2 Days Uganda Tours & Gorilla Trekking Safaris
2 Day Safari Trips In Uganda
Uganda is a land of extraordinary diversity.
Despite its relatively small size, this equatorial country boasts some of Africa’s tallest mountains, largest lakes, and even the primary source of the world’s longest river. Its landscapes range from lush jungles and expansive savannahs to rich wetlands, creating a vibrant mosaic teeming with wildlife.
Adventure seekers can track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in dense forests, spot hippos and a variety of waterbirds along serene waterways, or witness the iconic Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos – roaming the savannah.
Even with just two days to explore, Uganda’s compact size means you can still enjoy an unforgettable safari experience. While you won’t be able to see everything, the country offers a wealth of options for an exciting overnight wildlife adventure.
Best 2 Day Uganda Tour Packages
2 Days Uganda Safaris FAQs
What are the options for a 2-day Uganda Tour?
Several beautiful national parks and destinations can be explored on a 2-day Uganda trip starting and ending in Kampala or Entebbe.
For travelers who want adventure without spending too much time on the road, a white-water rafting trip on the Victoria Nile near Jinja, just 2 hours from Kampala, is an exciting option.
Another thrilling choice is chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, a walking safari about 6 hours from Kampala, where guides and trackers lead you to see chimps in their natural habitat.
You can also opt for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, following guides and trackers through the forest to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
For a more traditional safari to see savannah wildlife, there are three main options. Lake Mburo National Park, 3–5 hours southwest of Kampala, is home to hippos, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and antelope, though lions and elephants are absent.
Murchison Falls National Park, slightly farther away, offers a more thrilling experience with boat trips on a wildlife-rich stretch of the Nile and game drives to spot buffalo, elephants, lions, and leopards.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, about 7 hours from Kampala, provides a similar safari experience, with abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
For a mix of adventure and natural beauty, consider visiting Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon. Around 4–5 hours from Kampala, it is ideal for hiking, enjoying spectacular waterfall views, and exploring local coffee plantations. Sipi Falls is perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed and scenic experience alongside their safari.
Is it possible to see the Big Five in Uganda in 2 days?
It is technically possible, but you would need careful planning and a bit of luck.
One 2-day itinerary that offers a chance to see all the Big Five includes an overnight stay in Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch on the way from or back to Entebbe.
At Ziwa, you can be confident of seeing white rhinos, while Murchison Falls is home to the remaining members of the Big Five.
Elephants and buffalo are commonly seen on afternoon boat trips to the base of Murchison Falls and during morning game drives along the Delta Circuit.
Lions and leopards are also present in the park, but the chances of spotting both on a single game drive are lower, so sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Is 2 days enough time to see the gorillas in Uganda?
It is possible to see gorillas on a 2-day Uganda safari, but your starting point matters.
Trying to fit gorilla trekking into a 2-day driving safari from Entebbe or Kampala is not realistic. The drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga, where gorilla trekking takes place, takes at least 10 hours each way.
For safaris starting from Entebbe or Kampala, the minimum duration for a gorilla trek is 3 days, as you need to stay overnight near the park before and after the trek.
A more practical option for a 2-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is to start from Kigali, Rwanda. Depending on your chosen park, the drive from Kigali takes 3–6 hours. This allows you to cross into Uganda on the first day, track gorillas the next morning, and return to Kigali the same day.
You might wonder why anyone would cross into Uganda when gorillas can also be tracked in Rwanda.
The main reason is cost: gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, compared to US$1,500 per person in Rwanda (both countries offer lower rates for African citizens and foreign residents).
How much does a 2-day Uganda safari cost?
The cost of a 2-day Uganda safari can vary widely, ranging from US$450 to US$1,800 per person, depending on the activities, accommodations, and transport options.
If your safari includes gorilla trekking, a significant part of the cost will be the US$800 permit.
Most other 2-day safaris from Entebbe or Kampala are much cheaper, as they do not require gorilla permits.
Budget camping safaris to national parks such as Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls typically cost around US$400–$600 per person, while more luxurious lodge-based safaris, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, or rafting on the Nile near Jinja generally range from US$600–$800 per person.
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