Self drive in Uganda is becoming a popular option for travelers seeking to explore the country’s hidden gems while enjoying their privacy.
Uganda is the beautiful country one must visit in their life time. From the beautiful people, the bustling streets, remote areas and the beautiful landscapes. Touring Uganda is very possible by either self drive or car hire with a driver.
Hiring a car for self-drive will extend your enjoyment compared to when you hire with a driver. Here’s a clear look at how much a 4×4 self drive safari in Uganda typically costs — from vehicle hire to daily trip expenses — so you can plan your budget realistically.
4×4 Vehicle Rental (Self Drive in Uganda)
The biggest decision you will take when doing self-drive is the type of vehicle you will hire. It is highly advisable and recommended that you hire a 4×4 vehicle, preferably full-time. This is very important when it comes to navigating rugged terrain in existence in remote areas, such as in National Parks.
The prices of the 4×4 vehicles vary from the type such as compact SUV such as Toyota RAV4 may cost cheaply at $40-$80 per day depending on the and full size SUV Toyota Land Cruiser TX and Land Cruiser Prado are quite expensive as they cost between $80-$100 per day.
High-end or larger vehicles or rugged vehicles such as Land Cruiser Extended and Land Cruiser Hardtop cost between $120- $150 per day.
Camping equipped vehicles such as rooftop tent, camping gear and others go for $80-$120 per day
Luxurious vehicles or very rugged models can cost multiple times more than normal fees such as $200 per day, especially when camping gear is included.
It is incumbent of one to know that these rates are specifically for self-drive and that car hire with a driver adds more money, roughly $20-$100 as an extra per day depending on the requested services and the type of vehicle is intending to hire.
Fuel
Renting a vehicle usually has no fuel charges added to it, in fact it is not included in the rental price. Therefore, a visitor is expected to spend $30-$80 per day on fuel depending on the fuel consumption, fuel economy of the vehicle and the distance one is intending to drive. Uganda’s national parks are far apart and roads can be rough, so budget accordingly.
National Park & Vehicle Entry Fees
As in other countries and places, national parks are gazette to preserve animals for tourism and education purposes and therefore, one must pay park entry fees so as to access them.
Park entrance fee: $40 per adult per day
Vehicle fee (Uganda Wildlife Authority):-$10 per day
Fees are a mandate at each park you visit such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Kibale National Parks.
Accommodation
Depending on your taste and preference during your self-drive safari in Uganda, and actually your pocket size, there will be variables in where you would sleep every night in as you enjoy the wilderness or your off-road safari. The categories include:
Type cost (per person or night)
Budget lodges $30- $70
Mid-range lodges $80- $150
Luxury lodges $250 and above
Camping (self-catered) $10- $80
Food and other supplies
Daily food (self-catered or basic meals): $10–$30 per person
Groceries or self-catering supplies depend on your style of travel.
Estimated budget totals per day
Here is a summary of what you might spend per day for a 4×4 self-drive safari for 2 people
Type of trip Estimated total
Budget self-drive $180- $250 per day
Mid-range self-drive $260- $350 per day
These include vehicle rental, fuel, park entry, basic accommodation/camping, and meals.
Therefore, depending on your budget, a self-drive safari is always possible in Uganda depending on your pocket size to fund your type of vehicle and the add-ons you would like, accommodation and food.
