Short Tours in Uganda – Weekend Getaways From Kampala
If you are living, working, or studying in Kampala, there may come a time when you feel the need to take a break from the busy city life. Uganda offers many options for short, affordable, and relaxing weekend tours. Here are some great weekend getaways from Kampala.
Entebbe: Relax by Lake Victoria
Entebbe is one of the easiest and most affordable weekend destinations near Kampala. Located just an hour away using the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, providing a peaceful escape from the city noise.
If you leave early on a Friday afternoon to avoid traffic, you can enjoy two days of calm by the lakeside. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or alone, Entebbe offers a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. You can stroll by the lake, enjoy fresh fish at local restaurants, or visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Lake Mburo National Park: A Quick Wildlife Safari
Lake Mburo National Park is about five hours west of Kampala, making it one of the closest national parks to the city. It’s ideal for a long weekend trip if you can take Friday or Monday off work. For a shorter trip, you can leave early on Saturday, spend one night at the park, and return Sunday evening.
This park is Uganda’s smallest savannah park and is home to 350 bird species and animals like zebras, hippos, buffaloes, and antelopes. While it doesn’t have elephants or lions, there are leopards and hyenas.
Because there are no large predators, visitors can explore the park more freely. You can enjoy a horseback safari, ride mountain bikes, or take guided walks to see wildlife up close. For those seeking a romantic getaway, Mihingo Lodge offers stunning views, delicious meals, and beautiful accommodations.
Jinja: Adventure Capital of Uganda
Located three hours east of Kampala, Jinja is a top choice for adventure lovers. Known as Uganda’s adventure capital, Jinja offers thrilling activities on the River Nile, such as white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping.
If you prefer less adventurous activities, you can visit the Source of the Nile, hike nearby trails, or relax in one of Jinja’s charming cafes. The town is lively, especially during the annual Nile River Festival, where kayakers from around the world showcase their skills.
Sipi Falls: Hiking and Coffee Tours
For those looking for an active weekend getaway, Sipi Falls is a great choice. Located about six hours from Kampala in the foothills of Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls offers cooler weather, fresh air, and stunning scenery.
The main attraction is the three beautiful waterfalls that you can visit during guided hikes. You can also tour a coffee plantation to learn about how coffee is grown and processed in the region. For adventurous visitors, activities like birdwatching, abseiling, and guided running on hilly trails are available.
On your way back to Kampala, stop at the Equator for a fun photo opportunity and a chance to see the famous water demonstration showing how water drains differently on either side of the equator.
Lake Bunyonyi and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
A trip to Lake Bunyonyi in western Uganda is perfect for combining relaxation with adventure. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills and is ideal for a boat ride or a visit to Punishment Island, a historic site.
If you’re looking for more excitement, you can add gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to your weekend. This unforgettable experience lets you get close to Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The people in this region are welcoming, and the fertile land makes it a great place to try local foods like Irish potatoes.
Kibale Forest National Park: Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale Forest National Park is about six hours from Kampala and is famous for its primates, especially chimpanzees. This park is home to over 1,500 wild chimpanzees, many of which are habituated to human presence.
Chimpanzee tracking involves walking with a guide through the forest to locate these incredible animals. Once you find them, you can spend about an hour observing their behavior. For a more immersive experience, the full-day habituation experience allows you to spend more time with the chimps in a smaller group.
If you leave Kampala early on a Friday, you can enjoy birdwatching or a forest walk on arrival, track chimpanzees on Saturday, and return to Kampala on Sunday.
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Located two hours north of Kampala, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. The ranch was established in 1996 to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda after they were declared extinct in the 1980s. Today, the ranch has 39 rhinos, including babies, thanks to a successful breeding program.
At Ziwa, you can get very close to the rhinos while on foot, making it an exciting and unique experience. Visitors can also stay overnight at the ranch for a more personal experience. Ziwa is a great option for a quick weekend getaway.
Murchison Falls National Park
Just one or two hours from Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s most popular park. This park combines beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and the incredible Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow six-meter gap before plunging down with immense power.
During a weekend visit, you can hike to the top of the falls, take a boat ride on the Nile to see crocodiles and hippos, and go on a game drive to spot animals like giraffes, elephants, and lions. If you have an extra day, visit the Women Empowerment Centre in Mubako Village to enjoy cultural dances, storytelling, and weaving workshops.
