One Week Itinerary
Exploring Uganda in a week offers a glimpse into its diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. This itinerary focuses on wildlife safaris, primate tracking, and natural beauty, showcasing some of Uganda's best experiences.
Day 1-2: Kampala and Jinja
Activities:
- Day 1: Start in Kampala. Visit the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, and the Bahai Temple. In the evening, explore the local markets and cuisine.
- Day 2: Travel to Jinja, known as the adventure capital. Go white-water rafting on the Nile, visit the source of the Nile, and if time allows, explore Mabira Forest on a guided nature walk or ziplining adventure.
Transport: Kampala to Jinja is about 2 hours by road. Private taxis, buses, and "matatus" (minibuses) are available for this journey.
Day 3-4: Murchison Falls National Park
Activities:
- Day 3: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the bottom of the falls to witness the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge.
- Day 4: Go on an early morning game drive to see lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. Visit the top of Murchison Falls for stunning views of the Nile.
Transport: Jinja to Murchison Falls is about 5-6 hours by road. Considering the long distance, renting a car with a driver or joining a safari tour might be the best option.
Day 5-6: Kibale National Park and Fort Portal
Activities:
- Day 5: Travel to Kibale National Park, known for its primate diversity, including chimpanzees. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and primates.
- Day 6: Go on a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Later, visit the crater lakes near Fort Portal.
Transport: Murchison Falls to Kibale/Fort Portal is about 7-8 hours by road. The journey is long but scenic, showcasing Uganda's diverse landscapes.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Activities:
- Day 7: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Go on an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelopes. Consider a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Transport: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park is about 2-3 hours by road. The park is well-connected by safari tracks suitable for game drives.
Travel Tips
- Visa: Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or online before departure.
- Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Check for other recommended vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Cash is king outside major cities, though USD is widely accepted for tourism-related activities.
- Safety: While Uganda is generally safe for tourists, it's advisable to take standard precautions, especially in cities and when traveling by road.
- Packing: Bring lightweight, breathable clothing but also pack for cooler evenings and mornings, especially in forested areas. Include a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes.
Two-Week Itinerary
Exploring Uganda in two weeks allows for a deeper dive into its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural experiences. This itinerary expands on the one-week plan, adding more national parks, community visits, and relaxation time by the lakes.
Week 1: Central and Western Uganda
Day 1-2: Kampala and Entebbe
Activities:
- Explore Kampala's historical sites, including the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, and the National Mosque.
- In Entebbe, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and relax at the botanical gardens.
Transport: Entebbe is about an hour's drive from Kampala, easily accessible by taxi or matatu.
Day 3-4: Jinja
Activities:
- Go white-water rafting on the Nile, visit the source of the Nile, and explore Mabira Forest.
- Consider bungee jumping or a boat trip on Lake Victoria.
Transport: Jinja is about 2 hours from Kampala/Entebbe by road. Buses, taxis, and matatus run regularly.
Day 5-6: Murchison Falls National Park
Activities:
- Enjoy a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, an early morning game drive, and a visit to the top of the falls.
Transport: Jinja to Murchison Falls is approximately 5-6 hours by road. A private vehicle or an organized tour is recommended.
Day 7-8: Kibale National Park
Activities
- Participate in chimpanzee tracking and explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Transport: Traveling from Murchison Falls to Kibale takes about 7-8 hours. Hiring a car with a driver or joining a tour group is advisable.
Week 2: Southwestern Uganda and Lake Bunyonyi
Day 9-10: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Activities
- Go on a game drive to see the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, and visit the Katwe salt lakes.
Transport: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park is about 2-3 hours by road.
Day 11-12: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Activities:
- Undertake gorilla trekking for an unforgettable experience with these gentle giants.
- Engage with local communities to learn about conservation efforts.
Transport: The journey from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi can vary (2-5 hours) depending on the sector of the park you are visiting. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
Day 13-14: Lake Bunyonyi
Activities:
- Relax by the serene Lake Bunyonyi, take a canoe ride, swim in the bilharzia-free waters, and visit local islands.
Transport: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi is about 2-3 hours by road. Renting a car or using local taxi services are the best options.
Additional Days: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Activities
- Start your journey back to Kampala/Entebbe. Stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping.
Transport: Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala/Entebbe takes about 6-8 hours by road. Consider breaking the journey in Mbarara or Masaka if needed.
Travel Tips
- Visa: Check the visa requirements beforehand. An East African Tourist Visa may be beneficial if combining your visit with Kenya or Rwanda.
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
- Packing: Include rain gear, hiking boots for gorilla trekking, and warm layers for cooler evenings, especially in the mountains.
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Carry enough cash, especially in remote areas. USD is also accepted for many tourist activities.
This two-week itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Uganda's wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences, balancing adventure with relaxation and cultural immersion.
Three-Week Itinerary
A three-week journey through Uganda allows for an immersive exploration of its diverse ecosystems, rich cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. This extended itinerary includes Uganda’s renowned national parks, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and relaxation by its beautiful lakes.
Week 1: Kampala, Jinja, and Murchison Falls
Day 1-2: Kampala
Activities:
- Visit the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, Namirembe Cathedral, and explore the bustling markets like Owino. Enjoy the nightlife in Kampala.
Transport: Kampala is navigable by boda-boda (motorbike taxis), taxis, and minibuses. From Entebbe International Airport to Kampala, it's about a 1-hour drive.
Day 3-4: Jinja
Activities:
- Go white-water rafting on the Nile, visit the source of the Nile River, and if you're adventurous, try bungee jumping. Explore the local community and craft markets.
Transport: Jinja is about 2 hours from Kampala by road. Regular buses and minibuses (matatus) run between Kampala and Jinja.
Day 5-7: Murchison Falls National Park
Activities:
- Take a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, enjoy game drives to see lions, elephants, and giraffes, and hike to the top of the falls.
Transport: Murchison Falls is approximately 5-6 hours from Kampala. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for game drives, which can be rented in Kampala or arranged through a tour.
Week 2: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi
Day 8-9: Kibale National Park
Activities:
- Engage in chimpanzee tracking, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching, and explore the Crater Lakes region.
Transport: Kibale is about 5 hours from Murchison Falls. Public transport is limited, so consider hiring a vehicle or joining a safari tour.
Day 10-12: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Activities:
- Embark on game drives in the Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, and visit the Katwe salt lakes.
Transport: From Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park is about 2-3 hours. Park activities can be arranged through lodges or tour operators.
Day 13-15: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Activities:
- Experience gorilla trekking, visit the Batwa pygmy community, and if time allows, undertake bird watching or a nature walk.
Transport: Traveling from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi takes about 4-6 hours depending on the sector. A 4x4 is necessary for the terrain.
Week 3: Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo, and Return to Kampala
Day 16-17: Lake Bunyonyi
Activities:
- Relax by the lake, take a canoe trip to explore its islands, and enjoy bird watching. Engage with local communities to learn about their way of life.
Transport: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi is about 2-3 hours by road. Local taxis and hired cars are available.
Day 18-19: Lake Mburo National Park
Activities:
- Go on game drives or bike safaris to see zebras, impalas, and elands. Take a boat trip on Lake Mburo to see hippos and crocodiles.
Transport: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo is approximately 4 hours. Park activities can be booked at the entrance or through a lodge.
Day 20-21: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Activities:
- Spend your last days shopping for souvenirs at the Craft Market in Kampala, visiting the Ndere Cultural Centre, or relaxing at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Transport: Lake Mburo to Kampala is about 4 hours, with Entebbe an additional hour away. Consider stopping at the Equator for photos.
Travel Tips
- Visas: Most travelers can obtain a visa upon arrival or online before departure.
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination is required; malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
- Safety: While Uganda is generally safe for tourists, always be cautious with your belongings and avoid traveling alone at night.
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars are widely accepted for tourist activities, but ensure they are recent series and in good condition.