The Grand Circuit
Got time on your side? Then go on this epic roadtrip and you'll understand why Uganda is nicknamed 'Africa condensed'. Southwestern Uganda is known for its rolling hills, lakes, lush landscape and, of course, chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Plenty of wildlife spotting and game drives can be done in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and remote Kidepo National Park - the grand dame of all game parks. On your way to Kidepo in the far north, you cross Karamoja, home to the proud and traditional Karamajong tribe. Top off your road trip with a true adrenaline rush rafting the river Nile before relaxing at one of the lovely riverside lodges in Jinja.
Scroll down below to see the detailed day-to-day route. The price includes car rental, accommodation and gorilla and chimp permits.
Check the day to day itinerary
The Grand Circuit: What to expect on this self-drive safari in Uganda
Travel time and road conditions
24 days / 22 car rental days are recommended to follow this route. A Landcruiser is required because of road conditions in Karamoja and Kidepo National Park. Time or budget not on your side? Leave out Kidepo and go with a RAV4.
On average, you will spend two nights at each location. This circuit contains the most driving hours of all our suggested routes, so you'd better enjoy being on the move. On an average travel day, you will drive around 5 hours, without factoring in time for lunch, photo stops etc.
The most adventurous part of your journey will be driving from Kisoro to Lake Mutanda (volcanic and dirt road) and from Masindi to Murchison Falls. We cannot stress enough to drive slowly (25km/h) and carefully on this road! Single vehicle roll-overs are NOT covered by the insurance. Roads inside the National Parks are generally good dirt tracks, but Kidepo can be difficult after the rains. More travel tips can be found in our on the road section.
Prices
Low season | 1st March - 31st May
Price is per person, in Euros. Easy and secure online payment to our Bookings office in the Netherlands.
Price includes 23 hotel nights mostly on the basis of Bed & Breakfast, 22-day car rental, airport pick up, gorilla permits and chimpanzee permits.
Ask us for any luxury accommodation options.
Landcruiser | Hilux | |||
2 pax | 4 pax | 2 pax | 4 pax | |
Budget | 3,010 | 2,570 | 3,230 | 2,680 |
Mid Range | 3,740 | 3,290 | 3,960 | 3,400 |
Rest of the year
Price is per person, in Euros. Easy and secure online payment to our Bookings office in the Netherlands.
Price includes 23 hotel nights mostly on the basis of Bed & Breakfast, 22-day car rental, airport pick up, gorilla permits and chimpanzee permits.
Ask us for any luxury accommodation options.
Landcruiser | Hilux | |||
2 pax | 4 pax | 2 pax | 4 pax | |
Budget | 3,340 | 2,840 | 3,560 | 2,950 |
Mid Range | 4,070 | 3,570 | 4,290 | 3,680 |
Create & Book
You can book the Grand Circuit as is, with budget or comfortable accommodation, or adjust it to your liking.
Make this road trip yoursIncluded in your tour
Included
- Gorilla permit $ 700
- Chimp permit $ 200
- Car delivery to your hotel or airport
- Bed & Breakfast
- Comprehensive car insurance
- Roadmap and Bradt Travel Guide
Optional
- Driver-Guide
- Electrical fridge