Though you can experience the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park in three to four days to embark on game drives and see abundant birdlife, a week offers a well-rounded trip to Uganda. Include time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to trek in search of the mountain gorillas, experience the wonders of the Nile from Jinja, and head to Kibale National Park, where you can watch chimpanzees in virgin rainforests. And with a more leisurely pace, there's also time to discover Entebbe's and Kampala's markets and museums.

Uganda in 1 Week

Gorilla sitting in the rainforest of Uganda
Spot gentle gorilla giants on a guided trek in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In one week, you can enjoy a well-rounded introduction to Uganda's impressive national parks while still having time to get to know the country's culture and unique take on city life. This highlights of Uganda tour includes two nights each in Entebbe, Kibale National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and offers the opportunity to spot mountain gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees in the wild. A visit to Tinka's Homestead gives you a glimpse into the life of locals, and a Batwa cultural hike provides an authentic insight into hunter-gatherer culture.

With one week, it's also possible to experience the many adrenaline-pumping activities Uganda is renowned for. This active adventure includes a zipline thrill across the River Musamya, a whitewater rafting excursion down the Nile River, quad biking through sugar cane plantations, bungee jumping, and a hike to Ngasire waterfall. In between, there's ample opportunity to spot baboons in the Busitema Forest Reserve, meet Sebei people and learn about their customs and culture, and tour banana plantations.

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Other Durations

If you have less than one week to holiday in Uganda, you can still trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and explore the Rift Valley floor of Queen Elizabeth National Park. If you have more time, you can include visits to Murchinson Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Mgahinga National Park, and cruise across Lake Victoria to reach the island of Ngamba and check out its chimpanzee sanctuary.

Uganda in 5 Days

A quick visit to Uganda is possible, ideally as part of an extended, multicountry Africa itinerary. Five days on a wildlife-focused trip gives you enough time to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and visit Queen Elizabeth National Park with an overnight in Kampala or Entebbe. 

Uganda in 10 Days

In 10 days in Uganda, you can embark on numerous wildlife safaris and trekking excursions on a national park itinerary. After an evening in Kampala, you'll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, spend two days gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and embark on a nature walk in Rwenzori National Park.

Uganda in Two Weeks

If you have two weeks in Uganda, you can explore five national parks on a Kidepo to Bwindi trip. Between stays in Entebbe and Kampala, spend two nights each in Kipedo Valley National Park and Murchinson Falls National Park. Then, head west to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve before making your way south through Rwenzori National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Uganda in 18 Days

If you're lucky enough to have 18 days, you can opt for a slower-paced tour around buzzing cities, remote villages, and famous national parks on an ultimate Uganda wildlife adventure. Get to know Uganda's diverse culture at the Ndere Cultural Center, during a Batwa Pygmy Cultural Experience, and while roaming the Buganda Craft Market. You'll also have the opportunity to track chimpanzees at the Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve, travel off the beaten tourist path while searching for mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park, and spend a day at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

More Helpful Information

Elephant in Murchinson National Park
See elephants in Murchinson National Park

With 10 national parks in Uganda to explore, plenty can keep you busy. Yet, with one week, including a trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to seek out mountain gorillas in your itinerary is a good idea. Entebbe, located on Lake Victoria, is a great place to begin. Here, you can purchase essentials at Victoria Mall and head to Kampala to tour the Uganda Museum and Kabaka's Palace. Then, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, stopping in Kibale National Park en route to spot chimpanzees.

Leaving Bwindi Impenetrable National Park off your itinerary is best if you're traveling during the rainy season (March to May and October to December). Instead, delve deeper into Uganda's fascinating culture while basing yourself in Entebbe and Kampala. Head to Kijjudde, home to the Baganda people, to experience traditional music and dance, spend an afternoon at the Matuga Community School, and watch local fishing practices at the Kasenyi Fish Landing Site.

And if it's wildlife you seek, and you're planning to travel to Uganda in the dry season, opt for a gorillas and chimps safari itinerary that includes time in Mgahinga National Park. You'll also have time to explore in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, hike along the famous Kanyanchu Primate Walk, and seek out mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

A good option for an equally exciting tour packed with adrenaline-pumping activities is to base yourself in Jinja, where the Nile River provides an excellent playground. Here you navigate Class IV and V rapids with the help of Raft Uganda, spot resident baboons at the Busitema Forest Reserve, and take a scenic hike through the forest to Sipi Falls.