Uganda vs Rwanda: which is best for self-drive safari?
Uganda vs Rwanda: which is best for self-drive safari? Which of these two remarkable safari destinations takes the top spot for the most unforgettable self-drive safaris? Rwanda boasts beautiful Safari destinations that are close to each other, hence making it exceptional for unforgettable self-drive safaris. Uganda boasts numerous tourist attractions (including National Parks and Wildlife Reserves), including those that are well known for their high chances of spotting some of the Big Five Game. However, which country offers the better self-drive safari experience?
Choosing one over the other seems almost impossible, but to help you choose, our article rates both countries’ accessibility from the City to the tourist attractions, sceneries, and wildlife. It is undeniable that choosing to go on a self-drive safari in Uganda versus Rwanda can be challenging, considering the wide range of experiences on offer.
Accessibility#Uganda vs Rwanda: which is best for self-drive safari?
Rwanda’s safari destinations are closer and easier to access from Kigali City/International Airport. It is usually an easier hop from the Capital to any of the top three National Parks. For instance, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s sole gorilla trekking destination is three hours’ drive from Kigali City, hence making it a perfect spot for visitors looking to experience a 1 day Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour.
Akagera National Park, the destination for spotting Big Five Game is only two and a half hour’s drive from Kigali City, thus making it a wonderful spot to enjoy day excursions.
Accessibility to most of Uganda’s safari destinations is more limited, with the need to fly first to the nearby Airstrips and then drive to the National Parks. This is more costly and time-consuming. For instance, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, which are Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations are over 8-9 hours’ drive from Entebbe/Kampala. Even when you decide to go by air, you will first need to take the one and a half hour’s flight to the airstrips, then drive for another one to two hours to the National Parks.
Savannah Safari destinations such as Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Parks are between four and twelve hours’ drive from Entebbe/Kampala. Lake Mburo National Park, which is the closest to Kampala is about four hours’ away.
Ease of access- win to Rwanda.
Wildlife#Uganda vs Rwanda: which is best for self-drive safari?
Both Uganda and Rwanda have extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities and the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five Game, and antelopes are available for sightings. However, the landscape and habitats favor certain wildlife species, hence if you have a favorite here is a tip on where you are more likely to see them.
Uganda is known for its wildlife density and while most of Rwanda’s savannah game can be sighted in one Place (Akagera National Park), Uganda’s four savannah National Parks in different locations of the country are hard to beat. Both countries have mountain gorillas but it is undeniable that Uganda has more than half the World’s population of these Giant Apes (while the remaining percentage is shared among Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo).
Chimpanzees are found in Rwanda, like in Uganda but the latter has more than ten times the number in the former.
Best for wildlife: This choice entirely depends on what you are looking for. If you wish to quickly tick off the African game, then Uganda is where you need to go for your self-drive safari.
Road quality and network
Rwanda has better road quality and network compared to Uganda where there are large open expanses without any road network. This is evidenced when flying over the countryside.
The majority of Ugandan roads, whether in National Parks or remote areas surrounding the Protected Areas are rougher, untarred, and ungraded. This might not be a considerable difference but does lead to a great sense of wilder experience in Uganda and makes self-drive safaris in the Pearl of Africa much more adventurous than in Rwanda, where most roads are tarred.
Winner: Rwanda is better for a more connected road network, but you will also love the adventurous roads in Uganda.
Safari adventures
Some Safari Lodges in Rwanda are on private concessions, which is where we could generally recommend safari lovers to stay and enjoy unforgettable experiences. This makes it possible to enjoy night game drives and to enjoy off-road self-drives for extraordinary sightings. In all Protected Areas, regardless of country, driving hours are regulated and so are off-road driving.
While day-to-day safari experiences tend to be similar across these two countries, Uganda has the added advantage of being able to enjoy traditional Batwa and Karamajong experiences, many places offering wildlife viewing from boats, sport fishing, horseback rides in National Parks, and many others.
Range of safari adventures: Uganda takes the edge here, thanks to the range of tourist activities that are exceptional, although if it is your first self-drive safari, you won’t be disappointed by the range of activities in Rwanda.
Rich cultures and people
If embarking on self-drive safaris in safari destinations close to large communities is what you are yearning for, then Uganda will suit you better. With a wide tribal diversity and larger local communities living close to the National Parks, you are more likely to encounter locals living in the area.
Tribal diversity: Uganda takes the edge here, although you will likely come across locals in Rwanda too.