Uganda’s road network has improved significantly over the past decade and in 2027 the main national highways are in good condition — but conditions vary considerably between the main tarmac roads and the secondary routes that lead to national parks and remote areas, with the Kabale-to-Bwindi section, the roads into Kidepo Valley, and many remote park access tracks remaining unpaved laterite or murram road that requires a high-clearance 4WD and experienced driver to navigate safely, especially in the rainy seasons when drainage channels overflow and muddy sections trap underpowered or unprepared vehicles. Road knowledge is critical planning information for any Uganda safari driving itinerary including Bwindi gorilla trekking.
- Kampala to Kabale (A109): fully paved; generally good condition; 7-8 hours; the main Bwindi approach highway
- Kabale to Bwindi Buhoma: mixed; paved to Kanungu area, murram final approach; 1.5-2 hours dry; 2-3 hours wet
- Driving left: Uganda drives on the left; steering wheel on the right; same as UK
- Speed limits: 80km/h rural; 50km/h urban; police speed cameras in operation on major highways
Uganda’s road network has improved significantly over the past decade and in 2027 the main national highways are in good condition. However, conditions vary considerably between the main tarmac roads and the secondary routes that lead to national parks and remote areas. Knowing which roads are paved, which are unpaved, and which require a capable 4WD helps you plan realistically and choose the right vehicle. This guide covers the key routes that gorilla trekking visitors use.
The Main National Highways
Uganda’s main national highways are all paved in 2027 and in reasonable condition. The key arteries relevant to safari travel are:
- Kampala to Masaka (A109): Paved, good quality, dual carriageway in sections near Kampala
- Masaka to Mbarara (A109): Paved, good quality, relatively fast driving
- Mbarara to Kabale (A109): Paved, good quality, climbs into highlands — watch for slow trucks on inclines
- Kampala to Fort Portal (A26): Paved, good quality throughout
- Kabale to Kisoro: Paved, good quality, scenic highland route
- Entebbe to Kampala: Paved expressway plus older road, good quality
National Park Approach Roads
Bwindi — Buhoma Sector
The road from Kabale toward Buhoma transitions from tarmac to unpaved murram (compacted red clay) before reaching the park gate. The unpaved section begins after the town of Butogota, roughly 25 to 30 kilometers from Buhoma. This section is generally manageable in a good 4WD in dry conditions but becomes rutted and slippery in heavy rain. Sections can be deeply muddy after prolonged wet season rains. Allow extra time and ensure your vehicle has genuine off-road capability.
Bwindi — Nkuringo and Rushaga Sectors
The southern sectors of Bwindi near Kisoro are accessed via unpaved tracks that climb steeply from the main Kisoro road. Nkuringo sits at over 2,200 meters and the road to it is narrow, steep, and very challenging in wet conditions. Rushaga is accessed on somewhat gentler terrain but still requires a capable 4WD. Several lodges in the Nkuringo area have been stranded by road closures during heavy rains in past seasons. Your operator will be aware of current conditions and will advise if alternative transport arrangements are needed.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The road from Kisoro to Mgahinga park gate at Ntebeko is unpaved for approximately 15 kilometers. The track climbs through farmland and community areas before reaching the forest boundary. It is passable in a 4WD in most conditions but rough enough that 2WD vehicles are not appropriate. The track can be deeply rutted after heavy rain.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The approach to Queen Elizabeth from Kasese is tarmac. Park interior roads are unpaved gravel and murram tracks maintained to varying standards. Game drive tracks within the park require a 4WD, particularly after rain. The Ishasha sector in the south — famous for tree-climbing lions — is accessed via unpaved roads from the main Mbarara-Kabale highway.
Murchison Falls National Park
Access roads to Murchison Falls are paved as far as Masindi and then transition to murram tracks to the park gates. Interior game drive tracks are unpaved. The delta area of the park has some challenging roads after rain. A capable 4WD is required throughout.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo in Uganda’s far northeast is accessed via the longest unpaved stretch of any major park. The road from Gulu north to the park crosses open savanna on tracks that are rough even in dry season. In wet conditions sections of the Kidepo access road can be impassable without a serious 4WD and experience. Most visitors to Kidepo fly from Entebbe to avoid this road entirely.
General Advice for 2027
Road conditions in Uganda change with rainfall and maintenance cycles. A road that was good in February may be significantly worse after the April-May long rains. Your safari operator or lodge should be able to advise on current conditions for your specific route and timing. Always confirm road status close to departure. A good 4WD handles most of Uganda’s roads well — the few exceptions involve extreme conditions and are the situations where flying to an airstrip near the park is the better choice.
Which Uganda roads are paved and in good condition in 2027?
Uganda’s paved road network covers the main national highways with reasonable quality in 2027. Kampala to Masaka (A109): the main southern highway; well-maintained tarmac; busy with heavy truck traffic; equator crossing at Kayabwe on this road. Masaka to Mbarara: paved and in good condition; part of the main southern route to Kabale. Mbarara to Kabale: paved and improving; some sections have been recently resurfaced. Kampala to Jinja (A109 east): good tarmac; busy and fast. Kampala to Fort Portal: paved; some pot-holes on certain sections; generally good. Kabale to Kisoro: paved; this is an important route for Kisoro area gorilla trekking and is in good condition. The paved network limitation: most national park access roads are NOT paved; the paved road gets you to the gateway town; the final section to the park is almost always unpaved.
What are the main unpaved road sections that Uganda safari visitors encounter?
The dirt road sections on Uganda safari routes are the sections that require the most planning. Kabale to Bwindi Buhoma: the most frequently driven unpaved section by gorilla trekkers; approximately 50km of murram road; condition varies significantly by season; in dry season manageable in any high-clearance vehicle; in wet season demanding on 4WD. Kanungu to Buhoma (final approach): the last 20km from Kanungu to Buhoma includes steep murram sections that are the most challenging on the Buhoma route. Inside Bwindi roads: the roads within Bwindi to specific accommodation vary from reasonable murram to steep and rocky; lodge vehicles are usually more experienced on their specific access tracks. Kidepo Valley NP: the road to Kidepo in northern Uganda is significantly unpaved and rough; one of the most demanding road journeys in Uganda; charter flight is strongly recommended. Queen Elizabeth NP: roads inside the park are unpaved but the main Kasese approach is paved.
How do road conditions change in Uganda’s rainy seasons?
Uganda has two rainy seasons annually and road conditions change substantially during these periods. The rainy seasons: long rains March-May; short rains October-November; the long rains are heavier and have more sustained impact on road surfaces. Effect on murram roads: laterite and murram roads become slippery and develop mud pools at lower points and drainage channels; ruts from heavy truck traffic deepen rapidly in wet conditions; some sections become impassable even for 4WD after sustained heavy rain. The Kabale-Bwindi impact: the Kabale-Buhoma section is most affected in April-May; the UWA Bwindi staff can sometimes report current road conditions to your operator before departure. Travel planning adjustment: if travelling in rainy season, always specify a Land Cruiser 76/78 series rather than a Prado; leave earlier to allow extra travel time; avoid driving the murram sections at night; carry a recovery board and know that delays are possible. The upside of rainy season: the gorilla trekking is often excellent with lush green forest and active gorilla behaviour; fewer visitors and sometimes lower accommodation rates.
What are the main hazards for vehicles on Uganda roads in 2027?
Uganda’s road network has several hazards that differ from European or North American road environments. Pedestrians and cyclists: major highways in Uganda carry large numbers of pedestrians and cyclists on road shoulders that are often absent or very narrow; driving speed must account for this; the risk is highest around towns and market centres. Boda-boda motorbikes: motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) are ubiquitous and unpredictable; they weave between lanes and appear suddenly from side roads; the majority of serious road accidents in Uganda involve boda-bodas. Speed bumps: speed bumps in Ugandan towns and trading centres are often poorly marked and steep; hitting one at speed can damage vehicles and injure passengers; slow down when approaching any trading centre. Night driving: avoid driving any Uganda road at night; the combination of poorly lit vehicles, unmarked obstacles, speed bumps, and pedestrians creates significantly higher accident risk after dark; this applies especially to the murram roads in park areas.
Is GPS navigation reliable on Uganda roads and what maps work best?
GPS navigation in Uganda works with caveats that visitors should understand. Google Maps accuracy: Google Maps is generally accurate for main highway routes in Uganda; for secondary roads and park access routes it is less reliable; it may send you down a track that exists on satellite imagery but is not currently passable. Maps.me: the offline mapping app Maps.me has better coverage of Uganda secondary roads than Google Maps for some routes; download Uganda offline before travel. GPS for hiking: within Bwindi forest, GPS on a standard phone loses accuracy under dense forest canopy; for navigation within the park, follow your UWA ranger; do not attempt independent navigation inside Bwindi. The driver knows the road: on all Uganda safari routes, an experienced driver is more reliable than GPS navigation; on the murram roads to Bwindi, an experienced driver knows which tracks to take and which to avoid after rain. Data connectivity: MTN Uganda and Airtel have good coverage on main highways but coverage in park areas is limited; download offline maps and route information before leaving Kampala.
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