Longer Trips from Entebbe

October 31, 2026

Advisory, October 2026: The United States currently asks travellers not to go to Uganda (Level 4, raised from Level 3 in May 2026, citing a regional Ebola outbreak, crime, terrorism, unrest and the anti-LGBTQI+ law). The United Kingdom does not advise against travel to Uganda as a whole, but its FCDO warns of a very likely terrorist attack threat and reminds visitors that same-sex activity is illegal under the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. Read both pages in full, check travel.state.gov for the newest US level, and make sure your insurance covers the route you plan.

Entebbe is where most Uganda journeys begin, which makes it the natural point to sort out longer trips. This page orders them by how far you must go. Uganda’s Ebola outbreak was declared over in late August 2026, but the DRC outbreak continues, and arrivals at Entebbe are screened, so check health guidance before you travel.

One or two nights close to Entebbe

Ngamba Island Ecolodge. Sleep in a tented cottage on the chimpanzee island, 23 km out on Lake Victoria. The speedboat from Entebbe goes at 09:00 or 12:45 and the Chimpanzee Trust handles booking.

Ssese Islands. The 84 islands of Kalangala District, with Bugala Island the largest, are reached by ferry from the Nakiwogo landing. The usual departure is in the afternoon, but crews do not always follow the posted time, so call the operator, Nation Oil Distributors Ltd (NODL), to confirm. Swimming belongs in lodge pools only because the lake carries bilharzia.

Two to three nights

Jinja. Rafting and bungee jumping on the Nile are run here, and Adrift is among the operators. Count on 2 to 4 hours each way from Entebbe depending on traffic.

Lake Mburo National Park. An accessible first park for a short safari, and a common stop on the way to the south-west.

Four nights or more

Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Bwindi and Mgahinga all need several days. Light aircraft fly from Entebbe to airstrips near several of them; look up Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation for current timetables.

Gorilla trekking permits for foreign non-residents cost USD 800, with USD 600 in the low season, and trekkers must be 15 or older.

Cautions for the west

Queen Elizabeth National Park saw an attack in October 2023 that killed two tourists and their driver. Go with an established operator and do not self-drive after dark.
Near the DRC border (Semuliki, Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese, Bundibugyo), check the latest advice. Crossings can close at short notice.
On gorilla treks, armed security often walks with the group. Avoid any tour that proposes crossing into the DRC.

Practical notes

Rains fall from March to May and in October and November. Keep a spare night near the airport before an international flight. The Uganda Wildlife Authority site covers the national parks.

For airport hotels, search Booking.com results for Entebbe .