Inarguably one of Uganda’s best unknown multi-day road trips and a solid contender for one of the World’s most scenic and rewarding drives, the Northeastern circuit lives up to its name and even exceeds expectations in terms of spectacular savannah views and interesting en-route attractions. This over 700-kilometer circuit usually stretches from Kampala or Entebbe to the Karamoja sub-region in Northeastern Uganda with lots of worthwhile detours depending on which route you choose.
The Northeastern circuit is a jaw-dropping part of greater Northern and Eastern Uganda and has some of the most popular safari destinations for Uganda safari and highly so. Given its unpopularity, one would expect this area to be boring, but it is raw and interesting, stretching between 700 and 790 kilometers from Kampala, depending on the route you choose to take. The Northeastern circuit is incredibly diverse, with jagged mountains, verdant rolling hills, open savannahs, charming Towns and Villages, and incredible activities to enjoy.
With so much to see and do, it is easy to get overwhelmed when planning a Uganda road trip to the undiscovered Northeastern circuit and end up missing out on some of the safari experiences that you wish to enjoy. Our ultimate guide to Uganda’s undiscovered Northeastern circuit road trip takes you through the places to visit, where to stay, and what to do to ensure that your time is as unforgettable as possible.
Access to Uganda’s undiscovered Northeastern circuit
The Northeastern Uganda circuit is generally enjoyed as part of self-drive road trips through Northern and Eastern regions. It can be accessed from Kampala or Entebbe with a drive of between 9 and 10 hours, much as the journey can be broken at the charming Towns of Kotido, Gulu, Kitgum, Soroti, Mbale, or Moroto, which normally halves the driving time from Kampala or Entebbe. While it is also possible to fly to Northeastern Uganda, with scheduled flights operating to Kidepo airstrip the road trip is very exciting and rewarding.
Practicalities
Most travelers will spend between three and 6 nights on the Northeastern circuit and, while the temptation is to try and stay in two (or sometimes more) safari destinations, the truth is you might not need it. Most safari destinations are within easy reach of all the beautiful attractions and activities to do, as well as places to stay. For this reason, it tends to serve more travelers best to stay in one safari destination and have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to settle in and relish that one safari destination. Given the logistics involved in getting around, the distances required to travel as well as the absence of cab services, it is mandatory to have a personal or rental car for exploring Uganda’s undiscovered Northeastern circuit. Rewarding guided tours is possible, much as they are costly and can lack the golden opportunity for spontaneity which makes safaris to the area unforgettable and worthwhile.
Best stops to Visit and Stay in Uganda’s Undiscovered Northeastern Circuit
Kidepo Valley National Park
One of the spectacular highlights of this circuit, Kidepo Valley National Park is over 9-10 hours out of Kampala. Known as the rawest yet undiscovered savannah National Park in Uganda, the 1442-square-kilometer Protected Area covers Karenga and Kaboong districts and stretches to the Uganda- South Sudan border. It has some of the country’s rarest wildlife species including cheetahs, giant elands, Rothschild giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, and others. Accommodation options in this Park include Apoka Safari Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Zebra Safari Lodge, Kidepo Safari Lodge, and Wild Camping among others.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
This phenomenal Reserve is Uganda’s second largest Protected Area after Murchison Falls National Park at 2043 square kilometers. This Pian Upe Game Reserve is filled with Ostriches, Topis, Uganda Kobs, cheetahs, Giraffes, Roan antelopes, Oribis, Reedbucks, zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, and others. Other Reserves to be explored are Bokora and Matheniko Wildlife Reserves.
All told, despite its long distance, the Northeastern circuit is one of the most diverse and spectacular parts of Uganda, offering an incredible array of thrilling things to see and so, as well as places to stay. Regardless of what you are looking for, there will always be something for you to do in the region, be it exploring or unwinding by the pool.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
About three hours north of Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an unmissable stop along the Northeastern circuit road trip. This is the country’s only home to southern white Rhinos in the wild and has over 43 Rhinos. You can get out of the car and don your hiking boots to track these Rhinos. While here, you can stay at Amuka Safari Lodge or Wild Camping.
Sipi Falls
Using the Eastern route, you can explore the Northeastern circuit to enjoy the beauty on the slopes of Mount Elgon. This area is about 5-6 hours from Kampala and while here, you can enjoy coffee tours, hiking, and community tours. During your stop here, you can stay at Sipi Heritage Lodge, Rafiki Lodge Sipi, Mise Cave Lodge, Sipi Valley Resort, or Sipi Falls Lodge.
When to Explore Uganda’s undiscovered Northeastern Circuit
Uganda’s undiscovered Northeastern circuit is largely semi-arid, but the best time to visit it is in the dry season (July to September), although it can be explored throughout the year. Known for its hot daytime temperatures and clear, sunny skies, it is the ideal time for long days spent out on an African safari.
Cloudless daytime skies, clear, cold nights, and almost no likelihood of rain are the hallmarks of Northeastern Uganda’s dry season from, July to September. The high season is also the dry season, hence foliage is less dense and wildlife can be easily spotted as they congregate around the scarce water sources. This is the perfect time of the year for wildlife viewing at Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian Upe, Bokora, and Matheniko Wildlife Reserves.
March, April, May, October, and November are perfect for enjoying shoulder-season discounts as well as exploring away from the huge crowds. Most Safari Lodges and Camps in National parks as well as Reserves offer discounted rates, while birding also begins to peak at this time as migrant species make their way into the region.
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