5 Days in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Uganda's National Parks: Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth

Discover exotic wildlife on this national parks itinerary that takes you across two of Uganda's most famous. Perfect for nature lovers, this trip includes tracking gorillas in the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and exploring the diverse ecology of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whether spotting different primate species or supporting conservation efforts, this trip offers a memorable African wildlife experience.

Begin your trip in Kampala, Uganda's capital, where you can explore the bustling streets and visit sites such as the Uganda Museum and historic Kabaka's Palace. Then, embark on your adventure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity, including half the world's population of wild mountain gorillas. Here, you'll venture into the rainforest with your guide to track these incredible creatures, supporting conservation efforts and experiencing the chance to observe gorillas and other wild animals in their natural habitat.

After immersing yourself in the Bwindi rainforest, you'll transfer to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Famous for its diverse ecosystems, it provides a habitat for classic big game, 10 primate species, and over 600 species of birds. Located in the vast Rift Valley, this park is Uganda's most popular tourist destination, offering views of ancient craters, rolling hills, and the biodiverse Rwenzori mountains. Finally, journey back to Entebbe International Airport, stopping for a picnic lunch and a memorable photo opportunity at the equator before catching your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Uganda Wildlife Adventure: Murchison Falls National Park & Jinja

An alternative wildlife—and active—adventure, you'll explore Uganda's raw beauty as you safari through Murchison Falls National Park, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River, and trek to see wild and endangered white rhinoceros at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You'll also get to quad bike along the Nile River, visit the source of the Nile, and top it off with a city tour of Kampala. 

Upon arrival in Entebbe, transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo) during an exciting game drive. Your experienced guide will lead you through the park's diverse habitats, offering insights into the behaviors and habitats of various wildlife species. The next day, you'll explore the park by boat as you cruise along the Nile River, observing the rare shoebill stork and other resident winged species. The boat will take you to the top of the impressive Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically narrows and plunges down a magnificent drop.

On Day 3, transfer to Jinja on the shores of Lake Victoria, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can observe endangered southern white rhinos in the wild. Once here, thrill to an off-road quad-biking adventure along the banks of the Nile River. Followed by a scenic hike through local banana plantations that lead you to a traditional homestay for an authentic coffee experience. Your final day takes you to Kampala for a city tour, where you'll explore the Uganda Museum, sample the popular rolex snack, and learn about the dark history of Kabaka's Palace. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Culture, Cuisine & Chimpanzees in Uganda

From exploring bustling trading centers and art-filled markets in Entebbe to cooking local delicacies in Kampala and hanging out with chimps on Ngamba Island, this itinerary is perfect for travelers wanting a deep dive into Uganda's culture. Highlights include interacting with rescued chimpanzees, learning about local medicine at the Entanda Initiative, and engaging in a painting class.

In Entebbe, tour the lively Kasenyi Fish Landing Site, followed by downtime on White Sands Beach. The next day, delve into the customs with the Entanda Initiative in Mityana, which offers insights into traditional music, clothing, and medicine. Savor a Ugandan dish of luwombo and engage in activities with the locals, including traditional wrestling. Day 3 is about discovering Kampala, where you'll visit a museum, browse a market, and take a cooking class with a street food vendor. Visit Kabaka's Palace next and the Matuga Community School to witness a cultural dance performance.

You'll return to Entebbe on Day 4 to meet the adorable orphaned and rescued chimps at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. You'll spend half a day at the sanctuary observing the chimps during feeding time and learning about the dedicated work done by their caregivers. On your final day, explore Entebbe's art scene, strolling through galleries and craft markets where you can admire (and buy) unique crafts and paintings. You'll also participate in a painting class to create your own masterpiece, after which you can enjoy a delicious local lunch before readying yourself for departure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Uganda's Hidden Gem: Mgahinga National Park

Experience Uganda's biodiversity lesser-visited gem on this off-the-beaten-path adventure that takes you from the lively streets of Kampala to the serene wilderness of Mgahinga National Park. This itinerary offers a blend of urban exploration and natural wonders with thrilling opportunities, such as tracking gorillas in their natural habitat, joining an exclusive golden monkey habituation experience, and learning about the Batwa culture. 

As you arrive in Entebbe, a small city resting on the shores of Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, embark on a guided tour of the buzzing capital, Kampala. Highlights include visiting the Uganda Museum, tasting local street food (rolex being popular), visiting Kabaka's Palace, and a sobering stop at Idi Amin's torture chambers. Your adventure continues as you head to the natural gem of Mgahinga National Park, home to an array of wildlife and volcanic landscapes. Here, you'll find endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, among other exciting species.

The thrill of gorilla tracking awaits you at Mgahinga National Park, one of the last places on Earth where these gentle giants can be found. A three- to six-hour trek will take you into the dense jungle to meet some of the 300 mountain gorillas protected in the park. Plus, you'll get to encounter the rare golden monkey—a unique highlight—as you observe these creatures in their natural habitat. Next, meet the Batwa Pygmies, the region's original residents, and learn about their customs and history. Finally, return to Entebbe, stopping at the equator marker for photos and a traditional lunch before heading home. Learn more

More Great Uganda Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Uganda? Check out these other Uganda itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.