Updated
Mbarara, about 270 km and 4–5 hours south-west of Kampala, is the largest city in western Uganda and the natural halfway stop on the drive to Bwindi. It has supermarkets, banks with ATMs, fuel stations, pharmacies, hospitals and a good choice of hotels and restaurants, making it a practical place for lunch, supplies or an overnight break. Lake Mburo National Park is about an hour to the east, and the Igongo Cultural Centre is just outside town.
Why stop in Mbarara
The full drive from Kampala to Bwindi takes 9–10 hours, and splitting it at Mbarara or Lake Mburo makes it far more comfortable. It is the last large town on most routes to the south-western parks, so it is the place to withdraw cash, buy snacks and toiletries, and fill up with fuel. Mbarara is also the centre of Uganda’s dairy industry, and fresh yoghurt and milk are sold along the roads around it. See our guide to avoiding night driving.
Things to see nearby
The Igongo Cultural Centre, on the Masaka road just east of town, has a museum on the history and culture of Ankole and a restaurant serving local food, a good lunch stop. Lake Mburo National Park offers zebra, impala, eland, boat trips and walking or cycling safaris. Ankole long-horned cattle are a common sight on the surrounding ranches. See our guides to Lake Mburo and Ankole cattle.
Onward routes
From Mbarara, the road to Buhoma in northern Bwindi runs via Ntungamo and Rukungiri, while the route to the southern sectors and Lake Bunyonyi goes via Ntungamo and Kabale. Queen Elizabeth National Park lies to the north-west via Bushenyi. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to the Banyankole people and Kabale.
Frequently asked questions
About 270 km, or 4–5 hours by road.
Yes, or stay at nearby Lake Mburo for wildlife.
Yes, and it is a good place to get cash before the parks.
About 4–5 hours, depending on the sector.
