UGANDA WEEKEND GUIDE (2-DAY ITINERARIES)
For: The Urban Gazette
Cities: Kampala • Entebbe • Jinja • Mbarara • Gulu • Mbale/Sipi • Fort Portal
- KAMPALA — Culture, Food & Nightlife
⭐ SATURDAY
Morning:
Breakfast in Kololo (Endiro / Prunes).
Tour Gaddafi Mosque for panoramic city views.
Afternoon:
Explore Nakasero Market → street rolex lunch.
Visit Uganda Museum & Crafts Village.
Night:
Dinner at The Terrace / Icon.
Nightlife: Thrones Lounge, La Venti, or Cask Lounge.
⭐ SUNDAY
Morning:
Walk on Tank Hill, Muyenga (sunrise).
Coffee + brunch at Cafesserie or 7 Trees.
Afternoon:
Visit Kasubi Tombs or Ndere Centre (cultural rehearsals).
Chill at a rooftop (Skyz or Latitude 0).
- ENTEBBE — Lakefront Chill & Wildlife
⭐ SATURDAY
Morning:
Walk through Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Photos + beach time at Spenah Beach.
Afternoon:
Visit UWEC / Entebbe Zoo.
Lunch at Muti Café or Goretti’s.
Night:
Sunset dinner at Aero Beach.
Nightlife: Knight Riders or Muti Bar.
⭐ SUNDAY
Morning:
Half-day trip to Ngamba Island (Chimp Sanctuary) or shoebill search at Mabamba Swamp.
Afternoon:
Lakefront relaxation, cycling, or light beach sports.
Early evening stroll around the marina.
- JINJA — Adventure & Riverside Relaxation
⭐ SATURDAY
Morning:
Visit Source of the Nile + Speke Monument.
Brunch along the riverside.
Afternoon:
White-water rafting or quad biking with Adrift/Nalubale.
Chill at Jinja Sailing Club afterward.
Night:
Dinner at The Deli.
Party at Bourbon or Pit Stop.
⭐ SUNDAY
Morning:
Kayaking / SUP on calmer Nile sections.
Explore Jinja town & craft markets.
Afternoon:
Sunset walk on the Nile Bridge.
Return to Kampala by early evening.
- MBARARA — Culture, Food & Lake Mburo Wildlife
⭐ SATURDAY
Morning:
Breakfast at Café Havana.
Visit Igongo Cultural Centre.
Afternoon:
Head to Lake Mburo National Park (40 min).
Do a game drive: zebras, impalas, elands.
Night:
Dinner at lodge or return to town.
Nightlife: Ice Lounge or Razo.
⭐ SUNDAY
Morning:
Horseback safari or boat ride in Lake Mburo.
Return to Mbarara by noon.
Afternoon:
City tour + lunch at Agip Motel.
Weekend wind-down: coffee, markets, or spa.
- GULU — Northern Culture & Nature
⭐ SATURDAY
Morning:
Explore Gulu Main Market + local street snacks.
Visit Gulu Cathedral & war memorial sites.
Afternoon:
Drive to Aruu Falls for photos & nature time.
Return before sunset.
Night:
Arts evening at TAKS Centre or BJ’s Lounge party.
⭐ SUNDAY
Morning:
Breakfast in town.
Visit Fort Patiko — historic stone fort.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Elephante.
Calm walk through Pece stadium area.
- MBALE + SIPI FALLS — Hikes & Waterfalls
⭐ SATURDAY
Morning:
Drive to Sipi (from Mbale).
Coffee farm tour + tasting.
Afternoon:
Guided Sipi Falls hike to all three waterfalls.
Optional: abseiling.
Night:
Campfire at a lodge overlooking the falls.
⭐ SUNDAY
Morning:
Short Mt. Elgon hike or sunrise viewpoint at Sipi.
Breakfast with a waterfall view.
Afternoon:
Return to Mbale.
Late lunch at Casa Mbale + city tour.
- FORT PORTAL — Crater Lakes & Chimp Tracking
⭐ SATURDAY
Morning:
Scenic drive into Fort Portal.
Start the Crater Lakes Loop (Nkuruba, Nyinambuga, Lyantonde).
Afternoon:
Lunch at Dutchess.
Visit Amabere Caves & waterfall nearby.
Night:
Dinner at Gardens Restaurant.
Light nightlife at Hillside Bar.
⭐ SUNDAY
Morning:
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest (book ahead!).
Return to town around midday.
Afternoon:
Chill at Kyaninga Lodge viewpoint or crater walk.
Drive back to Kampala.
