7 Best Weekend Trips from Kampala, Uganda

Discover the top 7 best weekend trips from Kampala, Uganda, perfect for a quick getaway. If you are spending an extended time in Kampala, whether for work, study, or long-term travel, Grandnexus Africa make it easy for you to escape the city and explore more of Uganda’s diverse landscapes and activities. This guide highlights the 7 best weekend trips from Kampala for those who have limited time but want to experience Uganda’s natural beauty and adventure.

Having you lived in Kampala for three months and more, you should take every opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. Many of these places can be enjoyed over a regular weekend, while some might require a long weekend for a more immersive experience. Here’s our curated list of top spots to visit near Uganda’s capital, each offering a unique escape from city life:

1. Entebbe

Just an hour from Kampala, this lakeside town on Lake Victoria is perfect for a relaxing weekend. Unwind by the lake, explore the Botanical Gardens, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, or take a boat ride on Lake Victoria. Ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a tranquil escape.

2. Jinja

Known as Uganda’s adventure capital, Jinja sits on the Nile River, just three hours away. It’s a paradise for thrill-seekers, with white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and the famous “Source of the Nile.” Jinja also hosts the annual Nile River Festival for extreme kayaking fans.

Read More: 1 day Adventure Trip to Jinja

3. Sipi Falls

About six hours from Kampala, Sipi Falls offers cool mountain air, beautiful waterfalls, and hiking trails. Located near Mount Elgon, it’s a popular spot for coffee tours, bird-watching, and even running trails for the adventurous.

4. Lake Mburo National Park

Five hours west, this park is one of Uganda’s closest to Kampala and boasts 350 bird species, zebras, hippos, and antelopes. Enjoy a guided walk, horseback safari, or mountain biking for a more intimate wildlife experience.

5. Kibale Forest National Park

A long-weekend trek six hours from Kampala, Kibale Forest national park is home to 1,500 wild chimpanzees. The highlight here is chimpanzee tracking, a thrilling, up-close experience with these fascinating primates.

6. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Only three hours north, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the sole place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. The sanctuary allows you to observe these rare animals up close, making it a rewarding, conservation-focused outing.

Read More: 1 Day Ziwa Rhino Tracking Tour

7. Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s most popular park is just a couple of hours beyond the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Its stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and the famous world’s most powerful waterfalls make it a fantastic weekend destination.

These 7 destinations each offer unique experiences within reach of Kampala, perfect for a short getaway or a long weekend adventure. Enjoy Uganda beyond the city, each trip highlighting a different aspect of the country’s beauty and biodiversity.