Explore southwestern Uganda - 12 day roadtrip
Southwestern Uganda is known for its rolling hills, lush landscape, chimpanzees and the rare mountain gorillas. Discover the highlights of southwestern Uganda on this express safari, a great 12-day self-drive adventure.
- Trek the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Spot chimpanzees in Kibale tropical rainforest.
- Enjoy plenty of wildlife spotting on your self-drive safaris in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Scroll down below to see the day-to-day itinerary with route descriptions and travel tips Uganda. The trip includes car rental, accommodation (available in four price categories), gorilla and chimp permits.
Day-to-day itinerary | The Primate Express
Impressions from the Primate Express, a great 12-day Uganda itinerary.
Express Safari in Uganda | This is what you need to know
Travel time and road conditions
We recommend 12 days / 10 car rental days for this southwestern Uganda itinerary, spending two nights at one location. On a travel day, you will drive on average 4-5 hours with a maximum of 7+ hours. Keep in mind that with photo and picnic stops, this can still make a full travel day. Time is not on your side? Shorten your Uganda road trip with a day at Bwindi.
Road conditions are good: asphalt with the occasional pothole and speed bumps. The most adventurous part is driving from Kisoro to Lake Mutanda (volcanic and dirt road), and from Hamurwa to Ishaha (off-road). More driving tips can be found in our driving in Uganda section.
Like to read more about our Primate Express? Roadtripper Patricija wrote a detailed travel guide about this 12-day Uganda itinerary.
Uganda's Primate Express is possible to travel year-round.
Let's go!Find your budget & travel style
Our Primate Express trip can be booked in four price categories:
Budget: Some mid-range lodges offer 'Lazy Camping' (glamping), where you sleep in an already set-up tent. There's a sanitary block that you share with other campers. Adding 'Lazy Camping' nights in your Uganda tour works favourably for your budget, while you can still enjoy the lodge facilities.
Mid-range: This is your best option for comfortable, self-contained ('en suite') accommodations set in stunning locations which do not cost a fortune.
Semi-luxury: If you opt for luxury, we select barefoot luxury resorts which are intimate, have lots of privacy and high-quality service. Not every stop in Uganda allows for a stay in this segment, therefore we rather call it a semi-luxury trip.
Combo - Campsites & Lodges: Experience the best of both worlds: travel with camp gear and alternate camping in the bush with stays in lovely lodges.
BookIncluded in your Uganda roadtrip
Included
- Gorilla trekking permit $ 800
- Chimp trekking permit $ 250
- Bed & Breakfast
- Car rental with unlimited mileage. Fuel own expense
- Car delivery to airport or hotel
- Car insurance
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Uganda driving manual, Bradt Travel Guide, roadmap
- Travel Notes with driving directions and stops along the way
Optional
- Driver - Guide
- Electrical fridge
Create & Book your express safari in Uganda
Book Uganda's Primate Express with stays in budget, mid-range or luxury lodges - or adjust it to your liking.
Let's go!The Primate Express | Indicative prices
Low season | March - April + Nov - 21 Dec
RAV4 |
Landcruiser |
Hilux |
|
Budget |
€ 2,180 |
€ 2,380 |
€ 2,480 |
Mid-range |
€ 2,420 |
€ 2,620 |
€ 2,720 |
Semi-luxury |
€ 3,230 |
€ 3,430 |
€ 3,530 |
Combo |
€ 2,190 |
€ 2,420 |
€ 2,520 |
Peak season | July - Sept + 22 Dec - Feb
RAV4 |
Landcruiser |
Hilux |
|
Budget |
€ 2,380 |
€ 2,680 |
€ 2,780 |
Mid-range |
€ 2,620 |
€ 2,920 |
€ 3,020 |
Semi-luxury |
€ 3,430 |
€ 3,730 |
€ 3,830 |
Combo |
€ 2,390 |
€ 2,720 |
€ 2,820 |
Rest of year
RAV4 |
Landcruiser |
Hilux |
|
Budget |
€ 2,280 |
€ 2,530 |
€ 2,630 |
Mid-range |
€ 2,520 |
€ 2,770 |
€ 2,870 |
Semi-luxury |
€ 3,330 |
€ 3,580 |
€ 3,680 |
Combo |
€ 2,290 |
€ 2,570 |
€ 2,670 |
The price is per person based on 2 people sharing a car and includes 11 hotel nights, 10-day car rental, airport pick up, gorilla (USD 800 pp) and chimp (USD 250 pp) permit.
Easy and secure online payment to our Roadtrip Africa Bookings office in the Netherlands.
Prefer a guided road trip? Travel with a driver-guide (€40/day). This is an option you can select in the online booking form.
Planning to visit Uganda during peak season? Book your tour several months in advance!