We have been to so many amazing countries around the world, and Uganda was always there in the list for certain reasons. This nation is loaded with surprises at all corners and we loved every bit of it. Uganda as a colonized country which received it independence from the British in the year 1962. Uganda is landlocked by some of other beautiful east African countries and it is very rich in diverse wildlife, lakes and greeneries all around. We hope our Uganda Travel Blog or Uganda Travel Guide helps you to plan your ultimate Uganda Travel Itinerary. Our Uganda Itinerary 7 days covers some of the best places to visit, you can also plan for 10 -14 days for a more relaxed and exhaustive holiday. You can find more on Uganda Travel COVID protocols here before you plan your travel.
Uganda Travel Itinerary: Uganda Travel Guide: Things to know before you go
1. Uganda Currency:
Currency in Uganda is called the Ugandan Shillings which is the official currency e.g. (100$ =362961 Ugandan Shillings) sounds crazy right? You can either use Ugandan Shillings or dollars which is easily accepted everywhere. If possible, try to carry some hard cash as most of the local shops don’t accept plastic money apart from few big stores. You would even find many ATMs around all corners so don’t have to worry much if you run short of cash. But it would be great if you can get your currency exchanged beforehand.
2. Uganda Trip Cost:
Well Uganda is not a cheap country at all. If you wish to go for the Gorilla trekking and other National parks it may cost significantly honestly for the entry fee. But you can definitely choose for cheaper stays via Airbnb and other budget hotels as well.
Here is our rough ballpark per day to give you an overall budget estimate per day(Have converted all figures roughly to Dollar however Uganda shilling are widely accepted to quote the prices):
- 3 days Gorilla Trekking from Kampala(Inclusive of stay, permit, food, travel): 900 – 1300$ per person
- 4 days Gorilla Trekking including safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park: 1000 – 1500$ per person
- 2 days Murchison Falls inclusive of all : 320$ – 500$ per person
- Meals(if you want o manage on your own): 5-8$
- Transport(hiring car by yourself): 50$ – 80$
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Fee: 600$-700$ per person. During off season between Jan-March you may get it at lesser rate.
3. Food in Uganda
Food here won’t disappoint you at all. You would find multiple restaurants at all city corners which serves delicious local and international meals. Their staple food is matoke (steamed and mashed bananas) and Kalo. You can try some of those for sure.
4. Is Uganda Safe:
We felt Uganda as a country is very safe to travel around, be you are a solo traveler or with family. Still you must take good care of yourself and people around with you as safety should always be the first priority. We didn’t find any discomfort during our entire stay. People were extremely generous and helpful.
5. Language in Uganda:
Luganda is their national language and the other official languages are English and Swahili. However most of the locals speak and understand English, so it won’t be difficult to communicate.
6. Uganda Road Trip with Car rentals:
You can also rent a 4wd car once you reach which would cost approx: 50$-80$ for self driving. All you need is an international driving licence. We would suggest it is always better to book the transfers with any certified tour companies to be at ease and to avoid any hassle in Uganda. We partnered with African Adventure Travellers for our entire trip and had one of the best experience throughout. They can provide for customized safari experience according to your need and have some of the best guides available (ask for Moses specially if you can, he is just amazing).
7. Uganda Visa for Indians and others:
Being residents of Nairobi we entered the country by interstate visa which was free for us. However, all travelers to Uganda may obtain visa on arrival at the ports of entry which would cost around 50$.
8. Uganda Flights:
Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways have very good connectivity from all prime locations.
9. Best time to visit Uganda:
Uganda is a whole year-round destination due to its climate and location near the equator. There are two dry seasons which are considered to be the best time to visit – between December and February, and between June and September.
Check our detailed blog on best time to visit Uganda here.
Uganda Travel Guide Ideas
We spent absolutely 7 gorgeous days in Uganda and loved every bit of it!! If you are short on time, please keep a minimum of 7days to at least explore the major attractions!!
Recommended Uganda Itinerary 7 days
- Day 1: Land in Entebbe(Kampala City Tour – If you have time)
- Day 2: Visit West and South Uganda – Visit the equator point – Boat Safari at Kazinga Channel
- Day 3: Morning Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park – Track Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions
- Day 4 : Go for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & sunset at Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 5 : Visit Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo
- Day 6 : Trip to Murchison falls – Boat Safari on Nile River & Evening Game Drive
- Day 7: Morning Game Drive at Murchison Falls National Park and return to Kampala
- Day 8 : Kampala city tour ( if you have evening flight)
Uganda Travel Itinerary: How we spent our 7 days in Uganda
Day 1: Transfer to Uganda
We boarded our flight from Nairobi, Kenya and reached Entebbe within an hour of flying and directly made our transfer to Kampala for the evening at leisure.
Day 2: Visit the equator point – Boat Safari at Kazinga Channel
From Kampala we drove for one and half hour and approximately 75 kilometres and reached the equator point which is situated at a place called Kayabwe in Mpigi District. It’s a great place for a stopover and stretch. Also there are a loads of local shops available to buy souvenirs and plenty of options for food and drinks. So we had spent almost 30-45min and then headed our way directly to Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
To know more check the detailed blog on Equator point & Queen Elizabeth National Park click here.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park – Track Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi
We started our day early with a game drive and then went to Ishasha gate to track the elusive tree climbing lions. It was truly a memorable experience. Later we headed to Bwindi Forest and eagerly waited for the next day.
Day 4. Mountain Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi & Sunset at Lake Bunyonyi
This was the most awaited day from our trip. Mountain Gorilla trekking has always been in our bucket list and it was definitely a lifetime moment for both of us. The Mountain Gorillas are an endangered species which are only found in three countries namely the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. We started our trek by 8am and was back to base by 1pm. After the trek we decided to directly drive to lake Bunyonyi by late afternoon.
We would encourage you all to go for the Gorilla trek and have a mind blowing experience there so yeah, definitely add it in your bucket list now if not yet!!
To know more check our detailed blog on Gorilla trekking experience click here.
After some tiring drives and days we really wished to be close to the nature surrounded with lakes and hills and couldn’t have asked for more beautiful place than this. From Bwindi we drove for almost 2hour to reach this beautiful location. Lake Bunyonyi ‘means place of many little birds” and trust was it was really heavenly.
Day 5. Relax at Lake Bunyonyi and visit Lake Mburo on the way to Kampala
Enjoy the morning overlooking Lake Bunyonyi and then head to Kampala. It was a drive for almost 8-9 hrs. On the way visit Lake Mburo National Park.
To know more check our detailed blog on Lake Bunyonyi click here.
Day 6: Murchison falls – Boat Safari on Nile River & Evening Game Drive
On the 6th day we started from Kampala again and drove for almost 6-7 hrs to reach Murchison falls national park. It is Uganda’s largest national park which is named after the spectacular waterfall. So if you are planning your trip to Uganda, we highly recommend adding this place to your list. You can also reach Murchison Fall National Park via flight as well. You can board chartered flights from Entebbe international airport and land in pakuba airfield.
To know more check our detailed blog on Murchison Falls – click here.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Return to Kampala
We went for a short day game drive again at MFNP and that was the best time we had as we saw some animals we never expected. By noon we started our way back to Kampala.
Day 8: Transfer back home.
We had our flight back to Nairobi in the evening so decided to explore the Kampala city within the time limit before heading to the airport. If you have time even you can think of doing the same.
To know more check our detailed blog on things to do in Kampala click here.
So that’s how we ended our trip in the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and boarded our flight for another exciting and fun location.
Hope this blog inspires you and be useful for you. Keep an eye at our blog for the next destination.
Bye!!
