Uganda—hailed by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa”—rolls out lush hills, the world’s longest river, crater lakes, and a mosaic of cultures. Kampala hums across its storied seven hills, while Jinja lays claim to the legendary Source of the Nile and an outdoorsy, laid-back spirit that earns it the title “Adventure Capital of East Africa.”

Expect colorful markets, flavorful dishes like luwombo and the beloved “rolex” (a chapati-wrapped omelet), and an easy warmth from locals. History lives in Buganda Kingdom sites, in Kampala’s museums and mosques, and along colonial-era streets in Jinja. Nature is always near: shoebill storks in papyrus swamps, sun-dappled forests, and orange-pink Lake Victoria sunsets.

Practical notes (current as of March 2025): most travelers need an e-visa; a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required. Currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX; roughly 3,800–4,000 UGX ≈ 1 USD). Card acceptance is improving, but cash and mobile money (MTN/Airtel) remain common. Avoid night driving outside cities; arrange reputable drivers for road trips.

Kampala

Kampala is a feast for the senses—boda-bodas buzzing, produce pyramids in markets, and the call to prayer drifting over seven hills. It’s equal parts modern capital and cultural keeper, with the Uganda Museum, the Gaddafi National Mosque’s sweeping city views, and the recently restored Kasubi Tombs of Buganda kings.

Top hits include a guided city walk through Old Kampala and Nakasero Market, a sunset show at Ndere Cultural Centre (Wed/Fri/Sun), and a foray into Buganda history at Mengo Palace. Coffee is a craft here—don’t miss single-origin pours at Endiro Coffee or the roastery feel at 1000 Cups.

• Where to stay: Browse handpicked stays on VRBO Kampala or compare hotels on Hotels.com Kampala.
• How to get in: Fly into Entebbe (EBB) and transfer 45–90 minutes to Kampala. Search flights on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.
• Where to eat & drink: Breakfast at Endiro Coffee (pancakes, French press), Karveli Bakery (savory pastries), or 1000 Cups (espresso flights). Lunch on Ugandan classics at 2K Restaurant (pilau, luwombo), Cafe Javas (reliable all-day menu). Dinner at Izumi (Japanese/Thai in leafy Kololo) or The Bistro (global comfort food in Kisementi). For a cultural evening, the Ndere Centre buffet plus dances is a crowd-pleaser.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Transfer, and Kampala Orientation

Morning: Fly into Entebbe International Airport. For the best schedules and fares into EBB, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Have your Yellow Fever card ready and some UGX for the road.

Afternoon: Transfer 45–90 minutes to Kampala (traffic dependent), check in at your hotel (Hotels.com Kampala / VRBO Kampala). Stretch your legs at the Uganda Museum—quick exhibits on ethnography, music, and vintage cars—then browse crafts at Acacia/Kisementi.

Evening: Welcome dinner: 2K Restaurant for a local buffet (goat muchomo, matooke) or Izumi for sushi and pad thai under lanterns. If it’s Wed/Fri/Sun, book the Ndere Cultural Centre show for lively storytelling and dance.

Day 2: Kampala on Foot, Skyline Views, and Street Food Night

Morning: Join a guided city walk to decode Kampala’s history, markets, and everyday life:

Kampala’s Best Experience walking tour

Fuel up beforehand at Karveli Bakery (quick cappuccino, almond croissant) or Endiro Coffee (avocado toast, smoothies).

Afternoon: Head to the Gaddafi National Mosque—climb the minaret for panoramic views of the seven hills. Pop into the Buganda Kingdom’s Mengo Palace (ask about the underground chambers for context on Uganda’s 20th-century history). Late lunch at The Bistro (burgers, salads, fresh juices) or Cafe Javas (fast service, big menu).

Evening: Eat your way through Kampala with a guided tasting—rolex hot off the griddle, roast plantain with groundnuts, and fresh tropical fruit:

Kampala Street Food Tasting on Foot (3 Hours)

Nightcap options: a quiet tea back at 1000 Cups or live music around Kisementi.

Jinja

Jinja is where the Nile begins its 6,600-km journey to the Mediterranean. Colonial-era storefronts, jacaranda-lined streets, and a thriving adventure scene make it both photogenic and playful. Expect white-water rafting, kayaking, mountain biking through sugarcane fields, and serene boat rides at golden hour.

You’ll find a strong cafe culture—try single-origin brews at Flavours Coffee Bar, hearty sandwiches at The Deli, and healthy bowls at The Keep Cafe. Evenings are for riverside grills, cold Nile Special, and soft breezes off Lake Victoria.

• Where to stay: Search stays on VRBO Jinja or compare hotels on Hotels.com Jinja.
• Getting there from Kampala: 80–90 km, typically 2.5–3.5 hours by car (leave before 8 a.m. to beat traffic). Private transfer runs ~70–120 USD one way; reputable bus companies (e.g., YY Coaches) cost ~25,000–35,000 UGX (6–9 USD). Allow extra time for Kampala outbound traffic.
• Where to eat & drink: The Deli (gourmet sandwiches, fresh juices), The Keep Cafe (wholesome plates, baked goods), Flavours Coffee Bar (espresso, cakes), Jinja Sailing Club (tilapia by the water), and street-side rolex stands near Main Street for a quick bite.

Day 3: Morning Transfer to Jinja + Source of the Nile

Morning: Depart Kampala after an early breakfast (coffee at Endiro, takeaway pastries at Karveli). Drive 2.5–3.5 hours via Jinja Road. Check in at your Jinja stay (Hotels.com Jinja / VRBO Jinja).

Afternoon: Head to the Source of the Nile Park. Take a short boat to the Speke Monument where Lake Victoria spills into the river—guides share river lore and great photo angles. Lunch at The Deli (chicken pesto panini, passionfruit juice).

Evening: Stroll Jinja’s old railway quarter and curio stalls. Dinner at Jinja Sailing Club for grilled tilapia with kachumbari, or The Keep Cafe for hearty bowls and baked desserts. Toast sunset over the water with a cold Nile Special.

Day 4: Nile White-Water and Forest Trails

Morning: Tackle Grade III–V rapids with a reputable rafting outfitter (intro and family floats available). Safety kayakers and helmets keep the adrenaline fun and responsible; non-rafters can choose gentle kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or a village cycling tour through sugarcane fields.

Afternoon: Swap river foam for forest green: detour to Mabira Forest for a canopy zipline and birding, or visit Ssezibwa Falls (a Buganda cultural site) for short hikes and basalt-sculpted cascades. Late lunch at Flavours Coffee Bar back in Jinja (espresso, carrot cake).

Evening: Easy night with wood-fired pizza or grilled meats by the river; keep it mellow for tomorrow’s explorations. If you prefer a fully guided day that bundles key stops (Sezibwa Falls, Mabira Forest, and the Nile boat), consider this Kampala-departure option on a different day of your trip: Full Day Jinja Tour and source of the River Nile experience.

Day 5: Jinja Culture, Markets, and a Nile Sunset

Morning: Breakfast at The Keep Cafe (house granola, excellent coffee). Visit the Jinja Railway Museum to trace East African rail history, then browse Main Street’s curio shops for hand-carved bowls and kitenge textiles. Optional excursion to Itanda Falls, 27 km north, for thundering rapids and dramatic photo viewpoints (go with a local guide; road can be rough after rains).

Afternoon: Lunch at Flavours (club sandwich, fresh salads). Explore street art and colonial-era architecture, or rent bikes for a leisurely spin along the river roads.

Evening: Sunset boat cruise on the Nile—watch fishermen in wooden canoes and kingfishers dive for dinner. Dine riverside on tilapia fillet, chapati, and a refreshing Stoney ginger soda.

Return to Entebbe/Kampala

Wrap your week with wetlands birding and a Lake Victoria send-off. Entebbe’s green spaces and lakeside cafes are perfect for a soft landing before your flight home.

Day 6: Drive Back to Entebbe + Shoebill Search

Morning: Depart Jinja after an early breakfast; expect 3–4 hours back to Entebbe (longer if you enter central Kampala first). Check in near the lake if you want a breezy last two nights (Hotels.com Entebbe / VRBO Entebbe).

Afternoon: Go shoebill spotting by canoe in the Mabamba wetlands—one of Africa’s best places to see this prehistoric-looking stork up close. Book here:

1 Day Shoebill Stork and Birding Experience

Evening: If you still have energy for the lake, there’s a unique canoe ride that crosses the equator on Lwaji Island—timed for golden-hour light:

Entebbe Equator Line Tour & Lake Victoria Sunset Boat Ride

Dinner in Entebbe: Faze 3 (lake views, Indian-Ugandan menu) or 2 Friends Beach Restaurant (grills and cold drinks by the water).

Day 7: Botanical Gardens Stroll, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: Walk the Entebbe Botanical Gardens—monkeys in the trees, weaver birds over the reeds, and shaded lakeside paths. Brunch at Cafe Javas in Victoria Mall (eggs benedict, smoothies) or Muti Garden Cafe (garden setting, seasonal plates).

Afternoon: Souvenir stop for crafts and coffee beans, then head to Entebbe International Airport. For onward flight options and schedules, check Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Aim to arrive 3 hours before international departures.

Evening: In transit—carry snacks from local bakeries and a bag of Ugandan arabica as a flavorful souvenir.

Optional Wildlife Add-On (from Kampala)

If you have a spare day in the capital area or want to extend, consider a dedicated day tour to track Uganda’s reintroduced rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (about 3 hours north):

Day Tour Of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Wildlife Ranch - ZIWA RHINO TREKKING

It’s the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot—an unforgettable Big Five encounter to complement your Nile and city experiences.

Good to know: — Road times are highly traffic-dependent; leave early for intercity moves. — Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover knees and shoulders). — Tipping is appreciated (5–10% in restaurants, 10–20k UGX for guides/porters). — Carry small bills for markets and roadside fruit stands.

Where to book your stays quickly: VRBO Kampala, Hotels.com Kampala, VRBO Jinja, Hotels.com Jinja, VRBO Entebbe, Hotels.com Entebbe.

Flights: Compare global fares to/from Entebbe on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

In one week you’ll sip Kampala’s coffee, savor its street food, and walk its living history—then trade city rhythms for Jinja’s river light, boat rides, and white-water thrills. Uganda’s easy smiles, resilient stories, and big skies will pull you back before you’ve even left.