This 14-day Uganda-Kenya self-drive safari begins in Nairobi with a city tour before heading to the iconic Masai Mara for thrilling wildlife encounters, including the Big Five. Crossing into Uganda, you’ll hike Mount Elgon’s scenic trails, explore the remote Kidepo Valley’s diverse wildlife, and relax at Aruu Falls. The adventure continues with game drives and a Nile boat safari at Murchison Falls, followed by rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary. You’ll experience Uganda’s vibrant Kampala city and unwind by Lake Victoria before departing from Entebbe Airport. This self drive Uganda and Kenya journey blends exhilarating safaris, cultural insights, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable East African experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

You will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where your 4×4 rental car will be waiting for pickup. Once you clear customs and immigration, you will drive into Nairobi city for a relaxing start to your safari. Depending on your arrival time, you will explore key highlights such as the Giraffe Centre, where you’ll get a chance to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes, and the nearby David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home to orphaned elephants. If time permits, the Karen Blixen Museum will give you a taste of colonial history. The day will end with a peaceful dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay in a hotel within Nairobi. Driving distance from the airport to the city will be about 20 kilometers, taking roughly 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, you will hit the road toward the Masai Mara National Reserve, covering approximately 270 kilometers over 5–6 hours. The route will take you through the scenic Great Rift Valley escarpments and Maasai settlements. Upon arrival, you’ll check into a lodge inside or near the reserve. You will embark on your first game drive in the late afternoon when predators begin to stir and herbivores come out to graze. Expect to encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs roaming the plains. You’ll return to the lodge at sunset, just in time for dinner and stargazing under the open skies.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara

You will spend the entire day exploring the vast savannahs of Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife conservation areas. With a packed lunch, you’ll drive deeper into the park for full immersion. This day will be ideal for catching the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—especially around the Mara and Talek rivers. During the Great Migration season (July–October), you may witness dramatic river crossings by wildebeests and zebras, pursued by crocodiles and lions. You will also enjoy sightings of ostriches, hippos, jackals, and hyenas. By evening, you’ll return to your lodge for another restful night.

Day 4: Cross the Kenya-Uganda Border – Drive to Mt. Elgon

Your adventure will now shift westward toward Uganda. After breakfast, you’ll drive approximately 350 kilometers from Masai Mara to Mount Elgon National Park, crossing into Uganda via the Suam border post. The drive will take around 7–8 hours, depending on border clearance. You’ll pass through farmlands, small towns, and scenic landscapes as you approach Mbale, the nearest large town to Mt. Elgon. Upon arrival, you’ll check into a lodge near the park and rest up for your next day’s hike.

Day 5: Mount Elgon Day Hike

You will begin the day early with a hearty breakfast before heading into Mount Elgon National Park. Accompanied by a local guide and ranger, you’ll hike the Sipi Trail or Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre route for a 5–6 hour adventure. This mid-altitude mountain hike will reveal dramatic cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and panoramic views of eastern Uganda. While hiking, you’ll encounter colobus monkeys, duikers, hornbills, and colorful butterflies. After the hike, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxing evening and storytelling by the fireplace.

Day 6: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park

On this day, you will embark on one of Uganda’s most dramatic road journeys toward Kidepo Valley National Park, about 380 kilometers north. The drive will take approximately 8–9 hours through rugged but captivating terrain, including remote Karamoja villages and the rolling hills of northeastern Uganda. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your accommodation within the park. The evening will be spent enjoying the raw beauty of Kidepo, often referred to as Africa’s hidden Eden.

Day 7: Game Drives in Kidepo Valley

You will dedicate the day to wildlife exploration in Kidepo Valley, a park known for its dramatic savannah landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Morning and afternoon game drives will take you across the Narus and Kidepo valleys, home to large herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hartebeests. You’ll also likely spot predators such as lions resting on rocky outcrops and cheetahs sprinting across the plains. Unique to Kidepo are ostriches, bat-eared foxes, and Aardwolves, rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda. Between game drives, you can visit a nearby Karamojong village for cultural interaction.

Day 8: From Kidepo to Aruu Falls

Today, you will drive southward for about 250 kilometers (6–7 hours) to reach the Aruu Falls near Pader. This scenic waterfall offers a refreshing break from game viewing and a chance to interact with local communities. You’ll arrive in the afternoon and spend time exploring the tiered waterfalls, where you can swim in the natural rock pools or enjoy a short nature walk around the area. It’s a great opportunity to unwind before heading into another major park the following day.

Day 9: Aruu Falls to Murchison Falls National Park

After a relaxed morning, you will drive about 200 kilometers (4–5 hours) toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, you’ll check into a lodge inside or near the park. In the late afternoon, you’ll take a short drive to the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile dramatically squeezes through a 7-meter gap, creating a thunderous spectacle. The views and photo opportunities here will be unmatched.

Day 10: Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari in Murchison Falls

You’ll rise early for a morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, exploring open savannah and riverine woodlands. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, buffaloes, and several species of antelope like oribi and kob. After lunch, you’ll take a 3-hour boat safari along the Victoria Nile, cruising past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants as you approach the base of the falls. Birdwatchers will spot fish eagles, kingfishers, and the rare shoebill. You’ll return to your lodge in the evening, fully immersed in the wild.

Day 11: Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This day will be dedicated to rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located approximately 130 kilometers (3 hours) from Murchison Falls. After checking into a nearby guesthouse or lodge, you’ll take part in a guided walking safari to observe white rhinos up close. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild. The experience will be safe yet exhilarating, giving you rare photographic moments with these massive creatures. You’ll spend the night nearby, surrounded by acacia woodland.

Day 12: Drive to Kampala and Explore the City

You will leave the bush behind and drive about 170 kilometers (4 hours) to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital. The afternoon will be spent exploring key attractions like the Uganda Museum, the royal Kasubi Tombs, and the lively Owino Market. You can visit Gaddafi Mosque for panoramic city views or unwind at Lake Victoria’s shores in Ggaba. Overnight accommodation will be at a centrally located hotel in the city.

Day 13: Kampala to Entebbe – Relaxation at the Source of the Nile

After breakfast, you will head to Jinja (optional detour, about 80 km, 2 hours), home to the Source of the Nile. Here, you can enjoy light activities such as boat rides on the river, a visit to the Speke Monument, and a leisurely lunch by the water. Alternatively, you can proceed directly to Entebbe (42 kilometers from Kampala, 1.5 hours) and relax by the shores of Lake Victoria. This day will be about reflecting on your journey and soaking in the peaceful ambiance of Uganda’s lakeside towns.

Day 14: Departure from Entebbe International Airport

You will drive to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, concluding your 14-day Uganda-Kenya self-drive safari. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop briefly at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. You’ll return your vehicle and board your flight with unforgettable memories of East Africa’s wild treasures and cultural richness.

Self-Drive Safari Packing List and Border Crossing Tips for Kenya–Uganda Adventures

At Car Rental in Uganda, we are thrilled to support you in planning an unforgettable self-drive safari through Kenya and Uganda. Whether you’re tracking gorillas in Bwindi or watching lions in Masai Mara, careful preparation is key. Here’s a suggested packing list and essential border-crossing advice to ensure your adventure is smooth, safe, and fully enjoyable.

Suggested Packing List for Self-Drive Safaris

Your packing should combine practicality, safety, and comfort. Below is a guide tailored to East African terrain and climate conditions:

Travel Documents & Essentials

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months before expiry)
• East Africa Tourist Visa (or separate Kenyan and Ugandan visas)
• Original driver’s license and international driving permit
• Vehicle registration and insurance papers (provided by us)
• Printed copies of your itinerary and accommodation bookings

Clothing

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for game drives
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for sun and insect protection)
• A warm fleece or jacket (especially for chilly mornings or mountain parks like Bwindi and Elgon)
• Quick-dry clothes and a swimsuit
• Rain jacket or poncho (for Uganda’s wet seasons)
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable walking or hiking boots

Safari & Camp Gear

• Binoculars (essential for wildlife spotting)
• Headlamp or torch with spare batteries
• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
• Power bank and car charger (USB port is included in our rentals)
• Insect repellent (preferably DEET-based)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Basic first aid kit (we provide one in the car, but personal meds are recommended)
• Camping gear if you plan to camp (tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils — available on request)

Optional but Useful Items

• Wildlife field guidebook or bird guide
• Backup cash in USD and local currencies (Kenyan Shillings and Ugandan Shillings)
• Travel insurance (medical and evacuation)
• Offline map apps like Maps.me or Google Maps offline
• Notebook or travel journal

Tips for Border Crossing Between Kenya and Uganda

Crossing from Kenya into Uganda is straightforward with proper documentation and vehicle support. Car Rental in Uganda ensures all necessary car documents are provided and pre-approved. Here’s what you should know:

Border Posts to Use

• Busia or Malaba are the most commonly used posts. Both are well-staffed, open 24/7, and have customs and immigration offices on both sides.

Required Documents

• Valid passport and visa (we recommend the East Africa Tourist Visa for ease of travel across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
• International driving permit
• Original vehicle logbook copy or authorization letter from Car Rental in Uganda
• COMESA yellow card (regional third-party insurance, provided by us)

Vehicle Clearance

• Our team pre-registers the vehicle for cross-border travel.
• At the border, you’ll present the car’s registration and insurance papers.
• Temporary import permits (TIP) are issued by customs — we guide you in obtaining these.
• No carnet de passage is required between Kenya and Uganda.

General Advice

• Arrive during daylight hours if possible to allow time for formalities.
• Be patient and courteous with border officials.
• Avoid touts and use official counters only.
• Do not carry plastic bags into Kenya — they are banned.