Spending a lot of money on your safari to Uganda is possible. But did you know that creating an affordable Uganda safari adventure is equally feasible? With smart planning and insider tips, you can enjoy a fulfilling and enjoyable safari in Uganda without breaking the bank. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to plan a budget-friendly trip to Uganda.
How To Plan A Budget-Friendly Trip To Uganda?
1. Travel to Uganda with friends
Fill up those back seats! Bring friends or family along for your safari in Uganda. Sharing your vehicle with more people means saving more money on your safari vacation. Group accommodations are also more budget-friendly, another perfect reason to travel to Uganda with with friends.
2. Affordable accommodation: Where to stay
Go Camping: The starry skies of Uganda and beautiful scenery are good reasons to grab your tent and go camping. Another great thing? It’s easy on your wallet too!
Many places in Uganda offer camping grounds right on their property. This way, you will get to enjoy all the luxurious amenities at the property (cocktails, pool, common areas), without spending extra money for a fancy room you will only use to sleep.
Budget or midrange lodges/hotels: While a safari trip in Africa is usually not cheap, opting for budget and midrange accommodations will require a much lower budget when compared to using established luxury accommodations.
3. Skip the mountain gorillas
Skipping gorillas might sound crazy as a trek through the misty rainforest jungle to see families of habituated gorillas is possibly the most intense wildlife experience the planet can offer. But you pay for the honour. Gorilla permits cost USD$800 per person (you spend one hour with the gorillas).
With all aspects of a gorilla safari being expensive, the best way of keeping Uganda safari costs down is by not seeing the gorillas at all. There are a variety of other interesting wildlife viewing opportunities in Uganda involving rare chimpanzees and other primates
If you are planning to see chimpanzees, keep in mind that Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest Reserve, and Kyambura Gorge are cheaper alternatives (between USD$100 and USD$120) than trekking in Kibale Forest National Park (the best place) where the chimpanzee permit costs USD$250.
Another perfect budget-friendly tour is the golden monkey tracking trip in Mgahinga Gorilla Park – you’ll be able to see many types of primates for less than the cost of going on a gorilla tour.
You may also like; the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda.
4. Don't visit too many national parks
Because of the entrance fees, National Parks quickly become expensive. But much of the natural beauty of Uganda also exists outside of the national park boundaries. Make sure to explore the Fort Portal area and the crater lakes, Sipi Falls in Kapichorwa, Jinja, and the source of the Nile River, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda for natural beauty without paying an entrance fee.
5. Stay outside the national parks
Uganda safari accommodations are generally split between those found within the protected areas or those that are a little farther away. The latter are usually cheaper.
The areas near Ugandan protected areas tend to be more developed than in much of Tanzania and Kenya. There are often villages and towns not far from the main entrances to the country’s national parks. Several of them have fairly cheap places to stay. Accommodations close to the parks that offer gorilla trekking are almost always more expensive than similar places elsewhere.
You may also like;A guide to Uganda National Parks fees & permits.
6. Make sure to visit Uganda in low season
Uganda in the low season/rainy season means better deals for flights, car rental, accommodation, and certain activities, whilst you have the beautiful lush parks almost all to yourself.
Uganda follows the classic East African weather pattern with two rainy seasons between March and May and October and November. However, there’s no need to worry about endless days filled with rain. Rains can be heavy, but are typically short, followed by bright sunshine.
Peak season (dry season) is from December to January and from July to September. Although the parks won’t feel crowded whatsoever, you will have to reserve your rental car, gorilla permits, and hotels well in advance to avoid disappointment. Read more;best time to visit Uganda.
7. Avoid domestic flights in favour of slow travel
The easiest, but most expensive, way of getting around is by air. AeroLink Uganda uses small planes to connect the major Uganda national parks. But even the shortest hop is unlikely to cost much less than USD$300 per person.
The small size of the country and the close proximity of many of the national parks mean that rather than flying, many people hire a 4×4 vehicle and driver (from USD$100 per day). In Uganda this is probably the best way to get around as it allows greater flexibility and the chance to see more of this stunning country than just the parks and reserves.
8. If you have to fly, book in advance
In case you cannot avoid flying, we recommend that you buy your flights in advance to get lower fares and secure the days and times you wish to travel. Airlines differ in when they release new tickets, so book as soon as you know your dates – flights are often either non-refundable or not easily changed. See our Uganda flying safaris.
9. Plan your itinerary carefully…
You can save a lot – and avoid unnecessary travel – by planning your trip carefully. Some of Uganda’s best things to do are spread out across the country, so unless you’ve got plenty of time and money, trying to visit Kidepo National Park in the north, then Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the south-west in a single trip just isn’t feasible.
Top Experiences & Tours in Uganda:
- 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking tour: mountain gorillas and Batwa cultural experiences.
- 7-day Uganda Wildlife safari; chimpanzees, gorillas, Big Five animals, and more.
- 10-Day Uganda Safari; gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Game and Community experiences
- 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari; rhino tracking, game drives, boat cruise, and more.
- 3-day Queen Elizabeth safari; game drives, boat cruise, and equator experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest way to travel in Uganda?
The cheapest way to travel in Uganda is by using public transportation such as buses and minibusses (matatus). These are widely available and cover most major routes at affordable fares. Alternatively, motorcycle taxis (boda boda) offer inexpensive options for shorter distances within cities and towns. Walking is also a budget-friendly way to explore local areas, especially in urban areas where attractions are close together. Generally, using public transport and local modes like boda-bodas and walking offer the most economical means to travel around Uganda.
2. How do I prepare for a trip to Uganda?
To prepare for a safari trip to Uganda, start by ensuring you have a valid passport and visa if required. Research the weather and pack accordingly, including lightweight clothing for hot weather and layers for cooler nights or higher altitudes. Arrange vaccinations and medications recommended for travel to Uganda, such as for yellow fever and malaria prevention. Familiarize yourself with local customs and culture to show respect and avoid misunderstandings. Finally, exchange some local currency (Ugandan Shilling) and carry essential items like a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent for comfort during your stay.
3. How much is a trip to Uganda?
The cost of a trip to Uganda can vary widely depending on factors such as duration, accommodation preferences, activities, and travel style. A budget traveler might spend around USD$200 and USD$ 250 per day, covering accommodation, meals, and transportation. Mid-range travelers can expect to spend between USD$250 and USD$ 425 per day, enjoying comfortable hotels, meals at mid-range restaurants, and guided tours to national parks or cultural sites. For luxury travelers, expenses can exceed USD$550 per day, including stays at upscale lodges, fine dining, and private transportation.
Read our blog for more information about the Uganda safari price.
4. What is the best way to travel to Uganda?
The best way to travel to Uganda is typically by flying into Entebbe International Airport, located near the capital city, Kampala. Several international airlines operate flights to Entebbe from major cities worldwide, offering convenient connections. Once in Uganda, domestic flights can be used for quicker access to distant regions, but road trips offer the cheapest option to travel around Uganda.
Last important piece of advice
When traveling through East Africa, the only thing we don’t recommend you skimp on is your car. While main roads are well-paved, you will hit the occasional muddy patch or pothole-ridden road, or you find the tracks in the national parks washed away after heavy rains. In those key moments, you will be glad you rented a reliable car with good roadside assistance.
Besides that, following our tips for planning a budget-friendly trip can really help you save some money. From carefully choosing safari accommodations to picking certain destinations over others, you will leave Uganda with lots of unforgettable memories (and some extra money in your pocket).