Backpacking is one of the perfect options to explore the wonders of Uganda. Backpacking in Uganda encompasses several most thrilling recreational activities that guarantee you lasting memories. Embarking on the perfect 2-week Uganda travel itinerary as a backpacker brings you the best of what the Pearl of Africa has to offer the world at the most affordable rate.
For the best way to go of the beaten paths, hire a car in Uganda and take a self drive to place. A 2-week backpacking itinerary to Uganda encompasses a range of unforgettable experiences, including hiking, wildlife spotting, and thrilling cultural encounters. Uganda is a budget-friendly destination compared to most destinations in its neighborhood –Tanzania and Kenya. This is especially true when it comes to African safaris, where even a backpacker can explore what Uganda has to offer in terms of wildlife and a lot more.
Uganda is a compact country and its size makes it possible to be explored even on a 2 weeks road trip. Explore Uganda on our exclusive 2-week backpacking travel itinerary which encompasses places such as the Sipi Waterfalls, Murchison Falls , Bwindi forest for gorillas, and Nile Source in Jinja.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe
Day one will involve arrival and pick up at the Entebbe International Airport (EBB). From Entebbe Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel for your relaxation.
Day 2: Entebbe to Kampala, enjoy the city tour
Enjoy a hefty breakfast, and after, you will have a short drive to Kampala capital city of Uganda. Today, you will be exploring a myriad of historical and cultural attractions in Kampala. The focus will be Kasubi tombs of the Buganda Royal Family also designated UNESCO sites in Uganda. You will also pay a visit to Mengo Palace and Uganda museum as well as the nearby historical churches.
Day 3-4: Jinja & Source of the Nile tour
Transfer from Kampala to Jinja. En route, you will branch off to the Ssezibwa waterfalls –beautiful waterfalls with historical and cultural attachment to the Buganda Kingdom. Proceed to Jinja via Mabira Forest –one of the very few natural rainforests left in the Pearl of Africa. You may have a bungee jumping adventure at the adrift and relax for the night.
Day 4 you will have a long day white water rafting experience on the Nile source. The whitewater rafting will involve conquering the great rapids including grade 5 and later, you will get back from your exclusive adventure. Spend the rest of the evening at the hotel or resort in Jinja.
Day 5-6: Sipi Waterfalls
Leave Jinja for Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda. Visiting the Sipi Falls is mainly intended to let you explore the chained Sipi Falls. A guided hike to the 3 Sipi waterfalls will be enjoyed with the lead of an experienced guide.
Day 7: Sipi to Masindi
You will be heading to Masindi from Sipi. Around Masindi, there is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where visitors can engage in rhino tracking and Murchison Falls National Park is also about 80 km away.
Day 8: Explore Murchison Falls Park
Transfer from Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park via Kichumbanyobo gate. You will proceed to the top of the falls before you proceed to check in your lodge/camp. You will enjoy a memorable boat or launch cruise on the Victoria Nile River. The boat cruise will get you the best of hippos, crocodiles, and water sights.
Day 9: Game drive & drive to Kibale
You will have a game drive to explore Murchison Falls National Park’s abundant wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, buffaloes, leopards, hartebeest, and bird species. After the early morning game drive, proceed to Kibale National Park via Hoima.
Day 10: Chimpanzee trek & drive to Bwindi via Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy a thrilling chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, home to 13 primates which include over 1500 chimpanzees. The Kibale chimp trek takes about 2-4 hours and includes an hour for up close and personal encounters with a habituated chimpanzee community. Other primates will also be spotted including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, mangabey monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.
After the exciting Kibale Chimp trek, have an early lunch then proceed to Bwindi. You will drive via Kasese and en route, you will make a stopover at the equator crossing in Kikorongo. From Kikorongo, drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park as you keep an eye on some of the small and big mammals. At the Ishasha sector, you may have a short time to search for the tree-climbing lions then proceed to the Buhoma sector in Bwindi.
Day 11: Bwindi gorilla trekking
Get briefed about gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Today, expect to start your trek through the jungle in search of mountain gorillas in the wild. The gorilla trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest will involve spending 2-6 hours which includes one hour for you to explore more about behaviors of mountain gorillas and taking pictures.
In the afternoon, you also have a chance to visit the Batwa community. With a guide, expect to explore more about the Batwa pygmies and their unique cultures.
Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi
Transfer from Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi –Uganda’s deepest Lake and spectacular water body. Lake Bunyonyi derives its name from a local word meaning little birds. It is a scenic lake with 29 islands and different birds. You will have a great time here to enjoy a canoe ride or boat cruise to some of the islands like the Punishment Island.
Day 13: Community visit/walk and sunset cruise
Visit the Batwa/Bakiga community with the local guide on the lead. Expect to learn more about the distinct cultures, traditions, and practices of the residents living adjacent to Lake Bunyonyi. Return from the guided community tour and relax. Late in the afternoon, you will embark on a memorable sunset cruise which comes with plenty of drinks for you to enjoy.
Day 14: Departure
Expect to drive back to Entebbe via Mbarara-Masaka. You will have a photography moment at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe and then continue to Entebbe via Kampala city.
End of the 2-week Road trip Uganda travel itinerary.