and you will need to travel to Queen Elizabeth to see them.

Six reasons why Lake Mburo is worth visiting

So, in spite of the absence of the predators that are such a huge draw for the other national parks in East Africa, there are lots of reasons to visit Lake Mburo, as I explain below.

Giraffes and zebras!

Lake Mburo’s giraffes might just be the park’s star attraction.

I don’t know about you, but I just love giraffes and zebras. They’re animals that I grew up with a fascination with, and as I’ve grown older, my opinion of them hasn’t changed. 

Because giraffes and zebras aren’t native to all the national parks in Uganda (they’re notably absent from Queen Elizabeth, for instance), the fact that they’re abundant in Lake Mburo is a huge reason to visit this oft-overlooked national park. 

While the giraffes are wary of vehicles and tend to keep their distance from the tracks (at least in my experience), the zebras are quite literally everywhere in Lake Mburo, and you can watch them grazing without a care in the world.

This presents lots of close-up photo opportunities, perfect for updating your social media accounts with dreamy zebra snaps from your time in Lake Mburo!

It’s relatively small and easy to navigate

Lake Mburo is the smallest national park in Uganda, covering an area of just 260 square km. There are also only two entrances to the park, meaning that it’s actually really easy to navigate around. 

You can easily follow the trails without a map, and you can cover the park in half a day, which is perfect if you’re short of time and don’t have long left in Uganda before returning home. 

If you’re planning to stay at Lake Mburo, all of the accommodation is perched around the outside of the park (with one or two exceptions), and it’s super easy to head from your lodgings to the park entrance for your safari.

Ultimately, its small size and easy-to-navigate tracks are appealing to people who don’t want to spend days traversing the bigger parks in East Africa, which is another reason why Lake Mburo is a great option for tourists visiting Uganda.

It’s reasonably close to Entebbe/Kampala

Lake Mburo is a four-hour drive from Uganda’s capital, Kampala. To get to Queen Elizabeth, it takes around eight hours in the car, and you have to pass the entrance of Lake Mburo to get there via the KLA-MRA road. 

Conversely, if you want to get to Kidepo National Park (arguably Uganda’s best wildlife destination), it typically takes two days to drive there, given the poor quality of the road north of Arua. 

So, there’s no question that the fact that Lake Mburo is reasonably close to Kampala and Entebbe makes it an attractive proposition for many, particularly those short on time when visiting Uganda on vacation.

Walking/cycling/horseback safaris!

While most visitors to Lake Mburo opt for a traditional vehicle safari, it’s not the only option when visiting the park. The lack of predators and elephants makes it safe to go on walking, cycling, and horseback safaris around Lake Mburo, providing a much different wildlife experience! 

Many of the lodges in and around the park can organize these unique safari experiences for you, but you can also find out more information about horseback safaris by visiting Mihingo Lodge – an exclusive resort in Lake Mburo National Park.

As for walking and cycling safaris, most Lake Mburo lodges can organize them for you, so there’s no need to necessarily plan ahead. Given that you’re not permitted to leave the vehicle in most East African National Parks, the fact that you can wander Lake Mburo on foot, via horseback, or on a bicycle is particularly liberating.

The boat cruise

I photographed the rare African Finfoot at Lake Mburo NP – a birdwatcher’s dream!

Arguably the main attraction in Lake Mburo National Park is the boat cruise around the eponymous lake. You can reserve a seat on the boat from the UWA office in the park, with morning and afternoon trips available. Again, there’s no need to book ahead, and you can do it when you arrive at the park.

Every time I’ve been on the boat cruise, I’ve been captivated by the beauty of the lake and the wildlife that surrounds it. I’m really into birding, and I’ve seen so many species – I’m particularly proud of the fact that I spotted the rare African Finfoot – a species that birders travel to Lake Mburo specifically to see. 

In addition to the incredible array of birds around the lake, you can also spot hippos, buffalos, and Nile crocodiles during your boat cruise, with the latter often sunbathing on the banks in the heat of the African sun. Quite the sight to see!

Excellent accommodation options

Last but certainly not least, Lake Mburo is home to an excellent mix of great accommodation options to suit all budgets. I’ve stayed at Eagle’s Nest and Hyena Hill Lodge at Lake Mburo – both of which I would highly recommend. 

They offer great value for money, friendly staff, and comfortable lodgings, and they are located with stunning views across the park. For something a little more upmarket, I would recommend Rwakobo Rock after staying there with my parents last year. 

Given the costs associated with staying in lodgings in most East African national parks, I was impressed by the value of those in Lake Mburo, which is another reason to make sure you visit on your upcoming trip to Uganda.

Planning a trip to Lake Mburo?

Lake Mburo NP is stunning. I snapped this photograph at the awesome Hyena Hill Lodge on the outskirts of the park.

Lake Mburo is a hidden gem in western Uganda that is often overlooked by safari companies keen to take their clients to Queen Elizabeth, where the tree-climbing lions roam free! 

But for something slightly different, Lake Mburo provides a wonderful safari experience in sub-Saharan Africa. So, in answer to the question – is Lake Mburo worth visiting? – I would say that yes, it 100% is.

I have partnered with AJ Tours and Travel and can offer excellent rates if you want to plan a safari in Lake Mburo. Get in touch, and I would be delighted to pass on my discounted rate to you as you plan your trip to the Pearl of Uganda this year.

East Africa Birdwatching for Beginners Checklist

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Welcome to my birdwatching for beginners guide!

Birdwatching is one of the most accessible hobbies in the world, and the stark truth is this: you don’t need anything to go birdwatching. 

There, I’ve said it. 

You can simply walk outside and look above you before waiting to see what birds make their way into your immediate surroundings. This is the reason why I enjoy bird watching so much, as you can just pop outside for five minutes to see what’s around. 

Still, there are certain items that make birdwatching that little bit easier, particularly if you’re heading out into woodland for an actual bird-watching trip, or planning to go bird-watching on an upcoming safari in Africa.

But before diving in and buying all the latest and most expensive gear, the reality is you probably have most – if not all – of the items you could possibly need to go bird-watching already. 

Therefore, I’ve put together this super helpful checklist that includes everything I think you need to go bird-watching as a beginner. I’ve also included some tips on what you don’t need, regardless of what you might have heard from an experienced birder. 

Ready to dive into our list? Let’s go.

Birdwatching for beginners: What do you need?

Instead of telling you what you need to take birding, I’ve decided to list seven things that I think you might find helpful as a beginner bird watcher. You can agree or disagree with me; it’s entirely up to you!

Birdwatching for beginners: 7 helpful items

So, here’s my suggested checklist, followed by a closer look at why I think you can utilize these items during your upcoming birding trip to East Africa.

An open mind

Okay, so the first thing isn’t actually a “thing,” but it’s perhaps the most important point on this entire list. When you’ve decided to go bird-watching, you need to adopt an open mindset and manage your expectations. 

What I mean by this is that birds come and go as they please, and you’re not guaranteed to see one species over another. 

If you leave home expecting and hoping more than anything to see an elusive shoebill, for instance, on your first-ever trip, you might end up disappointed. 

While it’s nice to think of birds that you would like to see, you shouldn’t set any expectations of what you will see on your upcoming trip.

Instead, regard the trip as an opportunity to be present in the great outdoors, and see what you discover. 

This way, you won’t be bitterly disappointed if you don’t spot a rare bird that you had very little chance of seeing in the first place.

Time and patience

Birdwatching in Uganda - a long-crested eagle
There’s something about eagles! I snapped this moody looking long-crested eagle in my garden in Uganda recently. One of the many perks of living in this beautiful part of the world!

Adding to my previous point, you need to be patient when you’re out birding. Birds don’t adhere to the same strict patterns that we do, and you will find that different birds come and go throughout the day. 

While I’m not saying that you need to go and sit in the bush all day just to see something, you equally can’t expect to rock up and see all the native species in a specific area in a matter of minutes. 

So many of us (myself included!) are guilty of wanting things to happen right away. With birding, you need to be patient as you observe the natural world around you.

I actually think bird watching is an excellent mindfulness activity, and it encourages people to focus their attention on the present moment. 

As such, it can be a great way to de-stress and unwind, so long as you don’t get agitated about not seeing a specific bird species!

The right clothing

Okay, so now it’s time to look at the practical items on our checklist. When you go birding, you need to dress appropriately. Here are my suggestions: 

  • Long-sleeved shirts to keep the insects and sun at bay. 
  • Lightweight pants with pockets – cargo pants or something similar are ideal. 
  • Long socks and comfortable footwear. What you wear on your feet depends on where you’re going, but if you’re planning to follow trails, hiking boots are your best bet. 
  • A hat and sunglasses if you’re birdwatching in the summer. 
  • Choose dull colors that help you blend into your natural surroundings. Birds don’t like white and bright colors, so bear this in mind when picking your outfit.

In addition to these items, you should dress for the weather. Obviously, if you’re birding in East Africa during the rainy season, take some waterproof clothing with you. 

But as you can see from the list, you don’t need to wear anything fancy to go birding. Just wear some comfortable clothes that you already have in your closet and get out there!

Binoculars

Binoculars aren’t essential for bird watching, but they do help considerably. The best thing about birding binoculars is that they help you keep your distance from birds. 

Most birds are scared of humans, so if you get too close in an attempt to spot a certain species, you might scare them away before you’ve been able to take a good look.

However, investing in a pair of binoculars is a decent way to improve your overall bird-watching experience. 

There’s absolutely no reason to splash the cash on a pair of binoculars if you don’t want to. In fact, you can grab a great pair of binoculars for birding on Amazon for less than £30, which will serve you well as you head out into the woods.

Top tip: When you’re looking for birding binoculars, pay attention to the power magnification and lens width. For instance, a pair might be expressed as 12×42, which means it has 12x power magnification and 42mm lenses. This would be ideal for getting you started.

A camera

As is the case with binoculars, you don’t need a camera to go bird watching. If you want to get out into nature and see what’s around you, there’s absolutely no need to take pictures at the same time, if you don’t want to. 

Personally, I love taking pictures of birds, so I take my camera with me when I go birding, but that’s just my preference. I have a Sony bridge camera with 30x optical zoom. 

Is it the best camera in the world? No. 

Does it enable me to take awesome pictures of birds that I can share with my family and friends? Yes.

As I’ve got more into bird watching, I have considered investing in a new camera, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. 

My advice here is that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on an impeccable wildlife camera if you don’t want to. 

A digital camera with zoom capabilities is more than sufficient for anyone with interest in watching and taking pictures of birds. If you have one already, great. But if not, you can hop onto Amazon and pick up a great camera for a few hundred dollars.

One thing I would say is that you probably need a camera instead of relying on your smartphone. The reality is that unless a bird is super close to you, a smartphone camera won’t be able to do the shot justice.

Notebook/Journal

I find it helpful to carry a small journal with me when I go bird watching. That way, I can make notes about the birds that I sight. 

For instance, I have a little journal that I keep on my desk that includes the birds that I see in and around my garden. In Uganda, so many birds I’m unfamiliar with come and go, so my notebook always comes in handy.

I’ve got to know all of the species pretty well that I share a home with, but I’m always thrilled when I see a new bird enter the fray! 

Having my journal on hand is my way of learning (and remembering!) the species native to my area as I check through my field guide to help me. What is a field guide, I hear you ask? More on that below.

Field guide

My birdwatching Bibles! I take these books everywhere with me when heading on safari or holiday in Uganda.

A field guide is basically a book that consists of pictures and descriptions of the bird species that are native to a certain area. 

As a beginner birder, a field guide will help you enormously, as it will provide you with tips on how to identify a species while serving as a pictorial reference guide when you’re completely unsure of what you’ve just seen! 

Of course, you can use the internet to help you in this day and age, but I love nothing more than flicking through a field guide to identify a species that I’ve just spotted. 

I use two field guides right now to help me. The first is a pocket guide containing the Birds of East Africa, and the second is a charming coffee-table book containing all the birds of Uganda specifically.

I use the two in tandem, but I like to carry the pocket guide around with me when I’m on the road. I’m headed to Kenya next month, and I will no doubt have my pocket field guide in my backpack.

Birdwatching for beginners: What you don’t need

As you can see from my checklist, the truth is that you don’t need a great deal of things to go bird-watching. Therefore, it’s a really easy hobby to get into. 

Before bringing this article to a close, I just want to touch on a few things that I don’t think you need to go birding. In other words, I don’t want them to serve as barriers to entry!

The best and most expensive gear

As is the case when you’re starting any hobby, a quick Google search will reveal a whole host of items that might at first seem essential to your life as a bird watcher. 

And before you know it, you’ve spent thousands of dollars on binoculars, a camera, and a range of other high-tech equipment that you don’t actually need. 

While everyone is entitled to spend whatever they like on gear, I just want to reemphasize the fact that you don’t need the best and most expensive equipment to enjoy bird watching. 

You can always upgrade your equipment as you get more into bird watching if you like, so don’t feel as if you need to spend the big bucks when you’re just getting started.

Special clothing

Living in Uganda, I marvel at the fact that so many tourists dress in the same way to come on safari! Be it a wildlife trip or a birding experience; people seem to wear super expensive clothes that they’ve obviously ordered specifically for their safari. 

But to go birding, you don’t need to wear anything special. You certainly don’t need to order expensive pants or shirts to try and look a certain way.

Just make sure your clothing doesn’t cause you to stand out when you go birding, as bright colors are likely to scare away the birds. 

My advice would be to wear clothes that you already have, instead of investing hundreds of bucks in the latest brands of clothing.

Knowledge of birds

Finally, I want to reassure you that you don’t need to know a single thing about birds before heading out on your first bird-watching trip. 

The best way to learn about something is to go ahead and find out for yourself. Even if you can’t identify one single species during your first outing, it doesn’t matter. 

I invite you to head out into the natural world and look around you. You can then use a field guide (or your smartphone) to try and discover what the bird is that you’ve just spotted. 

And that, in a nutshell, is my favorite thing about birding! You’ll be an expert in no time at all.

Recap: Birdwatching for beginners in East Africa

So, to recap, here are seven things that can help you when you’re just starting out as a bird watcher and are about to undertake a trip in East Africa: 

  • An open mindset 
  • Time and patience 
  • The right clothing 
  • Binoculars 
  • A camera 
  • Notebook/journal 
  • Field guide

If you have any other tips on items that will help beginner birders, please feel free to drop your suggestions in the comment section below! 

Otherwise, happy birding, and I hope you’ve found my birdwatching for beginners guide helpful!

If you’re planning to take your kids’ birdwatching in East Africa, this guide to birding with children will help you prepare for the adventure! You might also find this informative guide to what not to wear birding helpful, ahead of your first birdwatching trip in East Africa!

Queen Elizabeth Self-Drive Safari (Ten Tips!)

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Planning a Queen Elizabeth self-drive safari? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda and is one of the main tourist destinations in the country. 

As a result, lots of people plan a Queen Elizabeth National Park self-drive while on vacation in Uganda, as it’s a truly memorable experience amidst a stunning natural environment. 

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve embarked upon a self-drive safari in QENP, as I live just thirty minutes from the park entrance. 

My recent forays into the park have been to try and catch a glimpse of the elusive shoebill – Uganda’s legendary pre-historic bird – but I’m yet to be successful! There’s always another time.

But on my last trip to Queen Elizabeth, I had the idea to put together this blog post to provide information to people heading into the park for the first time without a guide. 

So, without further ado, here are ten Queen Elizabeth self drive safari tips that will help you plan your trip to one of Uganda’s premier tourist destinations.

Ten Essential Queen Elizabeth Self Drive Safari Tips!

Heading out into the wilderness on your own terms is the best thing about a self-drive safari. So, to prepare for your adventure, here are ten essential Queen Elizabeth self drive safari tips to bear in mind!

Tip #1: Hire a good vehicle (4WD is essential!)

Queen Elizabeth National Park actually has a main road running through it from Kasese to Kihihi. But that doesn’t mean that the roads are in good shape, and the vast majority of the ‘main’ road is murram, not tarmac. 

All of the tracks within QENP are essentially dirt tracks, and a 4WD is an absolute essential, particularly when you enter the park during the wet season. If you’ve never driven in sub-Saharan Africa before, you will quickly come to realize the value of a 4WD after a short time in the park!

There are several car hire companies operating in Uganda, but I highly recommend RoadTrip Africa. I’ve hired a vehicle from them on three separate occasions, and I’ve never once had a problem with the car or the level of service provided. 

If you’re planning a self-drive in QENP, you should opt for at least a Toyota Rav4, but you can also opt for a slightly bigger vehicle like a Land Cruiser if you wish. RoadTrip Africa offers 4WDs starting from around $50 per day, which is about the cheapest you can expect in Uganda for car hire.

Tip #2: Consider hiring a ranger

Now that you’ve got your hire car, it’s time to head to the park. When you arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will have to pay a park entrance fee (per 24 hours you plan to spend there) as well as a charge for the vehicle itself. 

The cost of park entrance changes from time to time, but you can find the current cost of entering the park here, thanks to the latest information from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

When you arrive at the park entrance, you will be offered the opportunity to hire a ranger. This is essentially an armed UWA official who will escort you through the park, helping you navigate the tracks and potentially improving your chances of spotting elusive animals like lions and leopards.

You don’t need to hire a ranger, and every time I have done a self-drive safari in QENP, I’ve gone it alone, without a park ranger in the vehicle. Still, it’s worth considering if you’re visiting the park for the first time, as it can enhance the experience. 

You can find the fees associated with hiring a ranger in the UWA information pack linked above.

Tip #3: Pack supplies and fill up with fuel

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a vast wilderness with very little in the way of supplies when you enter the park. The towns of Kasese and Kihihi at either end of the park are your best options for stocking up on supplies, depending on the route that you take into the park. 

My advice is to fill your car up with fuel before reaching the park (obviously!), and the same is true for food and drink. Unless you’re planning lunch at one of the lodges in the park, there are only a few local trading centers (there’s one by the Kazinga Channel, for instance) where you can stock up on supplies. 

So, to make sure you’re all set before reaching the park, load the trunk with water, snacks, and other essential supplies just in case you get stuck in the mud and are awaiting rescue! It can get pretty hot out on the savannah, so you need to have an adequate supply of water in the vehicle – just in case.

Tip #4: Don’t drive off the tracks

One of the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector of QENP. Photo credit: Maarten van den Heuvel

When you enter the park for the first time, you will likely be giddy with excitement (I always am!). You have this incredible wilderness in front of you that’s all yours to explore and the chance to see some stunning wildlife in the process. 

Queen Elizabeth NP is connected via a number of tracks that have been given different names for ease of navigation. You can actually buy a map from the park entrance (it’s around $10), and it’s a huge help when you get your safari underway, particularly if you don’t have a ranger in the vehicle with you. 

It’s really important for several reasons that you don’t drive off the tracks. First and foremost, you’re not allowed to do so, and you will be slapped with a hefty fine (I think off-roading in the park results in a fine of $150).

It’s also a bad idea because the terrain immediately next to the track is unpredictable and could cause your vehicle to get stuck. Also, by heading off track, you might disturb the wildlife living in the long grass, which is a big no-no.

So, even if you spot a leopard up a tree that is not served by a track, keep your distance and respect the tracks – it’s unfair to go off-road and can land you in trouble.

Tip #5: Drive slowly

If you think the potholes on normal Ugandan roads are bad, wait until you get into Queen Elizabeth National Park. The tracks are poorly maintained and aren’t in great shape, no matter the time of year you visit. 

So, it’s really important to take it easy and stick to the speed limit when you’re in the park. There’s no need to race around, as you could easily damage your vehicle by doing so. 

What’s more, if you’re driving too fast, you risk missing out on some awesome wildlife sightings, as going on safari is all about looking carefully through the tall grass to see if you can spot something!

Ultimately, you’re on vacation – so there’s no need to rush around the park!

Tip #6: Animals always have the right of way

This might seem like an obvious thing to say, but animals always have the right of way in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The same is true for animals in every other wildlife reserve in East Africa. 

The best way to look at it is that you’re a guest in the animal kingdom, and they have the right to do whatever is natural to them. If an elephant decides to stand in the middle of the road for 30 minutes, that’s his prerogative. You just have to sit and wait patiently for him to move! 

This point goes hand in hand with the last one and is another reason why it’s so important to drive slowly within the park.

Wild animals are completely unpredictable, and you need to be driving slowly enough to stop suddenly if something jumps into your path unexpectedly.

Again, there’s no rush when you’re driving around the park, so take your time and be sure to give animals the right of way throughout your safari.

Tip #7: Don’t get out of the car

There’s something truly liberating about a Queen Elizabeth National Park self-drive. After all, you’re in the wilderness on your own, and there’s a great chance of spotting a huge range of wildlife. 

But equally, some stretches of your safari can seem a little long and repetitive, given that the park is so big and there are only so many animals within its boundaries. But whatever you do, you should not be tempted to get out of the car. 

QENP is home to lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, crocodiles, snakes, and a whole host of other animals that can potentially cause you harm. Even if you think the coast is clear, it’s impossible to know what’s around you, and you put yourself in danger if you step out of the vehicle.

If you want to go on a walking safari, you should head instead to Lake Mburo– Queen Elizabeth National Park is not the place to go wandering through the bush!

Tip #8: Ask guides for animal sighting tips

Elephants are a common sight in QENP. But to see more elusive animals like leopards and hyenas, a guide is helpful. Photo credit: Social Income.

One of the only downsides of a Queen Elizabeth National Park self-drive is the fact that you don’t have a knowledgeable guide in the car with you. When you organize a safari through a tour company, the guide knows where animal sightings are most likely and is connected to other guides and park rangers who advise them where to go. 

However, just because you don’t have a guide in the car, it doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of their knowledge. When you see a tourist vehicle pulled over on one of the tracks, take the initiative to engage the driver in conversation.

They will be more than happy to share their recent animal sightings with you and will tell you where to head if you’re looking for something in particular – the tree-climbing lions are perhaps QENP’s biggest draw!

If you don’t engage the guides that are currently within the park, you might not be able to find the best locations for specific sightings, so it’s an important step to take if you’re on a self-drive safari in Uganda.

Tip #9: Plan your exit

The Ugandan day runs from 7 am to 7 pm, and this correlates with the opening and closing times of the national park. It gets dark in Uganda immediately after 7 pm, and you’re not allowed in the park after dark. 

I’ve been caught out by this on several safaris, and it’s not a pleasant experience! It’s extremely difficult to see where you’re going in the dark of night, and of course, it’s a lot more dangerous to be out alone at night. 

Therefore, to avoid getting stuck in the park after dark, make sure you plan your exit. What I mean by this is that you shouldn’t be heading to the middle of the park at 5 pm, leaving you several hours away from an entrance/exit when the hours of darkness arrive.

Of course, on a pre-arranged safari, your guide will deal with timings. But when you’re on a Queen Elizabeth National Park self-drive, you’re responsible for leaving the park at the right time. 

So, consult your map and make sure that you’re not too far away from an exit as 7 pm approaches.

Tip #10: Enjoy the experience!

My final Queen Elizabeth self drive safari tip is a simple one – enjoy the experience!

Sure, there’s a lot to think about in order to prepare for a Queen Elizabeth National Park self-drive, but the main thing is that you need to enjoy the experience! 

It will prove to be an extremely exciting adventure, and you will find that it will almost certainly be memorable for all the right reasons.

The bottom line: Planning your Queen Elizabeth Self Drive Safari

If you follow the tips listed in this guide, I’m sure you’ll have a successful trip to Uganda’s most impressive national park, and I hope you have a wonderful time. 

Should you have any questions about your upcoming self-drive safari, or if you want to share tips with other travelers, leave a comment below!

If your upcoming Queen Elizabeth self drive will be your first experience of driving in Uganda, check out my recent post containing tips for driving in Uganda as a tourist!

You might also find my step-by-step instructions to planning a self-drive safari useful, as you prepare for your trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park.