10 Best Uganda Day Trips From Kampala And Entebbe

Uganda is one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse safari destinations. It is known for its extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Ancient rainforests shelter mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Vast savannahs are home to the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Tropical rivers and lakes are full of hippos and crocodiles. Bird lovers will enjoy over 1,080 species, making Uganda a top destination for birding.

Of course, one day is not enough to see everything. But if your time is short, there is still plenty to explore near Kampala or Entebbe. You can track rhinos on foot, raft the Nile River, or visit a chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria. You can also search for the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp. Even in just one day, Uganda offers unforgettable experiences.

Which Uganda day trips are available from Kampala or Entebbe?

From Kampala or nearby Entebbe, you can enjoy several exciting day trips. Each offers a unique taste of Uganda. Bird lovers often visit Mabamba Swamp, a wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria.

Local guides paddle visitors through the reeds in dugout canoes. This is one of the best places in Africa to see the rare shoebill stork. You may also spot birds like the African pygmy goose, blue-breasted bee-eater, and papyrus gonolek. For adventure, try white-water rafting on the Nile near Jinja. This part of the river has Grade 5 rapids, giving a thrilling ride just a short distance from Lake Victoria.

Wildlife enthusiasts can go north of Kampala to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Here, you can track white rhinos on foot and learn about efforts to protect these endangered animals.

Another great option is a boat ride on Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island, home to a chimpanzee sanctuary caring for orphaned chimps since 1998. Whether you love birds, wildlife, adventure, or conservation, these day trips let you enjoy some of Uganda’s best highlights in just one day.

Can I book a gorilla trekking day trip in Uganda?

In principle, yes—you can arrange a gorilla trek as a one-day trip once you are in Uganda. In practice, there are a few challenges. The first is availability. Gorilla trekking requires a permit, and permits are limited. During the busy season from June to September, they often sell out weeks or months in advance.

Without a permit, you cannot go. The second challenge is distance. Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are at least 10 hours from Kampala or Entebbe. For this reason, the shortest practical gorilla safari from these cities is usually three days and two nights.

There are options if you are already closer to the parks. From Kabale or Kisoro, you can join a one-day trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. From Kisoro, near Mgahinga Gorilla National park, a one-day trek into the forest is also possible. In short, a gorilla trekking day trip is not realistic from Kampala or Entebbe. It is possible if you are already staying near Kabale or Kisoro.

Is a One-day safari in Lake Mburo National Park worth it?

It depends on where your trip begins. Lake Mburo National Park is the closest true safari destination to Kampala and Entebbe, about 4 to 5 hours’ drive southwest. If you stay at a lodge near the park, a full day inside is definitely worthwhile. With game drives and a boat trip, you can see buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, bushbucks, defassa waterbucks, and many birds.

However, if you start and end the safari in Kampala or Entebbe in the same day, it is less rewarding. The round trip can take almost 10 hours, leaving only a short time for wildlife. Most of this time is in the middle of the day, when animals are less active, the sun is hot, and photos are harder to take.

A one-day Lake Mburo National Park safari works best if you are already staying nearby. From Kampala or Entebbe, it is better to spend at least one night near the park. That way, you can enjoy wildlife in the early morning and late afternoon, when the park is at its best.

How much does a 1-day Uganda Tour cost?

The cost of a one-day tour in Uganda varies depending on the destination. The most expensive option is gorilla trekking, which is only possible as a day trip from Kabale or Kisoro. This usually costs between US$1,000 and US$1,200 per person, with most of the cost coming from the US$800 gorilla trekking permit.

Other popular day trips from Kampala or Entebbe—like birdwatching at Mabamba Swamp, rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, or white-water rafting on the Nile—are much more affordable. Prices for these trips usually range from US$120 to US$400 per person, depending on the activity and comfort level.

Costs are often lower if you travel in a group, as transport expenses can be shared. In short, gorilla trekking is a premium adventure, while most other Uganda day safaris are more budget-friendly and can suit different interests and price ranges.

What is included in a 1-day Uganda Tour?

Most one-day tours in Uganda are offered as all-inclusive packages. The price usually covers transportation, a driver and/or professional guide, and all park fees or activity charges. Lunch, snacks, and drinking water are often included too. What is not included are alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses. You can also tip your guide and driver if you wish. Tips are an important part of their income. In short, a well-organized one-day Uganda tour covers the essentials. You can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.