1 Week in Uganda - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Uganda: Entebbe, Kibale & Bwindi

This highlights tour gives a taste of Uganda's friendly culture and lush national parks, perfect for first-time visitors. With overnights in both Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you'll have the best chance to spot chimpanzees, elephants, wild pigs, and mountain gorillas in the wild. Between exhilarating jungle treks, mingle with the locals at barbecues, explore quaint villages, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of bustling markets.

Welcome to Uganda! Your trip begins in Entebbe, strolling the shores of Lake Victoria and sampling the local cuisine. Immerse yourself in Ugandan culture the following day in Kampala, visiting the Uganda Museum, enjoying a food tour, and exploring Kabaka's Palace. After an early morning wake-up call and a seven-hour drive, the virgin rainforests of Kibale National Park will come into view on Day 3. Spend the evening getting to know the locals over a barbecue but opt for an early bedtime, as the next day, you'll embark on the famous Kanyanchu Primate Walk in search of chimpanzees, elephants, and wild pigs.

Undoubtedly, you'll wake excited the next day, with a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the agenda. After arriving at the Rushaga Sector, stretch your legs with a lovely wander around the town center, browsing shops and marketplaces. Then, rest up for your big hike the following day. Alongside a local guide, your chances of spotting one of the park's 400 mountain gorillas are almost guaranteed, and with the opportunity to spend up to four hours observing them, this bucket list-worthy day will fly by. Before you know it, it'll be time to transfer back to Entebbe to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Safari

Seek out mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, and rare golden monkeys on this weeklong Uganda safari that spans three national parks: Kibale, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Mgahinga. Trekking alongside local guides, you'll not only see but also get among the wild nature that Uganda is famous for. Plus, with half-day treks on the agenda and overnight stays in jungle lodges, you'll enjoy a lovely mix of adventure and relaxation.

After arriving in Entebbe, you'll immediately make the seven-hour journey west to Kibale National Park, where an evening searching for birds, butterflies, and primates at the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary will mark the perfect end to your first day. It's full steam ahead the following day, with an excursion into the rainforest on the Kanyanchu Primate Walk, a route famous for its chimpanzees. With plenty more to see and another drive ahead of you, you'll want to hit the road early the next day to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, stopping by the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to observe tree-climbing lions. 

Wake up ready to tackle an epic day of jungle trekking, where, alongside a guide, you'll hike into the forest in search of mountain gorillas. If the conditions allow, you'll help collect samples and name primate group members. With three days left on your adventure, it's time to transfer to Mgahinga National Park for a beautiful afternoon at the Batwa Experience, learning about the customs and history of the Batwa people. Before returning to Entebbe to catch your flight home, spend your last full day hiking through jungles and bamboo forests on a golden monkey safari, looking for the rare primate. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Uganda Active Adventure

On this active Ugandan adventure, you'll spend less time in a car, allowing more time for heart-pumping experiences. Perfect for travelers who enjoy stretching their comfort zone, you'll be treated to epic zipline excursions, fast-paced whitewater rafting excursions, and even an opportunity to bungee jump over the Nile. Yet, no trip to Uganda is complete without wildlife encounters, so in between and during adrenaline-pumping activities, you'll certainly be keeping an eye out for monkeys, baboons, and other rainforest dwellers.

Start your active adventure in Entebbe, getting your bearings in the country with a self-guided walking tour and checking out the shops at Victoria Mall. Then, it's right to the activities the next day, starting with an exciting zipline venture across the River Musamya, followed by a scenic boat ride down the Nile River after checking into your hotel in Jinja. With two more days in Jinja, you'll head out on a rafting trip of the Nile, take a quad bike along the famous river, and, if you dare, bungee jump off a platform rising 141 feet (43 m) over the water.

The fun doesn't stop there, though. Even during the four-hour drive to Kapchorwa, you'll find time to try your luck at spotting baboons in the Busitema Forest Reserve, embark on a hike to Sipi Falls, and join in on traditional dances with Sebei people inside a cave. On your last full day, ramp up the adventure even more during a trekking tour through local villages, banana plantations, and a coffee farm, followed by a hike at the base of Mount Elgon in search of three impressive waterfalls. Taking lasting memories with you, you'll catch your onward flight after a transfer back to Entebbe on Day 7. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Cultural & Culinary Tour of Uganda

Slowing the pace, immerse yourself in Uganda's diverse culture on this cultural and culinary tour. Each day promises new experiences as you travel between Entebbe and Kampala, visiting local schools and learning how to make traditional dishes. Then, with time to visit a bustling fishing trading center and numerous craft markets and art galleries, there's no doubt this trip is ideal for those who love getting to know local customs through authentic experiences.

Start your trip in Entebbe, strolling along Lake Victoria's shores and savoring the local cuisine. Then, immerse yourself in Uganda's warm culture the following day during a visit to the village of Kijjudde, where you'll experience the joy of preparing and sharing a delicious luwombo meal before indulging in some friendly soccer and archery competition. After saying goodbye to your new friends, head to the vibrant capital, Kampala, to explore the bustling Nakasero Market and the historical Kabaka's Palace. End your day with a home-cooked meal, music, and dance performances at the Ndere Cultural Center.

Halfway into the trip, you'll be settled in and ready for a heartwarming day at the Matuga Community School, connecting with teachers and students and enjoying a cultural dance performance. Then, it's back to Entebbe, but not before stopping by the Kasenyi Fish Landing Site to learn about local fishing practices and to unwind at White Sands Beach. On your last full day, delve into Entebbe's artistic side with a tour of craft markets and art galleries and participate in a painting class. All too soon, it'll be time to pack your bags and head to the airport to catch your flight 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.