Feel you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Kampala for a short while? Or your visiting aunt is getting on your nerves and you would like to send her on a short trip out of Kampala? The following destinations are within easy reach of the city and make a good weekend getaway.

Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda

Jinja, referred to as the “adventure capital of Uganda’’, has much to offer: world-class grade-5 rafting, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding trips, Nile River sunset cruises and some good parties at times. The biggest draw here is rafting, organised by three very professional companies, namely Nalubale Rafting, Nile River Explorers and Adrift. Also, Jinja Town is nice to wander around for an afternoon. The town has some nice coffee places (Flavours, Source Café), restaurants (2 Friends, Mezzanine)and many souvenir shops.

Jinja and surroundings has many nice places to stay. Check Roadtrip Uganda’s accommodation page for an overview of the best campsites and lodges in Jinja, in all price ranges.

Ssesse Islands, unwinding for the backpack traveler

Ssese is an archipelago of eighty-four tiny islands in the Northwestern part of Lake Victoria. Many islands are uninhabited and covered with pristine rain forest. All are hardly visited by tourists and only known among the expat community in Kampala. Bugala Island is the largest of the Kalangala district and offers a variety of accommodation options, of which Brovad Sands Lodge is our favourite pick. Banda Island is a relaxing getaway for the easy going and budget traveller and Bulago Island’s Pineapple Bay Resort for the luxurious island explorer. You can take your Roadtrip Uganda rental car on the ferry. Ferries depart from Entebbe, Kasenyi (close to Entebbe), or Bukakata (close to Masaka / Lake Nabugabo).

Charming Entebbe, at the shores of Lake Victoria

Entebbe is a relaxing town with a tropical vibe, well worth spending the weekend. Recommended things to do in Entebbe: swimming at Lake Victoria Hotel, rent a little Laser sailboat at the Entebbe Sailing Club, visit the Zoo and the Botanical gardens, go to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Enjoy a good diner at the colonial Boma Hotel and make sure to try Goretti’s fresh fish or great pizza, whilst viewing lake Vic with your bare feet in the white sand.

Check Roadtrip Uganda’s accommodation page for an overview of the best campsites and lodges in Entebbe.

On a quest for the shoebill

The Shoebill is a large, prehistoric-looking bird related to the stork family. It is an unusual looking bird and very rare. Mabamba swamp, located about 1 hour’s drive west from Entebbe, is possibly the most reliable place in the country for shoebill sightings. The villagers offer trips into the swamp in a traditional dugout canoe for shoebill spotting. Coming from Kampala driving towards Entebbe, turn right just after Kisubi town (12 km from Entebbe) and follow a dirt road which leads to Kasanje town. The swamp is not easy to find. When we went on a quest, Hannington was our guide. Perhaps he still has the same number (+256 782 945185). Otherwise, contact Roadtrip Uganda for directions.

Lake Nabugabo, great for camping & swimming

This pretty lake is located 150 km west of Lake Mburo, 20 km from Masaka town. From Kampala, allow around three hours to get there. The water is said to be bilharzia-free, making this a great place for relaxing. We love to camp at Church of Uganda Resort, a very spacious camp ground with a sandy beach, good amenities and bungalows available for more than reasonable prices. They serve meals, but bring your own alcohol.

Drop us a line, in case you have discovered a new jewel within a few hours ride from Kampala!