Embark on a thrilling 25-day self-drive safari from Nairobi to Entebbe, traversing Kenya and Uganda’s most iconic landscapes. Begin with a Nairobi city tour and boat rides on Lake Naivasha before venturing into the legendary Masai Mara. Cross into Uganda to hike Mount Elgon, spot wildlife in remote Kidepo, and chase waterfalls at Aruu. Cruise the Nile at Murchison, track chimps in Kibale, and encounter gorillas in Bwindi. Unwind at Lake Bunyonyi and explore Lake Mburo before ending in Entebbe. This unforgettable 25 days self drive Kenya and Uganda adventure combines wildlife, culture, and diverse scenery across East Africa.

Details of The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Exploring the Capital

Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will pick up your 4×4 vehicle and check into a hotel in Nairobi. The afternoon will be spent visiting key sites like the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, and the Karen Blixen Museum. This light yet engaging day will offer a warm cultural welcome to Kenya.

Day 2: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha (100 km / ~2 hrs)

In the morning, you will depart Nairobi and drive northwest through the Rift Valley escarpment toward Lake Naivasha. Arriving around mid-day, you’ll settle into a lakeside lodge before enjoying an afternoon boat ride on the lake, where you will spot hippos, fish eagles, cormorants, and possibly giraffes browsing along the shoreline of Crescent Island. The serenity of the lake and its surrounding acacia forest will contrast beautifully with the bustle of the capital.

Day 3: Hell’s Gate National Park Exploration

You will spend this day exploring Hell’s Gate National Park, just a short drive from Naivasha. This is one of the few parks where walking or cycling is allowed among zebra, gazelle, elands, and rock hyraxes. You will also hike through the Ol Njorowa Gorge, a dramatic volcanic ravine with hot springs and layered rock formations. Optional visits to geothermal spa pools will be available for relaxation.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (100 km / ~2 hrs)

After a relaxing breakfast, you’ll drive back to Nairobi for an overnight stop. This return will allow you to restock supplies, have your vehicle checked if needed, and enjoy a peaceful evening at a quiet guesthouse or lodge on the city outskirts.

Day 5: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve (270 km / ~6 hrs)

Your journey south will take you into the open plains of the Masai Mara. By afternoon, you’ll enter the park through Sekenani or Talek Gate, catching glimpses of giraffes, zebras, and elephants as you drive to your lodge. The golden light of the Mara plains during sunset will mark a promising start to your big game adventure.

Day 6: Full Day Safari in Masai Mara

You’ll start with an early morning game drive to witness predators in action and herbivores grazing the vast grasslands. Throughout the day, you’ll cover the Mara Triangle and Mara River regions, keeping an eye out for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, and—during migration season—massive herds of wildebeest. You will also visit a Maasai village for cultural immersion.

Day 7: Masai Mara to Kisumu (350 km / ~7 hrs)

Departing the Mara, you’ll head west toward Kisumu, reaching the lakefront city by late afternoon. The relaxed atmosphere of Kisumu will offer a welcome contrast to the wilderness. You can enjoy a quiet lakeside dinner and rest at a local hotel or guesthouse.

Day 8: Kisumu to Mount Elgon National Park (220 km / ~5 hrs)

After crossing into Uganda through the Busia border, you will drive east to Mbale and onward to Mount Elgon National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll rest at a lodge near the mountain and prepare for a full-day hike the next day.

Day 9: Day Hike on Mount Elgon

You’ll embark on a guided hike on Mount Elgon’s lower slopes, visiting the picturesque Sipi Falls and walking along ridges with breathtaking views of the Karamoja plains. This area is known for its diverse flora and bird species, including sunbirds and turacos.

Day 10: Mount Elgon to Kidepo Valley National Park (400 km / ~9 hrs)

A long but rewarding drive will take you north to Kidepo, one of Africa’s most isolated and pristine parks. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and relax at your lodge in the Narus Valley, where you’ll start to see herds of buffalo and antelope from your verandah.

Day 11: Full Day in Kidepo – Wildlife and Cultural Safari

Today, you will explore the open savannahs of Kidepo, where lions, ostriches, jackals, and elephants roam beneath the shadow of the Morungole Mountains. The dry Kidepo River Valley and its acacia woodland will offer excellent birding opportunities as well. You may also visit a Karamojong homestead to learn about their traditions and lifestyle.

Day 12: Kidepo to Aruu Falls (170 km / ~4 hrs)

Leaving the park, you’ll head toward Aruu Falls. These stunning multi-tiered waterfalls are perfect for a refreshing swim and scenic photos. You’ll enjoy a short hike and spend the evening at an eco-lodge or community-run accommodation.

Day 13: Aruu Falls to Murchison Falls National Park (210 km / ~5 hrs)

The journey continues west to Murchison Falls National Park. By afternoon, you’ll cross the Nile at Paraa and check into your lodge. A sunset drive through the northern sector may reveal giraffes, elephants, and hartebeests.

Day 14: Safari and Nile Boat Cruise

You will start the morning with a game drive across the Buligi Circuit, looking out for lions, hyenas, and elephants. In the afternoon, a boat cruise on the Nile will bring you close to basking crocodiles, pods of hippos, and plenty of birdlife. You’ll finish the excursion with a hike to the top of the thunderous Murchison Falls.

Day 15: Murchison to Kibale Forest National Park (320 km / ~6.5 hrs)

Departing Murchison, you’ll drive southwest through Hoima and Fort Portal, into the cool and forested foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. You’ll overnight near Kibale Forest, ready for your primate tracking adventure.

Day 16: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

With a park ranger, you’ll head into Kibale’s rainforest to find one of the park’s habituated chimpanzee troops. Their loud vocalizations, playful behavior, and surprising intelligence will be highlights. Afterward, a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary will introduce you to monkeys, butterflies, and bird species in a community-managed conservation area.

Day 17: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park (120 km / ~3 hrs)

Your route will take you south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. After checking in, you’ll take an evening drive on the Kasenyi Plains where lions and elephants are often seen among the acacia trees and crater lakes.

Day 18: Wildlife Viewing and Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

You’ll start early with a game drive, tracking lions, hyenas, and buffaloes. In the afternoon, you will embark on a two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You’ll float past huge groups of hippos, crocodiles, and over 60 species of waterbirds—perfect for wildlife photography.

Day 19: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi via Ishasha (160 km / ~4.5 hrs)

Driving south through the Ishasha sector, you’ll have the rare opportunity to spot tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. You will reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by late afternoon, settle into your lodge, and prepare for one of the safari’s most anticipated encounters.

Day 20: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

You’ll begin the trek early, joining a team of rangers to locate a habituated gorilla family. After several hours of hiking through thick forest, you’ll have the life-changing experience of spending an hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Their size, gentleness, and social behavior are awe-inspiring.

Day 21: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi (60 km / ~2 hrs)

After the intensity of the trek, you’ll drive to Lake Bunyonyi for rest and rejuvenation. The lake’s islands, terraced hills, and cool weather offer the perfect atmosphere for canoeing, birdwatching, or relaxing by the water.

Day 22: Full Day at Lake Bunyonyi

You’ll spend the day exploring islands like Punishment Island, ziplining over the lake, or hiking to hilltop viewpoints. Optional community visits or market walks will connect you with local Bakiga culture.

Day 23: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park (190 km / ~4.5 hrs)

Heading east, you’ll arrive at Lake Mburo in time for a walking safari or mountain biking experience. The park offers a rare chance to encounter zebras, elands, impalas, and warthogs on foot in open savannahs.

Day 24: Morning Safari and Drive to Entebbe (250 km / ~5 hrs)

A morning game drive or horseback safari will offer final wildlife sightings before you begin your journey toward Entebbe. You’ll stop at the Equator for photos and shopping before reaching your hotel for the night.

Day 25: Departure from Entebbe International Airport

If time allows, you’ll visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or craft markets before returning your vehicle and catching your outbound flight, ending a rich and varied East African safari journey.

Important information for travelers taking up the 25-day Kenya Uganda Self-Drive Safari itinerary

Are you ready to embark on the ultimate 25-day self-drive safari across Kenya and Uganda—from the golden plains of the Masai Mara to the misty highlands of Bwindi and the remote savannahs of Kidepo? At Car Rental in Uganda, we’re here to support every step of your journey, from renting the right vehicle to securing your trekking permits well in advance.

Reliable 4×4 Car Rental for Your Kenya–Uganda Safari Adventure

We specialize in cross-border 4×4 vehicle rentals for travelers seeking total freedom and flexibility while exploring East Africa. For this particular itinerary, which begins in Nairobi (Kenya) and ends in Entebbe (Uganda), we offer one-way rental options and logistical support, ensuring you never have to backtrack unnecessarily.

For your journey, we highly recommend one of the following vehicle options:

Land Cruiser Prado car rental or GX (with popup roof) – Perfect for wildlife viewing in national parks.

Land Cruiser with Rooftop Tent (for campers) – Ideal for those wanting to combine road travel with budget-friendly overnight stays.

4×4 car rental with a Driver/Guide Option – For travelers who prefer local insight and navigation support.

All our vehicles come with:

• Comprehensive insurance
• Unlimited mileage (within Uganda and Kenya)
• Emergency recovery tools and spare tires
• Local SIM card with data for navigation support
• Optional camping gear or driver-guide services

We also offer free trip planning assistance, helping you align your route with fuel stations, recommended lodges, and less crowded park entry points.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permit Booking – Done for You

If your itinerary includes chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and gorilla trekking in Bwindi, booking your permits early is non-negotiable. These permits are limited and sell out months in advance, especially in peak season (June to September).

As your safari facilitator, we can reserve these permits on your behalf:

1. Gorilla Trekking Permits (Bwindi)

• Cost: USD 800 per person (Foreign Non-Resident)
• Trek Duration: 3–7 hours (including 1 hour with the gorillas)
• Location Options: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, or Ruhija sectors

2. Chimpanzee Tracking Permits (Kibale Forest)

• Cost: USD 250 per person
• Trek Duration: 2–5 hours (with 1 hour observing chimps)
• Add-On: Optional full-day habituation experience at USD 300

We will secure your permits based on your travel dates and reserve slots in the sector nearest to your selected lodge or route. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and we handle all the paperwork, payment, and collection, ensuring your experience is seamless.

Cross-Border Rental Made Easy

Crossing from Kenya to Uganda with a self-drive vehicle involves some paperwork, but we handle it all:

1. COMESA Insurance Coverage for both countries
2. Temporary Import Permit (TIP) processed ahead of your travel
3. Border clearance support at Busia or Malaba border

We’ll provide clear instructions and phone support in case you encounter delays at the border.

Why Choose Us?

We’re not just a vehicle provider—we’re your safari logistics partner. With over a decade of experience facilitating cross-border self-drives, our services go beyond the keys:

• A dedicated trip planner to help refine your route
• Local support teams in both Uganda and Kenya
• Emergency assistance within park zones and remote areas
• Lodge recommendations and booking coordination
• An optional satellite GPS tracker for family or company monitoring

How to Reserve

1. Contact us with your travel dates and intended route.
2. We’ll confirm vehicle availability and provide a quote (inclusive of cross-border insurance and permit fees if applicable).
3. Upon your approval, we will send an invoice and block your vehicle and permits.
4. Once your deposit is received, we issue your booking confirmations, driving tips, and suggested packing list.

Travel Smart – Book Early

Whether you’re planning for June to August or December holidays, we recommend booking your car rental and permits at least 3 months in advance. Gorilla permits, in particular, are extremely limited.

Your once-in-a-lifetime road trip across Uganda and Kenya deserves dependable logistics. With Car Rental in Uganda, you will have the support, security, and convenience needed for a truly independent safari experience, backed by professionals who know every corner of East Africa.