Escape from Kampala: A Guide to Weekend Getaways

Kampala is a vibrant and lively city, but sometimes you may feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle and explore other parts of Uganda. Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, or relaxation, there are plenty of options for weekend getaways that are within easy reach of the capital. Here are some of the best places to visit for a short break.

Bulago Island: A Private Paradise

If you want to enjoy the tranquilly and beauty of Lake Victoria, Bulago Island is a perfect choice. This island is home to a luxury villa that can accommodate up to 20 people, making it ideal for large groups of friends or family. You can rent the whole villa for yourself and enjoy the facilities, such as a swimming pool, a tennis court, a sauna, and a private beach. You can also explore the island’s wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands. Bulago Island is about an hour’s boat ride from Entebbe, and you can book your stay through the website here.

The Equator: A Unique Experience

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda is the equator line, which crosses the country near Masaka. Here you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere and take some memorable photos with the equator monument. You can also witness some interesting demonstrations of how water drains differently on either side of the line and browse some souvenir shops and craft stalls. The equator line is about an hour and a half drive from Kampala, and you can easily visit it as a day trip or combine it with other nearby destinations, such as Mpanga Forest.

Jinja: The Adventure Capital

Jinja is famous for being the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and also for offering a variety of thrilling activities for adrenaline seekers. You can experience some of the best whitewater rafting in the world, as well as bungee jumping, quad biking, tubing, and speed boating. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the river and the surrounding countryside and visit the historical sites and monuments that mark the discovery of the Nile by the Victorian explorers. Jinja is about a two-hour drive from Kampala, and you can find many accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury, depending on your preference. Some of the most popular places to stay are The Haven, Hairy Lemon Island, and Adrift Riverbase Camp.

Kibale National Park: The Primate Paradise

If you are interested in seeing some of Uganda’s amazing wildlife, especially the primates, you should head to Kibale National Park, which is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees and 12 other monkey species. You can join a guided trek through the forest and observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as well as other animals and birds. You can also visit the nearby Bigodi wetland sanctuary, which is a community-based conservation project that supports the local people and the environment. Kibale National Park is about a five-hour drive from Kampala, and you can take a bus to Fort Portal and then a taxi or a mutatu to the park. You can also book your accommodation and chimp tracking permit in advance, either online or through a local tour operator. Some of the places to stay are Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Kibale Forest Camp, and Primate Lodge.

Lagoon Island Resort: A Tropical Retreat

Another island option for a weekend getaway is Lagoon Island Resort, which is closer to Kampala than Bulago Island and more suitable for couples or small groups. This resort offers luxurious cottages and tents, as well as a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a swimming pool. You can also enjoy various activities, such as fishing, kayaking, sailing, and bird watching, or just relax on the sandy beach and soak up the sun. Lagoon Island Resort is about an hour’s boat ride from Munyonyo-Speke Resort Marina, and you can book your stay through the website here.

Lake Mburo National Park: The Savanna Safari

If you want to see some of the iconic African wildlife, such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes, you can visit Lake Mburo National Park, which is the closest savanna park to Kampala. You can do a game drive, a boat ride, or a nature walk and spot various animals and birds. You can also visit the lake itself, which is home to crocodiles and hippos, and enjoy the stunning views of the water and the hills. Lake Mburo National Park is about a five-hour drive from Kampala, and you can either take a private car or a public bus to Mbarara and then a taxi or a mutatu to the park. You can also find several accommodation options inside or outside the park, such as Mburo Safari Lodge, Rwonyo Tented Camp, and Mihingo Lodge.

Mabira Forest: The Rainforest Adventure

Mabira Forest is one of the largest and most diverse rainforests in Uganda, and it is located on the way to Jinja. You can explore the forest and see various monkeys, birds, butterflies, and plants, as well as some cultural and historical sites. You can also do some activities, such as hiking, biking, zip-lining, and camping, or join some community-based tours and learn about the local people and their traditions. Mabira Forest is about an hour and a half drive from Kampala, and you can either take a private car or a mutatu to Najjembe, where you can find the Rainforest Eco-lodge, which offers comfortable bungalows and a restaurant. You can also stay inside the forest at the forest centre’s bandas or campsite and hire a guide for your forest walks.

Mpanga Forest: The Nearby Nature

Mpanga Forest is another rainforest option for a weekend getaway, and it is closer to Kampala than Mabira Forest. It is smaller and less developed, but it still offers a chance to see some monkeys, birds, and butterflies and to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. You can do some short walks in the forest or join some longer trails that lead to some villages and cultural sites. Mpanga Forest is about an hour drive from Kampala, and you can either take a private car or a mutatu to Masaka or Mpigi, and then a boda boda to the forest. You can stay in the forest centre’s hut or campsite and arrange your meals and guides with the park rangers.

Murchison Falls National Park: The Mighty Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most spectacular and diverse parks in Uganda, and it is famous for its waterfall, where the Nile river squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges down with a thunderous roar. You can visit the falls and hike to the top, where you can see the rainbow and the mist, or take a boat cruise to the bottom, where you can see the crocodiles and hippos. You can also do a game drive in the park and see some of the big five animals, such as lions, elephants, and leopards, as well as giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. You can also visit the nearby Budongo forest and do some chimpanzee tracking or bird watching. Murchison Falls National Park is about a four-hour drive from Kampala, and you can either take a private car or a public bus to Masindi and then a taxi or a mutatu to the park. You can also book your accommodation and activities in advance, either online or through a local tour operator. Some of the places to stay are Red Chilli Rest Camp, Murchison River Lodge, and Paraa Safari Lodge.

Ngamba Chimp Island: The Chimp Sanctuary

Ngamba Chimp Island is a small island on Lake Victoria that serves as a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees. You can visit the island, see the chimpanzees during their feeding times, and learn about their behaviour and personalities. You can also interact with the chimpanzees and join them for a forest walk if you stay overnight on the island. You can also enjoy the lake views and the beach and do some fishing, kayaking, or bird watching. Ngamba Chimp Island is about an hour’s boat ride from Entebbe, and you can book your visit through the website here.

Sese Islands: The Tropical Archipelago

The Sese Islands are a group of islands on Lake Victoria that offer a tropical getaway with sandy beaches, palm trees, and warm waters. You can visit the islands and enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand, and do some swimming, snorkelling, sailing, or fishing. You can also explore the islands and see some wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies, or visit some villages and cultural sites. The Ssese Islands are about a three-hour boat ride from Kampala, and you can either take a ferry from Port Bell, Entebbe, or Bukakata, or hire a private boat from Entebbe Boat Club. You can also find many accommodation options on the islands, ranging from budget to luxury, depending on the island and the resort. Some of the most popular islands and resorts are Bugala Island, Banda Island, Ssese Palm Beach, Ssesse Islands Beach Hotel, and Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The Rhino Encounter

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos The sanctuary is home to both white and black rhinos, and you can join a guided walk to see them up close. You can also see other animals, such as antelopes, warthogs, and birds, and visit the information centre to learn about the conservation efforts. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is about a three-hour drive from Kampala, and you can either take a private car or a public bus to Nakasongola and then a taxi or a mutatu to the sanctuary. You can also stay overnight at the sanctuary’s guesthouse or campsite and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the starry sky.