Cheap Places to Visit in Uganda (Budget-Friendly Destinations)
The best cheap places to visit in Uganda; are Kampala, Entebbe, Murchison, the source of the Nile, and the Namugongo martyr’s shrine. This page explains all the cheapest places to visit while on a safari in Uganda. Uganda is a safe and enthralling safari destination with many spots to visit. Dubbed the Pearl of Africa Uganda is the land where hippos hump through the wetlands and lions laze through the savannah plains.
cheap places to visit in Uganda
An up-close encounter walking through the tangled Bwindi forest for gorilla trekking, following a trail to the primate capital in Kibale Forest National Park, or a game drive through the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks.
Depending on what you want there are different spots to visit and here are the best cheap places to visit in Uganda;
The Best Cheap Places to Visit in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The dense, tangled jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park inhabits more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Bwindi Forest National Park is home to over half of the remaining mountain gorillas about 495 with 19 gorilla families fully habituated for gorilla trekking and 1 available for gorilla habituation.
The cost for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is $700 per permit whereas that of gorilla habituation is $ 1,500. 23 out of the 24 Albertine rift endemic bird species also live within Bwindi. Visiting Bwindi Forest National Park should be on any traveler’s bucket list if they plan to visit Uganda. You spend 60 minutes in the habitat of the giant mountain gorillas in a dense tropical forest. This is also a top Uganda birding safari spot.
Exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale forest is the world’s primate capital due to the fact that it is home to 13 primate species. Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda are a popular safari activity in Kibale Forest National Park. The park is home to 13 primate species including the recently discovered Dwarf Galago, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, I’Hoest’s, and blue monkeys.
Kibale Forest National Park should be on each primate lover’s list of places to visit in Uganda. Amazingly this is the best and still the closest place to trek chimpanzees in Uganda from the country’s capital Kampala.
Chimpanzee Tracking at Kibale National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park safaris are the most popular short Uganda tours taken on 3 days Murchison falls safari and 2 days tours. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park covering 3,840 sq. km and home to the world’s most powerful waterfalls-Murchison Falls.
Murchison Falls National Park offers wildlife tours with about 76 mammal species including Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, and Leopards. Almost 450 bird species can be seen in the park. Aquatic species, butterflies, reptiles, and many more are also in the park. On a visit to the park, do not miss out on visiting Murchison Falls either by taking a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, hiking to the top of the falls, or visiting the top of the falls on a drive. This is one of the most stunning places to visit in Uganda.
Taking a Boat Trip to see the Murchison Falls Uganda
Source of the Nile in Jinja
Jinja in the Eastern region of Uganda is known as the world’s longest river- Nile River starts its journey to the north with its drainage basin covering 11 countries. Being a freshwater river, the Nile River offers an opportunity for activities like white water rafting, tubing the Nile, kayaking, and visiting the source of the Nile River.
Any adventure traveler on a visit to Uganda should not miss out on the adrenaline-raising activities at the source of the Nile River. White water rafting comes in different grades with the Grade 5 being the most challenging and yet amazing.
Visiting Jinja town can also be included in a visit to Jinja for a better understanding of this former industrial city and this can best be done on a 1-day Jinja city tour. White water rafting can also be undertaken on a day tour. Both a tour to Jinja town and white water rafting can also be added on a single trip.
The Source of the Nile – Jinja Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Covering 1,978 sq. km, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second most popularly visited Uganda safari park popular for tree-climbing lions. The park is divided by the equator line and is home to over 95 mammal species.
Extending from Lake George in the northeast to Lake Edward in the southwest, the park has the highest concentration of bird species.
About 600 bird species are known to be within the boundaries of the park, a total nowhere else in any national park in Uganda. With the numerous wildlife and bird species, this is a true medley of wonders. A wildlife safari in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park can be tailored on a long safari or as a short tour just to the park. Our popular short Uganda safaris to the park include a 2 days and 3 days wildlife tour, especially in search of the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park
Dubbed the true African wilderness with its beauty that has mostly gone unnoticed as stated by CNN Travel. Kidepo Valley National Park is a perfect wilderness to visit on any Uganda safari.
The park is about 1,442 sq. km, hosting about 77 mammal species, 475 bird species several reptiles, and flora. The Dik-Dik (smallest antelope), cheetahs, ostriches, and Karamoja Apalis are endemic to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Furthest from Uganda’s capital-Kampala it requires a full day’s drive to reach this outstanding wilderness park. The perfect way of having an amazing experience in the park is by having at least 2 days in the park and our popular 4 days Kidepo wildlife safari is the perfect itinerary.
Safari in Kidepo National Park
Cheap Places to visit in Kampala – Uganda
The best cheap places to visit in Uganda are those places that are within Kampala or Entebbe and as well as places that require short trips to reach. All our Uganda day trips are cheap and yet incredible for tourists with a limited period of time or limited budget that requires a day tour.
Here are the popular cheap places for tours in Uganda in Kampala and Entebbe;
Places to visit in Uganda Kampala
Originally built on 7 hills, Kampala city is a vibrant city with a population of about 5 million people in the day and 2 million at night. The capital is the largest of the urban centers in Uganda with lots of features that explain the history, traditions, and cultures of the people of Uganda. Here are the best places to visit in Kampala;
Uganda martyrs shrine
Namugongo martyr’s shrine is a place that commemorates the twenty-two Ugandan Christians that were burnt alive by the then King of Buganda the late Kabaka Mwanga for not denouncing Christianity.
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine Uganda
Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs, Namugongo is a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to the Ugandan Martyrs. It is built close to the spot where Saint Charles Lwanga and Saint Kizito were burned to death in 1886 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga.
If you are interested in knowing about the Uganda Martyrs and how they were canonized then visiting the Namugongo Shrine is a good option. Here you will find details of each of the 22 saints including those that were killed from outside the now Martyrs Shrine.
Markets
All around Kampala are local markets that boost trade in all kinds of local and international items. It is a good way to end your city tour with a visit to local markets like Owino market, Nakasero market, and also the craft village in Kampala.
Local Markets in Kampala have all kinds of local fresh fruits from farmers’ gardens that you could have a chance to taste. The craft village has all kinds of crafts that portray the Ugandan and African cultures and traditions, you could purchase any craft in these craft shops and still learn a lot about their origins.
Makerere University
Makerere University is the oldest and biggest university in Uganda first established as a technical school in 1922. Visiting the institution is a perfect way to having insight into education in Uganda. You visit the Makerere University gallery for lots of artwork and the history of the University.
Makerere University
Makerere University in the years after Uganda’s independence became the focal point for the literary activity that was central to African nationalist culture. Many prominent African writers were at one time in Makerere University during their writing and academic careers.
The University was also the educational point for most of the post-independence African leaders. At a visit to the University, you are taken to different spots that define this mighty institution and as well you learn a lot from the people within the University.
Baha’i temple
Baha’i temple found on the Kikaaya hill is the mother temple of the Baha’i faith in Africa sitting on 52 acres of land. Completed in January 1961, Baha’i Temple has received hundreds of visitors as its open to them daily between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
When visiting the Temple wear attire suitable for a spiritual place of worship. The Temple is a unique architectural masterpiece which is unique with a wide beautiful compound. You can take pictures from outside the Temple with it in the background but it’s not allowed to take photos of the interior. If you love to know about religion, Baha’i Temple shouldn’t miss your list while visiting Kampala.
Uganda Museum
With over 50 tribes in Uganda, all cultures and traditions are represented in the Uganda museum and here you will learn a lot about the people of Uganda. The Uganda Museum is a one-stop hub just a few kilometers from the city Centre where you can learn about Uganda and its diversity.
The museum is a representation of each culture or tradition in Uganda that portrays the social, economic, and political way of life. Uganda’s period of colonization and pre-independence events are depicted at the Uganda museum where a guide takes you through everything in the place.
Uganda Museum
Places to visit in Entebbe
Best places to visit in Uganda – Entebbe is home to the country’s only international Airport and therefore where many travelers on Uganda safaris arrive when they come to the country. There are a few spots in Entebbe that should be included on anyone’s list to visit at a cheap price and here they are;
Uganda Conservation Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) formerly and popularly referred to as the Zoo is a perfect place to visit in Entebbe. UWEC has several wildlife animals and bird species and some of them include the lion, giraffe, cheetah, chimpanzee, rare shoebill stork, Grey-crowned crane, and many more.
It boasts 121 bird species, 13 big cats, 283 wild species, and 250 herbs and medicinal plants. This place offers an experience much more than a zoo as you can get involved in up-close activities with the animals like being a caretaker, behind-the-scenes experience, and much more. It is a kid-friendly destination and children will love playing in the facility.
Botanical Gardens Entebbe
A visit to Entebbe Botanical gardens is a great opportunity to see some primates and bird species just close to the Beach in Lake Victoria. At the gardens, colobus monkeys are common and can be spotted with their striking black and white color.
Some of the bird species that can be spotted include the Palm Nut Vulture, African Grey Parrot which are resident, and the Bat Hawk which is often seen at sunset. Aside from the birds and primates, the gardens are a beautiful setting for a nature walk where you can relax or have a wilderness feeling within Entebbe.
