Uganda is blessed currently with 10 operating cities short after many years with a solo city ‘Kampala’. You got a car rental and wondering which city you can drive to. First and foremost, when on a drive to Uganda, there is a chance of going/driving through two or more cities. The grace of driving through this pleasant country stands at the natural wonders dwelling in the tropics, savannah, and varying landscapes.
We bring the list of 6 cities with the wonders or tourist spots that drive the attention of many travelers to those cities.
Kampala city
Kampala city also doubles as the capital of Uganda. It’s the genesis of driving after renting out your rental car. It’s a leisure, events, and business center in Uganda due availability of various supporting facilities. Kampala is located in the central region of Africa, and the southeastern is on the Lake Victoria shores.
Kampala has gotten serious traffic issues which include; thirsty traffic operators, robbery, and jams. However, the best roads to drive on are within the capital, and when driving here expect less effect with vehicle damage. There are many car rental operators in Uganda and the biggest number is based here in Kampala. It means you access any vehicle of your choice according to your budget, comfort, and description.
Kampala is the alpha of adventures in Uganda, with hundreds of attractions of which many of which can’t be found elsewhere in the country. Among these include the cultural sites of Buganda particularly (the Bulange building, Mengo palace, Fort Lugard, Nagalabi Buddo coronation site, Kasubi Tombs UNESCO sites, and Kabaka’s lake among others), a cultural village on Buganda road, theatres, markets, shopping centers. Religious sites among which include Old Kampala mosque the largest in East and Central Africa, Rubaga and Namirembe cathedrals, Munyonyo and Namugongo martyrs shrines, and Bahai temple among others, as clubs and bars. All these make Kampala an exceptional and extraordinary spot for your car rental.
Entebbe City
Entebbe city is the closest city to Entebbe International Airport, and this city is surrounded by the amazing Lake Victoria. Many travelers and outing revealers have opted always to spend their leisure time in Entebbe city for reasons of being a rich outing city. The white sand beaches that make you think of the oceanic times of Mombasa in Uganda are mainly limited to Entebbe.
Entebbe is located in the southern direction from Kampala, about 45 minute’s drive with a lyrical traffic flow. Where to go with your car rental in Entebbe, first will visit several beaches on the lake shores for sand and sunbathing, Entebbe botanical garden is a world-class birding destination, Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)/zoo, Ngamba Island to watch chimpanzees among other sites.
Jinja City
Jinja City is situated eastern of Kampala about an 82km drive from the capital by road. The city is recognized as the adrenaline adventure capital of East Africa due to various spinal adventures done along the Nile. Jinja city in an amazing way hosts the source of the Nile River the world’s longest river and is strategically located on the shore of Lake Victoria. Jinja city is among the oldest urban areas in the country and was the first industrial town in Uganda before independence till the last 2 decades.
Jinja city is another midnight moon as far as tourist destinations are concerned in Uganda. It’s more convenient when it comes to driving through, Jinja is more than just an adventure city but the East African Adrenaline capital of adventure. There are a lot of places and spots which can draw your attention to driving to Jinja. These include the Source of the Nile and a monument honoring British explorers John Hanning Speke and Mahatma Gandhi. Owen Falls Dam and Bujagali Dam both span the Nile. Farther north on the river, Itanda Falls is known for its white-water rapids. East of Jinja, on Lake Victoria, Samuka Island is home to birdlife, including little egrets.
Among the things to do when driving your car rental to Jinja are; Boat ride to the Source of the Nile, a Sunset boat cruise, City walk to Jinja Central Market, New Bridge walk and Photography, White water rafting, Kayaking, Bungee Jumping, Tubing, Horse riding, Quad Biking, Camping, Nature walks, cultural visits, and hiking with a great number of other activities.
Fort Portal
Fort Portal city is among Uganda’s most thrilling tourist destinations located in the Kabarole district in western Uganda. The city is most popular for the famous Toro Kingdom, one of the outstanding cultures in the country for the Batoro people speaking the Rutoro language. The city lies at the foothills of the Rwenzori mountain ranges, which makes it a place of beautiful endowments. Taking a drive with your rental introduces you to a new world of rolling landscapes to the highest point of Uganda and Africa’s 3rd at an elevation of 5109m.
The city is a gateway for many tourism destinations and attractions among which include; Crater Lake, at the outskirts of Fort Portal, which is a chain of beautiful Crater Lake. Visiting the lakes gives a phenomenon hiking experience. The Toro Kingdom Karuzika Palace, the official kingdom palace and home to Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the palace shines on the Kabalore hill in the city center. Amabere Ganyinamwiru Caves – Limestone rocks, scientifically known as stalagmites and stalactites are a great scenic feature with an astonishing fairy-tale behind their existence. The two local markets i.e. Mpanga Market in the city center and Kabndaire Food Market.
Mbale city
The largest city in the eastern region, Mbale holds the economy in eastern and northeastern Uganda. The city dwells at the foothills of Mt. Elgon, Uganda’s 2nd highest mountain. The eastern center of development, Mbale City is located in the mediate eastern region of Uganda about 225km from Kampala’s capital by road. The City is considered one of Uganda’s ancient cities seated at the foothills of Mt. Elgon elevated at 1,156m which has facilitated greatly the popularity and development of the eastern region.
Taking a car rental drive to Mt. Elgon National Park, just know you’re driving on Uganda’s 2nd highest mountain which extends to Kenya. Elgon is Africa’s largest mountain caldera with the highest peak being Wagagai peak (3,321m). The mountain offers various trekking trails and cultural encounters. Imbalu’ male circumcision ceremony – Imbalu is the ritual practice by the Bagisu people which transforms boys into manhood. Bullfights, visiting the Nyro Rock Painting, Sipi Falls, and many others suggest the best memories for a trip to Mbale City.
Gulu City
The city is located in the northern region 332km by road from Kampala on the great northern route about 6 hours drive by road from Kampala. And as well the city can be accessed by plane to Gulu Airstrip. And for travelers, it’s accessed along the Murchison Falls National Park to Kidepo Valley National Park.
There are various to consider on your drive to the northern capital. It’s among the only two cities in the northern region with Arua city. Among the places to drive to when with our car rental include; Bakers Fort Partiko, which is located in Patiko, about 30km from Gulu. The Fort was founded by Sir Samuel Baker in 1972 when he was the Governor of the Equatorial Province. It was built as a base to crush the slave trade and was later occupied by Gordon and Emin Pasha. These are said to be rock paintings at Samuel Baker’s camp.
Gulu Central Market: Gulu Central Market is one of the majors another thrilling places in the country that proposes a genuine experience of Uganda’s traditional shopping. Mainly handicraft products and clothes are worth a price here. The Pece War Memorial Stadium is a landmark stadium with a seating capacity of around 3,000 spectators. Constructed in 1959 during British colonial rule, the stadium is the home ground of the local soccer club Gulu United FC and is used for the Ugandan Cup. It is the largest sports venue in Northern Uganda
