If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, you’re probably wondering how to spend 3 days in Kampala. The first thing to remember is that you’ll probably need a full day to explore the city. If you don’t plan to do anything else for that day, skip Kidepo National Park if you can. It’s stunning, but it’s in the far north and the transfer there will take all day. For this reason, it’s better to reduce your stay to just one day. Also, don’t forget to see The Nile.
Lake Mburo National Park
If you’re considering spending your next holiday in Uganda in the great outdoors, you should definitely visit Lake Mburo National Park. This is the smallest national park in the country and is only 200km from Kampala. This park is an excellent place to see the many wildlife species of Uganda, including over 250 bird species. Some of these species are endemic, meaning that you’ll be seeing them in their natural habitat.
There are a variety of activities you can engage in when visiting Lake Mburo, including bird watching and game drives. You’ll even get a chance to see the famous shoebill stork while you’re there! You’ll also have a chance to get up close to some other wildlife like hippopotamus and pelicans.
You’ll also have the opportunity to go on nature walks, where you’ll hike to salt licks, enjoy views of the 9 great lakes in the area, and take in some great views. Lunch will be served along the way as well. Before leaving Kampala, you’ll also make a stop at the equator, which runs through the country. You’ll see a scientific experiment that proves that the equator is located in Uganda, and get to buy some souvenirs to take home.
Murchison Falls National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is a must-see destination. It is home to 76 species of animals, including the big four – elephant, lion, and rhino. You can also observe chimpanzees and other primates while trekking through the park. The park is a six to eight-hour drive from Kampala.
During your stay in the park, you should consider going on a game drive. This activity will allow you to experience a wide range of wildlife and a great chance to see many species of birds. Game drives are usually held early in the morning and late in the evening. You will drive through the park following game tracks in the parks.
Most people who visit the park arrive in Kampala by car. There are multiple entrance gates to the park, and driving time depends on the gate you use. The park is 46km away, and you can expect to spend at least four hours driving to the park from the capital. If you’re planning on staying overnight, consider staying at the park’s lodges.
You’ll also want to pack light. Lightweight clothes are essential, as is a good pair of hiking boots. Be sure to pack some sun protection and insect repellent. You’ll also want a raincoat and a hat, since the weather can get a bit hot.
Kidepo Valley
There are several ways to experience the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is surrounded by mountains and green savannah. You can take a game drive deep into the park to spot animals and bird species. There are also night safaris.
Your first stop will be Nairobi, where you will meet your safari driver and be taken to the national park. From there, you will take a lunch break at your lodge. In the afternoon, you can visit the rocky places and hot springs. After lunch, you can rest up a bit before going on your afternoon game drive.
The park is home to a large variety of animals, including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, lion, leopard, and elands. If you are lucky, you may even see one or two of Africa’s Big Five! You can also see a leopard, Jackson’s hartebeest, Rothschild’s giraffe, and Defassa waterbuck.
In the morning, you will have breakfast and meet your guide. Depending on the number of days you have, you can spend as much as three days in the park. You can either drive or break the trip into two days. If you plan on spending the entire day exploring the park, you’ll want to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Kyangushu Island
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kyangushu Island in Lake Victoria is an ideal place for an African safari. The island, also known as the skeleton island, is the burial site of the Kyangushu tribe. Located near the DR Congo border, this archipelago offers breathtaking views of the Bunagana River and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The island is a prime location to experience African culture and tradition. Visit the site where your ancestors were buried and experience the village’s rich history. Then visit a local craft maker or traditional healer. You’ll finish off your tour at a local bar.
Horse riding is a unique way to explore the park and it is the most peaceful way to experience it. There is no noise and no air pollution, so you’ll feel like part of the wildlife. After horseback riding, have a hearty breakfast in the lodge. Afterwards, drive to the Entebbe international airport. On the way, you’ll pass the equator line in Kayabwe, where the line is believed to divide the earth into two parts.
If you have enough time, take a boat ride on the lake. You’ll be able to admire the views of Lake Mulehe and Bunagana. You’ll also be able to meet the local Batwa pygmy people and get to know their unique culture and way of life. The tour will take between two and four hours. The Batwa culture is preserved through a tourism trail established by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda.
Ssese Islands
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend three days in Kampala, why not try spending them on the Ssese Islands? These 84 islands are just a short drive away from Entebbe and offer plenty of activities for a family or group of friends. You can take a guided nature walk with an experienced guide and get up close to nature while spotting many species of birds and small primates. This tour also includes photography sessions. To start your trip, you’ll be picked up from Kampala and driven to Entebbe. From there, you’ll board a ferry to Ssese Island at 02:00pm.
The Ssese Islands are an archipelago of 84 islands in Lake Victoria. This is Africa’s largest lake and is the second largest on the planet. These islands are surrounded by forest and are easily accessible by boat. While exploring them, you’ll find plenty of activities for kids, including guided nature walks and biking. You can also visit local fishing villages or play beach games.
The Ssese Islands are the perfect vacation spot for families and groups looking to enjoy nature in a quiet, romantic setting. You’ll find wide sand beaches, minimal human disturbance, and lush tropical plants and flowers. Ssese Island is also an excellent location for birdwatching and viewing small primates.
Horse riding
If you’re looking for an adventure, horse riding safaris in Uganda are a great way to spend your time. This country is home to half of Africa’s bird species and over 5000 mountain gorillas. Horse riding safaris take you across swamps and climb steep hills to experience life like a jungle explorer. You can also ride along the edge of Lake Victoria and Jinja.
To get started, arrange a pick-up at an agreed Kampala location and ride into Jinja. You’ll be led by a professional guide who will take you on the tour through the countryside and along the Nile. While you’re riding, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery as you take in the village life of Ugandans. You can even arrange overnight rides if you are experienced and have a good understanding of horse riding.
Once you’ve ridden your horse, you’ll head back to the riverbank to enjoy a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, you can head to the lookout point near the Kalagala Falls. The lookout point also has a lovely bar, which is a perfect place to bid your horses farewell. From here, you’ll be escorted on a boat to an island in the Nile.
Chimp tracking
You can spend three days chimp tracking in Uganda. The Budongo forest is the biggest forest in East Africa, and it is home to Uganda’s second-largest chimpanzee population. For your 3 days of chimp tracking in Uganda, you can visit the Kaniyo Pabidi community south of Murchison Falls National Park, where the locals have become habituated to human visitors. Most of the time, you will be able to track the chimps here, but during the cold months, when food is scarce, they travel deeper into the forest and are more difficult to locate.
Before you begin your chimp tracking trip, you will receive a briefing at the park headquarters. After you’ve been briefed, you’ll head into the forest for your trek. During your chimp tracking trip, you’ll also learn about the various primate species in the area, as well as bird and tree species. As you watch the chimps, it’s essential to maintain a distance of at least 8 meters, and always remain silent and respectful of them.
The 3 Days Kibale forest chimp tracking safari includes chimp tracking in Kibale National Park, a swamp walk, and a community walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. You’ll also be provided with all meals while on the safari. The trip will conclude with a transfer back to Entebbe airport.
