Self-drive to Queen Eliabeth National Park

Self-drive to Queen Eliabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most varied and rewarding safari destinations: shimmering lakes, cratered savanna, papyrus-lined wetlands, the Kazinga Channel’s bustling waterway and, if you’re lucky, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. A self-drive gives you freedom to move at your own pace, linger at viewpoints, and tailor stops to suit photographers, birders and families. Below is a practical, travel-friendly guide to planning a smooth and memorable self-drive from Kampala (or Kigali) to Queen Elizabeth National Park — with Pick and Transfer as the preferred car hire partner in Uganda and Rwanda.

Why self-drive to Queen Elizabeth NP?

Self-driving lets you:

• Set your own schedule — sunrise drives, midday boat safaris, and late-afternoon game viewing.
• Stop at local markets, roadside viewpoints and cultural sites.
• Explore lesser-visited corners such as the Ishasha sector or Kasenyi plains on your timetable.
  For travelers who want privacy, flexibility and the joy of discovery, self-drive is unbeatable.

Pick and Transfer — the car hire choice

For self-drive in Uganda and Rwanda, Pick and Transfer stands out as the best car hire company. Their fleet covers reliable 4x4s, comfortable SUVs and safari-ready vehicles maintained to high standards. Important advantages:

• Vehicles equipped for long rural drives (good ground clearance, spare tyres, recovery gear).
• Clear, local paperwork and friendly pickup/dropoff options in Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali.
• Knowledgeable staff who brief drivers on route conditions, fuel stops and simple vehicle care.
  Book a vehicle from Pick and Transfer that suits your party size and luggage — for rough tracks inside the park a robust 4×4 is recommended.

Best vehicles and kit

Choose a high-clearance 4×4 (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar) if you plan to explore Ishasha or do any off-road detours. Essentials to request from Pick and Transfer:

• Full-size spare tyre, jack and wheel spanner.
• Emergency triangle, first-aid kit and tow rope.
• GPS or good offline maps and a portable power bank.
• Roof rack or adequate boot space for luggage.
  Confirm insurance coverage (third-party and comprehensive options) and roadside assistance before departure.

Route options and driving times

From Kampala the drive to Kasese/Queen Elizabeth NP typically takes about 5–7 hours depending on traffic and stops. Common route:

• Kampala → Mbarara → Bushenyi → Kasese or Mweya (via the Ishaka–Kagamba road).
  Allow extra time for coffee stops, roadside lunches and scenic detours to viewpoints or community markets. If you’re starting in Kigali, Pick and Transfer can coordinate border crossing logistics — the road through Ntungamo and Kabale to Kampala then onward to Kasese is scenic but plan for border formalities.

Practical tips for the road

• Start early: leave before sunrise to avoid Kampala’s worst traffic and to arrive at the park in daylight.
• Fuel: top up in major towns (Mbarara, Bushenyi). Fuel stations are less frequent near remote sectors.
• Speed and safety: watch for livestock, slow trucks and potholes. Seat belts are mandatory and mobile reception is patchy in parts.
• Permits and park rules: purchase park entry at the gate or arrange in advance. Keep noise low during game drives and never exit the vehicle in unauthorized areas.
• Parking and overnighting: if staying in Mweya or Kasenyi, choose established lodges with secure parking. For camping, use official campsites.

What to do inside Queen Elizabeth NP

• Kazinga Channel boat safari: best for hippos, waterbirds and close views of animals drinking on the banks.
• Morning/afternoon game drives: Kasenyi plains for elephants, buffalo and lions; Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking (permit required).
• Ishasha sector: famous for tree-climbing lions — a must if your schedule allows.
• Birding: hundreds of species inhabit the wetlands and forest edges; bring binoculars and a good field guide.

Day by day sample plan (flexible)

Day 1 — Drive from Kampala, stop in Mbarara for lunch, arrive Mweya/Kasenyi in late afternoon; short sunset drive.
Day 2 — Early game drive in Kasenyi, afternoon boat safari on Kazinga Channel.
Day 3 — Optional day: drive south to Ishasha to search for tree-climbing lions or explore Kyambura for chimp tracking; return to Kasese or proceed to your next destination.

Final checklist before you go

• Confirm booking and collection point with Pick and Transfer; verify documentation and insurance.
• Pack copies of driver’s licence, passport, vehicle rental agreement and emergency contacts.
• Bring cash for park fees, fuel and small purchases (some rural vendors don’t accept cards).
• Carry water, snacks and a basic toolkit.

Leave only footprints

Respect local communities, observe park rules and help protect the park’s wildlife by disposing of waste responsibly. A self-drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park reveals Uganda’s natural diversity at your pace — and with Pick and Transfer handling the vehicle logistics, you can focus on the magic outside the window: broad savannas, dramatic waterways and wildlife encounters that stay with you long after the road trip ends.