African Things To Do
Uganda Travel Guide

Things to Do in Uganda

Uganda is one of Africa’s most rewarding nature destinations—famous for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, and classic safaris in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Add the Nile in Jinja for adventure, Lake Bunyonyi for calm scenery, and the Rwenzori Mountains for hiking, and you have an unforgettable “primates + safari + adventure” itinerary.

Gorillas Chimpanzees Safaris Nile Adventure Lakes

Top Destinations in Uganda

Uganda is easy to build around primates + safari, then add lakes or adventure based on your style.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

World-famous for mountain gorilla trekking—one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth.

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Kibale Forest National Park

Uganda’s top chimpanzee trekking destination—lush forest and strong primate sightings.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park

Classic safari scenery with wildlife, plus the famous Kazinga Channel boat experience.

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Murchison Falls National Park

Iconic waterfall and strong safari moments—one of Uganda’s most popular parks.

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Jinja (Source of the Nile)

Adventure capital—Nile activities and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.

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Lake Bunyonyi

Peaceful lake scenery—perfect to rest after gorilla trekking.

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Rwenzori Mountains

Serious hiking and dramatic mountain scenery—great for trekkers.

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Lake Mburo National Park

Easy safari stop close to the main route—great for a short park experience.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking destination—deep forest, unforgettable encounters, and a true adventure.

  • Best experiences
    Gorilla trekking, forest scenery, community encounters
  • Best for
    Bucket-list wildlife travelers
  • Recommended time
    2–3 days (or more if adding extra trek)
  • Good to know
    Trekking can be physically demanding—good shoes matter

Kibale Forest National Park

Uganda’s top chimp destination—lush forest walks and excellent primate viewing.

  • Best experiences
    Chimp trekking, forest walks, nearby crater-lake scenery
  • Best for
    Primates and nature lovers
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Morning treks are often ideal for activity

Queen Elizabeth National Park

A classic safari park with varied landscapes—game drives plus a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.

  • Best experiences
    Game drives, Kazinga boat safari, scenery
  • Best for
    Safari + boat wildlife viewing
  • Recommended time
    2–3 days
  • Good to know
    Boat safari is often a trip highlight—don’t skip it

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s iconic waterfall and one of its top safari parks—strong wildlife and Nile scenery.

  • Best experiences
    Murchison Falls viewpoint, game drives, Nile boat cruise
  • Best for
    Safari + waterfall combo
  • Recommended time
    2–3 days
  • Good to know
    Boat trips are a great way to see wildlife and the falls

Jinja (Source of the Nile)

Uganda’s adventure hub—perfect if you want active days after your safari route.

  • Best experiences
    Nile adventures, riverside relaxation, day trips
  • Best for
    Adventure travelers
  • Recommended time
    1–3 days
  • Good to know
    Works well at the start or end of your trip

Lake Bunyonyi

Calm, scenic, and relaxing—ideal after gorilla trekking for a slower pace and beautiful lake views.

  • Best experiences
    Lake views, relaxation, boat rides, peaceful mornings
  • Best for
    Rest after trekking
  • Recommended time
    1–3 days
  • Good to know
    A perfect “recovery stop” in the itinerary

Rwenzori Mountains

Dramatic highland scenery and serious trekking—one of Africa’s most rewarding mountain adventures.

  • Best experiences
    Multi-day hikes, mountain landscapes, unique vegetation zones
  • Best for
    Trekkers and hikers
  • Recommended time
    3–10+ days (depending on route)
  • Good to know
    Plan with a trekking operator—logistics matter

Lake Mburo National Park

A convenient safari stop close to the main route—great if you have limited time but still want wildlife.

  • Best experiences
    Short game drives, scenery, easy safari day
  • Best for
    Quick wildlife stops
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Perfect as a stop between Kampala and the southwest

Top Things To Do in Uganda

Uganda’s best trips combine primates + safari, then add lakes or adventure based on your style.

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
    One of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
    Forest trekking and primate encounters
  • Safari in Queen Elizabeth
    Game drives + Kazinga Channel boat safari
  • Visit Murchison Falls
    Waterfall power + Nile scenery
  • Adventure time in Jinja
    Nile activities and relaxed riverside days
  • Relax at Lake Bunyonyi
    Perfect to rest after gorilla trekking

Sample Uganda Itineraries

Use these as a framework and adjust based on permits, driving time, and your priorities (gorillas, chimps, safari).

Trip Length Route Idea Best For
4–6 Days Kampala/Entebbe + Bwindi (gorillas) + Lake Bunyonyi Quick gorilla focus
7–10 Days Kibale (chimps) + Queen Elizabeth + Bwindi + Bunyonyi Best first-time mix
10–14 Days Murchison Falls + Kibale + Queen Elizabeth + Bwindi + Bunyonyi Full wildlife circuit
14+ Days Wildlife circuit + Jinja (Nile) and/or Rwenzori trekking Adventure + nature combo

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda can be visited year-round, but trekking comfort and road conditions can vary with rainfall.

  • Trekking comfort
    Good shoes and rain protection are always useful
  • Safari timing
    Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife activity
  • Permits
    Plan gorilla permits early for peak travel dates
  • Trip pacing
    Uganda is best when not rushed—keep buffer time for drives

Uganda Travel Tips

  • Plan gorilla permits early
    Your whole route often depends on permit dates
  • Don’t rush the drives
    Distances can take longer than expected
  • Bring trekking essentials
    Good shoes, gloves, and rain protection help a lot
  • Add a recovery stop
    Lake Bunyonyi is perfect after trekking
  • Mix safari + primates
    Uganda is best when you balance both
  • Use experienced guides
    Guides improve sightings and overall smoothness

FAQ – Uganda Tours

How many days do I need in Uganda?

For a gorilla-focused trip, 4–6 days can work. For chimps + safari + gorillas, 7–10 days is ideal. For a full route including Murchison Falls, plan 10–14 days.

What’s the best first-time Uganda route?

Kibale (chimps) → Queen Elizabeth (safari + boat) → Bwindi (gorillas) → Lake Bunyonyi to relax.

Uganda: gorillas or safari first?

Many travelers do safari first, then finish with gorillas and a relaxing lake stop—either way works, depending on permit dates.

Plan Your Uganda Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and interests (gorillas, chimps, safari, Nile adventure), and we’ll help you plan a smooth Uganda itinerary.

Email

info@mtravelandtoursbi.com

Tell us your dates + priorities: Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison, or Jinja.

M Travel and Tours Burundi

Official website: https://mtravelandtoursbi.com

African Things To Do is owned and operated by M Travel and Tours Burundi.