2 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking and Safari Tours

Two Day Tours in Uganda

Uganda is a relatively small country. But it holds some of Africa’s biggest natural wonders. We have Africa’s tallest mountain range and the largest lake. We also have the source of the world’s longest river, the Nile. 

The landscape is incredibly diverse. You can move from dense forest jungle to vast wetlands, and then out into open savannah plains. And with every change in scenery, the wildlife changes too. In the forests, you can track gorillas and chimpanzees. Along the water, you will see hippos, crocodiles, and a wealthy of waterbirds. On the open plains, you can look for the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. 

Two days is short, of course. You will not see everything. But Uganda is compact. Even in a short time, you still have good options for a memorable overnight safari.

Best Uganda 2-day gorilla trekking and safari trips

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Frequently asked questions

About 2-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Tours

A two day Uganda tour  often raises questions. To ensure you are well prepared, we have answered the most important questions for you below.

What Are the Options for a 2-Day Uganda Tour?

There are several great options for a 2-day Uganda tour starting from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. If you want something active with less driving, white-water rafting on the Nile River near Jinja is a great choice. It is about a two-hour drive east of Kampala and offers a full day of adventure on the river.

For wildlife and forest experiences, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is another option. It is a walking safari where you follow your guide and trackers to find chimps in their natural habitat. The park is around six hours from Kampala.

A gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also possible. Here, you walk through the forest with guides to meet mountain gorillas up close.

If you prefer a classic savannah safari, there are three main options. Lake Mburo National Park is the closest, about four to five hours from Kampala. It is known for hippos, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and antelope, but there are no lions or elephants.

Murchison Falls National Park is another strong option. It is a bit further, but easy to reach thanks to improved roads. It offers boat trips on the Nile and game drives where you may see elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, and leopards. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the third option. It offers a similar safari experience to Murchison Falls but is at least seven hours from Kampala.

Yes, it is possible to see all of the Big Five on a 2-day Uganda safari. But it takes good planning and a bit of luck. The best option is a trip that includes Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch on the way from or to Entebbe. At Ziwa, you are almost guaranteed to see white rhinos. In Murchison Falls, you can find the rest of the Big Five.

Elephants and buffalo are often seen on boat trips along the Nile and during early morning game drives on the Delta Circuit. Lions and leopards also live in the park, but they are harder to spot. Seeing both in just one game drive is not very common.

In some cases, yes, it is possible to see gorillas on a 2-day Uganda safari. But it depends on where you start your journey. What is not realistic is a 2-day trip starting and ending in Kampala or Entebbe. The drive to Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes at least 10 hours each way. That makes it too far for a short gorilla safari.

For this reason, a gorilla tour from Kampala or Entebbe normally needs at least 3 days. You need time to stay near the park before and after the trek.

A more practical option for a 2-day gorilla trip is starting from Kigali in Rwanda. From there, it is a 3 to 6-hour drive to the Uganda border area, depending on the park. This makes it possible to travel on day one, trek gorillas the next morning, and return to Kigali the same day.

It is also worth asking why travelers choose Uganda instead of Rwanda for gorilla trekking. The simple reason is cost. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, while in Rwanda it costs US$1,500. Both countries offer unforgettable experiences. The choice often comes down to budget and travel plan.

A 2-day Uganda trip can cost anywhere from US$450 to US$1,800 per person. The price depends on where you go, how you travel, and the level of comfort you choose. 

If your trip includes gorilla trekking, the cost is higher. A large part of the price goes to the gorilla permit, which costs US$800 per person.

Flying into the parks also increases the cost compared to driving. Accommodation level also plays a big role. For example, a 2-day fly-in gorilla safari from Entebbe and ending in Kigali can cost around US$1,800 per person. From Kigali in Rwanda, a 2-day Uganda gorilla safari usually costs between US$1,100 and US$1,500 per person.

Other 2-day safaris from Kampala or Entebbe are much more affordable since they do not include gorilla trekking. Budget safaris to parks like Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls usually cost around US$400 to US$600 per person.

More comfortable lodge-based trips, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, or rafting on the Nile near Jinja usually range between US$600 and US$800 per person.