How to Explore Uganda on Budget

The beautiful climate, diverse wildlife species, wide array of bird species, verdant forests, hospital people, rich cultures and spectacular landscapes inspired Uganda’s nickname of “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill and this name has been part of the country ever since. Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas roaming in the mountainous jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, the source of the World’s longest River (River Nile), the snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, the bustling City of Kampala, the adrenaline-Capital of East Africa, breathtaking waterfalls and over 10 National Parks as well as Wildlife Reserves that can be visited for wildlife-related tourist activities. Yes, Uganda is small but undeniably beautiful. To explore the whole country, you will need to save for a lifetime but we bring you the secret behind exploring Uganda on budget.

Save money on transportation

The first easiest way to explore Uganda on budget is by saving money on transportation. Uganda has several undefined yet very affordable public transport means as well as the reliable private yet costly transport means. Public transport is centered on Boda Boda (motorbike) that is undoubtedly the cheapest way to travel around Uganda (nearby places). Charges depend on the distance but range from less than a dollar to over 10 dollars. Minibuses (Matatus) are also cheap transport means to get around Uganda and fares also depend on the distance. You can also opt for shared taxis and buses for trips to the National Parks and these are perfect for group tours.

Mountain Gorillas

Save on accommodation

Exploring Uganda on a budget is also possible when you save on accommodation. Uganda has a wide range of luxury, midrange and budget accommodation facilities in the Urban Centers as well as National Parks. You can opt for budget options that include Camping, Hostels, Guesthouses and budget Eco-Lodges for $8 to $100 including meals.

How to save on food and drinks

You can explore Uganda on a budget by saving on food and drinks. This can be done by eating-out within local restaurants that charge between $5 and $10 per meal. Get a chance to taste Ugandan local cuisines-matooke, rice, Ugali (posho), potatoes with groundnut stew, beef stew, vegetable and chapatti. Also taste Uganda’s signature Rolex (chapatti, vegetables and egg wrap) sold at street stalls.
For drinks, several foreign import spirits and wines as well as local beer are found in the major Hotels in Urban Centers as well as Safari Lodges in National Parks. Local beers cost $1 to $1.35, depending on the place you buy from. Soft Drinks from Pepsi and Coca-Cola brands in Uganda are cheap yet of International Standards while you can also opt for hot beverages such as flavored sweet tea.

Choose budget Safari Activities

Exploring Uganda on budget also comes with choosing the budget adventures to undertake during the safari. However, the range of chosen safari activities also affects your budget. Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas is one of the unmissable safari activities but you will need to part with $700 for a gorilla permit. You will trek in the company of armed rangers, tracker guide, porter and other 7 trekkers for each habituated gorilla group. However, you can opt for guided forest walks through Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with chances of encountering numerous primate species, if lucky even the mountain gorillas. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is conducted in a number of places-Kibale Forest, Kyambura gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park), Semliki National Park, Budongo Forest and Kalinzu Forest. A chimpanzee trekking permit ranges from $30 to $200, depending on the chosen trekking destination.
Other phenomenal safari activities in Uganda are game drives within Kidepo Valley, Murchison falls, Lake Mburo, Semliki and Queen Elizabeth National Park which require paying Park entrance fees of $30 to $50.

Traveling during the wet season (0ff-season)

Another sure way of exploring Uganda on budget is by travelling during the wet season-March to May as well as October to November. During this season, Safari Lodges, Hotels and Tented Camps (including the luxury and midrange ones) tend to offer discounted rates because of low visitor turn-up. Don’t mind the heavy downpour because even after rain, sunshine follows and planned activities go on. Also, the National Parks are more beautiful, the savannah plains luxuriant and photography is magnificent during these months.

Travel off-the-beaten-path

Go-off-the-beaten path by exploring the untouched wilderness such as visiting Lake Bunyonyi to immerse into its tranquility, visiting the numerous breathtaking waterfalls, going birding, exploring the beautiful Ssese islands on Lake Victoria, opt for volunteering, undertaking guided forest walks, don’t miss the coffee/tea plantation tours and don’t miss village/community tours.