Experiences · Uganda
Self-Drive Safari in Uganda
Mwanzo Tours offers self-drive safaris in Uganda, with permits, a written quote in US dollars and driving guidance from official sources.
Mwanzo Tours offers self-drive safaris in Uganda. Gorilla trekking permits cost $800 and chimpanzee permits $300 for 2027, prices are in US dollars, and we take a 30% deposit with the balance due 60 days before departure. Travel insurance is not included; guests arrange their own.
How self-drive works with Mwanzo
Send us your dates, group size and the parks you want to see. We reply within one business day with questions and a written quote in US dollars that sets out what is included and what is not for your trip, including permits, lodges and the vehicle arrangement. Permits are bought in your name once payment is received, and are held only once paid. Message us on WhatsApp at +256 789 487 378, email info@mwanzotoursuganda.com, or use the Plan your journey form. We reply within one business day.
Routes and distances
Uganda's main safari circuit links Entebbe with Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Murchison Falls. Distances differ for every route, so we measure your route on the road network before we quote. Our standing rule is fuel is $150 per 200 km of measured road.
As one labelled example only: a route we measured from Entebbe to Lake Mburo, Lake Bunyonyi, Buhoma, back through Lake Mburo and on to Entebbe came to 1,117.6 km. That figure belongs to that route only. We do not apply it to any other trip, and every other route is measured separately.
Driving in Uganda: what official sources say
- Licence. The UK FCDO says a UK driving licence is valid in Uganda for up to 3 months, after which you need a Ugandan licence or a 1949 international driving permit. The US State Department says a valid US licence is recognised for up to 3 months. Check the rule for your own licence.
- Night driving. Both governments advise avoiding travel outside towns after dark. At night, other road users may have no lights and livestock roam on the roads.
- Accident rate. The UK FCDO says driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. The US State Department reports 5,144 road deaths in 2024.
- Road conditions. The US State Department says rural roads are poor and often need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Speed. Speeding is illegal and police enforce speed limits. The UWA tariff sets a 40 km/h limit in the parks, says not to drive off the tracks, and says park gates open from 7 am to 7 pm.
- Vehicle crime. Keep doors locked and windows up in towns and do not leave valuables in a parked vehicle.
For gorilla and chimpanzee days you walk with UWA rangers, so permits and trekking are booked in advance. See gorilla permit availability and permit costs for 2027. For safety information read Is Uganda safe?.
Support and requirements
Ask us about the driver requirements, vehicle and support for your trip when you enquire, and we will confirm them in writing before you pay. If you would rather have a Mwanzo driver and guide, our safari packages include one, for example the 7-day gorillas, chimpanzee and wildlife tour. Not sure when to go? See the best time for a Uganda safari.
Booking and payment
A 30% deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due 60 days before departure. Within 60 days of departure: deposit and balance are non-refundable (100%). See the payment page and booking terms, and check our licence and reviews. Travelling from abroad? Our guides for the USA, UK, Germany and Netherlands cover flights and visas.
Sources
Read on 18 October 2026: UK FCDO, safety and security (road travel), US State Department Uganda page and the UWA conservation tariff.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mwanzo Tours offer self-drive safaris in Uganda?
Yes. Send us your dates and route ideas and we reply with a written quote in US dollars that sets out what is included for your self-drive trip.
What are the 2027 permit prices for a self-drive trip?
Gorilla trekking permits are $800 and chimpanzee permits are $300 per person for 2027. Gorilla habituation is $1,800 (Rushaga only, maximum 4 per family per day, minimum age 15).
How is fuel worked out?
Our standing rule is that fuel is $150 per 200 km of measured road. We measure your route before we quote.
Can I drive at night in Uganda?
The UK and US governments both advise avoiding travel outside towns after dark because of unlit vehicles, livestock and a high accident rate.
Can I use my home driving licence?
The UK FCDO says a UK licence is valid for up to 3 months, and the US State Department says a US licence is recognised for up to 3 months. After that you need a Ugandan licence or an international driving permit. Check the rule for your licence, and ask us what we require for your trip.
What deposit and balance do you take?
A 30% deposit, with the balance due 60 days before departure. Within 60 days of departure: deposit and balance are non-refundable (100%).
Is travel insurance included?
Travel insurance is not included; guests arrange their own.