Top 5 Best Weekend Getaways in Uganda from Kampala City

Weekend Getaways in Uganda: Looking for the perfect weekend getaways in Uganda? You don’t need weeks off to experience the Pearl of Africa’s magic.

From the adrenaline-pumping rapids of the Nile River in Jinja to the serene terraced shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda packs world-class adventures, wildlife, and relaxation into trips that are just 1–8 hours from Kampala.

Whether you’re planning short weekend trips in Uganda, a quick safari, a romantic retreat, or a family-friendly escape, this guide covers the best weekend getaways in Uganda with practical details, budgets, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect 48–72 hour adventure.

List of the Weekend Getaways in Uganda

Jinja City – The Adventure Capital of East Africa

Distance from Kampala: 80 km | Drive time: 2–3 hours

Best for: Adventure lovers, groups of friends, couples seeking thrills

Jinja remains the undisputed king of weekend trips near Kampala. Sitting at the source of the White Nile, it offers grade 5 white-water rafting, bungee jumping over the river, quad biking, kayaking, horseback riding along the Nile, and sunset boat cruises. After a day of adrenaline, relax at boutique riverside lodges with infinity pools overlooking the river.

Among the places and other activities, you can experience while on Jinja city tour include; quad biking, fishing sites, cycling, cultural experience, visiting factories and on your way, there is Mabira forest, tea and sugar plantations visit and Ssezibwa falls.

Weekend itinerary idea (2 days):

Day 1: Half-day rafting + sunset cruise
Day 2: Bungee jump or quad biking + visit Itanda Falls

Budget stays: Nile River Camp ($40–70 pp)

Luxury stays: Wildwaters Lodge or Jinja Nile Resort ($200–450 pp)

Recommended weekend tour package to Jinja: 2 days Jinja City Tour

Murchison Falls National Park

Distance from Kampala: 305 km | Drive time: 4.5–5.5 hours

Best for: Classic Big 5 safari experience in 48 hours

Yes, you really can do Murchison Falls in a weekend! Leave Kampala at 6 AM Saturday, arrive by 11 AM, and you still have time for an afternoon game drive and sunset boat cruise to the base of the falls.

Murchison falls is 4 hours away drive from the capital, Kampala. The largest park in Uganda offers the opportunity to spot variety of wild animals in their natural habitat. The park hosts mammals, birds and different species of primates.

The park is also popular for being the home of the world’s strongest falls, the Murchison Falls. When you undertake a trip to Murchison falls, you enjoy among others; Game drives for wildlife viewing, boat cruises to the bottom of the falls, visiting the top of the falls, hiking, sport fishing, bird watching, primates watching and chimpanzee trekking.

Weekend itinerary:

Saturday: Morning drive → afternoon game drive (giraffes, elephants, lions) → sunset at top of falls
Sunday: Boat to the Devil’s Cauldron → morning game drive → return to Kampala by 7 PM

Budget stays: Fort Murchison or Red Chilli ($80–150 pp)

Luxury stays: Paraa Safari Lodge or Baker’s Lodge ($400–700 pp all-inclusive)

Suggested Weekend Getaway in Uganda: 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Lake Mburo National Park

Distance from Kampala: 230 km | Drive time: 3.5–4 hours

Best for: Quick wildlife weekend, families, couples

The smallest savannah national park in Uganda is also the nearest Uganda National Park from Kampala city. Lake Mburo is just 2 hours drive away from the capital of Uganda towards South west.

Lake Mburo National Park besides its size is a home to thousands of mammals such as Zebras, antelopes, Giraffes, buffaloes, lions and warthogs among others. The park offers Uganda safari activities such as; game drives, horseback riding, cycling, amping, bird watching, fishing safaris and boat cruises. No lions or elephants mean it’s perfect for families with young kids.

Weekend safari highlights:

Boat cruise on Lake Mburo (hippos, crocodiles, kingfishers)
Game drives (zebras, eland, impala)
Night drive to spot leopards (high success rate)

Budget stays: Rwakobo Rock ($80–120 pp half-board)

Luxury stays: Mihingo Lodge ($350–500 pp all-inclusive)

Recommended Weekend tours to Lake Mburo: 2 Days Lake Mburo Wildlife Tour

Entebbe & Lake Victoria – The Quick Relaxed Escape

Distance from Kampala: 40 km | Drive time: 45–60 minutes

Best for: Families, first-time visitors, business travelers wanting a chill weekend

Just an hour from the city (or 10 minutes from the airport), Entebbe is the easiest and most underrated weekend destination near Kampala.

The international gateway to Uganda is no home to the only international airport in Uganda. The 1st Uganda capital city has a lot to offer when it comes to adventure, from sandy beaches to forests to Zoos and resorts.

Among the must Visit Places in Entebbe town are; the beaches, Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Entebbe Zoo), Botanical gardens, Zika forest, Mabamba Swamp for birding, Entebbe Reptile Village, Lake Victoria for boat cruises, and Ngamba Island, (although this is not in Entebbe but usually included on Entebbe city tour plan).

Highlights:

Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (mini zoo with lions, rhinos, chimps)
Sunset at Imperial Resort Beach or Anderita Beach

Budget stays: Lake Heights Hotel ($60–90)

Luxury stays: Protea Hotel Entebbe or Lake Victoria Serena ($180–300)

Recommended Weekend Getaways in Uganda, Entebbe tour plan: 1 Day Entebbe City Tour

Sipi Falls, Kapchorwa – Hiking & Coffee Heaven

Distance from Kampala: 270 km | Drive time: 4.5–5.5 hours

Best for: Hikers, photographers, coffee lovers

Three stunning waterfalls cascade down the slopes of Mount Elgon, offering some of Uganda’s most dramatic scenery. Hike to all three falls, visit local coffee farms, and stay in cozy banda cottages with million-dollar views.

Must-do:

Full-day hike to all three falls (easy to moderate)
Arabica coffee tour with local farmers
Abseiling (rappelling) down the main 100m fall

Budget stays: Sipi River Lodge or Rafiki Lodge ($50–90 pp)

Luxury stays: Sipi Falls Lodge ($150–250 pp)

Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda’s Most Beautiful Lake

Distance from Kampala: 430 km | Drive time: 7–8 hours

Best for: Total relaxation, honeymooners, birdwatchers

Yes, it’s far, but worth it. Leave Kampala Friday evening, stay overnight in Mbarara or Kabale, and wake up on the stunning “Lake of Little Birds.” Swim (bilharzia-free!), canoe to islands, hike, or simply read a book on your private terrace.

Pro tip: Fly Entebbe–Kisoro (Aerlink, ~45 mins) and transfer by boat for a luxury weekend with minimal driving.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Distance from Kampala: 176 km | Drive time: 2.5–3 hours

Best for: Rhino lovers, easy add-on to Murchison

There isn’t any other place in Uganda where you can see the endangered Southern White Rhinos in their natural habitat that is not Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The ranch is located in Nakasongola district just 180km away from Kampala.

Activities offered at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and wildlife ranch are not limited to on-foot Rhino tracking, there is also canoe riding, shoebill trekking, guide nature walk and birding safaris. When you spend the night over, you will get the chance to view the Milky way and also to enjoy campfire.

Our top Weekend Getaways in Uganda to Ziwa: 1 Day Rhino Trekking Tour or 2 Days Ziwa Rhino Tracking Tour

Best Time for Weekend Getaways in Uganda

Dry seasons (best for safaris & driving):
June – September & December – February
Green season (fewer crowds, lush scenery):
March – May & October – November (avoid heavy rains in April)
Sipi Falls & hiking: August – February
Birdwatching: Year-round, peak November – April

Weekend Travel Tips for Uganda

How to Get Around

Self-drive: Easiest and most flexible (rent 4×4 from $40/day)
Private transfer with driver-guide: $150–250 for weekend
Public buses/matatus: Very cheap but less comfortable
Domestic flights: Aerlink & Bar Aviation for far destinations (Entebbe–Kihihi for Bwindi/Bunyonyi)

Packing Essentials

Sunscreen & hat (equatorial sun is strong)
Light rain jacket (even in dry season)
Binoculars & camera
Comfortable walking shoes
Insect repellent
Swimsuit (for lakes & pools)

Budget vs Luxury Breakdown (per person for 2-night weekend)

Budget: $150–300 (hostels, public transport, local food)
Mid-range: $400–700 (comfortable lodges, private driver)
Luxury: $900–2,000+ (fly-in, all-inclusive lodges)

Activities by Interest

Adventure Seekers: Jinja rafting, Sipi abseiling, quad biking
Relaxation & Romance: Lake Bunyonyi, Entebbe sunsets, luxury lodges
Wildlife Lovers: Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Ziwa rhinos
Families with Kids: Entebbe Zoo, Lake Mburo (no predators), Jinja horseback

FAQs about Weekend Getaways in Uganda

Q: What are the best weekend getaways near Kampala?

A: Entebbe (1 hr), Jinja (2–3 hrs), Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (3 hrs), and Lake Mburo (4 hrs) are the easiest.

Q: Can you do a safari in Uganda in just a weekend?

A: Yes! Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls are both doable in 48–72 hours.

Q: How far is Lake Bunyonyi from Kampala?

A: 430 km, about 7–8 hours by road. Consider flying for a more relaxed trip.

Q: What’s the best weekend trip for adventure in Uganda?

A: Jinja – white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and Nile cruises in one weekend.

Q: Are weekend getaways in Uganda safe?

A: Yes. Main tourist routes and attractions are very safe. Use registered operators and avoid driving at night.

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Uganda Weekend Awaits

Uganda proves you don’t need a full week (or a huge budget) to have an epic African adventure. Whether you crave the roar of Murchison Falls, the thrill of Nile rapids, or the tranquility of Lake Bunyonyi’s mist-covered hills, there’s a weekend getaway in Uganda with your name on it.

Ready to escape Kampala this weekend? Pack light, leave early, and let Uganda surprise you with how much magic can fit into 48 hours.

Note that:

You can visit Short Uganda Safaris for more ideal Weekend Getaways in Uganda that starts from Kampala and or other towns and countries.

The packages shared are best pick for people on business trip in Uganda who would like to spare a day or two to experience the Pearl of Africa. These Weekend Getaway in Uganda are also suitable for family trips as most of the places shared allow entry for children and do not require strong physical ability to experience them.

In case one prefers a longer holiday vacation, all these tour plans can easily be added (tailored) with other destinations/activities in order to get the best of Uganda safaris.