2 Day Uganda Tours & Gorilla Trekking Safaris 2026 / 2027

Uganda is a country full of surprises. Despite its small size, it has some of Africa’s tallest mountains, largest lakes, and the source of the world’s longest river. Its landscapes vary from lush jungles and wide savannahs to rich wetlands, all teeming with wildlife. Adventure seekers can track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in dense forests. Along the rivers and lakes, you might spot hippos, crocodiles, and many waterbirds. On the savannah, the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos – roam freely. Even with just two days, Uganda’s compact size lets you enjoy a memorable safari. You may not see everything, but the country offers plenty of options for an exciting overnight wildlife adventure.

What are the options for a 2-day Uganda Tour?

Most two day trips in Uganda start and end in Kampala or Entebbe. For adventure close to the city, you can try white-water rafting on the Nile River in Jinja, just two hours from Kampala. The rapids are thrilling and the views are beautiful. If you prefer wildlife, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is a great choice. It is about 5 hours from Kampala. Guides and trackers lead you through the forest to see chimps in their natural habitat.

For a very special experience, you can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Follow guides through the forest to see these magnificent creatures up close.

For a classic safari, Lake Mburo Park is 3 to 4 hours from Kampala. You can see hippos, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and antelope, though lions and elephants are rare. Murchison Falls National Park is farther away and offers game drives and boat trips on the Nile. You might see elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. Queen Elizabeth National Park, about seven hours from Kampala, has abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.

For a mix of adventure and scenery, visit Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon, four to five hours from Kampala. You can hike, see waterfalls, and explore local coffee plantations. Sipi Falls is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed and scenic experience along with their safari.

Elephants in Murchsion Falls National Park

Is it possible to see the Big Five in Uganda in 2 days?

It is possible, but it takes careful planning and a bit of luck. One two-day plan that gives you a chance to see all the Big Five includes an overnight stay in Murchison Falls National Park. You can stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch on the way from or back to Entebbe.

At Ziwa, you can almost be sure of seeing white rhinos. Murchison Falls is home to the rest of the Big Five. Elephants and buffalo are often spotted on afternoon boat trips to the base of the falls or during morning game drives along the Delta Circuit. Lions and leopards live in the park too. However, seeing both on a single game drive is less likely. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the experience is still unforgettable.

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 Gorilla National Parks, where trekking happens, takes at least 10 hours each way. For safaris starting from Entebbe or Kampala, the minimum duration for a gorilla trek is three days. 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 the park, the drive from Kigali takes 3–6 hours.

You can cross into Uganda on the first day, track gorillas the next morning, and return to Kigali the same day. You might ask why cross into Uganda when gorillas can also be tracked in Rwanda. The main reason is cost. Gorilla permits in Uganda are US$800 per person for foreign non-residents. In Rwanda, the price is US$1,500 per person. 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 a lot. Prices range from US$450 to US$1,800 per person. The price depends on the activities, accommodation, and transport you choose. If your safari includes gorilla trekking, a large part of the cost is the US$800 permit.

Most other 2-day safaris from Entebbe or Kampala are much cheaper. They don’t need gorilla permits. Budget camping safaris to parks like Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls usually cost around US$400–$600 per person. More luxurious lodge safaris, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, or rafting on the Nile near Jinja usually cost between US$600–$800 per person.