Budget Uganda Safaris (2024 Gorillas & Wildlife Tours at Budget)

Uganda has a wide variety of transportation options, including unclear yet affordable public transportation and reliable although costly private transportation. Uganda’s public transportation primarily comprises buses and other forms of motorized road transport. Moreover, it is the most cost-effective means of transportation for individuals with little financial resources in Uganda. Now, let’s examine strategies for reducing expenses in the realm of road transportation.

Embark on a journey accompanied by friends or family.

As an individual traveler, you are responsible for covering the expenses of petrol, hiring a guide, and renting a car. When going on a safari as a group or family, the expense is distributed among the many persons. For example, the price range for renting a safari jeep is often between $50 and $150 a day. If there are 4 individuals on a safari, the cost per person per day will amount to $12.5. This will significantly decrease the expenses of your entire safari.

Boda, Boda (Motorbike)

Motorcycle-taxi, commonly referred to as a boda-boda, is a widely used and cost-effective means of transportation in Uganda. The initial purpose of the bicycle was to transport contraband across borders using rural routes, with the use of large panniers. Currently, they are furnished with pillions and propelled by engines ranging from 50 to 200 cc, rendering them a convenient means of suburban mobility and perfect for brief excursions when public transit options are limited. The fares are subject to negotiation and are rather affordable, amounting to less than US$2 or Ush1,000 to 10,000 per journey. In addition, it is possible for two individuals to ride on the same bicycle beside the rider without being caught. Observing a family on a single bicycle is truly a remarkable spectacle.

When depending on public transportation in Uganda, it is highly likely that you will eventually make use of a boda-boda. Prior to boarding, it is important to be aware of the city’s unfavorable safety reputation. Boda-boda riders typically lack proper training and awareness of road safety protocols, which is often emphasized as necessary.

The disorderly nature of Ugandan Boda Boda transportation has recently garnered interest from the tech industry. Ride-hailing services and ride-sharing programs have emerged as modern means of transportation within cities. If you are a devoted Uber user, you will now have the opportunity to utilize it in Kampala, even for Boda Bodas. This is a significantly better alternative to merely flagging down a bicycle on the street during late hours. Taxify, SafeBoda, and Uber Boda are widely used smartphone applications for Boda Boda services that are considered legitimate in Uganda. The cost is equivalent to that of motorcycles hailed on the street.

Minibus-taxis

Exploring on budget  Uganda 

Minibus taxis, as well as Boda Bodas, offer the most affordable means of transportation in Uganda for budget-conscious visitors. Aside from buses, the majority of primary transit routes in Uganda are also frequented by a continuous flow of white minibuses. These minibuses depart after they reach maximum capacity, typically every ten to thirty minutes on heavily trafficked routes. They are the most efficient means of transportation for budget-conscious travelers in Uganda. When undertaking long journeys, the cost of fares is slightly greater compared to buses, but significantly lower when traveling within the same geographical area, urban center, or village. A minibus taxi offers transportation from Entebbe to Kampala covering a distance of 38 kilometers (23 miles) at a cost of one dollar or less.

Furthermore, as it is customary on most routes to settle the payment immediately before reaching the destination rather than at the beginning of the journey, the likelihood of being charged excessively is limited if you take a quick look about and check the fares paid by other passengers. In Uganda, minibuses are commonly referred to as taxis, although we prefer the term “minibus-taxis” to prevent any confusion with specialized rental taxis. In Kenya, the same minibuses are known as matatus, a term that Ugandans are familiar with but do not use themselves. Across most areas of Uganda, there is a rigorous restriction that limits the number of people per row in minibuses to a maximum of three. This rule ensures a higher level of comfort compared to other African countries, where the typical practice is to accommodate four individuals per row. As per the regulations, it is now mandatory for all minibus taxis to have a distinctive blue-and-white stripe in the middle, along with a taxi light sign on the top. On the other hand, special hire automobiles are required to have a black-and-white stripe.

Exclusive Rental Taxis

An urban dweller would be acquainted with private hire cabs. A special rental automobile refers to a vehicle that is privately hired for the purpose of transportation to a certain destination. Urban taxis, referred to as special hires in Uganda, typically have a yellow paint job, located in the middle (Entebbe airport taxis), or equipped with a taxi cab light on the roof. Taxis are pricier than other forms of transportation, but they offer much higher levels of security, especially if you arrange for a dedicated vehicle and negotiate the fare diligently. Alternatively, you may utilize one of our taxi-hailing programs that employ distance-based pricing. They are far more affordable than personalized rentals and may be found in Kampala, Entebbe, and other major cities. Uber and Taxify surpass their competitors in performance.

Collective Taxis:

When visiting Uganda on a budget, shared taxis are the most economical means of transportation in remote Ugandan towns. These vehicles are usually light sedans with four to six seats. They enter their own region using routes that have insufficient pedestrian activity for minibuses. For instance, while journeying from Katunguru to Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park or from Kisoro to Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Minibuses are typically more efficient and faster than them, and they operate on routes that lack any other form of public transportation. The fares are justifiable, considering that it can be your sole option from your current location. Nevertheless, they are often magnified. Tourists are often subjected to excessive fees by drivers, hence it is advisable to establish the price in advance and negotiate firmly.

Public transportation vehicles used for carrying passengers, typically operating on fixed routes and schedules.

Coach and bus services provide transit along all major routes and are unquestionably the safest form of public road transportation in Uganda. Spacious contemporary buses frequently travel at speeds of 100km/h or higher on all highway routes, enabling them to commute between the capital and any of the prominent urban regions in western Uganda in under five hours, for a cost of less than US$10.The notable selections consist of Gaa Gaa Buses operating in North and West Nile, Elgon Flyer, YY Coaches serving the East, and Easy Coaches, modern cost and Mash Poa providing transportation to Kenya. Horizon & Swift Safaris, Kalita, and Post Bus are the top choices among the numerous options available in Gulu, southwest Uganda. Link’s buses are well-maintained and capable of reaching impressive speeds. The Post Office’s Post Bus service is widely recognized as the most exceptional in the nation, thanks to its bi-daily departures, punctual arrivals, and well-maintained fleet.

The superior services adhere to very consistent departure timetables, with one or more buses departing almost every hour from roughly 07.00 to mid-afternoon, connecting Kampala with destinations such as Mbale, Mbarara, Kabale, Kasese, Fort Portal, and Masindi.

Car hire (self drive in uganda)

Self-driving safaris are becoming more popular and are a cost-effective method to reduce your expenses on a safari. The cost of renting a car in Uganda varies between $40 and $100 per day. By utilizing this, you will reduce the expenses associated with hiring a guide. Alternatively, you have the option to lease a rooftop tent, so eliminating the expense of lodging. Laba Africa offers a diverse range of safari vehicles, including compact SUVs and 4×4 land cruisers. These rental automobiles may come equipped with camping gear and cooking tools, thus reducing expenses for purchasing food and lodging.

Traveling on a budget in Uganda is now more convenient than ever. Uganda has had significant growth in recent years, and regardless of your destination or financial resources, you will easily discover exceptional holiday lodgings. The majority of towns offer a wide range of moderately priced and inexpensive hotels, and even the smallest communities typically provide accommodation options for a few dollars. Historically, tourists visiting Uganda did not have a wide variety of choices available to them.

Affordable African Safari

It is important to note that the way Ugandans use the terms single, double, and twin may not align with Western conventions. Couples may consider inquiring about the dimensions of the bed in a single room, instead of just requesting a double room. Some hotels now provide spacious beds that can accommodate two guests for the price of one. When such places provide bed and breakfast, breakfast is often served to a single guest. Certain double rooms, equipped with both a double and a single bed, can accommodate up to three people.

Tips for Saving on Accommodation while Traveling on a Limited Budget in Uganda

In Uganda, accommodation is categorized as luxury, midrange, budget, shoestring, or camping, with camping being the most economical option. The upmarket or luxury category include hotels, lodges, and resorts that primarily serve international leisure or business travelers and are typically rated three to four stars worldwide. The majority of hotels in this classification offer contemporary and intelligent lodging options, complete with private bathrooms, mosquito nets, either air conditioning or fans, and digital satellite television (DSTV) in every room within urban areas. A premium room is priced at over $300, and in some instances, over $1,000.

Nevertheless, if you are seeking a cost-effective vacation in Uganda, this information will assist you in steering clear of high-end lodging options.

If you have a limited budget, the intermediate category is the next choice available to you. Essentially, it refers to hotel facilities that do not fit the criteria for luxury accommodations, yet are either too expensive or of a high enough quality to be considered budget lodgings. These lodges are reputable establishments located in popular tourist areas. Despite offering significantly lower prices compared to high-end lodges, they still maintain a superior quality that sets them apart from budget accommodations. Accommodations in this price range typically offer cozy lodging in fully equipped rooms with hot water, a cooling fan, and possibly DSTV. Additionally, they boast a top-notch restaurant and a significant number of staff members who are fluent in English.

The majority of midrange hotels typically price their double rooms, including of breakfast, within the range of $100 to $300. However, there are some establishments that may be slightly more or less costly.

Affordable options for accommodation in Uganda for tourists

If you desire to economize on accommodation and transportation expenses when visiting Uganda, it is imperative that we locate suitable lodging for you. Hotels in this category typically prioritize the local market and may not match international standards. However, they will typically be rather tidy and enjoyable, a significant improvement from the standard guesthouses that are prevalent in most cities. This classification of hotels and safari lodges generally offers a reputable dining establishment, staff fluent in English, cozy rooms with private bathrooms, access to running water that may be either cold or hot, a cooling fan, and reliable mosquito netting.

Budget Accommodation:

This category is mostly controlled by small, localized guesthouses that are prevalent in most towns and exclusively cater to local residents. There are certain lodges, such as Red Chill near Murchison Falls National Park and hikers in Entebbe, that specifically cater to hikers. Exclusive local establishments frequently have ten cell-like chambers positioned along three walls encircling a central courtyard, accompanied by a reception space or dining establishment at the entrance. The qualities of guesthouses exhibit a considerably greater degree of variation than their pricing, both within individual towns and between different towns. Although backpacker hostels continue to exist, their accommodation choices have significantly diversified beyond inexpensive shared dormitory beds, which are more accurately categorized as budget accommodations.

This category may feature a somewhat larger quantity of unpretentious guesthouses clustered in close proximity to the bus station or market, with few discernible differences among them. In my experience, guest homes owned by women or with a notable female presence tend to exhibit higher levels of cleanliness and hospitality compared to those managed by men. Due to the minimal maintenance criteria, the new guesthouse will exhibit exceptional cleanliness and brightness.

A twin room at a low cost typically ranges from US$10-50, with a few places charging slightly higher prices. Typically, shared baths and toilets are provided instead of private ones, and breakfast is either not included or is very minimal in size. The housing fees for UWA-operated apartments vary from $5 and $15 per person, depending on the type of accommodation and whether they are sharing it with others. If you are seeking the most affordable accommodation in Uganda, irrespective of its quality, this is the category to consider. However, it often features quite enjoyable hotels that are also affordable.

Outdoor recreational activity involves staying overnight in a tent or other temporary shelter.

Over the past several years, there has been a significant surge in the number of organized campsites. Currently, there are very few established tourist centers where it is not possible to set up a tent in a secure area with sufficient amenities. The fee of camping is typically $5 per person per night in most locations, but it is $10 in national parks. The price range for tents at UWA is $20 to $30.

Renting a vehicle equipped with a rooftop tent

Opting to rent a car equipped with a roof tent is a highly effective method for reducing the expenses associated with your Uganda safari. This alternative not only eliminates the expense of hiring a safari guide, but also includes a rooftop tent for lodging. We offer two-person tents as well as a family tent that can accommodate up to four people.

These tents are equipped with amenities such as sleeping bags, camping chairs, and tables, along with a variety of cooking items. You will have the freedom to customize your itinerary according to your preferences, allowing you to allocate more time to the specific sites that interest you.

Exploring Uganda on a limited budget is going well until you make decisions about the activities and attractions to experience during your stay in Uganda. The safari activities offered in Uganda will influence your budget. One of the most popular primate expeditions in the rainforests is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Maghinga Gorilla National Parks, or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.

Gorilla trekking costs $700.

Which country, Uganda or Rwanda, offers a superior Gorilla Trekking experience?

Observing the majestic gorillas of the mountain is an absolute must, however the permits might be somewhat costly. At a cost of US$700 per individual, you will be accompanied by two armed rangers, a tracker guide, and fellow trekkers to the specific area where a gorilla family was most recently observed in the wilderness. You will only be allowed to spend 60 minutes in their presence while wearing a facemask, gloves, and maintaining a distance of 10 meters. However, if you opt for the extended Gorilla habituation session, you will have 4 hours for a significant fee of US$1,500.

The mean expense of a non-native individual’s excursion for gorilla trekking.

Despite financial constraints, visiting Bwindi National Park is still worthwhile, since it offers the opportunity to appreciate the abundant and untouched rainforest. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) organizes multiple 3- to 4-hour hikes in the Impenetrable Forest near Buhoma. The hikes start at 9:00 and 12:00 p.m. and have a price of $30 per individual.

Chimpanzee Trekking costs between $50 and $200.

4-Day Uganda wildlife and primate safari

Opting for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest is a more cost-effective and easily accessible alternative to gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The cost of a permit to observe chimpanzees at Kibale is US$200, although it is possible to find cheaper options for observing larger apes in other regions of Uganda. Kyambura (Chambura) Gorge, situated in the eastern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a picturesque verdant ravine that winds through the grassy plains, like a small paradise abundant with chimpanzees and various other primate species. The cost of a chimpanzee permit is $50 at this location, whereas it is $30 in Kalinzu Forest.