Budget Safaris in Uganda
Would you like to travel to East Africa on budget? Don’t overlook Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. This guide for visiting Uganda on budget will show you the way for an affordable Uganda safari. There are 10 national parks and 13 wildlife reserves and attracts a lot of budget travelers. So, there are plenty of options to put together budget Safaris in Uganda that focuses on wildlife, primates, hiking and culture for a reasonable amount.
Except for the mountain gorilla trekking safaris which is completely a different budget. A gorilla permit is $700 per person. However, there are budget gorilla safaris. Check out the Uganda wildlife authority gorilla permit price discount available January to April 2021.
Uganda is welcoming more travelers. The national carrier has been revived – Uganda Airlines acquired its latest airbus aircraft A330neo that can accommodate more passengers and could attract more international visitors.
Kampala on budget.
Kampala is Uganda’s capital city with good access to ATM’s. The city does afford visitors a number of places that can be visited for less than $10 per person. From the Uganda National Museum to Buganda Kingdom’s royal buildings including the Kabaaka’s palace (Lubiri) and Kasubi royal tombs a UNESCO world heritage. It’s difficult to sum up a short list of things to do in Kampala, but the city offers interesting sights at affordable prices including craft markets along Buganda road and behind national theatre.
The Uganda hoteliers’ association investors have improved accommodations in particularly in Kampala. Standard hotel room rates are reasonable with some charging between $30 to $70 per night per person. There are homestays for solos and families as well that offer great value lodgings in and out of Kampala.
Those willing to go beyond the standard hotel rooms can visit some medium lodges and the experience can be memorable as well as inexpensive.
Food in Kampala and Uganda at large is delicious with a variety of local dishes. The key for budget visitors is to eat what locals are eating and pay local prices. Lunch at a modern restaurant that serves local and continental dishes will cost between $5 to $10 for three course and is quite satisfying making for exceptional budget Safaris in Uganda.
There are dishes that you should sample while in Uganda. One favorite for instance, is the Rolex (that’s eggs, chapatti and salads rolled together) that is both satisfying and delicious. This is mostly found on the streets.
Those interested in using Kampala as a base for traveling around the country. You can tour around either on your own, by vehicle or with a tour operator.
Based in Kampala opt to head to eastern Uganda. You can do a day trip to Mabira forest reserve for birding, hiking, zip lining and to see primates. After that, you can continue to Jinja city situated on the shores of Victoria Nile it’s also known as the adventure capital of East Africa. In Jinja you can do a boat trip to the source of the Nile, white water rafting, bungee jumping, horseback rides. Still in Jinja, you can visit the reptile village to see a lot of reptiles like Nile crocodiles and python. Not sure you can do all the activities in a day but, it’s possible to do most depending on your activity level and return to Kampala late evening.
Interested in wildlife safari, Lake Mburo National Park day trip from Kampala is highly recommended. Just 4 hour-drive west of Kampala, experience the wildlife of Lake Mburo including zebras, impalas, Nubian giraffe, buffalo, Topi, eland, bushbuck and still make it back to Kampala by evening. Along the way, you must stop at equator – stand in the middle of the world.
Budget gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
No doubt, mountain gorillas are Uganda’s main tourism attraction. With a gorilla permit for Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national park at $700 per person, it may sound expensive for a budget traveler. But not nearly as expensive as it is to see gorillas in Rwanda where a permit is $1500 /person.
The high cost of seeing gorillas is justified as their conservation is much important.
A tip for budget friendly gorilla safaris is to bargain with tour operator. More importantly, Uganda offers discounts to book a gorilla permit half the price. This offer is available January to March 2021. Always check for discounted gorilla safaris during the wet season in Uganda it happens in April to May and October to November.
But Uganda has a lot more to see than the gorillas. If you can’t afford to see gorillas, the best alternative would be to go for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Other Uganda national parks.
Apart from lake Mburo which you can visit on a day trip from Kampala, the rest of the Uganda national parks should be visited on a roundtrip. Mostly found in western Uganda including Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Toro-Semuliki wildlife reserve. Each park has a variety of budget friendly lodges as well as campsites. Wildlife viewing is spectacular, from birds, reptiles, to big five mammals including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo. Rhinos are found at Ziwa rhino sanctuary situated in Nakasongola along the route to Murchison falls national park.
Some notable activities you would not want to miss include boat trips on Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls.
For hiking tours, you can visit Mgahinga gorilla national park home to 3 dormant Virunga volcanoes which are relatively easy to climb. For more challenging hikes, go to Mount Elgon in the eastern Uganda and Rwenzori mountains.
Eastern Uganda is home to Kidepo Valley national park, Mount. Elgon National park and Sipi falls.
Getting around Uganda.
If renting a car is what you are looking for, check for a genuine car rental company. Otherwise, the cheapest way to get around is by public transport however not always convenient. For instance, a bus from Kampala to western Uganda is under $15. But, will stop in major towns and not take you direct to the national park requiring you to hire a special taxi for another $15 depending on the distance. By chance, you could ask for a ride from other visitors who will be going to your destination.
Nevertheless, it’s still possible to book Budget Safaris in Uganda with us. From a one week Uganda safari to a two-week safari depending on destinations you need include in your itinerary.
